SEITEL INC
10-K, 1996-04-01
OIL & GAS FIELD EXPLORATION SERVICES
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                                    FORM 10-K
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              Washington, DC 20549

[X]    ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES  EXCHANGE
       ACT OF 1934 For Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 1995 [Fee Required]

[ ]    TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [No Fee Required] For the transition period
                                   to                                        
       ---------------------------     --------------------------

Commission File No. 0-14488
                                  SEITEL, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Delaware                                       76-0025431
- ------------------------------------               -----------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of             (IRS Employer Identification Number)
 incorporation or organization)
 50 Briar Hollow Lane, West 7th Floor
 Houston,  Texas                                            77027  
- -------------------------------------              -----------------------
(Address  of  principal  executive  offices)              (Zip Code)
Registrant's  telephone  number  including area code (713) 627-1990  
                                                     --------------- 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                    Name of Each Exchange
       Title of Each Class                           on Which Registered
- -------------------------------------               ---------------------
 Common Stock, Par Value $.01                             New York
 9% Convertible Debentures                                New York

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                      None
                                ---------------
                                (Title of Class)

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers  pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation  S-K is not contained  herein,  and will not be contained,  to the
best of registrant's  knowledge,  in definitive proxy or information  statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K.
          ---

The  aggregate  market value of the voting stock held by  non-affiliates  of the
registrant at March 28, 1996 was approximately  $249,131,328 For these purposes,
the term "affiliate" is deemed to mean officers and directors of the registrant.
On such  date,  the  closing  price of the  Common  Stock on the New York  Stock
Exchange was $27.50 and there were a total of  9,652,186  shares of Common Stock
outstanding.

                  Documents Incorporated by Reference:

                  Document                                    Part
                  ------------------------------              ----
                  Definitive Proxy Statement for               III
                  1996 Annual Stockholders Meeting



<PAGE>
ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
- -----------------


General
- -------
         Seitel,  Inc. (the "Company") is a leading provider of seismic data and
corollary  geophysical  technology used in petroleum exploration and production.
The Company sells its proprietary  information-technology to petroleum companies
either for cash or in exchange  for  working  equity-interests  in  exploration,
development  and ownership of natural gas and crude oil reserves.  See Note O to
the  Company's  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for  financial  information
relating to industry segments.

Seismic Operations
- ------------------

         Since its  inception  in 1982,  the  Company  has been  engaged  in the
development  of a  proprietary  library  of  seismic  data,  created by both the
Company and others.  The Company's seismic data library is owned and marketed by
Seitel Data,  Ltd., a Texas limited  partnership  of which  wholly-owned  Seitel
subsidiaries  constitute all of the limited and general  partners.  Seitel Data,
Ltd. markets the data library, which consists of both two-dimensional ("2D") and
three-dimensional   ("3D")  data,  to  oil  and  gas  companies   under  license
agreements.   Seismic   surveys  and  the  analysis  of  seismic  data  for  the
identification and definition of underground geological structures are principal
techniques  used in oil and gas  exploration  and  development  to determine the
existence and location of subsurface hydrocarbons.

         In 1995, over 300 different  petroleum  companies  entered into seismic
data  license  agreements  with the Company.  At December 31, 1995,  the Company
owned approximately  880,000 linear miles of 2D and more than 5,000 square miles
of 3D seismic data which it maintained in its library,  constituting  the second
largest seismic data base marketed publicly in North America. While the majority
of the seismic  surveys  cover  onshore and  offshore the U.S.  Gulf Coast,  the
Company's data bases extend to virtually  every major domestic  exploration  and
development region and 32 foreign countries.

         The Company's  marketing team of 20 seismic sales  specialists  markets
data from its library and the  creation of new seismic  surveys.  The  Company's
marketing  philosophy is that seismic data,  like most other  products,  must be
sold  aggressively as opposed to waiting passively for customer  purchases.  The
marketing  team  monitors   petroleum   industry   exploration  and  development
activities through close interaction with oil and gas companies on a daily basis
to maximize seismic sales opportunities.

         The Company's 20 member staff of geotechnical  professionals,  who have
in  excess  of 400  years  of  collective  geophysical  experience,  assist  the
marketing   team  by  helping   clients   evaluate  their   respective   seismic
requirements,  designing  data  creation  programs  to meet market  demand,  and
supervising the reprocessing of data in the Company's  library to enhance future
resales.

         The Company  strives to maximize  its  resales of seismic  data,  which
require  minimal  incremental  cash  outlays by the Company  and,  in turn,  can
generate both strong profits and cash flow. In addition to aggressive  marketing
and periodic data-reprocessing refinements, the Company supplements its existing
seismic library by the acquisition of additional data.

         Through its  wholly-owned  subsidiary  Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc.,  the
Company conducts advanced 3D land seismic crew operations.  The Company operates
two 1500 channel state-of-the-art telemetric systems, which the Company believes
to be among the largest and fastest real-time systems of their kind in operation
today. These systems enable the Company to efficiently record complex 3D surveys
in the difficult  marsh/swamp and  transition-zone  areas onshore the Gulf Coast
where the Company's  data creation  activities  are  concentrated.  Most seismic
recording  equipment  use  cables  to  transmit  data  and  do  not  operate  as
efficiently in wetland areas as telemetric systems,  which use radio signals for
data transmission.


<PAGE>
         Three-dimensional  seismic data provide a graphic geophysical depiction
of the  earth's  subsurface  from two  horizontal  dimensions  and one  vertical
dimension,  rendering  a more  detailed  picture  than 2D data  which  present a
cross-sectional  view from one vertical and one horizontal  dimension.  The more
comprehensive  geophysical  information  provided  by 3D  surveys  significantly
enhances an  interpreter's  ability to evaluate the probability of the existence
and  location  of  subsurface  hydrocarbons.  The proper  use of 3D surveys  can
significantly  increase  drilling  success  rates and reduce the  occurrence  of
costly dry holes  and,  correspondingly,  significantly  lower  exploration  and
development  finding  costs.  However,  the cost to  create 3D  seismic  data is
significantly  more than the cost to create 2D seismic  data,  particularly  for
onshore  data.  As a result,  2D data remain  economically  more  efficient  for
preliminary,  broad-scale  exploration  evaluation and to determine the location
for 3D surveys.  Also,  the best way to design a 3D survey is from 2D data grids
of the respective  area. The 3D surveys can then be used for more  site-specific
analysis to maximize actual drilling potential.

         The Company conducts onshore data creation activities in three ways. It
performs "group-shoot"  programs,  under which several petroleum companies share
in the expense of a survey and thereby  materially  reduce their respective cost
of the survey.  In a group-shoot  survey,  the Company retains  ownership of the
data  created  and  markets  licenses  to use the data  both to the  group-shoot
participants  and  subsequently to others who make selections after the data are
added to the  Company's  library.  (Seismic  data  cannot  be  transferred  by a
licensee to another  party;  each  individual  user must  purchase a  respective
license.) The Company also conducts proprietary creation programs for individual
petroleum  companies,  under which the Company  receives  revenue for creating a
seismic  survey,  the  ownership of which is retained by the  petroleum  company
contracting for the survey. Seismic surveys also are conducted for the Company's
wholly-owned petroleum exploration and production  subsidiary,  DDD Energy, Inc.
("DDD Energy").  The DDD Energy 3D surveys are intended to assist  participation
in  petroleum  exploration  and  development,  whereby  DDD  Energy's  ownership
interest in any  resultant  production  will be  accounted  for as "oil and gas"
revenues and reserves.  Surveys conducted for DDD Energy constitute intercompany
transactions and the Company does not record seismic revenue for those projects.

         The Company contracts with selected marine seismic companies to conduct
offshore 3D seismic data surveys due to the cost inherent in operating  advanced
seismic  vessels.  The  Company's  3D  marine  activities  are  concentrated  on
group-shoot  programs in the Gulf of Mexico.  The Company's  extensive  in-house
geophysical  team  designs  the  offshore  surveys  and  supervises  the  marine
contractor utilized to shoot the actual survey.

         The  Company  has  developed   fully-integrated   3D   technology   and
operations,  which extend from its  expansive  2D seismic  library from which to
best  design  the  parameters  for 3D  surveys,  state-of-the-art  land  seismic
recording  systems and crews  specifically  to conduct 3D surveys,  a processing
center and proprietary  computer  technology coupled with extensive  geophysical
application expertise to effectively interpret 3D data. The Company's processing
and  interpretation  technology and  operations are utilized  exclusively by DDD
Energy  to  provide  optimum  quality  control  and   confidentiality   for  the
exploration and production programs in which DDD Energy participates.

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Operations
- -------------------------------------------------

         The Company  formed DDD Energy,  Inc., a  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  in
March 1993 to participate  directly in petroleum  exploration,  development  and
ownership of hydrocarbon reserves through partnering  relationships with oil and
gas companies,  whereby the Company exchanges its proprietary seismic technology
for  working  interests.  The  Company's  strategy  is to combine  its 3D and 2D
seismic  resources and related  geophysical  technologies with the land position
and geology,  engineering and drilling expertise of selected petroleum producers
in  exploration  and  development  programs.  The  Company  believes  that  this
combination will result in higher drilling  success rates,  thereby allowing the
Company  to  participate  in  oil  and  gas  exploration  and  development  on a
relatively  low cost/low  risk basis,  and to build an asset base of oil and gas
reserves which complement its seismic data library.

         During  1995,  DDD  Energy   entered  into  and  maintained   cost  and
revenue-sharing  relationships  with more than 80  petroleum  companies  and, in
doing  so,  has  received  the  benefit  of  these  petroleum  companies'  land,
geological,   engineering  and  drilling  staffs.  Approximately  200  qualified
exploration and development  prospects have been identified,  located  primarily
onshore Texas and Louisiana, and also onshore Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas.
DDD Energy's working interest in these prospects averages approximately 25%.
<PAGE>
         Since  inception,  DDD Energy has  participated  in the drilling of 112
wells,  78 of which have been  completed  for a 70%  success  rate.  Most of the
larger  size  wells  completed,  in  terms  of  proved  reserves  and  resultant
production,  did not come on line commercially until the latter part of 1995 and
during the first quarter of 1996. As a result,  the Company believes its revenue
and cash flow from production should increase  throughout 1996, as should proved
reserves.  Since the beginning of 1994, the Company has conducted,  or is in the
process of  conducting,  in excess of 1,000 square miles of 3D seismic  surveys,
covering over 250,000 gross acres, for DDD Energy and its partners. The majority
of well  locations  pinpointed by those  surveys,  including  most of the larger
prospects, should be drilled in 1996-1998.

Customers
- ---------

         During  each of  1995,  1994  and  1993,  the  Company's  seismic  data
customers  consisted  of more than 300 oil and gas  companies.  No one  customer
accounted  for as much as 10% of the Company's  revenues  during the years 1995,
1994 or 1993.  As a result,  the Company  does not believe  that the loss of any
customer  would have a material  adverse  impact on its  seismic  business.  The
Company believes the size of its customer base is due to its seismic  technology
and capabilities and the increasing size of its data-library base.

Competition
- -----------

         The creation and resale of seismic data are highly  competitive  in the
United  States.  There are a number of  independent  oil-service  companies that
create and market  seismic  data,  and  numerous  oil and gas  companies  create
seismic data and maintain  their own seismic data banks.  Some of the  Company's
competitors have longer operating  histories,  greater  financial  resources and
larger  sales  volumes  than the  Company.  However,  the number of  independent
seismic companies has decreased significantly during the last eight years due to
difficult  industry  conditions.  At the same time,  oil and gas companies  have
reduced their internal geophysical staffs and have out-sourced more for services
such as seismic data.

         The  Company  believes  it  can  compete   favorably   because  of  the
expansiveness  of its  data-library  base, the expertise of its marketing staff,
the technical  proficiency and exploration  experience of its geotechnical staff
and the  state-of-the-art  technology  of its  seismic  recording  crews.  These
resources enable the Company to provide  high-quality  service and to create and
market high-grade data.

         In the  exploration  for and  development  of natural gas and crude oil
reserves,  the Company  believes it can participate  effectively  because of its
fully-integrated  seismic resources and corollary geophysical expertise combined
with  the  geological  and  engineering  experience  and land  positions  of the
Company's petroleum company partners.

Seasonality
- -----------

         Historically,  the  Company's  seismic data revenues are highest in the
fourth  quarter,  primarily  because this coincides with the year-end  budgetary
periods of the  Company's  customers  and is  therefore  a time when they make a
disproportionate   amount  of  expenditures   for  purchases  of  library  data.
Accordingly,  the Company's seismic revenues and profits are typically higher in
the  fourth  quarter.  However,  due to  certain  seismic  sales not  closing by
December  31,  1995,  as  anticipated,  revenues  were not  higher in the fourth
quarter of 1995. See Note P to the Company's  Consolidated  Financial Statements
and Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of
Operations.  In addition to the foregoing,  certain  weather-related  events may
delay the Company's data creation operations during any given year.

Discontinued Operations
- -----------------------

         On March 22, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors unanimously adopted
a plan of  disposal to  discontinue  the  Company's  gas  marketing  operations,
operated as a  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  Seitel Gas & Energy Corp.  The Company
decided to refocus  and  concentrate  on its higher  margin  seismic  technology
operations and related petroleum  exploration and production operations in order
to maximize profitability and growth opportunities.  Accordingly,  the Company's
financial statements have been restated to reflect the discontinued  operations.
See Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of
Operations  and Note L to the Company's  Consolidated  Financial  Statements for
further information related to the discontinued operations.
<PAGE>
Employees
- ---------

         As of  December  31,  1995,  the Company  and its  subsidiaries  had 74
full-time  employees related to its continuing  operations,  and three employees
who devote  part of their time to the  Company  who are also  officers  of other
corporations.  Of these employees,  53 are related to the seismic operations and
six are related to the oil and gas operations.  In addition,  as of December 31,
1995,  the  Company  had eight  employees  related to its now  discontinued  gas
marketing operations.  None of the Company's employees are covered by collective
bargaining agreements. The Company believes it has a favorable relationship with
its  employees.  The Company has  employment  contracts  with five of its senior
corporate executives.

Other
- -----

         The Company is not dependent on any particular raw materials,  patents,
trademarks or copyrights for its business operations.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES
- -------------------

         The Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary Seitel Geophysical,  Inc., owns
two 1500-channel  telemetric seismic data acquisition  systems which are used in
the creation of 3D seismic data.

         The  Company,   through  its   wholly-owned   subsidiary   DDD  Energy,
participates in oil and gas exploration and development  efforts.  The following
table sets forth the number of productive oil and gas wells (including producing
wells and wells capable of production) in which the Company owned an interest as
of December 31, 1995.  All of the wells are operated by the Company's  petroleum
company partners.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          Gross Wells    Net Wells
          -----------    ---------
<S>        <C>          <C> 
Oil           23            4.75
Gas           52           11.47
</TABLE>

         The  following  table sets forth the number of net wells drilled in the
last three fiscal years in which the Company participated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                              Exploratory                     Development
                       ----------------------------  ---------------------------
                       Productive   Dry      Total   Productive    Dry     Total
                       ----------  -----    -------  ----------   ----     -----  
<S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C> 
1995
- ----
Texas                     4.45      1.54      5.99      1.49      1.08      2.57
Alabama                     --       .21       .21        --        --        --
Mississippi                .51       .31       .82        --       .60       .60
Louisiana                  .27       .96      1.23       .24       .24       .48
Arkansas                    --       .12       .12        --        --        --

1994
- ----
Texas                     2.44       .94      3.38      1.74       .24      1.98
Alabama                     --        --        --        --       .05       .05
Mississippi                .43       .31       .74        --        --        --

1993
- ----
Texas                      .50        --       .50        --        --        --
Alabama                    .03        --       .03        --        --        --
</TABLE>



<PAGE>
         As of December 31, 1995, the Company was  participating in the drilling
of one gross and .16 net well.

         The  following  table  sets forth  certain  information  regarding  the
Company's  developed and undeveloped  lease acreage as of December 31, 1995. The
table  does not  include  additional  acreage  which the  Company  may earn upon
completion of pending 3D seismic data projects.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                      Developed Acres               Undeveloped Acres
                 ---------------------------   ----------------------------
                    Gross           Net           Gross            Net
                 ------------   -------------  -------------   ------------
<S>                   <C>              <C>           <C>            <C>   
Texas                 13,856           3,543         71,460         16,159
Louisiana                920             178         57,762         13,005
Alabama                  160               5          4,051          1,181
Mississippi            2,280             289          8,764          7,317
Arkansas                  --              --          7,120            846
                 ------------   -------------  -------------   ------------
Total                 17,216           4,015        149,157         38,508
                 ============   =============  =============   ============
</TABLE>

         The following  table describes for each of the last three fiscal years,
crude oil  (including  condensate  and  natural  gas  liquids)  and  natural gas
production for the Company,  average  production costs and average sales prices.
All such production  comes from the U.S. Gulf Coast region.  The Company has not
filed any different estimates of its December 31, 1995 reserves with any federal
agencies.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          Net Production                     Average Sales Price
                      ---------------------     Average     --------------------
Year Ended                 Oil       Gas       Production       Oil         Gas
December 31,             (Mbbls)   (Mmcf)     Cost per Mcfe    (Bbls)      (Mcf)
- -----------           ---------------------   ------------- --------------------
<S>                        <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>   
   1995                    193      1,170        $ .66       $ 13.85      $ 1.55
   1994                     54        268          .53         12.32        1.76
   1993                     27         97          .44         11.32        2.09

</TABLE>
         For estimates of the Company's net proved and proved  developed oil and
gas reserves as of December 31, 1995,  see Note Q to the Company's  Consolidated
Financial Statements.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- --------------------------

         On May 25, 1995,  Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc.  ("SGI"),  a  wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company,  filed suit in United States  District  Court for the
Eastern  District  of  Louisiana   against   Greenhill   Petroleum   Corporation
("Greenhill")  for breach of contract.  SGI is seeking to recover  approximately
$1.4 million owed by  Greenhill  to SGI for seismic  data  acquisition  services
provided to Greenhill by SGI in 1994 in connection  with a 3D seismic data shoot
in southern Louisiana.  Greenhill has answered in this suit by generally denying
SGI's allegations and by asserting counterclaims against SGI of approximately $1
million and unspecified  punitive  damages.  To date,  Greenhill has paid SGI in
excess of $7 million  under the  contract  at issue,  and SGI has  provided  the
seismic data acquired pursuant to the contract to Greenhill. Active discovery is
currently  ongoing  and this  case is set for trial  during  the week of May 13,
1996. While the outcome of this litigation cannot be predicted with certainty at
this stage, the Company believes it will prevail on its claims against Greenhill
and Greenhill's counterclaims are without merit.

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

         NONE

<PAGE>
                                     PART II


ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
         STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
- ---------------------------------------------------------

         The  Company's  Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock  Exchange.
The  following  table  sets  forth the high and low sales  prices for the Common
Stock for 1995 and 1994 as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                           1995                     1994
                                ------------------------------------------------
                                    High         Low         High          Low
                                ------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
     First Quarter                 33-1/2       18-7/8       26-1/2       13-3/8
     Second Quarter                34-3/4         27         33-3/8       19-3/8
     Third Quarter                 31-1/4       23-7/8         37         24-1/4
     Fourth Quarter                35-1/2       23-3/4       30-1/2         20
</TABLE>

         On March 28, 1996,  the closing  price for the Common Stock was $27.50.
To the best of the Company's  knowledge,  there are  approximately  1,340 record
holders of the Company's Common Stock as of March 28, 1996.

Dividend Policy
- ---------------

         The Company  did not pay cash  dividends  during  1994 or 1995,  and it
intends  to retain  future  earnings  in order to  provide  funds for use in the
operation  and  expansion of its  business.  Because the payment of dividends is
dependent  upon  earnings,  capital  requirements,   financial  conditions,  any
required  consents  of lenders and other  factors,  there is no  assurance  that
dividends, whether in the form of stock or cash, will be paid in the future.


<PAGE>
ITEM 6.  SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA 
- ---------------------------------------------
         (in thousands, except per share data)

         The  following  table  summarizes   certain   historical   consolidated
financial  data of the  Company  and is  qualified  in its  entirety by the more
detailed consolidated  financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8
hereof.  Amounts in 1994 and 1993 have been  restated  to reflect the effects of
the discontinued operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                     Year Ended December 31,
                                                             -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Operations Data:                                  1995            1994            1993            1992           1991
                                                             --------        --------        --------        --------       --------
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>     
Revenue                                                      $ 74,439        $ 70,902        $ 43,456        $ 28,354       $ 24,463

Expenses and costs:

  Depreciation, depletion and amortization                     26,872          27,181          19,852          13,486          9,165
  Cost of sales                                                13,071          10,499           3,202             506            428
  Selling, general and administrative                          15,393          14,672           9,132           6,412          4,977
  Net interest expense                                          3,078           3,198           2,126           1,470            787
                                                             --------        --------        --------        --------       --------
    Total expenses and costs                                   58,414          55,550          34,312          21,874         15,357

Income from continuing operations
  before provision for income
  taxes, extraordinary item and change in
  accounting principle                                         16,025          15,352           9,144           6,480          9,106

Provision for income taxes                                      5,898           5,681           3,328           2,134          3,096
                                                             --------        --------        --------        --------       --------
Income from continuing operations
  before extraordinary item and
  change in accounting principle                               10,127           9,671           5,816           4,346          6,010

Loss from discounted operations,
  net of tax                                                   (1,196)            (52)            (99)             --             --
Loss on disposal of discontinued
  operations, net of tax                                         (252)             --              --              --             --
                                                             --------        --------        --------        --------       --------
Income before extraordinary item
  and change in accounting principle                            8,679           9,619           5,717           4,346          6,010
Extraordinary charge on early
 extinguishment of debt, net of tax                                --            (304)             --              --             --
Cumulative effect on prior years of
 change in accounting principle                                    --              --              --             204             --
                                                             --------        --------        --------        --------       --------

Net income                                                   $  8,679        $  9,315        $  5,717        $  4,550       $  6,010
                                                             ========        ========        ========        ========       ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                        Year Ended December 31,
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Operations Data:                                         1995          1994          1993         1992           1991
                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>    
Earnings per share: 
 Primary:
  Income from continuing operations
    before extraordinary item and
    change in accounting principle                                 $     1.03    $     1.24    $      .93   $      .76    $     1.13
  Discontinued operations                                                (.15)         (.01)         (.01)          --            --
  Extraordinary item                                                       --          (.04)           --           --            --
  Change in accounting principle                                           --            --            --          .04            --
                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------     ---------
  Net income                                                       $      .88    $     1.19    $      .92   $      .80    $     1.13
                                                                    =========     =========     =========    =========     =========

Assuming full dilution:
   Income from continuing operations
 before extraordinary item and
    change in accounting principle                                 $      .99    $     1.11    $      .83   $      .72    $     1.13
  Discontinued operations                                                (.14)         (.01)         (.01)          --            --
  Extraordinary item                                                       --          (.03)           --           --            --
  Change in accounting principle                                           --            --            --          .03            --
                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------     ---------
  Net income                                                       $      .85    $     1.07    $      .82   $      .75    $     1.13
                                                                    =========     =========     =========    =========     =========

Weighted average shares
 - Primary                                                              9,872         7,800         6,893        5,713         5,305
 - Assuming full dilution                                              10,358         9,001         8,279        7,645         5,305

Cash dividends per share                                           $       --    $       --    $       --   $      .05    $      .10


                                                                                           As of December 31, 
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance Sheet Data:                                                    1995         1994          1993         1992          1991
                                                                    ---------     ---------     ---------    ---------     ---------

Data bank, net                                                     $  105,369    $   95,801    $   58,583   $   55,278    $   40,432

Oil and gas properties, net                                            42,424        21,389         4,811           --            --

Property and equipment, net                                            10,126        11,035         6,985          698           335

Total assets                                                          209,567       166,769        92,554       73,136        52,042

Total debt                                                             57,560        11,839        31,866       26,746        11,471

Stockholders' equity                                                  120,378       101,329        41,583       35,643        31,350

Stockholders' equity per common share
 outstanding at December 31                                        $   12.76     $    11.48    $     6.95   $     5.96    $     5.65

Common shares outstanding at
 December 31                                                           9,437          8,826         5,987        5,976         5,548

</TABLE>

 Note:     All number of shares and per share amounts have been restated to give
           retroactive  effect to the four 1% stock  dividends  in March,  June,
           September and December 1991, and the two 1% stock  dividends in March
           and June, 1992.


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

Introduction
- ------------

         The  following  table  sets  forth for the  periods  indicated  (i) the
percentage  which certain items in the financial  statements of the Company bear
to revenues and (ii) the percent  change in the dollar amount of such items from
period to period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Percentage of                       Percentage of
                                                                            Total Revenues                    Increase (Decrease)
                                                                        Year Ended December 31,            Years Ended December 31,
                                                                  ------------------------------------     ------------------------
                                                                                                              1995          1994
                                                                                                               vs.           vs.
                                                                    1995          1994         1993           1994          1993
                                                                  --------      --------      -------       --------      --------
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C> 
Revenue:
  Seismic                                                               94%           98%          97%             *<F1>        66% 
  Oil and Gas                                                            6%            2%           1%          299%            94%
  Other                                                                  *<F1>         *<F1>        2%          (71%)          (87%)
                                                                  --------      --------      -------
    Total revenue                                                      100%          100%         100%            5%            63%
Expenses and costs:
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization                              36%           38%          46%           (1%)           37%
  Cost of sales                                                         17%           15%           7%           24%           228%
  Selling, general and administrative                                   21%           21%          21%            5%            61%
  Net interest                                                           4%            4%           5%           (4%)           50%
                                                                  --------      --------      -------
    Total expenses and costs                                            78%           78%          79%            5%            62%

Provision for income taxes                                               8%            8%           8%            4%            71%
                                                                  --------      --------      -------
Income from continuing operations                                       14%           14%          13%            5%            66%
                                                                  ========      ========      =======


<FN>

<F1> * Less than 1%
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

Results of Operations
- ---------------------

         Total revenue was  $74,439,000,  $70,902,000  and  $43,456,000 in 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively,  representing increases of 5% from 1994 to 1995 and
63% from 1993 to 1994.  Revenue primarily consists of revenue generated from the
seismic business and oil and gas production.

         Seismic revenue was $69,598,000,  $69,579,000,  and $41,913,000  during
1995,  1994,  and 1993,  respectively.  The slight  increase in seismic  revenue
between 1995 and 1994 primarily  resulted from an increase in revenue  generated
from the licensing of seismic data currently in the Company's library, which was
offset by a decrease in revenue generated from the creation of new seismic data.
During 1995, the Company's  focus was more on generating  revenue from data that
had been  recently  added to the library  (both  onshore and offshore 3D seismic
data) than on the creation of new data.  The increase of  $27,666,000 in seismic
revenue  from 1993 to 1994 is primarily  due to increased  demand for 3D seismic
surveys and the increased size of the Company's 2D and 3D data library available
for  licensing.  The Company  believes  the demand for its seismic  data remains
strong due to several  factors:  large  integrated  oil and gas  companies  have
reduced  internal  seismic  data crew  staffs and are using  outside  sources to
provide more of these  services;  the majority of the Company's  seismic data is
located in the Gulf Coast region,  which continues to be of particular  interest
to the oil and gas industry; and the high quality of the Company's seismic data.
Additionally,  management  believes  that the  Company's  2D data  library  will
continue to generate  significant revenue because 2D data is less expensive than
3D and 2D  data is the  most  cost-efficient  means  to  preliminarily  identify
exploration and development leads, which are then best evaluated with 3D data.

         Oil and gas revenue was  $4,806,000,  $1,204,000  and  $621,000  during
1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.  The increases in oil and gas revenue are due
to more  wells  coming on line in 1994 and 1995.  The first  year of oil and gas
operations  for the Company  was 1993.  Since  then,  the  Company has  steadily
increased its  exploration and  development  efforts  resulting in the number of
wells  producing as of December 31, 1993 to increase  from one to 23 at December
31, 1994 and to 68 at  December  31,  1995.  Net  production  of oil and gas has
increased  from  27,000  barrels  and 97 million  cubic feet (mmcf) for the year
ended  December  31,  1993 to  54,000  barrels  and 268 mmcf for the year  ended
December  31,  1994,  and  193,000  barrels  and 1,170  mmcf for the year  ended
December 31, 1995. Most of the larger size wells  completed,  in terms of proved
reserves,  did not come on line  commercially  until the latter part of 1995 and
during the first quarter of 1996. As a result,  the Company believes its oil and
gas revenue should increase progressively during 1996.

         Depreciation, depletion and amortization consist primarily of data bank
amortization.  Data bank amortization amounted to $23,852,000,  $25,777,000, and
$19,069,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993,  respectively.
As a percentage of revenue from licensing  seismic data, data bank  amortization
was 45%,  46% and 52% for  1995,  1994 and  1993,  respectively.  These  changes
between years are primarily due to the mix of sales of 2D and 3D data  amortized
at varying  percentages based on each data program's current and expected future
revenue  stream.  The  costs  of the  Company's  proprietary  seismic  data  are
amortized  for each  project in the  proportion  that its  revenue  for a period
relates to management's  estimate of its ultimate revenues.  Revenue is expected
to be more evenly  received  over the lives of existing  seismic data  libraries
purchased by the Company.  Accordingly,  the Company amortizes the cash invested
in purchases of existing seismic data libraries evenly over ten years.


<PAGE>
         Since inception,  management has established  guidelines  regarding its
annual charge for amortization. Under these guidelines, 90% of the cost incurred
in the creation of proprietary  seismic data are amortized  within five years of
inception  for 2D seismic data and within seven years of inception  for 3D data,
and the final 10% is amortized  on a  straight-line  basis over  fifteen  years.
Under these  guidelines,  costs of existing seismic data libraries  purchased by
the Company are fully  amortized  within ten years from date of  purchase.  On a
periodic basis,  the carrying value for each seismic data program is compared to
its estimated  future revenue and, if  appropriate,  is reduced to its estimated
net  realizable  value.  Other  than  adjustments  to  comply  with  the  annual
amortization guidelines, there have been no material write-downs.

         Trends  in the  Company's  (and its  industry's)  seismic  revenue  are
evaluated  and  results are used in  estimating  future  revenue  expected to be
received on each seismic data  program.  Pricing of seismic data is  significant
when it  indicates a revision to estimated  future  revenue.  During  periods of
downturn,  the Company may reduce its estimates of future  revenue,  causing the
amortization rate to rise and liquidity and operating results to decline. If the
Company perceives an impairment in value due to reduced, or a lack of, estimated
future revenue,  a write-down of the asset is recognized.  In periods of upturn,
the  opposite  may  occur,  except,  however,  that  prior  write-downs  are not
reversed.  Even though the price of gas was  depressed  at times during 1995 and
spiked during the severe cold weather experienced in the fourth quarter of 1995,
the prevailing  outlook is that prices will be generally stable, and that demand
will continue to increase.  Accordingly,  management  believes that the economic
outlook  for  the  Company  is  stable  and  the   possibility  for  significant
improvement exists.

         Costs of sales consists of expenses  associated with the acquisition of
seismic data for non-affiliated  parties,  seismic resale support services,  oil
and gas production and, in 1993,  geophysical  technology services. The increase
in cost of sales from $3,202,000 to $10,499,00 from 1993 to 1994 is attributable
to the  Company  having a full year of  operations  related  to  acquisition  of
seismic data for non-affiliated parties and oil and gas production. The increase
in cost of sales from $10,499,000 to $13,071,000 from 1994 to 1995 is due to the
Company's  increasing  volume of business in these  areas.  Revenues  from these
areas increased from $5,222,000 in 1993 to $14,033,000 in 1994 to $19,773,000 in
1995.  Gross  profit  margin  related to the  acquisition  of  seismic  data for
non-affiliated   parties  was  22%,  20%  and  30%  for  1995,  1994  and  1993,
respectively. Gross profit margin related to oil and gas production was 67%, 72%
and 80% for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

         The Company's selling,  general and  administrative  expenses increased
from  $9,132,000 in 1993 and  $14,672,000  in 1994 to  $15,393,000  in 1995. The
increase for each year was primarily a result of the addition of new  employees,
marketing expenses and incentive  compensation directly related to the increased
volume of business, as well as expenses related to the Company's expansions into
the 3D seismic  recording  and crew  operation and oil and gas  exploration  and
production  areas. As a percentage of total revenue,  these expenses were 21% in
1993,1994 and 1995.

         The Company's  interest  expense was $2,306,000 in 1993,  $3,455,000 in
1994 and $3,407,000 in 1995. The increase from 1993 to 1994 was primarily due to
interest expense incurred on amounts owed to a seismic acquisition contractor as
well as  interest  incurred  on funds  (both bank and  capital  leases)  used to
acquire  the  Company's  two 3D  seismic  recording  systems  and  seismic  data
processing center. The slight decrease in interest expense in 1995 resulted from
less  interest  expense  incurred on the 9%  convertible  debentures  due to the
conversions  and  exchanges  into common  stock,  offset by  increased  interest
expense  being  incurred  primarily  on  amounts  owed to a seismic  acquisition
contractor.  As of December  31, 1995,  amounts owed to the seismic  acquisition
contractor had been paid.


<PAGE>
         On March 22, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors unanimously adopted
a plan of disposal to discontinue  the Company's gas marketing  operations.  The
Company  decided  to  refocus  and  concentrate  on its  higher  margin  seismic
technology   operations  and  related   petroleum   exploration  and  production
operations  in  order  to  maximize   profitability  and  growth  opportunities.
Accordingly,  the Company's  financial  statements have been restated to reflect
the discontinued  operations.  The loss from discontinued operations amounted to
$1,196,000,  net of an income tax  benefit of $703,000  for 1995.  The loss from
discontinued  operations in 1995 includes an estimated $2.1 million pre-tax loss
related to future contractual commitments. At December 31, 1995, the Company had
fixed price gas sales contracts which were generally below the estimated  market
price at which the Company could purchase gas supply and transportation. Current
market  pricing  models  were used to  estimate  the  market  price at which the
Company could purchase gas supply and  transportation in the future,  and actual
prices may differ from these estimates.  Estimated  effects of changes in market
prices and the actual  settlement costs of these contracts will be recognized as
net gains or losses in income (loss) from discontinued operations until disposal
or termination of the Company's contracts.  The loss on disposal of discontinued
operations recorded as of December 31, 1995, is estimated to be $252,000, net of
an income tax benefit of $148,000, and includes costs such as severance benefits
and estimated  personnel  costs to continue to honor the  Company's  obligations
until the contracts are transferred or terminated.

         In October  1994,  the  company  called for  redemption  of its 12-1/2%
subordinated  debentures due 1999 totaling $3,725,000.  As a result, the Company
recorded  an  extraordinary  charge of  $304,000,  net of a $163,000  income tax
benefit,  associated with the early  extinguishment  of indebtedness,  which has
been reflected as an extraordinary item for the year ended December 31, 1994.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------

         On December  28,  1995,  the Company  completed a private  placement of
three  series of  unsecured  Senior  Notes  totaling  $75  million.  The Company
contemporaneously  issued  its Series A Notes and  Series B Notes,  which  total
$52.5  million and bear  interest  at a fixed rate of 7.17%.  The Series A Notes
mature on December 30, 2001,  and require  annual  principal  payments of $8.333
million  beginning  December 30, 1999. The Series B and Series C Notes mature on
December  30,  2002,  and  require  annual  principal  payments  of $10  million
beginning  December  30,  1998.  Interest  on all series of the notes is payable
semi-annually on June 30 and December 30. The Company has scheduled the issuance
of the Series C Notes,  totaling $22.5 million,  for April 9, 1996. The Series C
Notes will bear  interest at 1.45% above the yield of U.S.  Treasury  securities
with a five year maturity at the time of issuance. The Company used the majority
of the proceeds of the Series A and Series B Notes to repay amounts  outstanding
under its $25 million  revolving  line of credit,  amounts  outstanding  under a
wholly-owned  subsidiary's  $75 million reducing  revolving line of credit,  and
amounts owed to a seismic contractor. The proceeds of the Series C Notes will be
used primarily to fund petroleum  exploration and development  activities of its
wholly-owned  subsidiary  and for other  working  capital or  general  corporate
purposes.


<PAGE>
         The  Company  filed a  registration  statement  on Form S-3 (the "Shelf
Registration  Statement") in June 1994 to offer from time to time in one or more
series (i) unsecured debt securities, which may be senior or subordinated,  (ii)
preferred  stock,  par value $0.01 per share,  and (iii) common stock, par value
$.01 per share,  or any  combination of the foregoing,  at an aggregate  initial
offering price not to exceed $75,000,000.  The Shelf Registration  Statement was
declared  effective by the Securities and Exchange  Commission on June 30, 1994.
In August 1994, the Company  completed a public offering of 1,061,200  shares of
its common  stock  priced at $32 per share  pursuant  to the Shelf  Registration
Statement. The net proceeds from the offering (after underwriting commission and
offering  expenses) totaled  $31,917,000.  After this sale of common stock at an
initial  aggregate  offering  price  of  $33,958,400,   the  Company  may  offer
additional  securities  in the future for up to an  aggregate  initial  offering
price of $41,041,600 pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

         During 1995,  the Company and a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  obtained two
separate  three year term loans totaling  $716,000,  which both bear interest at
the rate of 8.413%,  for the purchase of certain  property and  equipment  which
secures the debt.  Monthly principal and interest  payments total  approximately
$22,000. The balance outstanding on the loans at March 28, 1996, was $603,000.

         On July 15, 1993, a wholly-owned  subsidiary of the Company  obtained a
$4,300,000,  five year term loan  bearing  interest at the rate of 7.61% for the
purchase  of a 3D  seismic  recording  system.  The  debt  is  secured  by  such
equipment. Monthly principal and interest payments of $86,000 began on August 1,
1993.  The  balance  outstanding  on the  term  loan  at  March  28,  1996,  was
$2,205,000.

         During 1994 and 1995,  the Company  entered into three  capital  leases
which  relate to the  purchase  of a second 3D  seismic  recording  system and a
seismic data processing center. These lease agreements are for terms of three to
five  years.   Monthly  principal  and  interest  payments  total  approximately
$125,000.  The balance  outstanding  under these capital lease  obligations  was
$3,412,000 at March 28, 1996.


<PAGE>
         During 1995 and 1994, the Company  received  $6,942,000 and $7,287,000,
respectively,  from the exercise of common stock  purchase  warrants and options
and the Company's  401(k) stock  purchases.  In  connection  with the option and
warrant  exercises  in 1995  and  1994,  the  Company  received  $1,900,000  and
$1,879,000,  respectively,  in tax savings.  From January 1, 1996, through March
28,  1996,  the  Company  received  $31,000  from  the  Company's  401(k)  stock
purchases.

         In February 1996, the Company called for the March 31, 1996  redemption
of  its 9%  convertible  subordinated  debentures,  thereby  eliminating  future
interest  and  sinking  fund  payments.  All  remaining  outstanding  debentures
converted to common stock.

         During 1995,  gross seismic data bank additions and capitalized oil and
gas exploration and development  costs amounted to $33,417,000 and  $22,660,000,
respectively.  These capital expenditures,  as well as taxes, interest expenses,
cost  of  sales  and  general  and  administrative   expenses,  were  funded  by
operations,  proceeds  received  from the  exercise  of  common  stock  purchase
warrants and options  combined with tax savings  received on the exercise of the
warrants and options,  and proceeds from the private placement  described above.
Acquisitions  of  geophysical  equipment and other  property and equipment  were
funded partially by cash from operations and the remainder through capital lease
financing and term loans.

         Currently,  the Company  anticipates  capital  expenditures for 1996 to
total  approximately $70 million.  Such expenditures  include  approximately $45
million for the creation of  proprietary  seismic data,  and  approximately  $25
million  for  oil and gas  exploration  and  development  efforts.  The  Company
believes  its revenues  from  operating  sources and proceeds  from its Series C
Senior Notes and from the exercise of common stock purchase warrants and options
should  be  sufficient  to  fund  the  1996  capital  expenditures,  along  with
expenditures   for   operating   and   general  and   administrative   expenses.
Additionally,  the Company could arrange for additional debt or equity financing
during 1996;  however,  there can be no assurance that the Company would be able
to accomplish any such debt or equity financing on terms satisfactory to it. The
Company has received  preliminary,  non-binding  proposals for a working capital
line of credit from several banks which are currently under consideration.

         In March  1995,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  issued a
statement  establishing  accounting  standards for the  impairment of long-lived
assets.   This  statement  requires  that  long-lived  assets  be  reviewed  for
impairment  whenever  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that the
carrying  amount of an asset may not be  realizable.  The Company is required to
adopt this  statement  no later than its fiscal year ending  December  31, 1996,
although  earlier  implementation  is  permitted.  As of December 31, 1995,  the
Company has not adopted this statement;  however,  the Company  anticipates that
application of the statement will not have a material effect on its consolidated
financial statements.

         In October 1995, the Financial  Accounting  Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 123, a new standard on accounting for stock based compensation. SFAS No. 123
encourages companies to account for stock-based compensation awards based on the
fair  value  of  the  awards  at  the  date  they  are  granted.  The  resulting
compensation  cost  would be shown as an  expense  in the  statement  of income.
Companies  can choose not to apply the new  accounting  method and  continue  to
apply current accounting requirements;  however,  disclosure will be required as
to what net income and earnings per share would have been had the new accounting
method been  followed.  Adoption of the  standard is required in 1996,  although
earlier  implementation is permitted.  The Company does not intend to adopt SFAS
No.  123  for  accounting  purposes;  however  it will  make  annual  pro  forma
disclosures of its effects commencing in 1996.
<PAGE>

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
- ---------------------------------------

         The general  availability of seismic  equipment and crews and the level
of exploration  activity in the oil and gas industry directly affect the cost of
creating  seismic data.  The pricing of the  Company's  products and services is
primarily a function of these factors.  For these reasons,  the Company does not
believe  inflationary  trends have had any  significant  impact on its financial
operating results during the three years ended December 31, 1995.

Information Regarding Forward Looking Statements
- ------------------------------------------------

         This Annual Report on Form 10-K  includes  forward  looking  statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the  Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934.  Although the Company believes that its
expectations are based on reasonable assumptions,  it can give no assurance that
its goals will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to
differ  materially from those in the forward looking  statements herein include,
but are not  limited to,  changes in the  exploration  budgets of the  Company's
seismic data and related  services  customers,  actual  customer  demand for the
Company's seismic data and related services, the extent of the Company's success
in acquiring oil and gas properties and in discovering, developing and producing
reserves,  the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices for natural gas,
crude oil and  condensate  and natural gas liquids and conditions in the capital
markets and equity  markets  during the periods  covered by the forward  looking
statements.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------

         The financial  statements and financial statement schedules required by
this Item are set forth at the pages indicated in ITEM 14(a) (1) and (2) below.

ITEM 9.  DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
- -------------------------------------------------------------

         NONE


<PAGE>
                                    PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
- -----------------------------------------------------------

         The  information  required to be set forth in this Item is incorporated
by reference to a similarly  titled  heading in the Company's  definitive  proxy
statement  relating to the 1996 annual meeting of its  stockholders  to be filed
with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission not later than 120 days after the
end of the  fiscal  year  covered  by this Form  10-K  (hereinafter  the  "Proxy
Statement").

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- -------------------------------

         The  information  required to be set forth in this Item is incorporated
by reference to a similarly titled heading in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

         The  information  required to be set forth in this Item is incorporated
by reference to a similarly titled heading in the Proxy Statement.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------

         The  information  required to be set forth in this Item is incorporated
by reference to a similarly titled heading in the Proxy Statement.




<PAGE>
                                     PART IV

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

          (a) Documents filed as part of this Report                        Page
              --------------------------------------                        ----

              (1)  Financial Statements:
                       Report of Independent Public Accountants              F-1
                       Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 
                         December 31, 1995 and 1994                          F-2
                       Consolidated Statements of Operations 
                         for the years ended December 31, 
                         1995, 1994, and 1993                                F-4
                       Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' 
                         Equity for the years ended December 31, 
                         1995, 1994 and 1993                                 F-5
                       Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
                         for the years ended December 31, 1995, 
                         1994 and 1993                                       F-6
                       Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements            F-8

              (2)  All schedules are omitted  because they are not applicable or
                   the required information is shown in the financial statements
                   or the notes to the financial statements.

              (3)  Exhibits:

                    3.1  Certificate of  Incorporation  of the Company filed May
                         7, 1982 and Amendment to Certificate  of  Incorporation
                         filed April 25, 1984 (1)

                    3.2  Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation  filed August
                         4, 1987 (3)

                    3.3  Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation filed January
                         18, 1989 (4)

                    3.4  Amendment to  Certificate of  Incorporation  filed July
                         13, 1989 (5)

                    3.5  Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation  filed August
                         3, 1993 (12)

                    3.6  By-Laws of the Company (1)

                    3.7  Corporate  Resolution  reflecting  an  Amendment to the
                         By-Laws of the Company adopted January 6, 1989 (3)

                    3.8  Corporate  Resolution  reflecting  an  Amendment to the
                         By-Laws of the Company adopted May 19, 1986 (5)

                    4.1  Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (1)

                    4.2  Form of Warrant Certificate granted to employees of the
                         Company in February 1990 (5)

                    4.3  Form  of   Warrant   Certificate   granted  to  certain
                         employees  and one  Director of the Company in December
                         1990 and expiring in December 1997 (8)

                    4.4  Form  of   Warrant   Certificate   granted  to  certain
                         employees  and one  Director of the Company in December
                         1990 and expiring in December 2000 (8)



<PAGE>
          (3)      Exhibits, continued:

                     4.5    Indenture  of Trust  between  the Company and United
                            States  Trust   Company  of  New  York  relating  to
                            Convertible Subordinated Debentures due December 31,
                            2001, including Form of such Debenture (9)

                     4.6    Form of Underwriter's Warrant Certificate (9)

                     4.7    Form of Promissory  Note for Employee Stock Purchase
                            dated July 21, 1992 (11)

                     4.8    Form of  Subscription  Agreement for Employee  Stock
                            Purchase dated July 21, 1992 (11)

                     4.9    Form of Pledge for  Employee  Stock  Purchase  dated
                            July 21, 1992 (11)

                     4.10   Form of Warrant  Certificate  granted under the 1994
                            Warrant Plans (16)

                     4.11   Form  of  Warrant  Certificate  granted  to  certain
                            Debenture holders (17)

                     4.12   Form of Warrant  Certificate  granted under the 1995
                            Warrant Reload Plan (22)

                     10.1   Incentive Stock Option Plan of the Company (1)

                     10.2   Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of the Company (1)

                     10.3   1993 Incentive Stock Option Plan of the Company (12)

                     10.4   Amendment No. 1 to the Seitel,  Inc. 1993  Incentive
                            Stock Option Plan (20)

                     10.5   Non-Employee  Directors'  Stock  Option  Plan of the
                            Company (15)

                     10.6   Seitel, Inc. 1995 Warrant Reload Plan (20)

                     10.7   Memorandum of Understanding  between the Company and
                            Triangle  Geophysical  Company  dated  as of June 7,
                            1984 (1)

                     10.8   Lease  Agreement  by and  between  the  Company  and
                            Commonwealth Computer Advisors, Inc. (2)

                     10.9   The Company's  401(k) Plan adopted  January 29, 1988
                            (3)

                     10.10  Amendment No. 1 to the Company's 401(k) Plan (6)

                     10.11  Amendment No. 2 to the Company's 401(k) Plan (6)

                     10.12  The Company's  401(k) Plan adopted February 27, 1995
                            (16)

                     10.13  Executive  Services  Agreement  dated  April 3, 1990
                            between the Company and Helm Resources, Inc. (7)

                     10.14  Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 1991
                            between the Company and Paul A. Frame, Jr. (10)



<PAGE>
          (3)      Exhibits, continued:

                     10.15  Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 1991
                            between the Company and Horace A. Calvert (10)

                     10.16  Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 1991
                            between the Company and Herbert M. Pearlman (10)

                     10.17  Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 1991
                            between the Company and David S. Lawi (10)

                     10.18  Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 1993
                            between the Company and Debra D. Valice (13)

                     10.19  Joint Venture  Agreement  dated April 5, 1990 by and
                            between  Seitel   Offshore   Corp.,  a  wholly-owned
                            subsidiary of the Company,  and Digicon Data Inc., a
                            wholly-owned subsidiary of Digicon Geophysical Corp.
                            (6)

                     10.20  Master Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated
                            March 18, 1994 (effective February 28, 1994) between
                            the Company,  Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc.  (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Exsol, Inc. (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary)  and Compass Bank and Bank
                            One, Texas, N.A. (14)

                     10.21  Master Revolving  Promissory Note effective February
                            28, 1994  between the Company,  Seitel  Geophysical,
                            Inc. (Company's wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Exsol,
                            Inc. (Company's wholly-owned subsidiary) and Compass
                            Bank (14)

                     10.22  Master Revolving  Promissory Note effective February
                            28, 1994  between the Company,  Seitel  Geophysical,
                            Inc. (Company's wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Exsol,
                            Inc.  (Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Bank
                            One, Texas, N.A. (14)

                     10.23  Letter  Agreement  dated March 18, 1994  between the
                            Company,   Seitel   Geophysical,   Inc.   (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary),  Exsol,  Inc.  (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary)  and Seitel Offshore Corp.
                            (Company's wholly-owned subsidiary) and Compass Bank
                            and Bank One, Texas, N.A. (14)

                     10.24  Pledge  Agreement  dated March 18,  1994  (effective
                            February  28,  1994) from  Seitel,  Inc. in favor of
                            Compass Bank and Bank One, Texas, N.A. (14)

                     10.25  Loan  Modification  Agreement  and Amendment to Loan
                            Documents  effective  as of May 19, 1994 between the
                            Company, Seitel Geophysical, Inc. (Company's wholly-
                            owned    subsidiary),    Exsol,   Inc.    (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary)  and Seitel Offshore Corp.
                            (Company's wholly-owned subsidiary) and Compass Bank
                            and Bank One, Texas, N.A. (15)

                     10.26  Security    Agreement   (Joint   Venture   Interest)
                            effective as of May 19, 1994 between Seitel Offshore
                            Corp.   (Company's   wholly-owned   subsidiary)  and
                            Compass Bank and Bank One, Texas, N.A. (15)

                     10.27  Second Loan Modification  Agreement and Amendment to
                            Loan  Documents  effective  as  of  August  3,  1994
                            between  the  Company,   Seitel  Geophysical,   Inc.
                            (Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary),  Exsol,  Inc.
                            (Company's   wholly-owned   subsidiary)  and  Seitel
                            Offshore Corp. (Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary)
                            and Compass Bank and Bank One, Texas, N.A. (15)
<PAGE>
          (3)      Exhibits, continued:

                     10.28  Master Revolving  Promissory Note effective December
                            31,  1994  between  the  Company,  Seitel Data Corp.
                            (Company's    wholly-owned    subsidiary),    Seitel
                            Geophysical,     Inc.    (Company's     wholly-owned
                            subsidiary),   Seitel   Offshore  Corp.   (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Exsol, Inc. (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary)  and Compass  Bank-Houston
                            (19)

                     10.29  Master Revolving  Promissory Note effective December
                            31,  1994  between  the  Company,  Seitel Data Corp.
                            (Company's    wholly-owned    subsidiary),    Seitel
                            Geophysical,     Inc.    (Company's     wholly-owned
                            subsidiary),   Seitel   Offshore  Corp.   (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Exsol, Inc. (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Bank One, Texas,  N.A.
                            (19)

                     10.30  Restated  Revolving  Credit and  Security  Agreement
                            effective as of December 31, 1994 among the Company,
                            Seitel    Data   Corp.    (Company's    wholly-owned
                            subsidiary),  Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc.  (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary),   Seitel  Offshore  Corp.
                            (Company's wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Exsol, Inc.
                            (Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary)  and Bank One,
                            Texas, N.A. and Compass Bank-Houston (19)

                     10.31  Amendment  to  Security   Agreement  (Joint  Venture
                            Interest)  effective  as of December  31, 1994 among
                            Seitel   Offshore  Corp.   (Company's   wholly-owned
                            subsidiary)  and Bank One,  Texas,  N.A. and Compass
                            Bank-Houston (19)

                     10.32  Amendment  to  Pledge  Agreement   effective  as  of
                            December   31,  1994  among  the   Company,   Seitel
                            Geophysical,     Inc.    (Company's     wholly-owned
                            subsidiary),    Seitel    Data   Corp.    (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary) and Bank One, Texas,  N.A.
                            and Compass Bank-Houston (19)

                     10.33  First  Amendment  to  Restated  Credit and  Security
                            Agreement  effective as of September  14, 1995 among
                            the Company,  Seitel Data Corp.  (Company's  wholly-
                            owned   subsidiary),    Seitel   Geophysical,   Inc.
                            (Company's wholly-owned subsidiary), Seitel Offshore
                            Corp. (Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary),  Exsol,
                            Inc. (Company's wholly-owned  subsidiary),  and Bank
                            One, Texas,  National Association and Compass Bank -
                            Houston (21)

                     10.34  Termination  and  Release   Agreement  dated  as  of
                            December 28,  1995,  between the Company and various
                            of its  subsidiaries  and Bank One, Texas,  National
                            Association and Compass Bank-Houston *

                     10.35  Term  Note  dated  July  15,  1993  between   Seitel
                            Geophysical,    Inc.    (Company's   wholly-   owned
                            subsidiary) and Central Bank of the South (12)

                     10.36  Term Credit and  Security  Agreement  dated July 15,
                            1993 between  Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc.  (Company's
                            wholly-owned  subsidiary)  and  Central  Bank of the
                            South (12)

                     10.37  Continuing  Guaranty dated July 15, 1993 between the
                            Company and Central Bank of the South (12)

                     10.38  Side Letter  Agreement  dated July 15, 1993  between
                            the Company and Central Bank of the South (12)

                     10.39  Loan  Modification  Agreement  and Amendment to Loan
                            Documents effective as of December 28, 1995, between
                            Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc.  (Company's  wholly-owned
                            subsidiary) and Compass Bank*
<PAGE>
          (3)      Exhibits, continued:

                     10.40  Master Equipment Lease Agreement dated May 20, 1994,
                            between   Seitel   Geophysical,    Inc.   (Company's
                            wholly-owned   subsidiary)   and  MetLife   Capital,
                            Limited Partnership (15)

                     10.41  Credit  Agreement  dated June 14, 1995,  between DDD
                            Energy, Inc. (Company's wholly-owned subsidiary) and
                            Bank One, Texas, National Association, as a Bank and
                            the Agent and Compass Bank- Houston (20)

                     10.42  Promissory  Note  dated June 14,  1995,  in the face
                            amount of $37,500,000,  executed by DDD Energy, Inc.
                            (Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary) and payable to
                            the order of Bank One, Texas,  National  Association
                            (20)

                     10.43  Promissory  Note  dated June 14,  1995,  in the face
                            amount of $37,500,000,  executed by DDD Energy, Inc.
                            (Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary) and payable to
                            the order of Compass Bank- Houston (20)

                     10.44  Guaranty  dated June 14,  1995,  by Seitel,  Inc. in
                            favor  of Bank  One,  Texas,  National  Association,
                            Individually  and as Agent and Compass  Bank-Houston
                            (20)

                     10.45  Security  Agreement  (Stock  Pledge)  dated June 14,
                            1995, by Seitel,  Inc. in favor of Bank One,  Texas,
                            National Association, as Agent (20)

                     10.46  Termination  and  Release   Agreement  dated  as  of
                            December   28,  1995   between   DDD  Energy,   Inc.
                            (Company's  wholly-owned  subsidiary)  and Bank One,
                            Texas,     National    Association    and    Compass
                            Bank-Houston*

                     10.47  Incentive Compensation Agreement (11)

                     10.48  Shareholder  Value Bonus  Agreement  effective as of
                            March 18, 1994 (15)

                     10.49  Amendment  to  Shareholder   Value  Bonus  Agreement
                            effective as of March 18, 1994 (18)

                     10.50  Seitel,  Inc. 1995 Shareholder Value Incentive Bonus
                            Plan (20)

                     10.51  Terms  Agreement  dated July 28,  1994,  between the
                            Company and Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. (15)

                     10.52  Note  Purchase  Agreement  dated as of December  28,
                            1995,   between   the   Company  and  the  Series  A
                            Purchasers, the Series B Purchasers and the Series C
                            Purchasers*

                     21.1   Subsidiaries of the Registrant *

                     23.1   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP *

                     23.2   Consent  of  Forrest  A.  Garb &  Associates,  Inc.*

- ---------------------- 
* Filed herewith


                     (1)    Incorporated   by   reference   to   the   Company's
                            Registration Statement, as amended, on Form S-1, No.
                            2-92572 as filed with the  Securities  and  Exchange
                            Commission on August 3, 1984.

<PAGE>
          (3)      Exhibits, continued:

                     (2)    Incorporated   by   reference   to    Post-Effective
                            Amendment  No.  2  to  the  Company's   Registration
                            Statement on Form S-2, File No.  33-32838,  as filed
                            with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on
                            October 10, 1991.

                     (3)    Incorporated   by   reference   to   the   Company's
                            Registration Statement, as amended, on Form S-2, No.
                            33-21300 as filed with the  Securities  and Exchange
                            Commission on April 18, 1988.

                     (4)    Incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31,
                            1988.

                     (5)    Incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31,
                            1989.

                     (6)    Incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Form 8
                            amending the  Company's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K
                            for the year ended December 31, 1989.

                     (7)    Incorporated   by   reference   to   the   Company's
                            Registration Statement, as amended, on Form S-2, No.
                            33-34217  as filed with the  Commission  on April 6,
                            1990.

                     (8)    Incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31,
                            1990.

                     (9)    Incorporated   by   reference   to   the   Company's
                            Registration Statement, as amended, on Form S-2, No.
                            33-44430  as filed with the  Commission  on December
                            12, 1991.

                     (10)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                            for the quarter ended June 30, 1991.

                     (11)   Incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31,
                            1992.

                     (12)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                            for the quarter ended June 30, 1993.

                     (13)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                            for the quarter ended September 30, 1993.

                     (14)   Incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31,
                            1993.

                     (15)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                            for the quarter ended June 30, 1994.

                     (16)   Incorporated   by   reference   to   the   Company's
                            Registration  Statement on Form S-8, No. 33-89934 as
                            filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
                            March 2, 1995.

                     (17)   Incorporated   by   reference   to   the   Company's
                            Registration  Statement on Form S-3, No. 33-89890 as
                            filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
                            March 2, 1995.

                     (18)   Incorporated  by reference to the  Company's  Annual
                            Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31,
                            1994.
<PAGE>
          (3)      Exhibits, continued:

                     (19)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                            for the quarter ended March 31, 1995.

                     (20)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                            for the quarter ended June 30, 1995.

                     (21)   Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q
                            for the quarter ended September 30, 1995.

                     (22)   Incorporated   by   reference   to   the   Company's
                            Registration Statement on Form S-8, No. 333-01271 as
                            filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
                            February 28, 1996.

          (b)      Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended 
                   December 31, 1995:
                   -------------------------------------------------------------
                   NONE


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

Pursuant to the  requirements  of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the  Securities Act of
1934,  the  Registrant  has duly caused this report on Form 10-K to be signed on
its  behalf  by the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly  authorized,  in the  City of
Houston, State of Texas, on the 29th of March 1996.

                              SEITEL, INC.

                              By:  /s/ Paul A. Frame
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   Paul A. Frame, President, Chief Executive
                                   Officer and Director


                              By:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   Debra D. Valice, Chief Financial Officer


                              By:  /s/ Marcia H. Kendrick
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   Marcia H. Kendrick, Chief Accounting Officer


Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this Report on Form
10-K has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated.

      Signature                       Title                           Date
      ---------                       -----                           ----

/s/ Herbert M. Pearlman       Chairman of the Board of           March 29 , 1996
- ------------------------      Directors
Herbert M. Pearlman

/s/ Paul A. Frame             President and Chief Executive       March 29, 1996
- ------------------------      Officer, Director
Paul A. Frame            

/s/ Horace A. Calvert         Executive Vice President and       March 29 , 1996
- ------------------------      Chief Operating Officer, Director
Horace A. Calvert        

/s/ Debra D. Valice           Senior Vice President-Finance,      March 29, 1996
- ------------------------      Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
Debra D. Valice               and Treasurer, Director

/s/ Jesse R. Marion           President - Seitel Delaware, Inc.   March 29, 1996
- ------------------------      and Seitel Data, Ltd., Director
Jesse R. Marion          

/s/ David S. Lawi             Director                            March 29, 1996
- ------------------------
David S. Lawi

/s/ William Lerner            Director                            March 29, 1996
- ------------------------
William Lerner

/s/ Walter M. Craig, Jr.      Director                            March 29, 1996
- ------------------------
Walter M. Craig, Jr.

/s/ John Stieglitz            Director                            March 29, 1996
- ------------------------
John Stieglitz

/s/ William L. Lurie          Director                            March 29, 1996
- ------------------------
William L. Lurie

<PAGE>


                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To Seitel, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying  consolidated balance sheets of Seitel, Inc. (a
Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the
related  consolidated  statements of operations,  stockholders'  equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended  December 31, 1995.  These
financial  statements are the  responsibility of the Company's  management.  Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects,  the financial position of Seitel,  Inc. and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the results of their  operations  and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.




/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Houston, Texas
March 29, 1996


                                      F-1
<PAGE>


SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              December 31,
                                                         ----------------------
                                                           1995          1994
                                                         ---------    ---------
  <S>                                                      <C>          <C>      
ASSETS

  Cash and equivalents                                   $   6,242    $     846
  Receivables
   Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts
    of $650 and $100 at December 31, 1995 and
    1994, respectively                                      40,992       35,405
   Notes and other                                           1,289          329

  Net assets of discontinued operations                       --            529

  Data bank                                                232,704      199,287
   Less:  Accumulated amortization                        (127,335)    (103,486)
                                                         ---------    ---------
     Net data bank                                         105,369       95,801

  Property and equipment, at cost:
   Oil and gas properties, full cost method
    of accounting, including $20,862 and
    $13,748 not being amortized at
    December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively                44,684       22,024
   Geophysical equipment                                    12,531       11,862
   Furniture, fixtures and other                             4,404        2,953
                                                         ---------    ---------
                                                            61,619       36,839
   Less:  Accumulated depreciation, depletion
    and amortization                                        (9,069)      (4,415)
                                                         ---------    ---------
     Net property and equipment                             52,550       32,424

  Prepaid expenses, deferred charges and
   other assets                                              3,125        1,435
                                                         ---------    ---------

  TOTAL ASSETS                                           $ 209,567    $ 166,769
                                                         =========    =========
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                  of these consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>


SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS -- continued
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
<TABLE>


<CAPTION>
                                                             December 31,
                                                        -----------------------
                                                           1995          1994
                                                        ---------     ---------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

  Accounts payable                                      $   9,830     $  23,861
  Accrued liabilities                                       6,243         4,769
  Employee compensation payable                             2,349         2,069
  Income taxes payable                                        227           933
  Net liabilities of discontinued operations                1,105            --
  Debt
    Senior Notes                                           52,500            --
    Subordinated debentures                                 1,989         3,523
    Line of Credit                                             --         5,085
    Term loans                                              3,071         3,231
  Obligations under capital leases                          3,723         5,088
  Deferred contractor payable                                  --         9,698
  Contingent payables                                         279         3,152
  Deferred income taxes                                     6,472         3,502
  Deferred revenue                                          1,401           529
                                                        ---------     ---------
 TOTAL LIABILITIES                                         89,189        65,440
                                                        ---------     ---------

CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share;
   authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued                    --            --
 Common stock, par value $.01 per share;
   authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued
   and outstanding 9,436,854 and 8,825,619
   at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively                 94            88
  Additional paid-in capital                               85,821        75,611
  Retained earnings                                        35,936        27,257
  Treasury stock, 414 shares at cost at
    December 31, 1995 and 1994                                 (4)           (4)
  Notes receivable from officers and employees             (1,395)       (1,551)
  Cumulative translation adjustment                           (74)          (72)
                                                        ---------     ---------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                                120,378       101,329
                                                        ---------     ---------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY              $ 209,567     $ 166,769
                                                        =========     =========
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                  of these consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>


SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    Year Ended December 31,

                                                                                           -----------------------------------------
                                                                                              1995           1994            1993
                                                                                           ----------     ----------      ----------
                                                                                  
<S>                                                                                        <C>            <C>             <C>      
REVENUE                                                                                    $  74,439      $  70,902       $  43,456

EXPENSES
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization                                                    26,872         27,181          19,852
  Cost of sales                                                                               13,071         10,499           3,202
  Selling, general and administrative expenses                                                15,393         14,672           9,132
  Interest expense                                                                             3,407          3,455           2,306
  Interest income                                                                               (329)          (257)           (180)
                                                                                            --------       --------        --------
                                                                                              58,414         55,550          34,312
                                                                                            --------       --------        --------
Income from continuing operations before provision for
  income taxes and extraordinary item                                                         16,025         15,352           9,144

Provision for income taxes                                                                     5,898          5,681           3,328
                                                                                            --------       --------        --------
Income from continuing operations before extraordinary item                                   10,127          9,671           5,816
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax
  benefit of $703 for 1995, $30 for 1994 and
  $57 for 1993                                                                                (1,196)           (52)            (99)
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of income
  tax benefit of $148                                                                           (252)            --              --
                                                                                            --------       --------        --------
Income before extraordinary item                                                               8,679          9,619           5,717

Extraordinary charge on early extinguishment of debt, net of
  income tax benefit of $163                                                                      --           (304)             --
                                                                                            --------       --------        --------

NET INCOME                                                                                $    8,679     $    9,315      $    5,717
                                                                                            ========       ========        ========

Earnings per share:
  Primary:
    Income from continuing operations before extraordinary item                           $     1.03     $     1.24      $      .93
    Loss from discontinued operations                                                           (.12)          (.01)           (.01)
    Loss on disposal of discontinued operations                                                 (.03)            --              --
    Extraordinary item                                                                            --           (.04)             --
                                                                                            --------       --------        --------
    Net income                                                                            $      .88     $     1.19      $      .92
                                                                                            ========       ========        ========
  Assuming full dilution:
    Income from continuing operations before extraordinary item                           $      .99     $     1.11      $      .83
    Loss from discontinued operations                                                           (.12)          (.01)           (.01)
    Loss on disposal of discontinued operations                                                 (.02)            --              --
    Extraordinary item                                                                            --           (.03)             --
                                                                                            --------       --------        --------
    Net income                                                                            $      .85     $     1.07      $      .82
                                                                                            ========       ========        ========

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares:
  Primary                                                                                      9,872          7,800           6,893
                                                                                            ========       ========        ========
  Assuming full dilution                                                                      10,358          9,001           8,279
                                                                                            ========       ========        ========
</TABLE>


                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                  of these consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               Notes
                                                                                                            Receivables
                                                  Common Stock     Additional               Treasury Stock     from      Cumulative
                                              ------------------    Paid-in    Retained   -----------------   Officers   Translation
                                               Shares    Amount     Capital    Earnings    Shares   Amount  & Employees  Adjustments
                                              --------- --------  ----------  ----------  -------- --------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                           <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>         <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1992                    5,976,472 $     60   $  25,672  $   12,225        --  $    --  $   (2,150) $     (164)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock           10,916       --          37          --        --       --          --          --
Payments received on notes receivable from
  officers and employees                             --       --          --          --      (414)      (4)        111          --
Foreign currency translation adjustment              --       --          --          --        --       --          --          79
Net income                                           --       --          --       5,717        --       --          --          --
                                              --------- --------  ----------  ----------  -------- --------  ----------  ----------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1993                    5,987,388       60      25,709      17,942      (414)      (4)     (2,039)        (85)

Sale of common stock through public offering  1,061,200       11      31,906          --        --       --          --          --
Proceeds from issuance of common stock          770,364        7       7,280          --        --       --          --          --
Tax reduction from exercise of stock options         --       --       1,879          --        --       --          --          --
Conversions and exchanges of subordinated
  debentures                                  1,006,667       10       8,837          --        --       --          --          --
Payments received on notes receivable from
  officers and employees                             --       --          --          --        --       --         488          --
Foreign currency translation adjustment              --       --          --          --        --       --          --          13
Net income                                           --       --          --       9,315        --       --          --          --
                                              --------- --------  ----------  ----------  -------- --------  ----------  ----------

BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994                    8,825,619       88      75,611      27,257      (414)      (4)     (1,551)        (72)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock          445,939        4       6,894          --        --       --          --          --
Tax reduction from exercise of stock options         --       --       1,900          --        --       --          --          --
Conversions and exchanges of subordinated
  debentures                                    165,296        2       1,416          --        --       --          --          --
Payments received on notes receivable from
  officers and employees                             --       --          --          --        --       --         156          --
Foreign currency translation adjustment              --       --          --          --        --       --          --          (2)
Net income                                           --       --          --       8,679        --       --          --          --
                                              --------- --------  ----------  ----------  -------- --------  ----------  ----------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995                    9,436,854 $     94  $   85,821  $   35,936      (414)$     (4)  $  (1,395)  $     (74)
                                              ========= ========  ==========  ==========  ======== ========  ==========  ========== 



</TABLE>

       The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
                             financial statements.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Year Ended December 31,
                                                 ------------------------------
                                                   1995       1994       1993
                                                 --------   --------   --------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>     
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Cash received from customers                   $ 80,981   $ 51,312   $ 33,235
  Cash paid to suppliers and employees            (38,563)   (24,540)    (9,649)
  Interest paid                                    (4,551)    (2,543)    (2,259)
  Interest received                                   320        265        185
  Income taxes paid                                (2,218)      (517)    (2,927)
                                                 --------   --------   --------
    Net cash provided by operating activities      35,969     23,977     18,585
                                                 --------   --------   --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Cash invested in seismic data                   (59,286)   (36,761)   (17,841)
  Cash invested in oil and gas properties         (21,737)   (15,269)    (3,309)
  Cash paid to acquire property and equipment      (1,416)      (615)    (5,127)
  Advances made to oil and gas joint venture
    partner                                        (1,142)        --         --
  Collections on loans made                           108         --        134
                                                 --------   --------   --------
    Net cash used in investing activities         (83,473)   (52,645)   (26,143)
                                                 --------   --------   --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Borrowings under line of credit agreement        75,101     79,767     42,142
  Principal payments under line of credit
   agreement                                      (80,186)   (85,745)   (40,534)
  Borrowings under term loans                         387         --      4,300
  Principal payments on term loans                   (876)      (759)      (310)
  Principal payments under capital lease
   obligations                                     (1,375)      (551)        (4)
  Redemption of subordinated debentures                --     (3,911)        --
  Payments on notes receivable from officers
   and employees                                      156        488        107
  Proceeds from issuance of senior notes           52,500         --         --
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock            6,942     41,290         37
  Costs of debt and equity transactions              (202)    (2,135)        --
  Other                                                --         --          6
                                                 --------   --------   --------
    Net cash provided by financing activities      52,447     28,444      5,744
                                                 --------   --------   --------

Effect of exchange rate changes                        (8)         6         80
                                                 --------   --------   --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents     4,935       (218)    (1,734)

Cash and equivalents at beginning of period:
  Continuing operations                               846      1,759      3,493
  Discontinued operations                             695         --         --
                                                 --------   --------   --------
    Total cash and equivalents at beginning
     of period                                      1,541      1,759      3,493
                                                 --------   --------   --------
Cash and equivalents at end of period:
  Continuing operations                             6,242        846      1,759
  Discontinued operations                             234        695         --
                                                 --------   --------   --------
Total cash and equivalents at end of period      $  6,476   $  1,541   $  1,759
                                                 ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>

                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of these consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-6
<PAGE>


SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--continued
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                    Year Ended December 31,
                                               --------------------------------
                                                 1995        1994        1993
                                               --------    --------    --------

Reconciliation of net income to net cash 
  provided by operating activities:

<S>                                            <C>         <C>         <C>     
Net income                                     $  8,679    $  9,315    $  5,717
                                               --------    --------    --------
Adjustments to  reconcile  net  income
  to  net  cash  provided  by  operating
  activities:
   Depreciation, depletion and amortization      27,663      27,929      20,217
   Deferred income tax provision                  2,970       2,455         760
   Loss on discontinued operations,
    net of tax                                    1,448          52          99
   Extraordinary loss on extinguishment
    of debt, net of tax                              --         304          --
   Non-cash sales                                (1,534)     (3,162)     (3,768)
   Warrants issued in debenture exchange             --         180          --
   Loss on foreign currency transactions             --          --          87
   Increase in receivables                       (5,514)    (17,322)     (6,832)
   Decrease (increase) in other assets           (1,189)       (476)          7
   Increase in accounts payable and
    other liabilities                             3,722       4,588       2,483
                                               --------    --------    --------
      Total adjustments                          27,566      14,548      13,053
                                               --------    --------    --------

Net cash provided by (used in) operating
  activities of:
    Continuing operations                        36,245      23,863      18,770
    Discontinued operations                        (276)        114        (185)
                                               --------    --------    --------
Net cash provided by operating activities      $ 35,969    $ 23,977    $ 18,585
                                               ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of these consolidated financial statements.

                                      F-7
<PAGE>

SEITEL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1995

NOTE A--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     Nature of Operations: Seitel, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading provider of
seismic data and corollary  geophysical  services to the petroleum  industry and
directly  participates in exploration,  development and ownership of natural gas
and crude oil  reserves.  The majority of the  Company's  seismic  surveys cover
onshore and offshore  the U.S.  Gulf Coast  region.  The  Company's  oil and gas
exploration,  development  and production  activities are on properties  located
primarily onshore Texas and Louisiana, and also onshore Alabama, Mississippi and
Arkansas.

     Use  of  Estimates:   The  preparation  of  these  consolidated   financial
statements require the use of certain estimates by management in determining the
Company's  assets,  liabilities,  revenues and  expenses.  Actual  results could
differ from estimates.  Data bank  amortization is determined using estimates of
ultimate  revenues from  licensing of the seismic  data.  Refer to the data bank
discussion  below  for  additional   information  on  data  bank   amortization.
Depreciation,  depletion  and  amortization  of oil and gas  properties  and the
impairment of oil and gas properties are  determined  using  estimates of proved
oil and gas  reserves.  There  are  numerous  uncertainties  in  estimating  the
quantity of proved reserves and in projecting the future rates of production and
timing of development  expenditures.  Refer to Note Q, "Supplemental Oil and Gas
information"  for  additional  information  regarding  the process of estimating
proved  reserve  quantities.  Estimates  have been used to determine the loss on
future contractual commitments of the discontinued operations.  Refer to Note L,
"Discontinued Operations" for additional information on management's estimate.

     Basis of Presentation:  The accompanying  consolidated financial statements
include  the  accounts  of  Seitel,  Inc.,  the  accounts  of  its  wholly-owned
subsidiaries  and the  Company's  pro  rata  share of its  investments  in joint
ventures.   All  material  intercompany  accounts  and  transactions  have  been
eliminated in  consolidation.  Certain  reclassifications  have been made to the
amounts in the prior  years'  financial  statements  to  conform to the  current
year's presentation.

     The Company  presents its  consolidated  balance sheets on an  unclassified
basis.  Because the portion of seismic  data  acquisition  costs to be amortized
during the next year cannot be classified as a current asset, and classification
of all of these costs as noncurrent would be misleading to the reader because it
would not indicate the level of assets expected to be converted into cash in the
next year, the Company  believes that the use of an  unclassified  balance sheet
results in improved financial reporting.

     Data Bank:  Costs  incurred in the creation of  proprietary  seismic  data,
including the direct costs of Company personnel  dedicated to project management
and design,  are capitalized.  Seismic data costs are amortized for each project
in the proportion that its revenue for a period relates to management's estimate
of its ultimate revenues. Since inception, management has established guidelines
regarding its annual charge for amortization. Under these guidelines, 90% of the
cost incurred in the creation of proprietary  seismic data are amortized  within
five years of inception for two-dimensional  seismic data and within seven years
of inception  for  three-dimensional  data,  and the final 10% is amortized on a
straight-line  basis  over  fifteen  years.  Under  these  guidelines,  costs of
existing  seismic data  libraries  purchased by the Company are fully  amortized
within ten years from date of  purchase.  Using  these  guidelines,  the Company
would  expect the  percentage  of net data bank as of  December  31,  1995 to be
amortized to be 26%, 17%, 12%, 10%, 13%, and 22%, for the years ending  December
31, 1996,  1997, 1998,  1999, 2000 and thereafter,  respectively.  On a periodic
basis,  the  carrying  value of each  seismic  data  program is  compared to its
estimated  future revenue and, if  appropriate,  is reduced to its estimated net
realizable value.


                                      F-8



<PAGE>


     Net data bank at December 31, 1995 and 1994 was  comprised of the following
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     December 31,
                                           ---------------------------------
                                                1995               1994
                                           --------------    ---------------
<S>                                        <C>                <C>          
 2D data created by the Company            $       23,607     $      27,610
 3D data created by the Company                    70,069            56,888
 Data purchased by the Company                     11,693            11,303
                                           ---------------    --------------
 Net data bank                             $      105,369     $      95,801
                                           ===============    ==============
</TABLE>

     Property  and  Equipment:   The  Company  accounts  for  its  oil  and  gas
exploration and production  activities using the full-cost method of accounting.
Under this  method,  all costs  associated  with  acquisition,  exploration  and
development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized,  including directly related
overhead  costs,  and interest costs related to its  unevaluated  properties and
certain  properties under  development  which are not currently being amortized.
For the three years ended December 31, 1995, general and administrative costs of
$861,000, $707,000 and $252,000,  respectively, have been capitalized to oil and
gas properties. For the year ended December 31, 1995, interest costs of $835,000
have been capitalized to oil and gas properties.

     Provisions  for  depreciation,  depletion and  amortization  are calculated
using  the  units-of-production   method.  Estimated  future  site  restoration,
dismantlement  and  abandonment  costs,  net of  salvage  value,  are taken into
consideration. Such costs are not currently expected to be material. Capitalized
costs associated with the acquisition and evaluation of unproved  properties and
certain properties under development are not currently  amortized.  Amortization
of the costs  associated with these properties will commence when the properties
or projects are evaluated.

     Capitalized  costs are  limited  to the  present  value,  discounted  at 10
percent,  of future net revenues  calculated using current prices from estimated
proved  reserves  plus  the  lower  of  cost  or  market  value  of  unevaluated
properties, adjusted for the effects of related income taxes.

     Depreciation  of other  property  and  equipment  is  calculated  using the
straight-line  method over the estimated  useful lives of the assets of three to
five years.

     Income Taxes: The Company and all of its  subsidiaries  file a consolidated
federal income tax return. The Company does not provide deferred taxes (benefit)
on the undistributed  earnings (loss) of its foreign subsidiary,  which amounted
to $(3,000),  $1,000, and $(125,000) for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and  1993,  respectively,  as  such  earnings  are  intended  to be  permanently
reinvested in those operations.

     Income  Recognition:  Revenue from seismic data  licensing  agreements  are
recognized  when each seismic data program is available for use by the licensees
and are presented net of revenue  shared with other  entities.  Revenue from the
acquisition  of seismic data for  non-affiliated  parties are  recognized on the
percentage-of-completion method based on the work effort completed compared with
the total work effort estimated for the contract. Revenue received in advance of
being earned is deferred until earned.

     Cost of Sales:  Cost of sales  consists  of  expenses  associated  with the
acquisition of seismic data for non-affiliated  parties, oil and gas production,
data resale support services and geophysical technology services.  Cost of sales
related to the acquisition of seismic data for  non-affiliated  parties includes
all  direct  material  and  labor  costs  and  indirect  costs  related  to  the
acquisition such as supplies, tools, repairs and depreciation.

     Earnings per Share:  Earnings  per share is based on the  weighted  average
number of  outstanding  shares of common  stock  during  the  respective  years,
including  common  equivalent  shares  applicable  to assumed  exercise of stock
options and warrants when such common stock  equivalents  are dilutive,  and the
Company's other potentially dilutive securities.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
         Earnings per share was  determined by dividing net income,  as adjusted
below, by applicable shares outstanding (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                             ---------------------------------------
                                                                                              1995            1994            1993
                                                                                             -------         -------         -------

<S>                                                                                          <C>             <C>             <C>    
Net income as reported                                                                       $ 8,679         $ 9,315         $ 5,717
Interest earned on application of assumed proceeds from exercise
    of options and warrants in excess of 20% limitation, net of tax                               --              --             640
                                                                                             -------         -------         -------
Total income used for primary earnings per share                                             $ 8,679         $ 9,315         $ 6,357
                                                                                             =======         =======         =======

Net income as reported                                                                       $ 8,679         $ 9,315         $ 5,717
Interest eliminated on assumed conversion of 9% convertible
    subordinated debentures, net of tax                                                           95             329             621
Interest earned on application of assumed proceeds from exercise
    of options and warrants in excess of 20% limitation, net of tax                               --              --             432
                                                                                             -------         -------         -------
Total income used for fully diluted earnings per share                                       $ 8,774         $ 9,644         $ 6,770
                                                                                             =======         =======         =======

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares                                 9,872           7,800           6,893
                                                                                             =======         =======         =======
Weighted average number of common shares assuming full dilution                               10,358           9,001           8,279
                                                                                             =======         =======         =======
</TABLE>

         If the current  year  conversions  and  exchanges  of the  Company's 9%
debentures had occurred at the beginning of the year, primary earnings per share
for 1995 would have remained $.88.

         Subsequent to December 31, 1995, the Company's  remaining 9% debentures
converted  into  approximately  214,000 shares of common stock (see Note C). Had
the conversion  occurred on January 1, 1995, primary earnings per share for 1995
would have been $.87.

         Statement of Cash Flows:  For purposes of the  statement of cash flows,
the Company  considers all highly liquid  investments or debt  instruments  with
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

         Operating cash flows reported in the consolidated  financial statements
of cash flows do not reflect effects of changes in inventory  levels because the
Company reports no inventories and classifies cash  expenditures for its seismic
data library as an investing, rather than an operating, activity.

         Fair Value of Financial Instruments:  Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards   ("SFAS")  No.  107  "Disclosures   About  Fair  Value  of  Financial
Instruments,"  requires  disclosure  of the  fair  value  of  certain  financial
instruments.  The  estimated  fair value  amounts  have been  determined  by the
Company using available market data and valuation methodologies. The book values
of cash and equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair
value as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,  because of the  short-term  maturity of
these instruments. Based upon the rates available to the Company, the fair value
of the Senior Notes,  the line of credit,  and the term loans  approximates  the
carrying  value of this debt as of  December  31,  1995 and  1994.  Based on the
quoted  market  price,  the  fair  value  of  the  9%  convertible  subordinated
debentures  at  December  31,  1995  and 1994 was  $6,962,000  and  $12,330,000,
respectively.

         Impairment  of  Long-Lived   Assets:   In  March  1995,  the  Financial
Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a statement  establishing  accounting
standards for the impairment of long-lived assets.  This statement requires that
long-lived  assets be  reviewed  for  impairment  whenever  events or changes in
circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount  of an  asset  may  not  be
realizable.  The Company is required to adopt this  statement  no later than its
fiscal year  ending  December  31,  1996,  although  earlier  implementation  is
permitted.  As of December 31, 1995, the Company has not adopted this statement;
however, the Company anticipates that application of the statement will not have
a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
                                      F-10
<PAGE>

NOTE B--INCOME TAXES
- --------------------

         The  discussion  of income taxes herein does not include the income tax
effects of the discontinued  operations or the  extraordinary  item explained in
Note L and Note M, respectively, of these consolidated financial statements.

         The  provision  (benefit)  for income taxes for each of the three years
ended December 31, 1995, are comprised of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             1995           1994           1993
                                            -------        -------       -------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>           <C>    
Current - Federal                           $ 2,753        $ 2,706       $ 2,366
        - State                                 153            225           111
        - Foreign                                22            295            91
                                            -------        -------       -------
                                              2,928          3,226         2,568
                                            -------        -------       -------

Deferred - Federal                            3,001          2,429           751
         - State                                (31)            26             9
                                            -------        -------       -------

                                              2,970          2,455           760
                                            -------        -------       -------

Tax provision - Federal                       5,754          5,135         3,117
              - State                           122            251           120
              - Foreign                          22            295            91

                                            -------        -------       -------
                                            $ 5,898        $ 5,681       $ 3,328
                                            =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>

     The  differences  between the U.S.  Federal  income  taxes  computed at the
statutory  rate  (34.6%  for  1995,  34.4%  for 1994 and 34% for  1993)  and the
Company's  income  taxes for  financial  reporting  purposes  are as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 1995         1994         1993
                                                ------       ------       ------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>          <C>   
Statutory Federal income tax                    $5,540       $5,280       $3,109
State income tax, less Federal benefit              79          163           79
Other, net                                         279          238          140
                                                ------       ------       ------
Income tax expense                              $5,898       $5,681       $3,328
                                                ======       ======       ======
</TABLE>
                                      F-11
<PAGE>

         The  components of the net deferred  income tax liability  reflected in
the Company's  consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1995 and 1994 were as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           Deferred Tax Assets
                                                              (Liabilities) 
                                                              at December 31,
                                                           --------------------
                                                             1995        1994
                                                           -------      -------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>    
Alternative minimum tax credit carry forward               $   958      $   735
Partnership earnings                                           217          176
Investment tax credits                                          44           44
Other                                                          820          106
                                                           -------      -------
Total deferred tax assets                                    2,039        1,061
Less:  Valuation allowance                                     (44)         (44)
                                                           -------      -------
  Deferred tax assets, net of
  valuation allowance                                        1,995        1,017
                                                           -------      -------

Depreciation, depletion and amortization                    (8,370)      (4,391)
Other                                                          (97)        (128)
                                                           -------      -------
Total deferred tax liabilities                              (8,467)      (4,519)
                                                           -------      -------

Net deferred tax liability                                 $(6,472)     $(3,502)
                                                           =======      =======
</TABLE>

                                      F-12
<PAGE>


         As of December 31,  1995,  the Company has an  alternative  minimum tax
(AMT) credit carryforward of approximately  $958,000 which can be used to offset
regular  Federal  income taxes  payable in future  years.  The AMT credit has an
indefinite carryforward period.

         In  connection  with the exercise of  non-qualified  stock  options and
common stock  purchase  warrants by employees  during 1995 and 1994, the Company
received $1,900,000 and $1,879,000,  respectively, in Federal income tax savings
which has been reflected as a credit to additional paid-in capital.

NOTE C--DEBT
- ------------

         The following is a summary of the  Company's  debt at December 31, 1995
and 1994 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               December 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                          1995             1994
                                                         -------         -------
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>    
Senior notes                                             $52,500         $    --
Subordinated debentures                                    1,989           3,523
Borrowings under line of credit                               --           5,085
Term loans                                                 3,071           3,231
                                                         -------         -------
                                                         $57,560         $11,839
                                                         =======         =======
</TABLE>

         Senior  Notes:  On December 28, 1995,  the Company  completed a private
placement of three series of unsecured  Senior Notes totaling  $75,000,000.  The
Company  contemporaneously  issued its Series A Notes and Series B Notes,  which
total  $52,500,000  and bear  interest at the fixed rate of 7.17%.  The Series A
Notes mature on December  30, 2001,  and require  annual  principal  payments of
$8,333,000  beginning  December 30, 1999.  The Series B Notes mature on December
30, 2002, and require annual principal payments of $5,500,000 beginning December
30, 1998.  The Series C Notes were not issued at December 31, 1995.  Interest on
the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on June 30 and December 30.

         Subordinated   Debentures:   The  Company's  convertible   subordinated
debentures  due March 31,  2002,  carry an interest  rate of 9% and a conversion
price of $9.28 per share. During the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994, the
Company issued 165,296 and 1,006,667,  respectively, shares of common stock upon
conversion and exchange of $1,534,000 and  $9,342,000,  respectively,  principal
amount of debentures,  leaving  $1,989,000  outstanding as of December 31, 1995.
Subsequent  to December 31, 1995,  all  remaining  outstanding  debentures  were
converted into approximately 214,000 shares of common stock.

         Term Loans: On July 15, 1993, a wholly-owned  subsidiary of the Company
obtained a $4,300,000, five year term loan bearing interest at the rate of 7.61%
for the purchase of a telemetry  seismic data  acquisition  system and auxiliary
equipment. The debt is secured by such equipment. Monthly principal and interest
payments total approximately $86,000.

         During  1995,  the  Company  and one of its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries
obtained two separate three year term loans totaling  $716,000,  which both bear
interest  at the rate of  8.413%,  for the  purchase  of  certain  property  and
equipment. The debt is secured by such equipment. Monthly principal and interest
payments total approximately $22,000.

         Certain of the borrowings  described  above contain  requirements as to
the maintenance of minimum net worth and limitations on liens,  total debt, debt
issuance and disposition of assets.

         Aggregate maturities of the Company's debt over the next five years are
as follows:  $1,103,000  in 1996;  $1,193,000 in 1997;  $6,275,000 in 1998;  and
$13,833,000 in 1999; and $13,833,000 in 2000.  Aggregate  maturities reflect the
conversion of the convertible debentures.

                                      F-13

<PAGE>


NOTE D--LEASE OBLIGATIONS
- -------------------------

         Property and equipment in the accompanying  consolidated balance sheets
includes the following assets held under capital leases (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              December 31,
                                                       ------------------------
                                                         1995            1994
                                                       -------          -------
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>    
Geophysical equipment                                  $ 5,298          $ 5,315
Furniture, fixtures and other                              324              324
                                                       -------          -------
Assets under capital lease                               5,622            5,639
Accumulated amortization                                (1,641)            (509)
                                                       -------          -------
Assets under capital lease, net                        $ 3,981          $ 5,130
                                                       =======          =======

</TABLE>
     The Company also leases office space under operating leases. Rental expense
for 1995,  1994 and 1993 was  approximately  $571,000,  $473,000  and  $418,000,
respectively.

     Future minimum lease payments for the five years subsequent to December 31,
1995 and in the aggregate are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Capital     Operating
                                                           Leases       Leases
                                                           ------       ------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>   
1996                                                       $1,455       $  478
1997                                                        1,186          430
1998                                                          943          450
1999                                                          442          340
2000                                                         --             54
                                                           ------       ------
Total minimum lease payments                                4,026       $1,752
                                                                        ======
Less amount representing interest                            (303)
                                                           ------
Present value of net minimum
  lease payments                                           $3,723
                                                           ======
</TABLE>
                                      F-14
<PAGE>

NOTE E--CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
- -------------------------------------

         At December 31, 1995 and 1994, $279,000 and $284,000,  respectively, of
charges for seismic  surveys  which are payable to joint  venture  partners only
from the collection of sales proceeds from those seismic surveys are included in
contingent payables.

         On July 21, 1992, the Company's Board of Directors  approved payment of
a one-time  $2,500,000  bonus to be divided  among five key  employees  upon the
event of the market price of the Company's  stock  maintaining  or exceeding $20
per share for at least 90  consecutive  days  (the  "Target  Date" ) at any time
before July 21, 1997. The Target Date was achieved in June 1994. The bonus vests
equally  over  the 12  quarters  following  the  Target  Date,  contingent  upon
continued  full-time  employment,  except in the event of death or disability in
which case the  balance of the bonus will be due and  payable  immediately.  The
bonus expense will be recognized  over the vesting  period.  For the years ended
December 31, 1995 and 1994, $833,000 and $625,000,  respectively, was charged to
expense  for  this  bonus.  Interest,  at the  prevailing  prime  rate,  is paid
quarterly on the total outstanding bonus. As of December 31, 1995, $1,042,000 of
the bonus payment remains unpaid.

         On January  27,  1995,  the  Company's  Board of  Directors  approved a
shareholder   value  incentive  bonus  under  which  a  cash  bonus  aggregating
$4,000,000  would be paid to all  salaried  employees if the market price of the
Company's stock reaches $60 per share on or before April 30, 1998, and maintains
that price for at least 90 consecutive  days.  This bonus would be shared by all
salaried  employees on a basis  proportionate to their  respective  compensation
ranking  in the  Company,  and it  would  vest  and be  paid  out in  escalating
quarterly installments over a three-year period, subject to continued employment
with the Company. As of March 28, 1996, the market price of the Company's common
stock was $27.50 per share.

                                      F-15


<PAGE>


NOTE F--STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS
- ----------------------------------

         On July 7, 1984, the Company's Board of Directors  adopted an Incentive
Stock Option Plan and a  Non-Qualified  Stock  Option  Plan.  As of December 31,
1995,  115,600 shares have been reserved for issuance under the Incentive  Stock
Option Plan and 270,900 shares have been reserved under the Non-Qualified  Stock
Option Plan, of which all options have been issued under both original plans. On
July 28, 1993, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the 1993 Incentive Stock
Option Plan and on July 18, 1995, approved an amendment to that plan to increase
the number of shares issuable under the option plan by 405,000 to 700,000. As of
December  31,  1995,  582,166  options  have been issued  under the plan.  As of
December 31, 1995,  all options  issued under these plans have been issued at or
above the market price of the Company's  common stock as of the date of issuance
and have a term of ten years. On June 17, 1994, the Company's Board of Directors
adopted the  Non-Employee  Directors  Stock  Option Plan which  reserves  75,000
shares for issuance. As of December 31, 1995, 17,000 options have been issued at
the market  price of the  Company's  common stock as of the date of issuance and
have a term of five years. The following  summarizes  information with regard to
the stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 1995,  1994 and 1993 (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Number of Shares 
                                                               Under Option
                                                        ------------------------
                                                        Year Ended December 31,
                                                        ------------------------
                                                         1995     1994     1993
                                                        ------   ------   ------
<S>                                                       <C>      <C>      <C>
Outstanding at beginning of year                          356      288      146
Granted ($6.88 to $40.00 per share)                       337      112      153
Surrendered ($5.57 to $14.75 per share)                    (1)      (1)      --
Exercised ($1.22 to $20.25 per share)                     (52)     (43)     (11)
                                                        -----    -----    -----
Outstanding at end of year                                640      356      288
                                                        =====    =====    =====

Exercisable at end of year                                186      136      124
                                                        =====    =====    =====
</TABLE>

         At December 31, 1995,  outstanding  warrants to purchase the  Company's
common stock were as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Number of      Range of      Expiration
                                          Shares     Exercise Prices      Date
                                         ---------   ---------------  ----------
<S>                                        <C>       <C>                <C> 
Issued to employees and directors           31       $    11.25          2/27/97
Issued to employees and directors          526        13.19 - 32.00     12/10/97
Issued to employees and directors          562        24.00 - 32.00      4/11/99
Issued to employees and directors           19            30.13           5/4/99
Issued to employees and directors          526        13.05 - 32.00     12/10/00
Issued to an employee                       10             5.38          7/21/02
Issued to underwriters in connection
  with 9% convertible
  subordinated debentures                   20             9.28          3/26/97
Issued in debenture exchange                96            29.92         11/28/97
</TABLE>
                                      F-16
<PAGE>

         In October  1995,  the FASB  issued  SFAS No.  123, a new  standard  on
accounting for stock based  compensation.  SFAS No. 123 encourages  companies to
account  for  stock-based  compensation  awards  based on the fair  value of the
awards at the date they are granted.  The resulting  compensation  cost would be
shown as an expense in the  statement  of  income.  Companies  can choose not to
apply  the new  accounting  method  and  continue  to apply  current  accounting
requirements;  however,  disclosure  will be  required as to what net income and
earnings per share would have been had the new accounting  method been followed.
Adoption of the standard is required in 1996, although earlier implementation is
permitted.  The  Company  does not intend to adopt  SFAS No. 123 for  accounting
purposes;  however,  it will make  annual pro forma  disclosures  of its effects
commencing in 1996.

NOTE G--COMMON STOCK
- --------------------

         The  Company  filed a  registration  statement  on Form S-3 (the "Shelf
Registration  Statement") in June 1994 to offer from time to time in one or more
series (i) unsecured debt securities, which may be senior or subordinated,  (ii)
preferred  stock,  par value $0.01 per share,  and (iii) common stock, par value
$.01 per share,  or any  combination of the foregoing,  at an aggregate  initial
offering price not to exceed $75,000,000.  The Shelf Registration  Statement was
declared  effective by the Securities and Exchange  Commission on June 30, 1994.
In August 1994, the Company  completed a public offering of 1,061,200  shares of
its common  stock  priced at $32 per share  pursuant  to the Shelf  Registration
Statement. The net proceeds from the offering (after underwriting commission and
offering  expenses) totaled  $31,917,000.  After this sale of common stock at an
initial  aggregate  offering  price  of  $33,958,400,   the  Company  may  offer
additional  securities  in the future for up to an  aggregate  initial  offering
price of $41,041,600 pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

         On July 21,  1992,  the  Company  granted ten year loans at an interest
rate of 4% to most of its employees for purchases of the Company's  common stock
at the then  market  price of $5.375 per share.  The  Company  recorded  related
compensation  expense  of  $56,000,  $64,000  and  $79,000  for the years  ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993,  respectively.  Payments of 5% of the original
principal  balance  plus  accrued  interest  are due  annually  August 1, with a
balloon  payment of the remaining  principal and accrued  interest due August 1,
2002.  During  1995 and  1994,  the  Company  received  $156,000  and  $488,000,
respectively,  as principal  payments on these notes.  During 1993,  the Company
received $107,000 and 414 shares of its common stock with a then market value of
$4,000 as principal  payments on these notes. The stock certificates are held by
the Company as collateral until payment is received.

NOTE H--PREFERRED STOCK
- -----------------------

         The Company is authorized by its Amended  Certificate of  Incorporation
to issue  5,000,000  shares of preferred  stock,  the terms and conditions to be
determined by the Board of Directors in creating any  particular  series.  As of
December 31, 1995, no preferred stock had been issued.
                                      F-17
<PAGE>

NOTE I--RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
- ----------------------------------

         The Company owed Helm Resources,  Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Helm"), a
company that has three  executive  officers  that are  directors of the Company,
$51,000 and $11,000 as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, for sales of
seismic  data they  jointly own and for  expenses  paid by Helm on behalf of the
Company. The Company incurred charges of $78,000,  $84,000 and $84,000 for these
expenses  during 1995,  1994 and 1993,  respectively.  Management  believes that
these  expenses,  which were  specifically  related to the  Company's  business,
represented  costs which would have been  incurred,  in the same amount,  by the
Company  if such  services  that were  performed  by Helm were  performed  by an
unaffiliated entity.

         Certain  employees  and  directors of the Company  contributed  cash to
partnerships in 1995 and 1994 which invest in the exploration and development of
oil and gas properties on a working  interest basis along with DDD Energy,  Inc.
Each  partnership's  working interest amounts to 5% of the total investment made
by such partnership and DDD Energy,  Inc. Each  partnership  invests in projects
and prospects  undertaken by DDD Energy,  Inc. in the year such  partnership  is
formed and all subsequent development of those projects and prospects. The terms
of each  partnership  require  the  participants  to  contribute  their share of
required capital  contributions at the beginning of the year and any future cash
calls, as required.  All  transactions  between the partnerships and DDD Energy,
Inc. are at arms length.

NOTE J--MAJOR CUSTOMERS
- -----------------------

         No  customers  accounted  for 10% or more of revenues  during the years
1995, 1994 or 1993.

         The  Company  extends  credit to various  companies  in the oil and gas
industry  for  the  purchase  of  their  seismic   data,   which  results  in  a
concentration of credit risk. This  concentration of credit risk may be affected
by  changes in  economic  or other  conditions  and may  accordingly  impact the
Company's  overall credit risk.  However,  management  believes that the risk is
mitigated  by  the  number,  size,  reputation  and  diversified  nature  of the
companies to which they extend  credit.  Historical  credit  losses  incurred on
receivables by the Company have been immaterial.

NOTE K--PROFIT-SHARING PLAN
- ---------------------------

         The  Company  has  an  Incentive  Compensation  Agreement  for  certain
employees under which annual contributions,  ranging from 2.5% to 5% of revenues
generated on certain seismic programs,  are required.  Contributions amounted to
$263,000, $652,000 and $404,000, for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

NOTE L--DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
- -------------------------------

         On March 22, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors unanimously adopted
a plan of  disposal to  discontinue  the  Company's  gas  marketing  operations.
Accordingly,  the Company's consolidated financial statements have been restated
to reflect the discontinued operations.

         The method of disposal of the gas marketing operations shall be to sell
and assign or otherwise  transfer in an orderly  fashion all contracts to supply
natural  gas to the  Company's  customers  along with the related gas supply and
transportation contracts to one or more purchasers or transferees.  In the event
that  the  Company  has not been  able to sell or  otherwise  transfer  all such
contracts  within a  reasonable  period  of time,  the  Company  shall  commence
negotiations  to  terminate  the  remaining   contracts.   Pending  disposal  or
termination  of the  contracts,  the  Company  plans to  continue  to honor  its
obligations under the contracts, and may enter into additional contracts for gas
supply  and  transportation  required  to  honor  existing  customer  contracts;
however, the Company will not enter into any new customer contracts. Disposal of
all of the contracts is expected to be completed within one year.
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
         The loss from discontinued  operations amounted to $1,196,000,  $52,000
and $99,000 for the three years ended  December 31,  1995,  net of an income tax
benefit of $703,000  for 1995,  $30,000 for 1994 and $57,000 for 1993.  The loss
from discontinued  operations in 1995 includes an estimated $2.1 million pre-tax
loss  related to future  contractual  commitments.  At December  31,  1995,  the
Company  had fixed  price gas sales  contracts  which were  generally  below the
estimated  market  price at which the  Company  could  purchase  gas  supply and
transportation.  Current  market pricing models were used to estimate the market
price at which the Company could purchase gas supply and  transportation  in the
future, and actual prices may differ from these estimates.  Estimated effects of
changes in market prices and the actual settlement costs of these contracts will
be  recognized  as net  gains or  losses  in  income  (loss)  from  discontinued
operations until disposal or termination of the Company's contracts. The loss on
disposal  of  discontinued  operations  recorded  as of December  31,  1995,  is
estimated to be $252,000, net of an income tax benefit of $148,000, and includes
costs such as severance  benefits and estimated  personnel  costs to continue to
honor  the  Company's   obligations  until  the  contracts  are  transferred  or
terminated.

         Revenue from the discontinued operations was $13,116,000 and $2,864,000
for the years  ended  December  31,  1995 and 1994,  respectively.  There was no
revenue  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  1993.  The  net   liabilities  of
discontinued  operations  at December  31, 1995,  consist  primarily of accounts
payable  and  accrued  liabilities  offset by trade  receivables  and income tax
benefits.

NOTE M--EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT
- ------------------------------------

         In October  1994,  the  Company  called for  redemption  of its 12-1/2%
subordinated  debentures  due 1999  totaling  $3,725,000,  which  was  funded by
proceeds  from the public  offering of common  stock in 1994.  As a result,  the
Company  recorded a charge of  $304,000,  net of a $163,000  income tax benefit,
associated  with  the  early  extinguishment  of  indebtedness,  which  has been
reflected  in  the  Company's   consolidated   statement  of  operations  as  an
extraordinary  item for the year ended December 31, 1994.  This charge  includes
the write-off of unamortized bond discount totaling $176,000.


                                      F-19
<PAGE>
NOTE N--SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
- ------------------------------------------

     Significant non-cash investing and financing activities are as follows:

     1.   During  1995 and 1994,  the  Company  issued  165,296  and  1,006,667,
          respectively,  shares of its  common  stock  upon the  conversion  and
          exchange  of  $1,534,000  and  $9,342,000,  respectively,  of  its  9%
          convertible   subordinated   debentures.   In  connection  with  these
          conversions  and  exchanges,  unamortized  bond issue  costs  totaling
          $98,000 and  $626,000  during 1995 and 1994,  respectively,  have been
          charged to additional paid-in capital.

     2.   During 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company  licensed  seismic data valued
          at $1,534,000,  $3,162,000 and $3,768,000,  respectively,  in exchange
          for the purchase of property and equipment, oil and gas properties and
          seismic data for its library.

     3.   During 1995 and 1994,  capital lease obligations  totaling $10,000 and
          $5,639,000,  respectively, were incurred when the Company entered into
          leases for property and equipment.

     4.   During 1995, the Company  acquired  $330,000 of property and equipment
          by incurring a directly related term loan.

                                      F-20
<PAGE>


NOTE O--INDUSTRY SEGMENTS
- -------------------------

         Financial  information by industry segment for the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1994 was as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Exploration        Corporate
                                                        and                and         Consolidating
                                        Seismic      Production           Other         Eliminations   Consolidated
                                       ----------    ----------        -----------        ----------    ---------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>               <C>               <C>            <C>     
1995
- ----
Unaffiliated revenue                    $ 69,598      $  4,806          $      35         $     --       $ 74,439
Intersegment revenue (a)<F1>              10,877            --                 --          (10,877)            --
                                        --------      --------          ---------         --------       --------
    Total revenue                       $ 80,475      $  4,806          $      35         $(10,877)      $ 74,439
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

Depreciation, depletion
    and amortization                    $ 24,384      $  1,625          $     863         $     --       $ 26,872
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

Operating income (loss)                 $ 25,465      $    838          $  (4,840)        $ (2,360)      $ 19,103
Interest expense, net                         --            --             (3,078)              --         (3,078)
                                        --------      --------          ---------         --------       --------
Income from continuing
    operations before
    income taxes                        $ 25,465      $    838          $  (7,918)        $ (2,360)      $ 16,025
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

Identifiable assets                     $164,886      $ 46,092          $   9,466         $(10,877)      $209,567
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

Capital expenditures                    $ 34,137      $ 23,075          $     985         $     --       $ 58,197
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

1994
- ----
Unaffiliated revenue                    $ 69,579      $  1,204          $     119         $     --       $ 70,902
Intersegment revenue(a)<F1>                9,755            --                 --           (9,755)            --
                                        --------      --------          ---------         --------       --------
    Total revenue                       $ 79,334      $  1,204          $     119         $ (9,755)      $ 70,902
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

Depreciation, depletion
    and amortization                    $ 25,777      $    296          $   1,108         $     --       $ 27,181
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

Operating income (loss)                 $ 19,797      $    229          $      (6)        $ (1,470)      $ 18,550
Interest expense, net                         --            --             (3,198)              --         (3,198)
                                        --------      --------          ---------         --------       --------
Income from continuing
    operations before
    income taxes and
    extraordinary item                  $ 19,797      $    229          $  (3,204)        $ (1,470)      $ 15,352
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

Identifiable assets                     $151,614      $ 22,164          $   2,746(b)<F2>  $ (9,755)      $166,769
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========

Capital expenditures                    $ 69,095      $ 16,874          $     134         $     --       $ 86,103
                                        ========      ========          =========         ========       ========


<FN>
<F1> (a) Intersegment sales are made at prices comparable to those received from
         unaffiliated customers.

<F2> (b) Includes net assets of discontinued operations of $529,000.

</FN>
</TABLE>
                                      F-21
<PAGE>

         For the year ended December 31, 1993, seismic operations  accounted for
in excess of 90% of the Company's  revenue,  operating  profit and  identifiable
assets. Accordingly, no industry segment information has been presented.

NOTE P--QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

         The  following  is a summary  of the  unaudited  quarterly  results  of
operations for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994.  Certain amounts have
been restated to reflect the effect of the discontinued operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     Quarter Ended
                                                     -------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)             March 31    June 30    Sept. 30     Dec. 31
                                                     --------    -------    --------     -------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>    
1995
- ----
Revenue                                              $16,608     $22,143     $17,873     $17,815
Gross profit                                           9,338      10,808       8,289       7,456
Provision for income taxes                             1,637       1,891       1,226       1,144
Income from continuing operations                      2,787       3,221       2,088       2,031
Net income                                             2,974       3,341       2,182         182
Earnings per share:
 - Primary:
     Income from continuing operations                   .29         .33         .21         .20
     Income (loss) from discontinued
       operations                                        .02         .01         .01        (.16)
     Loss on disposal of discontinued
       operations                                          -           -           -        (.02)
     Net Income                                          .31         .34         .22         .02

 - Assuming full dilution:
     Income from continuing operations                   .27         .32         .21         .20
     Income (loss) from discontinued
       operations                                        .02         .01         .01        (.16)
     Loss on disposal of discontinued
       operations                                          -           -           -        (.02)
     Net Income                                          .29         .33         .22         .02

1994
- ----
Revenue                                              $12,556     $16,005     $18,466     $23,875
Gross profit                                           6,152       8,106       7,630      12,442
Provision for income taxes                               913       1,240       1,086       2,442
Income from continuing operations
    before extraordinary item                          1,695       2,303       2,016       3,657
Net income                                             1,647       2,203       1,768       3,697
Earnings per share:
 - Primary:
     Income from continuing operations
       before extraordinary item                         .26         .31         .24         .41
     Income (loss) from discontinued
       operations                                       (.01)       (.01)        .01           -
     Extraordinary item                                    -           -        (.04)          -
     Net income                                          .25         .30         .21         .41
 - Assuming full dilution:
     Income from continuing operations
       before extraordinary item                         .23         .28         .22         .38
     Income (loss) from discontinued
       operations                                       (.01)       (.01)        .01           -
     Extraordinary item                                    -           -        (.03)          -
     Net income                                          .22         .27         .20         .38

</TABLE>

                                      F-22
<PAGE>


NOTE Q--SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

     The following  information  concerning the Company's oil and gas operations
is made in accordance with SFAS No. 69, "Disclosures About Oil and Gas Producing
Activities."

     Oil and Gas Reserves:  Proved reserves  represent  estimated  quantities of
crude oil,  condensate,  natural gas and natural gas liquids that geological and
engineering data demonstrate,  with reasonable  certainty,  to be recoverable in
future  years from known  reservoirs  under  economic and  operating  conditions
existing at the time the  estimates  were made.  Proved  developed  reserves are
proved  reserves  expected to be recovered  through wells and equipment in place
and under operating methods being utilized at the time the estimates were made.

     The  following  table sets forth  estimates  of proved  reserves and proved
developed  reserves of crude oil (including  condensate and natural gas liquids)
and  natural  gas  attributable  to  the  Company's  interest  in  oil  and  gas
properties.  All reserve estimates  presented herein were prepared by Forrest A.
Garb & Associates,  Inc., independent petroleum reserve engineers.  It should be
noted  that  these  reserve  quantities  are  estimates  and may be  subject  to
substantial  upward or downward  revisions.  The estimates are based on the most
current and reliable  information  available;  however,  additional  information
obtained through future production and experience and additional  development of
existing  reservoirs  may  significantly  alter  previous  estimates  of  proved
reserves.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        Oil             Gas
                                                       (Mbbl)          (MMcf)
                                                     -------          -------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>                                          
Proved reserves at December 31, 1992                       -                -
    Purchases of reserves in place                       169            1,007
    Extensions and discoveries                            56               87
    Production                                           (27)             (97)
                                                     -------          -------
Proved reserves at December 31, 1993                     198              997
    Revisions of previous estimates                      (25)             520
    Extensions and discoveries                         1,355           14,128
    Production                                           (54)            (268)
                                                     -------          -------
Proved reserves at December 31, 1994                   1,474           15,377
    Revisions of previous estimates                     (964)          (9,075)
    Purchases of reserves in place                       782            1,851
    Extensions and discoveries                           413            7,028
    Production                                          (193)          (1,170)
                                                     -------          -------
Proved reserves at December 31, 1995                   1,512           14,011
                                                     =======          =======
Proved developed reserves -
  December 31, 1993                                      168              974
                                                     =======          =======
  December 31, 1994                                      487            7,315
                                                     =======          =======
  December 31, 1995                                    1,178           10,219
                                                     =======          =======
</TABLE>

     In addition  to the proved  reserves  disclosed  above,  the Company  owned
proved sulfur  reserves of 239,000 long tons,  261,000 long tons and 70,000 long
tons at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
                                      F-23
<PAGE>

     Capitalized  Costs of Oil and Gas  Properties:  As of December 31, 1995 and
1994, the Company's  capitalized costs of oil and gas properties were as follows
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            December 31,
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                       1995              1994
                                                   --------           ---------
<S>                                                <C>                <C>      
Unproved properties                                $ 20,862           $  13,748
Proved properties                                    23,822               8,276
                                                   --------           ---------
Total capital costs                                  44,684              22,024
Less:  Accumulated depreciation,
  depletion and amortization                         (2,260)               (635)
                                                   --------           ---------
Net capitalized costs                              $ 42,424           $  21,389
                                                   ========           =========
</TABLE>

                                      F-24
<PAGE>


         Of the total costs  excluded from the  amortization  calculation  as of
December 31, 1995,  $12,321,000  were  incurred  during  1995,  $6,594,000  were
incurred  during 1994 and  $1,947,000  were  incurred  during 1993.  The Company
cannot accurately  predict when these costs will be included in the amortization
base,  but it is expected  that these costs will be  evaluated in the next three
years.

         Costs  Incurred in Oil and Gas  Activities:  The  following  table sets
forth the  Company's  costs  incurred for oil and gas  activities  for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                             1995           1994           1993
                                           -------        -------        -------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>    
Acquisition of properties:
  Proved                                   $ 3,643        $    --        $ 1,715
  Unproved                                   5,549          3,676          2,640
Exploration costs                           11,963         10,853            463
Development costs                            1,505          2,345            332
                                           -------        -------        -------
Total costs incurred                       $22,660        $16,874        $ 5,150
                                           =======        =======        =======
</TABLE>


         Results  of  Operations  for  Oil  and Gas  Producing  Activities:  The
following  table sets forth the results of operations  for oil and gas producing
activities for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                  1995        1994        1993
                                                -------     -------     -------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>         <C>    
Revenue                                         $ 4,482     $ 1,137     $   508
Production costs                                 (1,553)       (316)       (113)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization         (1,625)       (296)       (339)
                                                -------     -------     -------
Income before income taxes                        1,304         525          56
Income tax expense                                 (456)       (179)        (19)
                                                -------     -------     -------
Results of operations                           $   848     $   346     $    37
                                                =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>

         In addition to the revenues and production  costs disclosed  above, the
Company had revenues from sulfur sales and related  production costs of $324,000
and $19,000,  respectively,  for the year ended  December 31, 1995,  $67,000 and
$24,000,  respectively  for the year ended  December 31, 1994,  and $113,000 and
$10,000, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1993.

         Standardized  Measure of Discounted  Future Net Cash Flows  Relating to
Proved Oil and Gas  Reserves:  The following  table sets forth the  standardized
measure of the discounted  future net cash flows  attributable  to the Company's
proved oil and gas reserves as  prescribed  by SFAS No. 69.  Future cash inflows
were computed by applying year-end prices of oil and gas to the estimated future
production of proved oil and gas reserves.  Future prices actually  received may
differ from the estimates in the standardized measure.

                                      F-25
<PAGE>

         Future  production and development costs represent the estimated future
expenditures (based on current costs) to be incurred in developing and producing
the proved  reserves,  assuming  continuation of existing  economic  conditions.
Future income tax expenses were computed by applying  statutory income tax rates
to the  difference  between  pre-tax net cash flows  relating  to the  Company's
proved oil and gas reserves and the tax basis of proved oil and gas  properties,
adjusted for tax credits and  allowances.  The  resulting  annual net cash flows
were then  discounted to present  value amounts by applying a 10 percent  annual
discount factor.

         Although  the  information  presented  is based on the  Company's  best
estimates of the required  data, the methods and  assumptions  used in preparing
the data were those  prescribed  by the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board
("FASB"). Although not market sensitive, they were specified in order to achieve
uniformity in  assumptions  and to provide for the use of  reasonably  objective
data. It is important to note here that this  information is neither fair market
value nor the present value of future cash flows and it does not reflect changes
in oil and gas prices experienced since the respective year end. It is primarily
a tool designed by the FASB to allow for a reasonable  comparison of oil and gas
reserves  and  changes  therein  through  the  use  of  a  standardized  method.
Accordingly,  the Company  cautions  that this data should not be used for other
than its intended purpose.

         Management  does not rely  upon the  following  information  in  making
investment and operating decisions.  The Company, along with its partners,  base
such decisions upon a wide range of factors,  including estimates of probable as
well as proved reserves,  and varying price and cost assumptions considered more
representative  of  a  range  of  possible  economic   conditions  that  may  be
anticipated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     (in thousands)
                                                       December 31,
                                         --------------------------------------
                                            1995           1994          1993
                                         ---------      ---------     ---------
<S>                                      <C>            <C>           <C>      
Future gross revenue                     $  43,724      $  35,910     $   3,182
Future production costs                     (8,951)        (7,100)       (1,036)
Future development costs                    (3,393)        (6,998)         (267)
Future income taxes                         (9,266)        (6,024)         (299)
                                         ---------      ---------     ---------
Future net cash flows                       22,114         15,788         1,580

10 percent annual discount for
  estimated timing of cash flows            (6,056)        (4,958)         (289)
                                         ---------      ---------     ---------
                                                                     

Standardized measure of discounted
  future net cash flows                  $  16,058       $ 10,830     $   1,291
                                         =========       ========     =========

</TABLE>

         The above table  excludes  future net cash flows before income taxes of
$5,061,000,  $3,884,000 and  $1,038,000,  and  discounted  future net cash flows
before income taxes of $3,926,000,  $2,939,000 and $804,000,  as of December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, related to proved sulfur reserves.

                                      F-26
<PAGE>

         The following are the principal  sources of changes in the standardized
measure of  discounted  future net cash flows for the years ended  December  31,
1995, 1994 and 1993 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                  1995               1994               1993
                                                                --------           --------           --------
<S>                                                             <C>                <C>                <C>    
Standardized measure, beginning of year                         $ 10,830           $  1,291           $     --
Extensions and discoveries, net of related costs                  13,714             14,344                536
Sales of oil and gas produced, net of production costs            (2,929)              (821)              (395)
Net changes in prices and production costs                            77               (276)                --
Change in future development costs                                 4,010                 74                 --
Development costs incurred during the period
    that reduced future development costs                            421                 --                 --
Revision of previous quantity estimates                          (12,192)               201                 --
Purchases of reserves in place                                     5,583                 --              1,400
Accretion of discount                                              1,525                154                 --
Net change in income taxes                                        (2,583)            (4,174)              (250)
Change in production rates and other                              (2,398)                37                 --
                                                                --------           --------           --------
Standardized measure, end of year                               $ 16,058           $ 10,830           $  1,291
                                                                ========           ========           ========

</TABLE>

                                      F-27

<PAGE>



                                     EXHIBIT
                                      INDEX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          
Exhibit                        Title                                      
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10.34    Termination and Release Agreement dated as                       
               of December 28, 1995, between the 
               Company and various of its subsidiaries 
               and Bank One, Texas, National Association 
               and Compass Bank-Houston

10.39    Loan Modification Agreement and Amendment                        
               to Loan Documents effective 
               December 28, 1995, between Seitel 
               Geophysical, Inc.(Company's wholly-owned 
               subsidiary) and Compass Bank

10.46    Termination and Release Agreement dated as                        
               of December 28, 1995, between DDD Energy, 
               Inc. (Company's wholly-owned subsidiary) 
               and Bank One, Texas, National Association 
               and Compass Bank-Houston

10.52    Note Purchase Agreement dated as of                              
               December 28, 1995, between the Company 
               and the Series A Purchasers, the Series B 
               Purchasers and the Series C Purchasers

21.1     Subsidiaries of the Registrant                                    

23.1     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP                                    

23.2     Consent of Forrest A. Garb & Associates                            


                                                                   Exhibit 10.34
                       
                        TERMINATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT


     This Termination and Release Agreement  ("Agreement") is made this 28th day
of  December,  1995,  by  and  between  Seitel,  Inc.,  a  Delaware  corporation
("Seitel"),  Seitel Geophysical,  Inc., a Delaware corporation  ("SGI"),  Exsol,
Inc.,  a  Delaware  corporation   ("Exsol"),   Seitel  Data  Corp.,  a  Delaware
corporation  ("SDC"),  and Seitel Offshore Corp., a Delaware corporation ("SOC,"
and  collectively  with Seitel,  SGI, Exsol,  and SDC, the "Borrowers") and Bank
One,  Texas,  National  Association  ("Bank  One")  and  Compass  Bank - Houston
("Compass," and collectively with Bank One, "Lenders").

     WHEREAS,  Lenders loaned certain sums to Borrowers (the "Loan") pursuant to
that certain Restated  Revolving Credit and Security  Agreement (the "Credit and
Security  Agreement")  between  Borrowers  and  Lenders  dated  effective  as of
December 31, 1994, and those certain  promissory  notes of even date  therewith,
each in the original  principal amount of $12,500,000,  payable to Bank One (the
"Bank One Note") and to Compass (the "Compass Note", and  collectively  with the
Bank One Note, the "Notes");

     WHEREAS, SOC pledged certain joint venture interests to Lenders as security
for the  Loan  pursuant  to  that  certain  Security  Agreement  (Joint  Venture
Interest)  dated  effective May 19, 1994 between SOC and Lenders,  as amended by
that certain  Amendment to Security  Agreement  (Joint Venture  Interest)  dated
effective December 31, 1995 between SOC and Lenders (the "Joint Venture Security
Agreement");

     WHEREAS,  Seitel,  SGI and SDC  pledged  certain  shares  of stock of their
subsidiaries  to Lenders as security for the Loan  pursuant to the terms of that
certain Pledge Agreement dated effective  February 28, 1994,  between Seitel and
Lenders,  as  amended  by that  certain  Amendment  to  Pledge  Agreement  dated
effective December 31, 1995 among Seitel, SGI, SDC, and Lenders (the "Pledge");

     WHEREAS,  Borrowers  desire  to repay all  indebtedness  under the Loan and
terminate  the Credit and  Security  Agreement,  and the Notes are hereby  being
repaid in full by Borrowers; and

     WHEREAS,  Borrowers  and  Lenders  enter into this  Agreement  to  evidence
receipt of payment in full of the Notes,  termination of the Credit and Security
Agreement  and all  rights of  Borrowers  to  borrow  from  Lenders  thereunder,
termination  of the various other  security  documents  securing  payment of the
Notes, and release of all security  interests of Lenders  securing  repayment of
the Loan.

     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

     1. Payment. Lenders hereby acknowledge receipt of the sum of $19,215,689.45
as payment  in full of all  outstanding  principal  and  interest  due under the
Notes,  and  contemporaneously  with the  execution  hereof,  have  returned the
original Notes marked "Paid In Full" to Borrowers.
<PAGE>

     2.  Termination  of Credit and Security  Agreement.  Borrowers  and Lenders
hereby terminate the Credit and Security Agreement. Borrowers and Lenders hereby
acknowledge  and agree that  Borrowers  shall  have no further  rights to borrow
funds  under the  Credit  and  Security  Agreement,  and shall  have no  further
liabilities to pay any amounts to Lenders thereunder.

     3.  Release of Security  Interests  under  Credit and  Security  Agreement.
Lenders hereby release all security interests in any and all Collateral (as such
term is defined in the Credit and  Security  Agreement)  granted in or otherwise
arising under the Credit and Security  Agreement or otherwise securing the Loan.
Nothing  herein  shall be deemed to affect in any  manner  the rights of Compass
Bank (formerly Central Bank of the South) ("Compass Alabama") under that certain
Term Credit and Security  Agreement  dated July 15, 1993 between Compass Alabama
and SGI, the Term Note in the original  principle  amount of  $4,300,000 of even
date  therewith  made by SGI  payable  to the order of Compass  Alabama,  or the
Continuing  Guaranty of even date therewith made by Seitel to Compass Alabama to
secure the payment obligations of SGI thereunder.

     4. Termination of Joint Venture Security Agreement.  Lenders hereby release
the  security  interests in the joint  venture  interests  and other  collateral
granted in or otherwise arising under the Joint Venture Security Agreement,  and
terminate the Joint Venture Security Agreement.

     5. Termination of Pledge.  Lenders hereby release the security interests in
the stock and other collateral granted in or otherwise arising under the Pledge,
and  terminate  the Pledge.  Lenders  shall  promptly  return to  Borrowers  all
original  share  certificates  delivered to Lenders  under the Pledge,  or shall
deliver lost share certificate  affidavits reasonably  satisfactory to Borrowers
for  any  such  certificates  as  Lenders  may  have  lost or as may  have  been
destroyed.

     6. UCC-3s.  Lenders  have,  contemporaneously  with the  execution  hereof,
executed, and as soon as practicable,  will cause to be filed with the Secretary
of State of the  State of Texas  and all  other  jurisdictions  where  financing
statements may have been filed in connection  with the Loan,  UCC-3  Termination
Statements   terminating  the  UCC-1  Financing   Statements   filed  with  such
jurisdictions  in connection  with the Loan and the various  security  documents
relating thereto.

     7. Payment of Expenses.  Notwithstanding  anything  herein to the contrary,
Borrowers  shall pay Lenders'  reasonable  legal fees and  expenses  incurred in
connection this Agreement and the releases contemplated hereunder, including any
expenses arising under Section 8 hereof.

     8. Further Assurances.  The parties hereto agree to perform such other acts
and deliver such other  documents as may be reasonably  necessary in the opinion
of the parties to further  effect and evidence  the  releases  and  terminations
provided for herein.

     9. Choice of Law.  This  Agreement  shall be governed by and  construed  in
accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
<PAGE>

     EXECUTED as of the date first above written.

                      BANK ONE, TEXAS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                        BY:  /s/ Gary L. Stone
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             NAME: Gary L. Stone
                                             TITLE: Senior Vice President




                                        COMPASS BANK - HOUSTON


                                        BY:  /s/ Kathleen J. Bowen
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             NAME: Kathleen J. Bowen
                                             TITLE: Vice President


                                        SEITEL, INC.


                                        BY:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             DEBRA D. VALICE, Sr. Vice President
                                             of Finance and Chief Financial
                                             Officer


                                        SEITEL GEOPHYSICAL, INC.


                                        BY:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             DEBRA D. VALICE, Vice President


                                        EXSOL, INC.


                                        BY:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             DEBRA D. VALICE, Vice President


                                        SEITEL DATA CORP.


                                        BY:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             DEBRA D. VALICE, Vice President


                                        SEITEL OFFSHORE CORP.


                                        BY:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             DEBRA D. VALICE, Vice President




                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.39
                           LOAN MODIFICATION AGREEMENT
                           ---------------------------
                         AND AMENDMENT TO LOAN DOCUMENTS
                         -------------------------------


     THIS LOAN  MODIFICATION  AGREEMENT  AND AMENDMENT TO LOAN  DOCUMENTS  (this
"Agreement")  is being  entered  into  effective as of the 28th day of December,
1995, by and between COMPASS BANK, an Alabama state banking corporation ("Bank")
and SEITEL GEOPHYSICAL, INC., a Delaware corporation ("Borrower").
                               
                                 P R E A M B L E
                                 ---------------

     In July,  1993,  Bank and  Borrower  executed  that certain Term Credit and
Security Agreement (the "Agreement")  governing Borrower's  $4,300,000 term loan
(the "Term Loan"). In connection with the Term Loan,  Borrower executed in favor
of Bank that certain  Term Note in the  principal  amount of FOUR MILLION  THREE
HUNDRED  THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS  ($4,300,000.00)  (the "Note"),  along with
other  loan  documents  and  instruments  evidencing,   securing,  relating  to,
guaranteeing or otherwise executed or delivered in connection with the Term Loan
(jointly and severally with the Agreement and the Note,  the "Loan  Documents").

     Effective  as of the date set forth  above,  Borrower  requested,  and Bank
agreed, to modify certain financial  covenants relating to the Term Loan as more
specifically set forth below.

                                A G R E E M E N T
                                -----------------

     NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the premises, the mutual agreements of
the parties as set forth herein, and for other good and valuable  consideration,
the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and to induce Bank
to modify certain  financial  covenants  relating to the Term Loan, the parties,
intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:

     1.  Amendment of Agreement.  The Agreement  shall be and the same hereby is
amended as follows:
                           
     (i)  Section 7.4 of the Agreement shall be deleted and replaced as follows:
          "7.4 Reserved for Future Use."

     (ii) Section 7.5 of the Agreement shall be deleted and replaced as follows:
          "7.5 Reserved for Future Use."

    (iii) Section  7.6 of  the  Agreement  shall  be  deleted  and  replaced  as
          follows: "7.6 Reserved for Future Use."

     (iv) Section 8.5 of the Agreement shall be deleted and replaced as follows:
          "8.5 Reserved for Future Use."

     (v)  New Section 8.7 of the  Agreement  shall be  inserted  after  existing
          Section 8.6 and read in its entirety as follows:

          "8.7 The Borrower shall not cause, allow or suffer the Company nor any
          Subsidiary  of the  Company to incur any Debt if after  giving  effect
          thereto,  the  ratio  of the  Company's  Consolidated  Debt  to  Total
          Capitalization would exceed fifty percent (50%)."

     (vi) New Section 8.8 of the Agreement shall be inserted thereafter and read
          in its entirety as follows:  

          "8.8 The  Borrower  shall not  cause,  allow or suffer to occur at any
          time the Company's  Consolidated  Net Worth to be less than the sum of
          (a) Ninety Million Dollars  ($90,000,000) plus (b) an aggregate amount
          equal to fifty percent (50%) of Consolidated  Net Income (but, in each
          case, only if a positive number) for each completed fiscal year of the
          Company beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 1995."


<PAGE>
    (vii) New Section 8.9 of the  Agreement  shall be  inserted  thereafter  and
          read in its entirety as follows:  

          "8.9 The  Borrower  shall not  cause,  allow or suffer to occur at any
          time (a) EBITDA for the period of four consecutive  fiscal quarters of
          the Company then most recently  ended to be less than (b) five hundred
          percent (500%) of Consolidated Interest Expense for such period."

   (viii) New  Section  8.10  shall  be  inserted  thereafter  and read in its
          entirety  as  follows:  

          "8.10 As used in Sections  8.7, 8.8 and 8.9,  capitalized  terms shall
          have the meaning attributed to the same in Schedule B hereto."

     (ix) By adding Schedule B hereto as Schedule B to the Agreement.
                
     2. Effect on Loan  Documents.  Each of the Loan  Documents  shall be deemed
amended as set forth  hereinabove  and to the extent  necessary to carry out the
intent of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each
reference  in the Loan  Documents to the  Agreement or any other Loan  Documents
shall be deemed to be references to said documents, as amended hereby. Except as
is expressly set forth herein,  all of the Loan  Documents  shall remain in full
force and effect in accordance with their respective terms and shall continue to
evidence, secure, guarantee or relate to, as the case may be, the Term Loan.
               
     3.  Representations  and  Warranties.   Each  representation  and  warranty
contained in the Loan Documents is hereby reaffirmed as of the date hereof,  and
Borrower  hereby  represents that Borrower has no offsets or claims against Bank
arising  under,  related to, or connected  with the Term Loan or any of the Loan
Documents.
                
     4.  Additional  Documentation;  Expenses.  If Bank shall request,  Borrower
shall provide to Bank certified copies of resolutions  properly  authorizing the
transactions  contemplated hereby and the execution of this Agreement, all other
documents and  instruments  being executed in connection  herewith and all other
documents  and  instruments   required  by  Bank,  all  in  form  and  substance
satisfactory  to Bank.  Borrower  shall  pay any  recording  fees and all  other
expenses  (including,  without  limitation,  legal  fees)  incurred  by Bank and
Borrower  in  connection  with the  modification  of the Term Loan and any other
transactions contemplated hereby.

     5. Execution and Effectiveness.  This Agreement has been negotiated, and is
being  executed  and  delivered,  in the  State  of  Alabama,  or,  if  executed
elsewhere,  shall become  effective  upon Bank's  receipt and  acceptance of the
original of this  Agreement  (or a  facsimile  thereof) in the State of Alabama;
provided,  however,  that  Bank  shall  have no  obligation  to give,  nor shall
Borrower  be  entitled  to  receive,  any  notice  of such  acceptance  for this
Agreement to become a binding obligation of Borrower.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the undersigned have caused this instrument to be
duly executed effective as of the date first set forth above.

                                             BORROWER:
                                             --------

WITNESS:                                     SEITEL GEOPHYSICAL, INC.


/s/  Marcia H. Kendrick                      By   /s/ Debra D. Valice
- --------------------------                        ----------------------------
                                             Its Vice President and 
                                             Secretary/Treasurer



                                             BANK:
                                             ----

WITNESS:                                     COMPASS BANK


/s/  Anne Chandler                           By   /s/ Jay P. Ackley
- --------------------------                        ----------------------------
                                             Its Assistant Vice President

<PAGE>

STATE OF TEXAS      )    
                    )  
COUNTY OF HARRIS    )   

         I, the undersigned, Notary Public in and for said County in said State,
hereby  certify  that  Debra  D.  Valice,  whose  name  as  Vice  President  and
Secretary/Treasurer of SEITEL GEOPHYSICAL, INC., a corporation, is signed to the
foregoing  instrument and who is known to me, acknowledged before me on this day
that,  being informed of the contents of the  instrument,  she, as such officer,
and with full  authority,  executed the same  voluntarily  for and as the act of
said corporation.

         Given under my hand this the 7th day of February, 1996.


                                             /s/  Jon R. Fontenot
                                             ---------------------------------
                                                  Notary Public
[NOTARIAL SEAL]
                                             My Commission Expires:  
                                             April 13, 1999





STATE OF ALABAMA    )          
                    )       
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON )        

         I, the undersigned, Notary Public in and for said County in said State,
hereby  certify that Jay P. Ackley,  whose name as Assistant  Vice  President of
COMPASS  BANK,  an  Alabama  banking  corporation,  is signed  to the  foregoing
instrument  and who is known to me,  acknowledged  before  me on this day  that,
being informed of the contents of the instrument,  he, as such officer, and with
full  authority,  executed  the  same  voluntarily  for  and as the  act of said
corporation.

         Given under my hand this the 13th day of February, 1996.


                                             /s/  Anne H. Chandler
                                             ---------------------------------
                                                  Notary Public
[NOTARIAL SEAL]
                                             My Commission Expires:  
                                             April 13, 1998


<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE B
                                   ----------
                                  DEFINED TERMS
                                  -------------

     As used in Sections 8.7, 8.8, and 8.9 of the Agreement, the following terms
have the respective meanings set forth below:

     Bank -- means Compass Bank, an Alabama state banking corporation.

     Board of Directors -- means the Board of Directors of the Company.

     Borrower -- means Seitel Geophysical, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

     Capital Lease -- means a lease with respect to which the lessee is required
concurrently  to recognize the  acquisition  of an asset and the incurrence of a
liability in accordance with GAAP.

     Capital Lease Obligation -- means, with respect to any Person and a Capital
Lease,  the amount of the  obligation  of such  Person as the lessee  under such
Capital Lease which would, in accordance  with GAAP,  appear as a liability on a
balance sheet of such Person.

     Company  -- means  Seitel,  Inc.,  a  Delaware  corporation  and the parent
corporation of Borrower.

     Consolidated Debt -- means, as of any date of  determination,  the total of
all Debt of the  Company and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  outstanding  on such
date,  after  eliminating all offsetting  debits and credits between the Company
and the Restricted Subsidiaries and all other items required to be eliminated in
the  course of the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  of the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

     Consolidated Interest Expense -- means, with respect to any period, the sum
(without duplication) of the following (in each case, eliminating all offsetting
debits and credits between the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries  and all
other  items  required  to be  eliminated  in the course of the  preparation  of
consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries
in accordance with GAAP):

          (a) all interest in respect of Debt of the Company and the  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  (including  imputed  interest on Capital  Lease  Obligations)
     deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period, and

          (b)  all  debt  discount  and  expense  amortized  or  required  to be
     amortized in the determination of Consolidated Net Income for such period.

     Consolidated  Net Income -- means,  with  reference to any period,  the net
income (or loss) of the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries for such period
(taken as a cumulative  whole),  as determined in  accordance  with GAAP,  after
eliminating  all  offsetting  debits and  credits  between  the  Company and the
Restricted  Subsidiaries  and all other items  required to be  eliminated in the
course of the  preparation of consolidated  financial  statements of the Company
and the Restricted  Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP,  provided,  that there
shall be excluded:

          (a) any gains  resulting  from any write-up of any assets (but not any
     loss resulting from any write-down of any assets),

          (b) the income (or loss) of any  Person  accrued  prior to the date it
     becomes a Restricted  Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the
     Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, and the income (or loss) of any Person,
     substantially  all of the assets of which have been  acquired in any manner
     by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,  realized by such other Person
     prior to the date of acquisition,
<PAGE>
          (c) in the case of a  successor  to the  Company by  consolidation  or
     merger or as a  transferee  of its assets,  any  earnings of the  successor
     corporation prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets,

          (d) any  aggregate  net gain (but not any  aggregate  net loss) during
     such  period  arising  from  the  sale,   conversion,   exchange  or  other
     disposition  of capital assets (such term to include,  without  limitation,
     (i) all non-current  assets and, without  duplication,  (ii) the following,
     whether or not current:  all fixed assets,  whether tangible or intangible,
     all inventory sold in conjunction with the disposition of fixed assets, and
     all securities),

          (e) any  portion of such net income  that  cannot be freely  converted
     into United States Dollars,

          (f) the  income  (or  loss) of any  Person  (other  than a  Restricted
     Subsidiary)  in which  the  Company  or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  has an
     ownership  interest,  except to the  extent  that any such  income has been
     actually received by the Company or such Restricted  Subsidiary in the form
     of cash dividends or similar cash distributions,

          (g) any gain  arising from the  acquisition  of any  security,  or the
     extinguishment,  under GAAP,  of any Debt of the Company or any  Restricted
     Subsidiary,

          (h) any net income or gain or any net loss during such period from (i)
     any change in accounting  principles  in  accordance  with GAAP or (ii) any
     prior period adjustments resulting from any change in accounting principles
     in accordance with GAAP, and

          (i) any net income or gain (but not any net loss)  during  such period
     from (i) any extraordinary items or (ii) any discontinued operations or the
     disposition thereof.

     Consolidated  Net Worth --  means,  at any  time,  the total  stockholders'
equity which would be shown in consolidated  financial statements of the Company
and the Restricted Subsidiaries prepared at such time in accordance with GAAP.

     Debt -- means, with respect to any Person, without duplication,

          (a) its obligations for borrowed money;

          (b)  its  obligations  in  respect  of  banker's  acceptances,   other
     acceptances,  letters  of credit  and other  instruments  serving a similar
     function issued or accepted by banks and other financial  institutions  for
     the account of such Person  (whether or not incurred in connection with the
     borrowing of money);

          (c) its obligations that are evidenced by bonds, notes,  debentures or
     similar instruments;

          (d) its  obligations  for the  deferred  purchase  price  of  property
     acquired by such Person (excluding accounts payable arising in the ordinary
     course of business  but  including,  without  limitation,  all  obligations
     created or arising  under any  conditional  sale or other  title  retention
     agreement with respect to any such property);

          (e) its Capital Lease Obligations;

          (f) its obligations in respect of all mandatorily redeemable preferred
     stock of such Person;

          (g) its  obligations  for  borrowed  money  secured  by any Lien  with
     respect to any property owned by such Person (whether or not it has assumed
     or otherwise become liable for such obligations); and

          (h) any Guaranty of such Person with respect to  liabilities of a type
     described in any of clauses (a) through (g) hereof.

     Debt of any Person  shall  include  all  obligations  of such Person of the
character described in clauses (a) through (h) to the extent such Person remains
legally liable in respect  thereof  notwithstanding  that any such obligation is
deemed to be extinguished under GAAP.


<PAGE>

     EBITDA -- means, in respect of any period, Consolidated Net Income for such
period minus

          (a) to the extent added in the  computation of such  Consolidated  Net
     Income, each of the following:

               (i) extraordinary gains net of extraordinary losses, and

               (ii)  gains,  net of  losses,  arising  from the  disposition  of
          property other than in the ordinary course of business, plus

          (b) to the extent deducted in the computation of such Consolidated Net
     Income, each of the following:

               (i)  Consolidated  Interest  Expense,  net of interest  and other
          investment income,

               (ii) taxes imposed on or measured by income or excess  profits of
          the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries,

               (iii) the amount of all depreciation,  depletion and amortization
          allowances  and  other  non-cash  expenses  of  the  Company  and  the
          Restricted Subsidiaries,

               (iv) extraordinary losses, net of extraordinary gains, and

               (v)  losses,  net of  gains,  arising  from  the  disposition  of
          property other than in the ordinary course of business.
<PAGE>

     Equity Interest -- means

          (a) the  outstanding  Voting Stock of a corporation  or other business
     entity,

          (b) the interest in the capital or profits of a  corporation,  limited
     liability company, partnership or joint venture, or

          (c) the beneficial interest in a trust or estate.

     GAAP -- means  accounting  principles as  promulgated  from time to time in
statements,  opinions and  pronouncements by the American Institute of Certified
Public  Accountants  and the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board and in such
statements,  opinions and  pronouncements of such other entities with respect to
financial   accounting  of  for-profit  entities  as  shall  be  accepted  by  a
substantial segment of the accounting profession in the United States.

     Guaranty -- means, with respect to any Person,  any obligation  (except the
endorsement  in the ordinary  course of business of negotiable  instruments  for
deposit or collection) of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any
indebtedness,  dividend or other  obligation  of any other Person in any manner,
whether  directly or  indirectly,  including  (without  limitation)  obligations
incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise, by such Person:

          (a) to  purchase  such  indebtedness  or  obligation  or any  property
     constituting security therefor;

          (b) to advance  or supply  funds (i) for the  purchase  or payment of
     such indebtedness or obligation, or (ii) to maintain any working capital or
     other  balance  sheet  condition or any income  statement  condition of any
     other  Person or  otherwise  to  advance  or make  available  funds for the
     purchase or payment of such indebtedness or obligation;

          (c)  to  lease  properties  or to  purchase  properties  or  services
     primarily  for the purpose of assuring  the owner of such  indebtedness  or
     obligation  of the  ability  of any  other  Person to make  payment  of the
     indebtedness or obligation; or

          (d) otherwise to assure the owner of such  indebtedness or obligation
     against loss in respect thereof.

In any computation of the indebtedness or other liabilities of the obligor under
any Guaranty, the indebtedness or other obligations that are the subject of such
Guaranty shall be assumed to be direct obligations of such obligor.

     Person -- means an individual, partnership,  corporation, limited liability
company,  association,  trust, unincorporated  organization,  or a government or
agency or political subdivision thereof.


<PAGE>

     Restricted Subsidiary -- means and includes each and every Subsidiary other
than any Subsidiary which, at the time of any determination  hereunder, has been
designated by the Board of Directors and by written  notice to the Bank to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided in any event, that each of the following shall
at all times constitute a Restricted Subsidiary:


          (a) each Subsidiary of the Company as of December 28, 1995; and

          (b) each  Subsidiary  which owns,  directly or indirectly,  more than
     fifty percent (50%) of the Equity Interest of a Restricted Subsidiary.

     Subsidiary -- means, as to any Person,  any corporation,  limited liability
company, partnership, joint venture, trust or estate in which such Person or one
or more of the  Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of the  Subsidiaries
own more than fifty  percent  (50%) of the Equity  Interest.  Unless the context
otherwise clearly requires,  any reference to a "Subsidiary" is a reference to a
Subsidiary of the Company.

     Total  Capitalization  -- means, at any time, the sum of Consolidated  Debt
plus Consolidated Net Worth, in each case at such time.

     Unrestricted  Subsidiary -- means each  Subsidiary  other than a Restricted
Subsidiary.

     Voting  Stock -- shall mean the  capital  stock or similar  interest of any
class or classes (however designated) of a corporation or other business entity,
the holders of which are ordinarily,  in the absence of contingencies,  entitled
to vote for the  election of the members of the board of  directors  (or Persons
performing similar functions) of a corporation or other business entity.



                                                                   Exhibit 10.46
                       
                        TERMINATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
                                (DDD Energy Loan)


     This Termination and Release Agreement  ("Agreement") is made this 28th day
of  December,  1995,  by and between DDD Energy,  Inc.,  a Delaware  corporation
("Borrower"),  Seitel,  Inc.,  a  Delaware  corporation  ("Guarantor"),   Seitel
Geophysical,  Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SGI") and Bank One, Texas, National
Association ("Bank One") and Compass Bank - Houston ("Compass," and collectively
with Bank One, "Lenders").

     WHEREAS,  Lenders loaned certain sums to Borrower (the "Loan")  pursuant to
that certain Credit  Agreement  (the "Credit  Agreement")  between  Borrower and
Lenders  dated June 14, 1995,  and those certain  promissory  notes of even date
therewith, each in the original principal amount of $37,500,000, payable to Bank
One (the "Bank One Note") and to Compass (the "Compass Note",  and  collectively
with the Bank One Note, the "Notes");

     WHEREAS,  Borrower granted a Deed of Trust,  Security Agreement,  Financing
Statement and Assignment of Production  (the "First Deed of Trust") to Arthur R.
Gralla, Jr., Trustee for the benefit of Bank One, as Agent for the Lenders dated
June 14, 1995 as security for the Loan;

     WHEREAS,  Borrower granted a Deed of Trust,  Security Agreement,  Financing
Statement  and  Assignment  of  Production  (the  "Second  Deed of  Trust,"  and
collectively  with the First  Deed of Trust,  the "Deeds of Trust") to Arthur R.
Gralla, Jr., Trustee for the benefit of Bank One, as Agent for the Lenders dated
September 21, 1995 as security for the Loan;

     WHEREAS,  Borrower granted certain security interests in certain collateral
to Bank One,  as Agent  for  Lenders,  pursuant  to those  certain  Non-Standard
Financing  Statements  (the  "Financing  Statements")  relating  to the Deeds of
Trust;

     WHEREAS,  Borrower  pledged  certain joint venture  interests to Lenders as
security  for the Loan  pursuant to that  certain  Assignment  of Joint  Venture
Interests  (Security  Agreement)  dated June 14, 1995 between  Borrower and Bank
One, as Agent for the Lenders (the "Assignment of Joint Venture Interests");

     WHEREAS,  Borrower  collaterally assigned certain interests to Bank One, as
Agent  for the  Lenders,  as  security  for the Loan  pursuant  to that  certain
Collateral   Assignment  of  Notes,  Liens  and  Security  Interests   (Security
Agreement) (the  "Collateral  Assignment")  dated June 14, 1995 between Borrower
and Bank One, as Agent for the Lenders ,

     WHEREAS,  Guarantor guaranteed the obligations of Borrower under the Credit
Agreement  pursuant to the terms of that certain  Guaranty by Guarantor in favor
of Lenders dated June 14, 1995 (the "Guaranty");


<PAGE>

     WHEREAS,  Guarantor  pledged  all of the  shares  of stock of  Borrower  to
Lenders as security for its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to the terms
of that certain Security  Agreement (Stock Pledge) dated June 14, 1995,  between
Guarantor and Lenders (the "Pledge");

     WHEREAS,  Guarantor, SGI and Lenders entered into a Subordination Agreement
(the "Subordination Agreement") dated June 14, 1995 in connection with the Loan;

     WHEREAS,  Borrower  desires  to repay all  indebtedness  under the Loan and
terminate the Credit Agreement, and the Notes are hereby being repaid in full by
Borrower; and

     WHEREAS, Borrower and Lenders enter into this Agreement to evidence receipt
of payment in full of the Notes,  termination  of the Credit  Agreement  and all
rights of Borrower to borrow from Lenders thereunder, termination of the various
security  documents  securing  payment of the Notes, and release of all security
interests of Lenders securing repayment of the Loan.

     NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

     1. Payment.  Lenders hereby acknowledge receipt of the sum of $7,767,155.29
as payment  in full of all  outstanding  principal  and  interest  due under the
Notes,  and  contemporaneously  with the  execution  hereof,  have  returned the
original Notes marked "Paid In Full" to Borrower.

     2. Termination of Credit  Agreement.  Borrower and Lenders hereby terminate
the Credit  Agreement.  Borrower and Lenders hereby  acknowledge  and agree that
Borrower  shall  have no  further  rights  to  borrow  funds  under  the  Credit
Agreement,  and shall have no further  liabilities to pay any amounts to Lenders
thereunder.  Lenders  hereby  release  all  security  interests  in any  and all
collateral  granted in connection  with or otherwise  securing  repayment of the
Loan.  Nothing  in this  Agreement  shall be deemed to affect in any  manner the
rights of Compass Bank (formerly Central Bank of the South) ("Compass  Alabama")
under that  certain  Term  Credit and  Security  Agreement  dated July 15,  1993
between Compass Alabama and Seitel Geophysical,  Inc. ("SGI"),  the Term Note in
the original  principle  amount of $4,300,000 of even date therewith made by SGI
payable to the order of Compass Alabama, or the Continuing Guaranty of even date
therewith made by Seitel to Compass Alabama to secure the payment obligations of
SGI thereunder.

     3.  Termination  and  Release of Security  Interests  under Deeds of Trust.
Without limiting the generality of paragraph 2 above, Lenders hereby release all
security interests in any and all Mortgaged Property (as such term is defined in
the Deeds of Trust)  granted in or otherwise  arising  under the Deeds of Trust,
and in all collateral under the Financing Statements.  Lenders shall execute and
file with all required  governmental offices formal documents (including but not
limited to releases of mortgages and UCC-3s) evidencing such releases as soon as
reasonably  practicable,   which  documents  shall  be  prepared  and  filed  at
Borrower's expense.

     4. Termination of Assignment of Joint Venture  Interests.  Without limiting
the  generality  of  paragraph 2 above,  Lenders  hereby  release  the  security
interests in the joint  venture  interests  and other  collateral  granted in or
otherwise arising under the Assignment of Joint Venture Interests, and terminate
the Assignment of Joint Venture Interests.
<PAGE>

     5. Termination of Collateral Assignment. Without limiting the generality of
paragraph 2 above,  Lenders hereby release the security interests created by the
Collateral  Assignment,  and terminate  the  Collateral  Assignment.  As soon as
reasonably  practicable,  Lenders  shall  return to Borrower all  documents  and
instruments delivered to Lenders in connection with the Collateral Assignment.

     6. Termination of Guaranty.  Without limiting the generality of paragraph 2
above, Lenders hereby release Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty,
and terminate the Guaranty.

     7.  Termination of Pledge.  Without  limiting the generality of paragraph 2
above,  Lenders  hereby  release the  security  interests in the stock and other
collateral  granted in or otherwise arising under the Pledge,  and terminate the
Pledge.   Lenders  shall  promptly   return  to  Guarantor  all  original  share
certificates  delivered to Lenders under the Pledge, or shall deliver lost share
certificate  affidavits  reasonably  satisfactory  to  Guarantor  for  any  such
certificates as Lenders may have lost or as may have been destroyed.

     8. Termination of Subordination Agreement.  Without limiting the generality
of  paragraph  2  above,  Lenders,   Guarantor  and  SGI  hereby  terminate  the
Subordination Agreement.

     9. Payment of Expenses.  Notwithstanding  anything  herein to the contrary,
Borrowers  shall pay Lenders'  reasonable  legal fees and  expenses  incurred in
connection this Agreement and the releases contemplated hereunder, including any
expenses arising under paragraph 10 hereof.

     10. Further Assurances. The parties hereto agree to perform such other acts
and deliver such other  documents as may be reasonably  necessary in the opinion
of the parties to further  effect and evidence  the  releases  and  terminations
provided for herein.

     11.  Choice of Law.  This  Agreement  shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

     EXECUTED as of the date first above written.

                                        BANK ONE, TEXAS, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


                                        BY:  /s/ Gary L. Stone
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             NAME: Gary L. Stone
                                             TITLE: Senior Vice President


                                        COMPASS BANK - HOUSTON


                                        BY:  /s/ Kathleen J. Bowen
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             NAME: Kathleen J. Bowen
                                             TITLE: Vice President
<PAGE>


                                        SEITEL, INC.


                                        BY:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             DEBRA D. VALICE, Sr. Vice President
                                             of Finance and Chief Financial 
                                             Officer


                                        DDD ENERGY, INC.


                                        BY:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             DEBRA D. VALICE, Vice President



                                        SEITEL GEOPHYSICAL, INC.


                                        BY:  /s/ Debra D. Valice
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             DEBRA D. VALICE, Vice President





                                  SEITEL, INC.






                             NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT









                          DATED AS OF DECEMBER 28, 1995










          $25,000,000 7.17% SERIES A SENIOR NOTES DUE DECEMBER 30, 2001
          $27,500,000 7.17% SERIES B SENIOR NOTES DUE DECEMBER 30, 2002
             $22,500,000 SERIES C SENIOR NOTES DUE DECEMBER 30, 2002


<PAGE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section                                                                     Page

1.  AUTHORIZATION OF NOTES .............................................       1

2.  SALE AND PURCHASE OF NOTES .........................................       2

3.  CLOSINGS ...........................................................       2
    3.1     The Series A and B Closing .................................       2
    3.2     The Series C Closing .......................................       3
    3.3     Failure of the Company to Deliver ..........................       3
    3.4     Failure by You to Deliver ..................................       3

4.  YOUR CONDITIONS TO CLOSINGS ........................................       4
    4.1     Representations and Warranties .............................       4
    4.2     Performance; No Default ....................................       4
    4.3     Compliance Certificates ....................................       4
    4.4     Opinions of Counsel ........................................       4
    4.5     Purchases Permitted By
            Applicable Law, etc ........................................       5
    4.6     Sale of Other Notes ........................................       5
    4.7     Payment of Special Counsel Fees ............................       5
    4.8     Private Placement Number ...................................       5
    4.9     Changes in Corporate Structure .............................       5
    4.10    Subsidiary Guaranty ........................................       6
    4.11    Rating .....................................................       6
    4.12    Proceedings and Documents ..................................       6

4A. COMPANY'S CLOSING CONDITIONS .......................................       6
    4A.1       Representations and Warranties ..........................       6
    4A.2       Sales Permitted by Applicable Law, etc ..................       6

5.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY ......................       7
    5.1     Organization; Power and Authority ..........................       7
    5.2     Authorization, etc .........................................       7
    5.3     Disclosure .................................................       8
    5.4     Organization and Ownership of Shares
            of Restricted Subsidiaries; Affiliates .....................       8
    5.5     Financial Statements .......................................       9
    5.6     Compliance with Laws, Other Instruments,
            etc ........................................................       9
    5.7     Governmental Authorizations, etc ...........................      10
    5.8     Litigation; Observance of Agreements,
            Statutes and Orders ........................................      10
    5.9     Taxes ......................................................      10
    5.10    Title to Property; Leases ..................................      11
    5.11    Licenses, Permits, etc .....................................      11
    5.12    Compliance with ERISA ......................................      11
    5.13    Private Offering by the Company ............................      12

<PAGE>

    5.14    Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations ........................      13
    5.15    Existing Debt; Future Liens ................................      13
    5.16    Foreign Assets Control Regulations, etc ....................      13
    5.17    Status under Certain Statutes ..............................      14
    5.18    Environmental Matters ......................................      14

6.  REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PURCHASER ...................................      14
    6.1     Purchase for Investment ....................................      14
    6.2     Legend .....................................................      15
    6.3     ERISA ......................................................      15
    6.4     Organization; Power and Authority;
           Compliance with Laws ........................................      16
    6.5     Authorization, etc .........................................      17

7.  INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY ..........................................      17
    7.1     Financial and Business Information .........................      17
    7.2     Officer's Certificate ......................................      21
    7.3     Inspection .................................................      21

8.  PREPAYMENT OF THE NOTES ............................................      22
    8.1     Required Prepayments .......................................      22
    8.2     Optional Prepayments with Make-Whole
           Amount; Rescission ..........................................      22
    8.3     Allocation of Partial Prepayments ..........................      24
    8.4     Maturity; Surrender, etc ...................................      24
    8.5     Purchase of Notes ..........................................      24
    8.6     Make-Whole Amount ..........................................      24

9.  AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS ..............................................      26
    9.1     Compliance with Law ........................................      26
    9.2     Insurance ..................................................      26
    9.3     Maintenance of Properties ..................................      26
    9.4     Payment of Taxes and Claims ................................      27
    9.5     Corporate Existence, etc ...................................      27
    9.6     Pari Passu .................................................      27
    9.7     Subsidiary Guaranty ........................................      28
    9.8     Application of Proceeds; Releases ..........................      28

10. NEGATIVE COVENANTS .................................................      29
    10.1     Net Worth .................................................      29
    10.2     Interest Coverage .........................................      29
    10.3     Debt Incurrence ...........................................      29
    10.4     Liens .....................................................      30
    10.5     Mergers and Consolidations ................................      32
    10.6     Sale of Assets ............................................      33
    10.7     Restricted Payments and Restricted
             Investments ...............................................      36
    10.8     Limitations on Certain Restricted
             Subsidiary Actions ........................................      37
    10.9     Affiliate Transactions ....................................      38
    10.10    Line of Business ..........................................      38


<PAGE>

11. EVENTS OF DEFAULT ..................................................      38

12. REMEDIES ON DEFAULT, ETC ...........................................      40
    12.1     Acceleration ..............................................      40
    12.2     Other Remedies ............................................      40
    12.3     Rescission ................................................      41
    12.4     No Waivers or Election of Remedies,
             Expenses, etc .............................................      41

13. REGISTRATION; EXCHANGE; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES ......................      41
    13.1     Registration of Notes .....................................      41
    13.2     Transfer and Exchange of Notes ............................      42
    13.3     Replacement of Notes ......................................      42

14. PAYMENTS ON NOTES ..................................................      43
    14.1     Place of Payment ..........................................      43
    14.2     Home Office Payment .......................................      43

15. EXPENSES, ETC ......................................................      43
    15.1     Transaction Expenses ......................................      43
    15.2     Survival ..................................................      44

16. SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES;
    ENTIRE AGREEMENT ...................................................      44

17  AMENDMENT AND WAIVER ...............................................      44
    17.1     Requirements ..............................................      44
    17.2     Solicitation of Holders ...................................      45
    17.3     Binding Effect, etc .......................................      45
    17.4     Notes held by Company, etc ................................      45

18. NOTICES ............................................................      46

19. REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS ..........................................      46

20. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ...........................................      47

21. SUBSTITUTION OF PURCHASER ..........................................      48

22. MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................      48
    22.1     Successors and Assigns ....................................      48
    22.2     Payments Due on Non-Business Days .........................      48
    22.3     Severability ..............................................      48
    22.4     Construction ..............................................      49
    22.5     Counterparts ..............................................      49
    22.6     Governing Law .............................................      49
    22.7     Consent to Jurisdiction;
             Appointment of Agent ......................................      49
    22.8     Defeasance ................................................      50
    22.9     GAAP ......................................................      53
    22.10    Usury .....................................................      53



<PAGE>

SCHEDULE A        --     INFORMATION RELATING TO PURCHASERS

SCHEDULE B        --     DEFINED TERMS

SCHEDULE 4.9      --     Changes in Corporate Structure

SCHEDULE 5.3      --     Disclosure Materials

SCHEDULE 5.4      --     Subsidiaries of the Company and Ownership of 
                         Subsidiary Stock

SCHEDULE 5.5      --     Financial Statements

SCHEDULE 5.8      --     Certain Litigation

SCHEDULE 5.11     --     Patents, etc.

SCHEDULE 5.12     --     ERISA

SCHEDULE 5.15     --     Existing Debt

SCHEDULE 10.8     --     Certain Agreements by Restricted Subsidiaries

EXHIBIT 1A        --     Form of 7.17% Series A Senior Note due 
                         December 30, 2001

EXHIBIT 1B        --     Form of 7.17% Series B Senior Note due
                         December 30, 2002

EXHIBIT 1C        --     Form of Series C Senior Note due December 30, 2002

EXHIBIT 4.4(a)    --     Form of Opinion of Special Counsel for the Company

EXHIBIT 4.4(b)    --     Form of Opinion of Special Counsel for the Purchasers

EXHIBIT 4.10      --     Form of Subsidiary Guaranty


<PAGE>



                                  SEITEL, INC.
                            West Building, 7th Floor
                              50 Briar Hollow Lane
                              Houston, Texas 77027


          $25,000,000 7.17% SERIES A SENIOR NOTES DUE DECEMBER 30, 2001

          $27,500,000 7.17% SERIES B SENIOR NOTES DUE DECEMBER 30, 2002

             $22,500,000 SERIES C SENIOR NOTES DUE DECEMBER 30, 2002




                                                         As of December 28, 1995


Separately Addressed to each of the Purchasers Listed on Schedule A hereto:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     SEITEL, INC., a Delaware corporation (together with any Person who succeeds
to all, or  substantially  all, of the assets and business of Seitel,  Inc., the
"Company"), agrees with you as follows:

1.   AUTHORIZATION OF NOTES

     The Company will authorize the issue and sale of

     (a)  Twenty-Five Million Dollars  ($25,000,000)  aggregate principal amount
          of its seven and seventeen  hundredths percent (7.17%) Series A Senior
          Notes  due  December  30,  2001 (the  "Series  A Notes,"  such term to
          include any such notes  issued in  substitution  therefor  pursuant to
          Section 13 of this Agreement or the Other  Agreements (as  hereinafter
          defined)),

     (b)  Twenty-Seven  Million  Five  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars  ($27,500,000)
          aggregate  principal  amount  of its seven  and  seventeen  hundredths
          percent  (7.17%)  Series B Senior  Notes due  December  30,  2002 (the
          "Series  B Notes,"  such  term to  include  any such  notes  issued in
          substitution  therefor pursuant to Section 13 of this Agreement or the
          Other Agreements), and

     (c)  Twenty-Two   Million  Five  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars   ($22,500,000)
          aggregate  principal  amount of its Series C Senior Notes due December
          30,  2002 (the  "Series C Notes,"  such term to include any such notes
          issued  in  substitution  therefor  pursuant  to  Section  13 of  this
          Agreement or the Other Agreements).


<PAGE>

The Series A Notes shall be substantially in the form set out in Exhibit 1A, the
Series B Notes shall be substantially in the form set out in Exhibit 1B, and the
Series C Notes shall be substantially in the form set out in Exhibit 1C, in each
case,  with such  changes  therefrom,  if any, as may be approved by you and the
Company.  The  Series A Notes,  the  Series B Notes  and the  Series C Notes are
herein referred to  collectively  as the "Notes," and  individually as a "Note".
Certain  capitalized  terms used in this  Agreement  are  defined in Schedule B;
references to a "Schedule" or an "Exhibit" are, unless otherwise specified, to a
Schedule or an Exhibit attached to this Agreement.

2.   SALE AND PURCHASE OF NOTES

     Subject to the terms and  conditions  of this  Agreement,  the Company will
issue and sell to you and you will purchase from the Company, in accordance with
the provisions  hereof,  at the Closings provided for in Section 3, Notes of the
Series and in the principal amounts  specified  opposite your name in Schedule A
at the purchase  price of one hundred  percent  (100%) of the  principal  amount
thereof;  provided,  however, that you may change such information on Schedule A
(other than the aggregate principal amount of your commitment) by written notice
delivered to the Company prior to the relevant  Closing (except that one or more
(but  not  more  than  three)  of your  Affiliates  shall  be the  purchaser  or
purchasers of the principal amount of the Notes specified  opposite your name on
Schedule A). Contemporaneously with entering into this Agreement, the Company is
entering  into  separate  Note  Purchase  Agreements  (the  "Other  Agreements")
identical  with  this  Agreement  with  each of the  other  purchasers  named in
Schedule A (the "Other  Purchasers"),  providing for the sale at such Closing to
each of the Other Purchasers of Notes of the Series and in the principal amounts
specified  opposite its name in Schedule A. Your  obligation  hereunder  and the
obligations of the Other  Purchasers  under the Other Agreements are several and
not joint obligations and you shall have no obligation under any Other Agreement
and no liability to any Person for the  performance  or  non-performance  by any
Other Purchaser thereunder.

3.   CLOSINGS

     3.1  The Series A and B Closing

     The sale and  purchase  of the  Series A Notes and the Series B Notes to be
purchased by the purchasers thereof (the "Series A Purchasers" and the "Series B
Purchasers,"  respectively)  shall  occur at the  offices of Hebb & Gitlin,  One
State Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06103, at 10:00 a.m., eastern standard time,
at a closing  (the "Series A and B Closing") on December 28, 1995 (the "Series A
and B Closing Date").  At the Series A and B Closing the Company will deliver to
each  Series A Purchaser  and Series B Purchaser  the Series A Notes or Series B
Notes, as the case may be, to be purchased by it in the form of, respectively, a
single Series A Note or a single Series B Note (or such greater number of Series
A Notes or  Series B Notes in  denominations  of at least One  Hundred  Thousand
Dollars   ($100,000)   as  such  Series  A  Purchaser  or  Series  B  Purchaser,
respectively, may request), dated the Series A and B Closing Date and registered
in its name (or in the name of its nominee),  against  delivery by such Series A
Purchaser or Series B Purchaser, as the case may be, to the Company or its order
of immediately  available  funds in the amount of the purchase price therefor by
wire transfer of immediately  available  funds for the account of the Company to
account number 30052530 at Compass  Bank-Houston,  24 Greenway  Plaza,  Houston,
Texas 77002, ABA # 113010547.


<PAGE>

     3.2  The Series C Closing

          (a) Notice.  Subsequent to the date hereof,  the Company shall deliver
     to you and the Other Purchasers an irrevocable  written notice specifying a
     date no later than June 28,  1996 as the date of  purchase  of the Series C
     Notes (the "Series C Closing Date," the Series A and B Closing Date and the
     Series C Closing Date being sometimes referred to herein, individually,  as
     a "Closing Date"). Such notice shall be given not less than thirty (30) nor
     more than forty-five (45) days prior to the Series C Closing Date.

          (b) Interest  Rate.  The interest rate per annum on the Series C Notes
     (the  "Series C  Interest  Rate")  shall be equal to the sum of (i) one and
     forty-five  hundredths  percent  (1.45%)  plus (ii) the  Relevant  Treasury
     Yield.

          (c) The Series C Closing.  The sale and purchase of the Series C Notes
     to be purchased by the purchasers thereof (the "Series C Purchasers") shall
     occur  at the  offices  of  Hebb &  Gitlin,  One  State  Street,  Hartford,
     Connecticut  06103, at 10:00 a.m., eastern standard time, at a closing (the
     "Series C  Closing,"  the  Series A and B Closing  and the Series C Closing
     being  sometimes  referred to herein  collectively  as the  "Closings"  and
     individually  as a "Closing") on the Series C Closing Date. At the Series C
     Closing the Company  will  deliver to each of the Series C  Purchasers  the
     Series C Notes to be purchased by it, in the form of a single Series C Note
     (or such greater number of Series C Notes in  denominations of at least One
     Hundred  Thousand  Dollars  ($100,000)  as  such  Series  C  Purchaser  may
     request), dated the Series C Closing Date and registered in its name (or in
     the name of its  nominee),  against  delivery by such Series C Purchaser to
     the Company or its order of  immediately  available  funds in the amount of
     the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of immediately available funds
     for the account of the  Company to the account  number set forth in Section
     3.1.

     3.3  Failure of the Company to Deliver

     If on the Series A and B Closing  Date or on the Series C Closing  Date the
Company  fails to tender to you the Notes to be  acquired by you on such date or
if the conditions  specified in Section 4 have not been fulfilled on either such
date, you may thereupon  elect to be relieved of all further  obligations  under
this  Agreement  with  respect to the Notes to be purchased by you on such date.
Nothing in this  Section  shall  operate to relieve the Company  from any of its
obligations  under this  Agreement  or to waive any of your  rights  against the
Company.

     3.4  Failure by You to Deliver

     If on the Series A and B Closing  Date or on the Series C Closing  Date you
fail to deliver the full amount of funds to be  delivered by you on such date or
if the conditions specified in Section 4A have not been fulfilled on either such
date, the Company may thereupon elect to return  immediately any funds delivered
by you on such date and to be  relieved of all  further  obligations  under this
Agreement with respect to the Notes to be purchased by you on such date. Nothing
in this Section shall operate to relieve you from any of your obligations to the
Company  under this  Agreement or to waive any of the Company's  rights  against
you.


<PAGE>

4.   YOUR CONDITIONS TO CLOSINGS

     Your obligation to purchase and pay for the Notes to be sold to you on each
Closing Date is subject to the fulfillment to your satisfaction,  prior to or on
such Closing Date (except as otherwise specified), of the following conditions:

     4.1  Representations and Warranties

     The  representations  and warranties of the Company in this Agreement shall
be correct when made and on such Closing Date.

     4.2  Performance; No Default

     The Company  shall have  performed  and complied  with all  agreements  and
conditions contained in this Agreement required to be performed or complied with
by it prior to or on such Closing Date and after giving  effect to the issue and
sale of the Notes (and the  application of the proceeds  thereof as contemplated
by Schedule  5.14),  no Default or Event of Default  shall have  occurred and be
continuing.

     4.3  Compliance Certificates

          (a) Officer's Certificate.  The Company shall have delivered to you an
     Officer's  Certificate,  dated  such  Closing  Date,  certifying  that  the
     conditions specified in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 have been fulfilled.

          (b) Company Secretary's Certificate.  The Company shall have delivered
     to you a certificate,  dated such Closing Date,  signed by the Secretary or
     an  Assistant   Secretary  of  the  Company,   and  certifying  as  to  the
     resolutions,  the  bylaws and the  certificate  of  incorporation  attached
     thereto   and  as  to  other   corporate   proceedings   relating   to  the
     authorization, execution and delivery of the Notes and the Agreements.

          (c)  Secretary's   Certificates  of  Restricted   Subsidiaries.   Each
     Restricted Subsidiary shall have delivered to you a certificate, dated such
     Closing  Date,  signed by the  Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary of such
     Restricted Subsidiary, and certifying as to the resolutions, the bylaws and
     the  certificate or articles of  incorporation  attached  thereto and as to
     other corporate  proceedings  relating to the authorization,  execution and
     delivery of the Subsidiary Guaranty.

     4.4  Opinions of Counsel

     You shall have received from

          (a) Gardere Wynne Sewell & Riggs, L.L.P., counsel for the Company, and

          (b)  Hebb & Gitlin, your special counsel,

closing  opinions,  each dated as of such  Closing  Date,  substantially  in the
respective  forms set forth in Exhibits 4.4(a) and 4.4(b),  and as to such other
matters  as you may  reasonably  request.  This  Section  4.4  shall  constitute
direction  by the Company to such  counsel  named in the  immediately  preceding
subsection (a) to deliver such closing opinion to you.


<PAGE>

     4.5  Purchases Permitted By Applicable Law, etc.

         On such Closing  Date your  purchase of Notes shall (a) be permitted by
the laws and regulations of each jurisdiction to which you are subject,  without
recourse to provisions  (such as Section  1405(a)(8)  of the New York  Insurance
Law) permitting limited  investments by insurance  companies without restriction
as to the character of the particular investment, (b) not violate any applicable
law or regulation  (including,  without limitation,  Regulation G, T or X of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) and (c) not subject you to any
tax, penalty or liability under or pursuant to any applicable law or regulation,
which law or  regulation  was not in effect on the date hereof.  If requested by
you, you shall have  received an  Officer's  Certificate  certifying  as to such
matters of fact as you may reasonably specify to enable you to determine whether
such purchase is so permitted.

     4.6  Sale of Other Notes

     Contemporaneously  with such  Closing the  Company  shall sell to the Other
Purchasers and the Other  Purchasers shall purchase the Notes to be purchased by
them at such Closing as specified in Schedule A.

     4.7  Payment of Special Counsel Fees

     Without  limiting the  provisions of Section  15.1,  the Company shall have
paid on or before such Closing the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of
your special counsel  referred to in Section 4.4(b) to the extent reflected in a
statement of such counsel  rendered to the Company at least one (1) Business Day
prior to such Closing.

     4.8  Private Placement Numbers

     Private  Placement numbers issued by Standard & Poor's CUSIP Service Bureau
(in cooperation with the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners) shall have been obtained for each Series.

     4.9  Changes in Corporate Structure

     Except as specified in Schedule 4.9, the Company shall not have changed its
jurisdiction of incorporation or been a party to any merger or consolidation and
shall not have succeeded to all or any  substantial  part of the  liabilities of
any other entity,  at any time  following the date of the most recent  financial
statements referred to in Schedule 5.5.


<PAGE>

     4.10 Subsidiary Guaranty; Consent

     You shall have received

          (a) the  Guaranty,  duly  executed and  delivered  by each  Restricted
     Subsidiary,  substantially  in the form of  Exhibit  4.10 (the  "Subsidiary
     Guaranty"), which Guaranty shall be in full force and effect; and

          (b) a consent, duly executed by Compass Bank (formerly Central Bank of
     the  South),  to  the  execution  of  the  Subsidiary  Guaranty  by  Seitel
     Geophysical, Inc.

     4.11 Rating

     You shall have received a copy of a letter from Duff & Phelps Credit Rating
Co.  to the  Company  assigning  a rating  to the Notes of at least BBB and such
rating shall  continue to be in force and effect (not having been  withdrawn) as
of such Closing Date.

     4.12 Proceedings and Documents

     All corporate and other  proceedings  in connection  with the  transactions
contemplated  by this  Agreement and all documents and  instruments  incident to
such  transactions  shall be  reasonably  satisfactory  to you and your  special
counsel,  and  you and  your  special  counsel  shall  have  received  all  such
counterpart  originals or certified or other copies of such  documents as you or
they may reasonably request.

4A.  COMPANY'S CLOSING CONDITIONS

     The  Company's  obligation to sell the Notes to be purchased by you on each
Closing Date is subject to the fulfillment to the Company's satisfaction,  prior
to or on such Closing Date (except as  otherwise  specified),  of the  following
conditions:

     4A.1 Representations and Warranties.

     The  representations  and  warranties  made by you in  Section  6 shall  be
correct when made and on such Closing Date.

     4A.2 Sales Permitted by Applicable Law, etc.

     On such  Closing Date the  Company's  sale of the Notes and the granting of
the Subsidiary Guaranty by the Restricted Subsidiaries shall (a) be permitted by
the laws and  regulations  of each  jurisdiction  to which the  Company  and the
Restricted  Subsidiaries are subject,  and (b) not violate any applicable law or
regulation.


<PAGE>

5.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

     The Company represents and warrants to you that:

     5.1  Organization; Power and Authority

          (a)  The Company

               (i) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
          standing under the laws of the State of Delaware;

               (ii) is duly  qualified as a foreign  corporation  and is in good
          standing in each jurisdiction in which such  qualification is required
          by law, other than those  jurisdictions  as to which the failure to be
          so qualified or in good  standing  could not,  individually  or in the
          aggregate,  reasonably be expected to have a Material  Adverse Effect;
          and

               (iii) has the corporate  power and authority to own or hold under
          lease the  properties  it  purports  to own or hold  under  lease,  to
          transact  the  business it  transacts  and  proposes to  transact,  to
          execute and deliver this  Agreement and the Other  Agreements  and the
          Notes and to perform the provisions hereof and thereof.

          (b)  Each Restricted Subsidiary

               (i) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
          standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation;

               (ii) is duly  qualified as a foreign  corporation  and is in good
          standing in each jurisdiction in which such  qualification is required
          by law, other than those  jurisdictions  as to which the failure to be
          so qualified or in good  standing  could not,  individually  or in the
          aggregate,  reasonably be expected to have a Material  Adverse Effect;
          and

               (iii) has the corporate  power and authority to own or hold under
          lease the  properties  it  purports  to own or hold  under  lease,  to
          transact  the  business it  transacts  and  proposes to  transact,  to
          execute  and  deliver  the  Subsidiary  Guaranty  and to  perform  the
          provisions hereof and thereof.

     5.2  Authorization, etc.

          (a) This  Agreement and the Other  Agreements  and the Notes have been
     duly  authorized  by all  necessary  corporate  action  on the  part of the
     Company,  and this Agreement  constitutes,  and upon execution and delivery
     thereof each Note will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of
     the Company  enforceable  against the Company in accordance with its terms,
     except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) applicable  bankruptcy,
     insolvency, reorganization,  moratorium or other similar laws affecting the
     enforcement of creditors'  rights generally and (ii) general  principles of
     equity  (regardless  of whether  such  enforceability  is  considered  in a
     proceeding in equity or at law).


<PAGE>

          (b) The Subsidiary  Guaranty has been duly authorized by all necessary
     corporate action on the part of each Restricted  Subsidiary and constitutes
     a  legal,  valid  and  binding  obligation  of each  Restricted  Subsidiary
     enforceable  against such  Restricted  Subsidiary  in  accordance  with its
     terms,  except as such  enforceability  may be  limited  by (i)  applicable
     bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium or other similar laws
     affecting the enforcement of creditors'  rights  generally and (ii) general
     principles  of  equity  (regardless  of  whether  such   enforceability  is
     considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

     5.3  Disclosure

     The Company,  through its agent, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., has delivered to
you  and  each  Other  Purchaser  a copy  of a  Confidential  Private  Placement
Memorandum, dated October 1995 (the "Memorandum"),  relating to the transactions
contemplated hereby. The Memorandum fairly describes,  in all material respects,
the general  nature of the business and principal  properties of the Company and
the  Restricted  Subsidiaries.   Except  as  disclosed  in  Schedule  5.3,  this
Agreement,  the  Memorandum,  the  documents,  certificates  or  other  writings
delivered  to  you by or on  behalf  of  the  Company  in  connection  with  the
transactions contemplated hereby and the financial statements listed in Schedule
5.5, taken as a whole, do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
omit to state any material  fact  necessary to make the  statements  therein not
misleading  in light of the  circumstances  under  which  they  were  made.  All
projections and forward-looking statements contained in the Memorandum are based
upon  assumptions  that the Company  believes to be reasonable  and were made in
good faith,  although no  assurances  can be given that the results set forth in
such  projections  or  forward-looking  statements  will be achieved.  Except as
disclosed in the Memorandum or as expressly described in Schedule 5.3, or in one
of the documents,  certificates or other writings  identified therein, or in the
financial  statements listed in Schedule 5.5, since December 31, 1994, there has
been no change in the financial condition,  operations,  business, properties or
prospects  of the  Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  except  changes  that
individually  or in the  aggregate  could not  reasonably  be expected to have a
Material  Adverse  Effect.  There is no fact  known to the  Company  that  could
reasonably be expected to have a Material  Adverse  Effect that has not been set
forth herein or in the Memorandum or in the other  documents,  certificates  and
other writings delivered to you by or on behalf of the Company  specifically for
use in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

     5.4  Organization and Ownership of Shares of Restricted Subsidiaries;
          Affiliates

          (a)  Schedule  5.4  contains  (except as noted  therein)  complete and
     correct  lists  of (i) the  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  showing,  as to each
     Restricted  Subsidiary,  the correct name thereof,  the jurisdiction of its
     organization  and the percentage of shares of each class of its outstanding
     capital  stock or similar  equity  interests  owned by the Company and each
     other Restricted Subsidiary,  and (ii) the Company's Affiliates (other than
     Restricted Subsidiaries).


<PAGE>

          (b) All of the  outstanding  shares of capital stock or similar equity
     interests  of each  Restricted  Subsidiary  shown in Schedule  5.4 as being
     owned by the  Company and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  have been  validly
     issued,  are fully paid and  nonassessable  and are owned by the Company or
     another  Restricted  Subsidiary  free  and  clear of any  Lien  (except  as
     otherwise disclosed in Schedule 5.4).

          (c)  Each  Restricted  Subsidiary  identified  in  Schedule  5.4  is a
     corporation or other legal entity duly organized,  validly  existing and in
     good standing under the laws of its  jurisdiction of  organization,  and is
     duly  qualified  as a foreign  corporation  or other legal entity and is in
     good standing in each jurisdiction in which such  qualification is required
     by law,  other than those  jurisdictions  as to which the  failure to be so
     qualified or in good standing could not,  individually or in the aggregate,
     reasonably  be  expected  to have a  Material  Adverse  Effect.  Each  such
     Restricted Subsidiary has the corporate or other power and authority to own
     or hold under lease the  properties  it purports to own or hold under lease
     and to transact the business it transacts and proposes to transact.

          (d) No Restricted  Subsidiary  is a party to, or otherwise  subject to
     any legal  restriction  or any agreement  (other than this  Agreement,  the
     agreements  listed on Schedule  5.4 and  customary  limitations  imposed by
     corporate  law  statutes)   restricting  the  ability  of  such  Restricted
     Subsidiary  to pay  dividends  out of  profits  or make any  other  similar
     distributions   of  profits  to  the  Company  or  any  of  the  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  that owns  outstanding  shares of  capital  stock or  similar
     equity interests of such Restricted Subsidiary.

     5.5  Financial Statements

     The  Company  has  delivered  to each  Purchaser  copies  of the  financial
statements  of the Company and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  listed on Schedule
5.5.  All of said  financial  statements  (including  in each  case the  related
schedules and notes) present fairly, in all material respects,  the consolidated
financial  position  of the Company and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  as of the
respective  dates  specified in such  Schedule and the  consolidated  results of
their operations and cash flows for the respective periods so specified and have
been  prepared in  accordance  with GAAP  consistently  applied  throughout  the
periods involved except as set forth in the notes thereto (subject,  in the case
of any interim financial statements, to normal year-end adjustments).

     5.6  Compliance with Laws, Other Instruments, etc.

     Neither the  execution,  delivery  and  performance  by the Company of this
Agreement and the Notes,  nor the  execution,  delivery and  performance  by any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Subsidiary Guaranty, will (a) contravene, result in
any breach of, or constitute a default  under,  or result in the creation of any
Lien in respect of any  property  of the  Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary
under,  any  indenture,  mortgage,  deed of  trust,  loan,  purchase  or  credit
agreement,  lease,  corporate  charter or  by-laws,  or any other  agreement  or
instrument  to which the  Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  is bound or by
which  the  Company  or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  or any of their  respective
properties may be bound or affected,  (b) conflict with or result in a breach of
any of the terms,  conditions or provisions of any order,  judgment,  decree, or
ruling of any court,  arbitrator  or  Governmental  Authority  applicable to the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or (c) violate any provision of any statute
or other rule or  regulation  of any  Governmental  Authority  applicable to the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary.


<PAGE>

     5.7  Governmental Authorizations, etc.

     No  consent,  approval  or  authorization  of, or  registration,  filing or
declaration with, any Governmental  Authority is required in connection with the
execution,  delivery or performance  (a) by the Company of this Agreement or the
Notes or (b) by any Restricted Subsidiary of the Subsidiary Guaranty.

     5.8  Litigation; Observance of Agreements, Statutes and Orders

          (a) Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.8,  there are no actions,  suits
     or  proceedings  pending or, to the  knowledge of the  Company,  threatened
     against or  affecting  the  Company  or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  or any
     property of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in any court or before
     any arbitrator of any kind or before or by any Governmental Authority that,
     individually  or in the aggregate,  could  reasonably be expected to have a
     Material Adverse Effect.

          (b) Neither the Company nor any  Restricted  Subsidiary  is in default
     under any term of any  agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by
     which it is bound, or any order,  judgment,  decree or ruling of any court,
     arbitrator or  Governmental  Authority or is in violation of any applicable
     law,   ordinance,   rule  or  regulation   (including   without  limitation
     Environmental  Laws)  of  any  Governmental  Authority,  which  default  or
     violation,  individually or in the aggregate,  could reasonably be expected
     to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     5.9  Taxes

     The Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries have filed all tax returns that
are  required  to have been filed in any  jurisdiction,  and have paid all taxes
shown to be due and payable on such returns and all other taxes and  assessments
levied  upon them or their  properties,  assets,  income or  franchises,  to the
extent  such taxes and  assessments  have become due and payable and before they
have become  delinquent,  except for any taxes and assessments (a) the amount of
which  is not  individually  or in the  aggregate  Material  or (b) the  amount,
applicability or validity of which is currently being contested in good faith by
appropriate  proceedings  and with  respect to which the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary,  as the case may be, has established adequate reserves in accordance
with GAAP.  The Company knows of no basis for any other tax or  assessment  that
could  reasonably be expected to have a Material  Adverse  Effect.  The charges,
accruals  and  reserves  on  the  books  of  the  Company  and  the   Restricted
Subsidiaries in respect of Federal,  state or other taxes for all fiscal periods
are  adequate.  The  Federal  income  tax  liabilities  of the  Company  and the
Restricted Subsidiaries have been determined by the Internal Revenue Service and
paid for all fiscal years up to and including the fiscal year ended December 31,
1989.


<PAGE>

     5.10      Title to Property; Leases

     The Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries have good and sufficient title
to  their  respective  properties  that  individually  or in the  aggregate  are
Material,  including all such  properties  reflected in the most recent  audited
balance  sheet  referred to in Section 5.5 or purported to have been acquired by
the  Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  after said date  (except as sold or
otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business), in each case free and
clear of Liens prohibited by this Agreement.  All leases that individually or in
the  aggregate are Material are valid and  subsisting  and are in full force and
effect in all material respects.

     5.11 Licenses, Permits, etc

     Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.11,

          (a) the Company  and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  own or possess all
     licenses, permits, franchises, authorizations, patents, copyrights, service
     marks,  trademarks and trade names, or rights thereto,  with respect to the
     business of the  Company  and/or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  as  currently
     conducted,  that  individually  or in the aggregate  are Material,  without
     known conflict with the rights of others;

          (b) to the best knowledge of the Company, no product of the Company or
     any  Restricted  Subsidiary  infringes  in any  material  respect  upon any
     license, permit, franchise, authorization, patent, copyright, service mark,
     trademark, trade name or other right owned by any other Person; and

          (c) to the best knowledge of the Company, there is no violation by any
     Person  of any  right of the  Company  or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  with
     respect to any patent,  copyright,  service mark, trademark,  trade name or
     other  right  owned or used by the  Company  or any  Restricted  Subsidiary
     which,  individually or in the aggregate,  could  reasonably be expected to
     have a Material Adverse Effect.

     5.12 Compliance with ERISA

          (a)  The  Company  and  each  ERISA   Affiliate   have   operated  and
     administered  each Plan in compliance  with all applicable  laws except for
     such  instances  of  noncompliance  as have not  resulted  in and could not
     reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the
     Company nor any ERISA  Affiliate  has  incurred any  liability  pursuant to
     Title I or IV of ERISA or the penalty or excise tax  provisions of the Code
     relating to employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3 of ERISA),  and
     no event,  transaction  or  condition  has  occurred  or exists  that could
     reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any such liability by
     the Company or any ERISA Affiliate, or in the imposition of any Lien on any
     of the rights,  properties or assets of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate,
     in either  case  pursuant  to Title I or IV of ERISA or to such  penalty or
     excise tax  provisions or to Section  401(a)(29) or 412 of the Code,  other
     than  such  liabilities  or Liens as would  not be  individually  or in the
     aggregate Material.


<PAGE>

          (b) The present value of the aggregate benefit  liabilities under each
     of the Plans (other than Multiemployer Plans),  determined as of the end of
     such Plan's  most  recently  ended plan year on the basis of the  actuarial
     assumptions  specified  for  funding  purposes  in such  Plan's most recent
     actuarial  valuation report,  did not exceed the aggregate current value of
     the assets of such Plan  allocable  to such benefit  liabilities.  The term
     "benefit  liabilities"  has the meaning  specified in section 4001 of ERISA
     and the  terms  "current  value"  and  "present  value"  have  the  meaning
     specified in section 3 of ERISA.

          (c) The Company and its ERISA Affiliates have not incurred  withdrawal
     liabilities  (and are not  subject to  contingent  withdrawal  liabilities)
     under section 4201 or 4204 of ERISA in respect of Multiemployer  Plans that
     individually or in the aggregate are Material.

          (d) The expected  postretirement  benefit obligation (determined as of
     the last day of the Company's most recently ended fiscal year in accordance
     with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 106, without regard
     to liabilities  attributable to continuation  coverage  mandated by section
     4980B of the Code) of the Company and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  is not
     Material.

          (e) The execution and delivery of this  Agreement and the issuance and
     sale of the  Notes  hereunder  will not  involve  any  transaction  that is
     subject to the  prohibitions  of section 406 of ERISA or in connection with
     which a tax could be imposed pursuant to section  4975(c)(1)(A)-(D)  of the
     Code.  The  representation  by the  Company in the first  sentence  of this
     Section  5.12(e) is made in reliance  upon and  subject to the  accuracy of
     your  representation  in Section 6.3 as to the sources of the funds used to
     pay the purchase price of the Notes to be purchased by you.

          (f)  Schedule  5.12  lists all ERISA  Affiliates  that are  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  and  that  maintain  one  or  more  Plans  and  any  employee
     organizations in respect of any Multiemployer  Plan or Plan.  Schedule 5.12
     sets forth all ERISA  Affiliates  and all  "employee  benefit  plans"  with
     respect  to which  the  Company  or any  "affiliate"  of the  Company  is a
     "party-in-interest"  or in respect of which the Notes could  constitute  an
     "employer  security"  ("employee  benefit  plan,"  "party-in-interest"  and
     "employee  organization" have the meanings specified in section 3 of ERISA,
     "affiliate"  has the  meaning  specified  in  section  407(d)  of ERISA and
     Section V of the Department of Labor Prohibited Transaction Exemption 95-60
     (60 FR  35925,  July 12,  1995) and  "employer  security"  has the  meaning
     specified in section 407(d) of ERISA).

     5.13 Private Offering by the Company

     Neither the  Company nor anyone  acting on its behalf has offered the Notes
or any similar  Securities for sale to, or solicited any offer to buy any of the
same from, or otherwise  approached or negotiated in respect  thereof with,  any
Person other than you, the Other  Purchasers and not more than  fifty-four  (54)
other  Institutional  Investors,  each of which has been  offered the Notes at a
private   sale  for   investment.   In  reliance   upon  the  accuracy  of  your
representations  and  warranties and the  representations  and warranties of the
Other Purchasers, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf has taken,
or will take, any action that would subject the issuance or sale of the Notes to
the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act.


<PAGE>

     5.14 Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations

     The  Company  will  apply  the  proceeds  of the sale of the Notes to repay
existing Debt and for general corporate purposes (including, without limitation,
the repayment of certain accounts  payable,  as more fully described on Schedule
5.3, if an acceptable  agreement  with the payee is  concluded).  No part of the
proceeds  from  the  sale of the  Notes  hereunder  will be  used,  directly  or
indirectly,  for the purpose of buying or carrying  any margin  stock within the
meaning of Regulation G of the Board of Governors of the Federal  Reserve System
(12 CFR 207),  or for the  purpose  of  buying or  carrying  or  trading  in any
Securities under such  circumstances as to involve the Company in a violation of
Regulation  X of said Board (12 CFR 224) or to involve any broker or dealer in a
violation  of  Regulation  T of said Board (12 CFR 220).  Margin  stock does not
constitute more than one percent (1%) of the value of the consolidated assets of
the Company and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  and the Company does not have any
present  intention that margin stock will constitute more than five percent (5%)
of the value of such assets.  As used in this Section,  the terms "margin stock"
and "purpose of buying or carrying" shall have the meanings  assigned to them in
said Regulation G.

     5.15 Existing Debt; Future Liens

          (a) Except as described  therein,  Schedule 5.15 sets forth a complete
     and  correct  list  of  all   outstanding   Debt  (in  excess  of  $100,000
     outstanding) of the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries as of December
     15,  1995,  since  which  date  there  has been no  material  change in the
     amounts,  interest rates, sinking funds, installment payments or maturities
     of the Debt of the  Company or the  Restricted  Subsidiaries.  Neither  the
     Company  nor any  Restricted  Subsidiary  is in  default,  and no waiver of
     default is  currently  in effect,  in the  payment of any  principal  of or
     interest on any Debt of the Company or such  Restricted  Subsidiary  and no
     event or  condition  exists with  respect to any Debt of the Company or any
     Restricted  Subsidiary  that would permit (or that with notice or the lapse
     of time,  or both,  would permit) one or more Persons to cause such Debt to
     become due and payable  before its stated  maturity or before its regularly
     scheduled dates of payment.

          (b) Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.15,  neither the Company nor any
     Restricted  Subsidiary  has agreed or  consented  to cause or permit in the
     future  (upon the  happening  of a  contingency  or  otherwise)  any of its
     property,  whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien
     not permitted by Section 10.4.

     5.16 Foreign Assets Control Regulations, etc.

     Neither the sale of the Notes by the Company  hereunder  nor its use of the
proceeds thereof will violate the Trading with the Enemy Act, as amended, or any
of the  foreign  assets  control  regulations  of  the  United  States  Treasury
Department  (31  CFR,  Subtitle  B,  Chapter  V,  as  amended)  or any  enabling
legislation or executive order relating thereto.


<PAGE>

     5.17 Status under Certain Statutes

     Neither the Company nor any Restricted  Subsidiary is subject to regulation
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Public Utility Holding
Company  Act of 1935,  as  amended,  the  Transportation  Acts (49  U.S.C.),  as
amended, or the Federal Power Act, as amended.

     5.18 Environmental Matters

     Neither the Company nor any  Restricted  Subsidiary  has  knowledge  of any
claim or has  received  any  notice of any  claim,  and no  proceeding  has been
instituted  raising  any claim  against  the  Company  or any of the  Restricted
Subsidiaries  or any of their  respective real properties now or formerly owned,
leased or operated by any of them or other  assets,  alleging  any damage to the
environment or violation of any Environmental  Laws,  except, in each case, such
as could not  reasonably  be  expected to result in a Material  Adverse  Effect.
Except as otherwise disclosed to you in writing,

          (a) neither the Company  nor any of the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  has
     knowledge  of any  facts  which  would  give rise to any  claim,  public or
     private,  of violation of  Environmental  Laws or damage to the environment
     emanating  from,  occurring on or in any way related to real properties now
     or formerly owned,  leased or operated by any of them or to other assets or
     their use,  except,  in each case, such as could not reasonably be expected
     to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

          (b) neither the Company  nor any of the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  has
     stored any Hazardous  Materials on real  properties now or formerly  owned,
     leased  or  operated  by  any of  them  or has  disposed  of any  Hazardous
     Materials in a manner  contrary to any  Environmental  Laws in each case in
     any  manner  that  could  reasonably  be  expected  to result in a Material
     Adverse Effect; and

          (c) all buildings on all real properties now owned, leased or operated
     by the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with
     applicable  Environmental  Laws,  except where  failure to comply could not
     reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

6.   REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PURCHASER

     6.1  Purchase for Investment

     You represent that you are purchasing the Notes for your own account or for
one or more  separate  accounts  maintained  by you or for the account of one or
more pension or trust funds and not with a view to the  distribution  thereof or
with  any  present  intention  of  offering  or  selling  any of the  Notes in a
transaction  that would violate the Securities Act or the securities laws of any
State of the United States or any other applicable  jurisdiction,  provided that
the  disposition  of your or their property shall at all times be within your or
their  control.  You  represent  and  warrant  that you and any Person for whose
account you are purchasing the Notes are either a Qualified  Institutional Buyer
or an Accredited Institution,  in either case with such knowledge and experience
in  financial  and  business  matters as are  necessary in order to evaluate the
merits and risks of an investment  in the Notes.  You also  understand  that the
Company  and,  for  purposes of the  opinions to be delivered to you pursuant to
Section 4.4, counsel to the Company and your special counsel, will rely upon the
accuracy and truth of the foregoing  representations  and you hereby  consent to
such reliance.  You understand that the Notes have not been registered under the
Securities  Act and may be resold only if registered  pursuant to the provisions
of the Securities Act or if an exemption from registration is available,  except
under  circumstances  where neither such  registration  nor such an exemption is
required by law, and that the Company is not required to register the Notes.


<PAGE>

     6.2  Legend

     You agree that the Notes shall contain the following legend:

     "THIS SECURITY  HAS  NOT  BEEN  REGISTERED  UNDER  THE  SECURITIES  ACT  OF
     1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY ONLY BE REOFFERED AND SOLD IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
     REGISTRATION PROVISIONS OF SUCH ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM."

The legend requirements imposed by this Section 6.2 shall cease and terminate as
to any particular Note if the Notes represented thereby have been:

          (a)  effectively  registered  under the  Securities  Act (the  Company
     having no obligation to effect the registration of such Notes) and disposed
     of in accordance with the registration statement covering such Notes,

          (b)  distributed to the public  pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor
     provision) under the Securities Act, or

          (c) otherwise  transferred  in accordance  herewith and the subsequent
     disposition   of  such  Notes  shall  not  require  the   registration   or
     qualification  of such Notes under the  Securities Act or any similar state
     law then in force.

Whenever such  restrictions  shall terminate as to any Notes, the holder thereof
shall be entitled to receive  from the Company,  without  expense to such holder
(except for stamp taxes or governmental  charges,  if any, payable in connection
with a transfer of such Notes,  as required by Section 13.2), a new Note of like
tenor not bearing the legend set forth in this Section 6.2.

     6.3  ERISA.  You represent:

          (a) if you are  acquiring  the Notes for your own  account  with funds
     from or  attributable  to your general  account,  and in reliance  upon the
     Company's  representations  set  forth  in  Section  5.12  and the  related
     disclosures set forth in Schedule 5.12, that the amount of the reserves and
     liabilities  for the general  account  contracts  (as defined by the annual
     statement for life insurance companies approved by the National Association
     of Insurance  Commissioners  (the "NAIC Annual  Statement"))  held by or on
     behalf of any Plan together with the amount of the reserves and liabilities
     for the general  account  contracts held by or on behalf of any other Plans
     maintained  by the same  employer (or  affiliate  thereof,  as such term is
     defined in section V of DOL Prohibited  Transaction  Exemption 95-60 (60 FR
     35925, July 12, 1995)) or by the same employee  organization (as defined in
     ERISA) in the general  account do not exceed 10% of the total  reserves and
     liabilities  of  the  general  account   (exclusive  of  separate   account
     liabilities)  plus surplus as set forth in the NAIC Annual  Statement filed
     with the state of domicile of the  insurance  company;  for purposes of the
     percentage  limitation  in this  clause  (a),  the amount of  reserves  and
     liabilities  for the general  account  contracts  held by or on behalf of a
     Plan shall be  determined  before  reduction  for credits on account of any
     reinsurance ceded on a coinsurance basis; or


<PAGE>

          (b) if any part of the funds being used by you to  purchase  the Notes
     shall come from assets of an employee benefit plan (as defined in section 3
     of ERISA) or a plan (as defined in section 4975(e)(1) of the Code), that:

               (i) if such funds are  attributable  to a "separate  account" (as
          defined in section 3 of ERISA), then

                    (A) all  requirements  for an exemption under DOL Prohibited
               Transaction Exemption 90-1 (issued January 29, 1990) are met with
               respect to the use of such funds to purchase the Notes, or

                    (B) the  employee  benefit  plans with an  interest  in such
               separate  account have been identified in a writing  delivered by
               you to the Company;

               (ii) if such funds are  attributable to a "separate  account" (as
          defined in section 3 of ERISA) that is maintained solely in connection
          with fixed contracted obligations of an insurance company, any amounts
          payable, or credited,  to any employee benefit plan having an interest
          in such account and to any  participant  or  beneficiary  of such plan
          (including  an  annuitant)  are  not  affected  in any  manner  by the
          investment performance of the separate account;

               (iii) if such  funds are  attributable  to an  "investment  fund"
          managed by a "qualified plan asset manager" (as such terms are defined
          in Part V of DOL Prohibited  Transaction Exemption 84-14, issued March
          13, 1984),  all requirements for an exemption under such Exemption are
          met with respect to the use of such funds to purchase the Notes; or

               (iv) such employee  benefit plan is excluded from the  provisions
          of section 406 of ERISA by virtue of section 4(b) of ERISA.

     6.4  Organization; Power and Authority; Compliance with Laws

     You represent and warrant that:

          (a) you are a corporation  duly organized,  validly  existing,  and in
     good standing under the laws of the state of your incorporation,


<PAGE>

          (b) you have the corporate  power and authority to execute and deliver
     this Agreement and to perform the provisions hereof, and

          (c) the execution,  delivery and  performance of this Agreement by you
     will not violate any  provision of any statute or other rule or  regulation
     of any Governmental Authority applicable to you.

     6.5  Authorization, etc

     You represent and warrant that this  Agreement has been duly  authorized by
all necessary corporate action on your part, and this Agreement constitutes your
legal, valid and binding obligation  enforceable  against you in accordance with
its  terms,  except as such  enforceability  may be  limited  by (a)  applicable
bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,   moratorium  or  other  similar  laws
affecting  the  enforcement  of  creditors'  rights  generally  and (b)  general
principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in
a proceeding in equity or at law).

7.   INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY

     7.1  Financial and Business Information

     The Company shall deliver to each holder that is an Institutional Investor:

          (a) Quarterly  Statements -- within forty-five (45) days after the end
     of each  quarterly  fiscal period in each fiscal year of the Company (other
     than the last quarterly fiscal period of each such fiscal year),  duplicate
     copies of,

               (i)   consolidated   balance   sheets  of  the  Company  and  its
          consolidated  Subsidiaries,  and of the  Company  and  its  Restricted
          Subsidiaries, as at the end of such quarter, and

               (ii) consolidated statements of operations,  stockholders' equity
          and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated  Subsidiaries,  and
          of the Company and its Restricted  Subsidiaries,  for such quarter and
          (in the case of the second and third  quarters) for the portion of the
          fiscal year ending with such quarter,

     setting  forth  in  each  case  in  comparative  form  the  figures for the
     corresponding  periods  in the  previous  fiscal  year,  all in  reasonable
     detail,  prepared in accordance with GAAP applicable to quarterly financial
     statements generally, and certified by a Senior Financial Officer as fairly
     presenting,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of the
     companies being reported on and their results of operations and cash flows,
     subject to changes resulting from year-end  adjustments,  provided that, so
     long as the Company shall not have any Unrestricted Subsidiaries,  delivery
     within the time period specified above of copies of the Company's Quarterly
     Report on Form 10-Q prepared in compliance with the  requirements  therefor
     and filed with the  Securities and Exchange  Commission  shall be deemed to
     satisfy the requirements of this Section 7.1(a);


<PAGE>

               (b) Annual Statements -- within ninety (90) days after the end of
          each fiscal year of the Company, duplicate copies of,

                    (i)  consolidated  balance  sheets  of the  Company  and its
               consolidated Subsidiaries,  and of the Company and its Restricted
               Subsidiaries, as at the end of such year, and

                    (ii)  consolidated  statements of operations,  stockholders'
               equity  and  cash  flows  of the  Company  and  its  consolidated
               Subsidiaries, and of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries,
               for such year,

         setting  forth in each case in  comparative  form the  figures  for the
         previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail,  prepared in accordance
         with GAAP, and accompanied by

                    (A) an  opinion  thereon  of  independent  certified  public
               accountants of recognized national standing,  which opinion shall
               state  that such  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in all
               material respects,  the financial position of the companies being
               reported upon and their results of operations  and cash flows and
               have  been  prepared  in  conformity  with GAAP  (except  for the
               exclusion  of  Unrestricted   Subsidiaries,   if  any,  from  the
               financial   statements   of  the  Company   and  the   Restricted
               Subsidiaries),  and that the  examination of such  accountants in
               connection  with  such  financial  statements  has  been  made in
               accordance with generally accepted auditing  standards,  and that
               such audit  provides a  reasonable  basis for such opinion in the
               circumstances, and

                    (B) a certificate of such accountants stating that they have
               reviewed this Agreement and stating  further  whether,  in making
               their  audit,  they have become  aware of any  condition or event
               that then  constitutes a Default or an Event of Default,  and, if
               they are aware  that any such  condition  or event  then  exists,
               specifying  the nature and period of the  existence  thereof  (it
               being  understood  that such  accountants  shall  not be  liable,
               directly or  indirectly,  for any failure to obtain  knowledge of
               any Default or Event of Default  unless such  accountants  should
               have obtained  knowledge thereof in making an audit in accordance
               with generally  accepted auditing  standards or did not make such
               an audit),

         provided  that, so long as the Company shall not have any  Unrestricted
         Subsidiaries,  the delivery  within the time period  specified above of
         the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year (together
         with the Company's  annual  report to  shareholders,  if any,  prepared
         pursuant to Rule 14a-3 under the Exchange  Act)  prepared in accordance
         with the  requirements  therefor  and  filed  with the  Securities  and
         Exchange  Commission,   together  with  the  accountants'  certificates
         described in clauses (A) and (B) above,  shall be deemed to satisfy the
         requirements of this Section 7.1(b);

               (c) SEC  and  Other  Reports  --  promptly  upon  their  becoming
          available, one copy of


<PAGE>

                    (i)  each  financial  statement,  report,  notice  or  proxy
               statement  sent by the Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  to
               public securities holders generally, and

                    (ii) (A) each regular or periodic report,  each registration
               statement (without exhibits except as expressly requested by such
               holder),  and each prospectus and all amendments thereto filed by
               the Company or any Restricted  Subsidiary with the Securities and
               Exchange Commission and (B) by facsimile only, all press releases
               and other  statements made available  generally by the Company or
               any Restricted  Subsidiary to the public concerning  developments
               that are Material;

               (d) Audit Reports -- as soon as practicable after receipt thereof
          by the  Company  or  any  Subsidiary,  a copy  of  each  other  report
          submitted  to  the  Company  or  any  Subsidiary  by  its  independent
          accountants  in  connection  with any interim or special audit made by
          them of the books of the Company or any Subsidiary;

               (e) Litigation -- within five (5) days after the Company  obtains
          knowledge  thereof,  written  notice of any pending or threatened  (in
          writing) (i)  litigation not fully covered by insurance or as to which
          an insurance  company has not accepted  liability or (ii) governmental
          proceeding,  in  each  case  against  the  Company  or any  Restricted
          Subsidiary,  in which the damages  sought  exceed One Million  Dollars
          ($1,000,000),  individually  or in the aggregate,  or which  otherwise
          could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

               (f) Notice of Default or Event of Default -- promptly, and in any
          event within five (5) days after a  Responsible  Officer  shall become
          aware of the  existence of any Default or Event of Default or that any
          Person  has given any  notice or taken any  action  with  respect to a
          claimed  default  hereunder or that any Person has given any notice or
          taken  any  action  with  respect  to a  claimed  default  of the type
          referred to in Section 11(f),  a written notice  specifying the nature
          and period of existence  thereof and what action the Company is taking
          or proposes to take with respect thereto;

               (g) Oil and Gas Reserve Reports -- promptly,  and in any event no
          later  than  April 1 in each  year,  engineering  reports  in form and
          substance reasonably  satisfactory to the Required Holders,  certified
          by Forrest A. Garb &  Associates,  Inc.  (or any other  nationally  or
          regionally recognized  independent  consulting petroleum engineers) as
          fairly and accurately setting forth

                    (i) the  proven and  producing,  shut-in,  behind-pipe,  and
               undeveloped oil and gas reserves (separately  classified as such)
               of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of January 1 of
               the year for which such reserve reports are furnished,

                    (ii) the  aggregate  present  value of the future net income
               with respect to such  reserves  discounted  at a stated per annum
               annual discount rate,


<PAGE>

                    (iii)  projections of the annual rate of  production,  gross
               income,  and net income with respect to such proven and producing
               reserves, and

                    (iv)   information   with  respect  to  the   "take-or-pay,"
               "prepayment,"  and  gas-balancing  liabilities of the Company and
               its Restricted Subsidiaries;

               (h) ERISA  Matters -- promptly,  and in any event within five (5)
          days after a  Responsible  Officer  shall  become  aware of any of the
          following,  a written  notice setting forth the nature thereof and the
          action,  if any,  that the Company or an ERISA  Affiliate  proposes to
          take with respect thereto:

                    (i) with  respect  to any Plan,  any  reportable  event,  as
               defined  in  section   4043(b)  of  ERISA  and  the   regulations
               thereunder, for which notice thereof has not been waived pursuant
               to such regulations as in effect on the date hereof; or

                    (ii) the  taking by the PBGC of steps to  institute,  or the
               threatening by the PBGC of the institution of,  proceedings under
               section 4042 of ERISA for the  termination of, or the appointment
               of a trustee  to  administer,  any Plan,  or the  receipt  by the
               Company or any ERISA  Affiliate of a notice from a  Multiemployer
               Plan that such action has been taken by the PBGC with  respect to
               such Multiemployer Plan; or

                    (iii) any event,  transaction or condition that could result
               in the  incurrence  of any  liability by the Company or any ERISA
               Affiliate  pursuant  to Title I or IV of ERISA or the  penalty or
               excise tax  provisions of the Code  relating to employee  benefit
               plans,  or in the  imposition  of any Lien on any of the  rights,
               properties  or  assets  of the  Company  or any  ERISA  Affiliate
               pursuant to Title I or IV of ERISA or such  penalty or excise tax
               provisions,  if such  liability or Lien,  taken together with any
               other such  liabilities or Liens then existing,  could reasonably
               be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

               (i) Notices from Governmental  Authority -- promptly,  and in any
          event within thirty (30) days of receipt thereof, copies of any notice
          to  the  Company  or  any   Subsidiary   from  any  Federal  or  state
          Governmental Authority relating to any order, ruling, statute or other
          law or regulation that could reasonably be expected to have a Material
          Adverse Effect; and

               (j) Requested  Information -- with  reasonable  promptness,  such
          other  data and  information  relating  to the  business,  operations,
          affairs,  financial condition,  assets or properties of the Company or
          any of the Restricted  Subsidiaries  or relating to the ability of the
          Company to perform its  obligations  hereunder  and under the Notes as
          from  time to time may be  reasonably  requested  by any  such  holder
          including,  without  limitation,  information  required  by 17  C.F.R.
          ss.230.144A, as amended from time to time.


<PAGE>

     7.2  Officer's Certificate

     Each set of financial  statements delivered to a holder pursuant to Section
7.1(a) or Section  7.1(b)  hereof shall be  accompanied  by a  certificate  of a
Senior Financial Officer setting forth:

          (a)  Covenant  Compliance  --  the  information   (including  detailed
     calculations)  required  in order to  establish  whether the Company was in
     compliance with the requirements of Sections 10.1 through 10.7,  inclusive,
     during the quarterly or annual period covered by the statements  then being
     furnished  (including with respect to each such Section,  where applicable,
     the calculations of the maximum or minimum amount, ratio or percentage,  as
     the case may be,  permissible  under  the terms of such  Sections,  and the
     calculation of the amount, ratio or percentage then in existence); and

          (b) Event of Default -- a statement that such officer has reviewed the
     relevant terms hereof and has made, or caused to be made,  under his or her
     supervision, a review of the transactions and conditions of the Company and
     the  Subsidiaries  from the  beginning of the  quarterly  or annual  period
     covered  by  the  statements  then  being  furnished  to  the  date  of the
     certificate  and that such review shall not have  disclosed  the  existence
     during such period of any condition or event that  constitutes a Default or
     an Event of Default or, if any such  condition  or event  existed or exists
     (including,  without limitation, any such event or condition resulting from
     the  failure  of  the  Company  or  any   Subsidiary  to  comply  with  any
     Environmental  Law),  specifying the nature and period of existence thereof
     and what  action the  Company  shall have  taken or  proposes  to take with
     respect thereto.

     7.3  Inspection

     The  Company  shall  permit the  representatives  of each holder that is an
Institutional Investor:

          (a) No Default -- if no Default or Event of Default  then  exists,  at
     the expense of such holder and upon reasonable prior notice to the Company,
     to visit the  principal  executive  office of the  Company,  to discuss the
     affairs, finances and accounts of the Company and the Subsidiaries with the
     Company's  officers,  and (with the consent of the Company,  which  consent
     will not be unreasonably  withheld) its independent  public accountants and
     its independent petroleum engineers,  and (with the consent of the Company,
     which consent will not be unreasonably withheld) to visit the other offices
     and properties of the Company and each  Subsidiary,  all at such reasonable
     times as may be reasonably requested in writing, provided that you shall be
     permitted to make only two  inspections  per calendar  year pursuant to the
     provisions of this  subsection  (a) (without  limitation of the  inspection
     rights of any Other Purchaser); and

          (b) Default -- if a Default or an Event of Default then exists, at the
     expense  of the  Company  to  visit  and  inspect  any of  the  offices  or
     properties  of  the  Company  or  any  Subsidiary,  to  examine  all  their
     respective  books of account,  records,  reports and other papers,  to make
     copies and extracts  therefrom,  and to discuss their  respective  affairs,
     finances and accounts with their respective  officers,  independent  public
     accountants and independent  petroleum engineers (and by this provision the
     Company  authorizes said  accountants and engineers to discuss the affairs,
     finances  and  accounts of the Company and the  Subsidiaries),  all at such
     times and as often as may be requested.


<PAGE>

8.   PREPAYMENT OF THE NOTES

     8.1  Required Prepayments

     Regardless of the amount of the Notes which may be outstanding from time to
time,  the Company shall prepay or, in the case of principal  amounts due at the
maturity  of any Note,  pay,  and there  shall  become  due and  payable  on the
respective dates specified below, the respective  aggregate principal amounts of
each Series of Notes  hereinafter  set forth opposite such dates (or such lesser
amount as would constitute payment in full of the Notes of such Series):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

=========================== ========================== =========================== ==========================
          Date:                  Principal Amount           Principal Amount            Principal Amount
                                 of Series A Notes          of Series B Notes           of Series C Notes
                                 to be prepaid or           to be prepaid or            to be prepaid or
                                       paid:                      paid:                       paid:
=========================== ========================== =========================== ==========================
<S>                         <C>                        <C>                         <C>       
      December 30,                      $0                     $5,500,000                  $4,500,000
          1998
- --------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
      December 30,                  $8,333,333                 $5,500,000                  $4,500,000
          1999
- --------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
      December 30,                  $8,333,333                 $5,500,000                  $4,500,000
          2000
- --------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
      December 30,                  $8,333,334                 $5,500,000                  $4,500,000
          2001
- --------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------
      December 30,                      $0                     $5,500,000                  $4,500,000
          2002
=========================== ========================== =========================== ==========================
Totals                              $25,000,000                $27,500,000                 $22,500,000
=========================== ========================== =========================== ==========================
</TABLE>

The principal  amount of any Note remaining  outstanding at the maturity thereof
shall be paid at such  maturity.  Each such  prepayment or payment shall be at a
price of 100% of the principal  amount  prepaid or paid,  together with interest
accrued  thereon to (but not  including)  the date of prepayment or payment.  No
Make-Whole  Amount shall be payable in connection with any mandatory  prepayment
or payment made pursuant to this Section 8.1.


<PAGE>

     8.2  Optional Prepayments with Make-Whole Amount; Rescission

          (a) Optional  Prepayments with Make-Whole  Amount. The Company may, at
     its option,  upon notice as provided below, prepay at any time all, or from
     time to time any part of, the Notes, in a principal amount of not less than
     (i) in the case of a partial  prepayment  other than a Contingent  Optional
     Prepayment,  Five Million  Dollars  ($5,000,000),  or (ii) in the case of a
     partial prepayment which is a Contingent Optional  Prepayment,  Two Million
     Dollars ($2,000,000),  or, in either case, such lesser amount as shall then
     be outstanding,  at one hundred  percent (100%) of the principal  amount so
     prepaid, plus the Make-Whole Amount determined for the prepayment date with
     respect to such principal amount. The Company will give each holder written
     notice (an "Optional  Prepayment Notice") of each optional prepayment under
     this  Section  8.2 not less than  thirty  (30) days and not more than sixty
     (60)  days  prior to the date  fixed  for such  prepayment  (the  "Optional
     Prepayment Date"). Each such Optional Prepayment Notice shall

               (i) specify the Optional Prepayment Date,

               (ii)  state  whether  such  prepayment  is  contingent  upon  the
          completion  of an asset  disposition  by the  Company or a  Restricted
          Subsidiary or the  consummation  of a new credit facility with another
          creditor or group of creditors (a  "Contingent  Optional  Prepayment")
          and describe in reasonable detail the terms thereof,

               (iii) specify the aggregate principal amount of each Series to be
          prepaid on such date,

               (iv)  specify  the  principal  amount  of each  Note held by such
          holder to be prepaid (determined in accordance with Section 8.3),

               (v) specify the interest to be paid on the  prepayment  date with
          respect to such principal amount being prepaid, and

               (vi)  be  accompanied  by a  certificate  of a  Senior  Financial
          Officer as to the estimated  Make-Whole  Amount due in connection with
          such  prepayment  (calculated  as if the date of such  notice were the
          date  of  the   prepayment),   setting   forth  the  details  of  such
          computation.

     Two (2) Business Days prior to such  prepayment,  the Company shall deliver
     to each holder a certificate of a Senior Financial  Officer  specifying the
     calculation of such Make-Whole Amount as of the specified prepayment date.

          (b)  Rescission.  In the event that the Company shall give an Optional
     Prepayment Notice of any Contingent Optional Prepayment pursuant to Section
     8.2(a),  the  Company  thereafter  shall  have the  right to  rescind  such
     Optional  Prepayment  Notice by giving each holder  written  notice of such
     rescission  (a  "Rescission  Notice") not less than ten (10)  Business Days
     prior to the Optional Prepayment Date specified in such Optional Prepayment
     Notice.  Upon delivery of such  Rescission  Notice in accordance  with this
     Section 8.2(b), the Company shall be relieved of any obligation to make the
     Contingent  Optional  Prepayment on the Optional Prepayment Date in respect
     of which such Rescission Notice was delivered.


<PAGE>

     8.3  Allocation of Partial Prepayments

     All partial  prepayments of the Series A Notes,  the Series B Notes and the
Series C Notes  pursuant to Section 8.1 shall be  allocated  to all  outstanding
Notes of the relevant  Series  ratably in accordance  with the unpaid  principal
amounts  thereof.  All partial  prepayments of the Notes pursuant to Section 8.2
shall be allocated to all outstanding  Notes (without  distinguishing  among the
different  Series)  ratably  in  accordance  with the unpaid  principal  amounts
thereof.  Any partial  prepayment of the Series A Notes,  the Series B Notes and
the Series C Notes pursuant to Section 8.2 shall reduce the principal  amount of
each required  prepayment  of such Series  becoming due under Section 8.1 on and
after the date of such prepayment in the inverse order of the maturity thereof.

     8.4  Maturity; Surrender, etc.

     In the case of each  prepayment  of Notes  pursuant to this  Section 8, the
principal  amount of each Note to be  prepaid  shall  mature  and become due and
payable on the date fixed for such  prepayment,  together  with interest on such
principal amount accrued to such date and the applicable  Make-Whole  Amount, if
any.  From and after  such  date,  unless  the  Company  shall  fail to pay such
principal  amount  when so due and  payable,  together  with  the  interest  and
Make-Whole Amount, if any, as aforesaid, interest on such principal amount shall
cease to accrue.  Any Note paid or prepaid in full shall be  surrendered  to the
Company and cancelled and shall not be reissued,  and no Note shall be issued in
lieu of any prepaid principal amount of any Note.

     8.5  Purchase of Notes

     The  Company  will not and will not permit  any  Restricted  Subsidiary  or
Affiliate  to  purchase,  redeem,  prepay  or  otherwise  acquire,  directly  or
indirectly,  any of the outstanding  Notes except upon the payment or prepayment
of the Notes in accordance  with the terms of this Agreement and the Notes.  The
Company  will  promptly  cancel  all  Notes  acquired  by it or  any  Restricted
Subsidiary or Affiliate  pursuant to any payment or prepayment of Notes pursuant
to any provision of this Agreement and no Notes may be issued in substitution or
exchange for any such Notes.


     8.6  Make-Whole Amount

     The term  "Make-Whole  Amount"  means,  with  respect to any Series A Note,
Series B Note or Series C Note,  an amount  equal to the excess,  if any, of the
Discounted Value of the Remaining  Scheduled Payments with respect to the Called
Principal of such Note over the amount of such Called  Principal,  provided that
the  Make-Whole  Amount may in no event be less than zero.  For the  purposes of
determining  the  Make-Whole  Amount,  the  following  terms have the  following
meanings:

          "Called  Principal" means, with respect to any Series A Note, Series B
     Note,  or Series C Note,  the  principal of such Note that is to be prepaid
     pursuant to Section 8.2 or has become or is declared to be immediately  due
     and payable pursuant to Section 12.1, as the context requires.
<PAGE>

          "Discounted  Value" means, with respect to the Called Principal of any
     Series A Note,  Series B Note,  or Series C Note,  the amount  obtained  by
     discounting  all Remaining  Scheduled  Payments with respect to such Called
     Principal from their respective  scheduled due dates to the Settlement Date
     with  respect  to  such  Called  Principal,  in  accordance  with  accepted
     financial  practice and at a discount  factor (applied on the same periodic
     basis as that on which  interest  on the  Notes  is  payable)  equal to the
     Reinvestment Yield with respect to such Called Principal.

          "Reinvestment  Yield" means,  with respect to the Called  Principal of
     any  Series A Note,  Series B Note,  or Series C Note,  the sum of one half
     percent  (.5%) per  annum  plus the yield to  maturity  implied  by (i) the
     yields reported,  as of 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the second (2nd)
     Business  Day  preceding  the  Settlement  Date with respect to such Called
     Principal,  on the display  designated as "Page 678" on the Telerate Access
     Service  (or such other  display as may  replace  Page 678 on the  Telerate
     Access  Service)  for actively  traded U.S.  Treasury  securities  having a
     maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal as of
     such  Settlement  Date,  or (ii) if such yields are not reported as of such
     time or the  yields  reported  as of such time are not  ascertainable,  the
     Treasury Constant  Maturity Series Yields reported,  for the latest day for
     which such yields have been so reported as of the second (2nd) Business Day
     preceding the  Settlement  Date with respect to such Called  Principal,  in
     Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (or any comparable successor
     publication) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a constant
     maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal as of
     such Settlement Date. Such implied yield will be determined,  if necessary,
     by (a) converting U.S. Treasury bill quotations to  bond-equivalent  yields
     in  accordance  with  accepted  financial  practice  and (b)  interpolating
     linearly  between (1) the actively traded U.S.  Treasury  security with the
     duration closest to and greater than the Remaining Average Life and (2) the
     actively  traded U.S.  Treasury  security with the duration  closest to and
     less than the Remaining Average Life.

          "Remaining  Average Life" means, with respect to any Called Principal,
     the number of years  (calculated to the nearest  one-twelfth year) obtained
     by dividing  (i) such Called  Principal  into (ii) the sum of the  products
     obtained by  multiplying  (a) the  principal  component  of each  Remaining
     Scheduled  Payment with respect to such Called  Principal by (b) the number
     of years  (calculated  to the  nearest  one-twelfth  year) that will elapse
     between the Settlement  Date with respect to such Called  Principal and the
     scheduled due date of such Remaining Scheduled Payment.

          "Remaining  Scheduled  Payments"  means,  with  respect  to the Called
     Principal  of any  Series A Note,  Series  B Note,  or  Series C Note,  all
     payments of such Called  Principal  and interest  thereon that would be due
     after the  Settlement  Date with  respect to such  Called  Principal  if no
     payment of such Called Principal were made prior to its scheduled due date,
     provided  that if such  Settlement  Date  is not a date on  which  interest
     payments  are due to be made  under the terms of the Notes of such  Series,
     then the amount of the next succeeding  scheduled  interest payment will be
     reduced  by the amount of  interest  accrued  to such  Settlement  Date and
     required  to be paid on such  Settlement  Date  pursuant  to Section 8.2 or
     12.1.


<PAGE>

          "Settlement  Date" means,  with respect to the Called Principal of any
     Series A Note,  Series B Note,  or  Series C Note,  the date on which  such
     Called  Principal is to be prepaid pursuant to Section 8.2 or has become or
     is declared to be immediately due and payable  pursuant to Section 12.1, as
     the context requires.

9.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     The Company covenants that so long as any of the Notes are outstanding:

     9.1  Compliance with Law

     The Company will and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to comply with all
laws,  ordinances or governmental  rules or regulations to which each of them is
subject, including, without limitation,  Environmental Laws, and will obtain and
maintain in effect all licenses,  certificates,  permits,  franchises  and other
governmental  authorizations  necessary  to the  ownership  of their  respective
properties or to the conduct of their respective businesses, in each case to the
extent  necessary to ensure that  non-compliance  with such laws,  ordinances or
governmental  rules or  regulations  or failures to obtain or maintain in effect
such  licenses,   certificates,   permits,  franchises  and  other  governmental
authorizations  could  not,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  reasonably  be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     9.2  Insurance

     The Company will and will cause each of the Subsidiaries to maintain,  with
financially  sound and  reputable  insurers,  insurance  with  respect  to their
respective  properties and businesses against such casualties and contingencies,
of  such  types,  on such  terms  and in such  amounts  (including  deductibles,
co-insurance  and  self-insurance,  if adequate  reserves  are  maintained  with
respect  thereto)  as is  customary  in the  case  of  entities  of  established
reputations  engaged in the same or a similar  business and similarly  situated,
except to the extent  that the  failure to maintain  such  insurance  could not,
individually  or in the  aggregate,  reasonably  be  expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

     9.3  Maintenance of Properties

     The Company  will and will cause each of the  Subsidiaries  to maintain and
keep, or cause to be maintained and kept,  their  respective  properties in good
repair, working order and condition (other than ordinary wear and tear), so that
the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly conducted at all
times, provided that

          (a) no violation of this Section 9.3 shall be deemed to have  occurred
     with  respect to any property of the Company or any  Subsidiary  damaged or
     destroyed  by a  casualty  occurrence,  so  long  as the  Company  or  such
     Restricted  Subsidiary is  proceeding  diligently to repair or replace such
     property, and

          (b) this Section shall not prevent the Company or any Subsidiary  from
     discontinuing the operation and the maintenance of any of its properties if
     such  discontinuance  is  desirable  in the conduct of its business and the
     Company has concluded that such discontinuance  could not,  individually or
     in the aggregate,  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
     (which term shall not, for the purpose of this clause (b) only, include the
     discontinuance   of  the   operation  and   maintenance   of  a  Restricted
     Subsidiary's properties that would render such Restricted Subsidiary unable
     to perform its  obligations  under the Subsidiary  Guaranty,  and therefore
     result in a Material Adverse Effect only under clause (c) of the definition
     of such term).
<PAGE>

     9.4  Payment of Taxes and Claims

     The Company  will and will cause each of the  Subsidiaries  to file all tax
returns  required to be filed in any  jurisdiction  and to pay and discharge all
taxes  shown  to be due  and  payable  on such  returns  and  all  other  taxes,
assessments,  governmental  charges,  or levies  imposed on them or any of their
properties,  assets,  income  or  franchises,  to  the  extent  such  taxes  and
assessments  have become due and payable and before they have become  delinquent
and all  claims for which sums have  become due and  payable  that have or might
become a Lien on properties or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary, provided
that neither the Company nor any Subsidiary  need pay any such tax or assessment
or claims if (a) the amount,  applicability  or validity thereof is contested by
the  Company  or  such  Subsidiary  on a  timely  basis  in  good  faith  and in
appropriate  proceedings,  and the Company or such  Subsidiary  has  established
adequate  reserves  therefor in accordance with GAAP on the books of the Company
or such  Subsidiary or (b) the  nonpayment of all such taxes and  assessments in
the  aggregate  could not  reasonably  be  expected  to have a Material  Adverse
Effect.

     9.5  Corporate Existence, etc.

     The Company  will at all times  preserve  and keep in full force and effect
its corporate existence.  Subject to Sections 10.5 and 10.6, the Company will at
all times preserve and keep in full force and effect the corporate  existence of
each of the  Subsidiaries  (unless merged into the Company or a Subsidiary)  and
all rights and  franchises of the Company and the  Subsidiaries  unless,  in the
good faith  judgment of the Company,  the  termination of or failure to preserve
and keep in full force and effect such corporate  existence,  right or franchise
could not,  individually  or in the aggregate,  reasonably be expected to have a
Material  Adverse  Effect (which term shall not (for the purpose of this Section
9.5 only) include, with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary, the termination of
or  failure  to  preserve  and keep in full  force  and  effect  such  corporate
existence,  right or  franchise  that would  render such  Restricted  Subsidiary
unable to perform its obligations under the Subsidiary  Guaranty,  and therefore
result in a Material  Adverse  Effect only under clause (c) of the definition of
such term).

     9.6  Pari Passu

     The Company  covenants that its obligations  under the Notes and under this
Agreement and the Other Agreements do and will rank at least pari passu with all
its other present and future unsecured Senior Debt.


<PAGE>

     9.7  Subsidiary Guaranty

     The  Company  will  cause  each  Subsidiary   which  becomes  a  Restricted
Subsidiary  after the Series A and B Closing  Date to execute and deliver to the
holders a copy of the Joinder  Agreement in the form attached to the  Subsidiary
Guaranty as Annex 2, duly executed by such Subsidiary,  together with an opinion
of counsel  satisfactory to the Required Holders addressing with respect to such
Subsidiary the issues  relating to Subsidiaries  and the Subsidiary  Guaranty in
the form of opinion attached hereto as Exhibit 4.4(a).

     9.8  Application of Proceeds; Releases

     The Company will

          (a) not later than December 29, 1995,

               (i) cause all Debt outstanding  under the Revolving  Facility and
          the DDD  Facility to be paid in full with the  proceeds of the sale of
          the Series A Notes and Series B Notes, and

               (ii) deliver to the holders of the Notes

                    (A) with respect to the Revolving Facility,  copies of (I) a
               written  statement,  executed by the Revolving  Facility Lenders,
               terminating   the  Revolving   Facility,   and  (II)  such  UCC-3
               termination  statements,   executed  by  the  Revolving  Facility
               Lenders,  and  such  other  releases  executed  by the  Revolving
               Facility Lenders,  as shall be deemed necessary or appropriate by
               the Company to terminate the Revolving Facility Lenders' security
               interest  in any  and  all  properties  of the  Company  and  the
               Restricted Subsidiaries, and

                    (B)  with  respect  to the  DDD  Facility,  copies  of (I) a
               written   statement,   executed  by  the  DDD  Facility  Lenders,
               terminating  the DDD  Facility,  and  (II) a  written  statement,
               executed  by  the  DDD  Facility   Lenders,   providing   further
               assurances to execute and deliver such acknowledgements, mortgage
               releases  and other  releases as shall be necessary to permit the
               Company  to comply  with the  provisions  of  clause  (b) of this
               Section 9.8,

          (b) not later  than  January 5,  1996,  deliver to the  holders of the
     Notes an  acknowledgement  by the  Company  of  receipt of all stock of the
     Restricted  Subsidiaries  pledged as  security  to the  Revolving  Facility
     Lenders and the DDD Facility Lenders, and

          (c) not later than January 15, 1996, with respect to the DDD Facility,
     deliver to the holders of the Notes  copies of such  mortgage  releases and
     such other releases executed by the DDD Facility Lenders as shall be deemed
     necessary  or  appropriate  by the Company to  terminate  the DDD  Facility
     Lenders' security interest in any and all properties of DDD.


<PAGE>

10.  NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     The Company covenants that so long as any of the Notes are outstanding:

     10.1 Net Worth

     The Company will not, at any time, permit Consolidated Net Worth to be less
than the sum of (a) Ninety Million Dollars ($90,000,000),  plus (b) an aggregate
amount equal to fifty  percent  (50%) of  Consolidated  Net Income (but, in each
case, only if a positive  number) for each completed  fiscal year of the Company
beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 1995.

     10.2 Interest Coverage

     The Company will not, at any time, permit (a) EBITDA for the period of four
consecutive  fiscal  quarters of the Company then most recently ended to be less
than (b) five hundred percent (500%) of Consolidated  Interest  Expense for such
period.

     10.3 Debt Incurrence

          (a) Company  Debt.  The  Company  will not,  directly  or  indirectly,
     create,  incur,  assume,   guarantee,   or  otherwise  become  directly  or
     indirectly liable with respect to, any Debt (including, without limitation,
     any  extension,  renewal  or  refunding  of  Debt),  unless on the date the
     Company becomes liable with respect to any such Debt and immediately  after
     giving effect thereto and the concurrent retirement of any other Debt,

               (i) no Default or Event of Default exists, and

               (ii)  Consolidated  Debt does not exceed fifty  percent  (50%) of
          Total Capitalization.

          (b) Restricted Subsidiary Debt. The Company will not permit any of the
     Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,  create, incur, assume,
     guarantee,  or otherwise become directly or indirectly  liable with respect
     to, any Debt  (including,  without  limitation,  any extension,  renewal or
     refunding of Debt),  unless on the date such Restricted  Subsidiary becomes
     liable with respect to any such Debt and  immediately  after giving  effect
     thereto and the concurrent retirement of any Debt,

               (i) no Default or Event of Default exists,

               (ii) the  aggregate  amount of Priority  Debt does not exceed ten
          percent (10%) of Consolidated Tangible Assets, and

               (iii)  Consolidated  Debt does not exceed fifty  percent (50%) of
          Total Capitalization.


<PAGE>

          (c) Time of Incurrence of Debt. For the purposes of this Section 10.3,
     any Person becoming a Restricted  Subsidiary after the date hereof shall be
     deemed,  at the time it becomes a Restricted  Subsidiary,  to have incurred
     all of its then  outstanding  Debt, and any Person  extending,  renewing or
     refunding  any Debt shall be deemed to have  incurred such Debt at the time
     of such extension, renewal or refunding.

     10.4 Liens

     The  Company  will  not,  and  will  not  permit  any  of  the   Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or permit to exist
(upon the happening of a contingency  or otherwise)  any Lien on or with respect
to any property  (including,  without limitation,  any document or instrument in
respect  of goods or  accounts  receivable)  of the  Company  or any  Restricted
Subsidiary,  whether now owned or held or hereafter  acquired,  or any income or
profits  therefrom  (whether or not  provision is made for the equal and ratable
securing of the Notes in  accordance  with the last  paragraph  of this  Section
10.4),  or assign or  otherwise  convey any right to receive  income or profits,
except:

          (a) Liens for taxes,  assessments  or other  governmental  charges the
     payment of which is not at the time required by Section 9.4;

          (b) statutory Liens of landlords and Liens of carriers,  warehousemen,
     mechanics,  materialmen and other similar Liens, in each case,  incurred in
     the  ordinary  course of  business  for sums not yet due or the  payment of
     which is not at the time required by Section 9.4;

          (c) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA)  incurred or deposits
     made in the ordinary  course of business (i) in  connection  with  workers'
     compensation,  unemployment insurance and other types of social security or
     retirement benefits, or (ii) to secure (or to obtain letters of credit that
     secure) the performance of tenders,  statutory  obligations,  surety bonds,
     appeal  and  supersedeas  bonds  (not  in  excess  of Two  Million  Dollars
     ($2,000,000)), bids, leases (other than Capital Leases), performance bonds,
     purchase, construction or sales contracts and other similar obligations, in
     each case not incurred or made in  connection  with the borrowing of money,
     the obtaining of advances or credit or the payment of the deferred purchase
     price of property;


<PAGE>

          (d) leases or subleases granted to others,  easements,  rights-of-way,
     restrictions  and  other  similar  charges  or  encumbrances,  in each case
     incidental  to,  and not  interfering  with,  the  ordinary  conduct of the
     business of the  Company or any of the  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  provided
     that such Liens do not, in the aggregate, materially detract from the value
     of such property with respect to its then current use;

          (e)  Liens  on  property  of the  Company  or  any  of the  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  securing  Debt  owing  to the  Company  or to a  Wholly-Owned
     Restricted Subsidiary;

          (f) Liens existing on the date of this Agreement and securing the Debt
     of the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries  identified as secured Debt
     in Schedule 5.15, but not any refinancing of such Debt;

          (g) Liens on property  acquired or  constructed  by the Company or any
     Restricted  Subsidiary  after the date of this  Agreement to secure Debt of
     the Company or such  Restricted  Subsidiary  incurred in connection with or
     related to such  acquisition  or  construction,  and Liens existing on such
     property at the time of acquisition thereof, provided that

               (i) no such Lien shall extend to or cover any property other than
          the property being acquired or constructed  (including contractual and
          other rights related thereto and proceeds thereof),

               (ii) the amount of Debt secured by any such Lien shall not exceed
          an amount  equal to the lesser of the total  purchase or  construction
          price or Fair Market Value (as  determined  in good faith by the Board
          of Directors or the board of directors of such Restricted  Subsidiary)
          of the property being acquired or constructed,  determined at the time
          of such  acquisition or at the time of substantial  completion of such
          construction,

               (iii)  such Lien  shall be  created  concurrently  with or within
          twelve months after such acquisition or substantial completion of such
          construction, and

               (iv) no Default or Event of  Default  shall  exist at the time of
          creation, incurrence or assumption of such Lien;

          (h) Liens existing on property of a corporation at the time it becomes
     a Restricted  Subsidiary or is merged or consolidated with the Company or a
     Restricted Subsidiary, provided that

               (i) no such Lien shall extend to or cover any property other than
          the property subject to such Lien at the time of any such transaction,

               (ii) the amount of Debt secured by any such Lien shall not exceed
          the Fair  Market  Value (as  determined  in good faith by the Board of
          Directors or the board of directors of such Restricted  Subsidiary) of
          the  property  subject  thereto,   determined  at  the  time  of  such
          transaction,

               (iii)  such Lien was not  created  in  contemplation  of any such
          transaction, and

               (iv) no Default or Event of  Default  shall  exist at the time of
          any such transaction;

          (i) Liens  incidental  to the conduct of the  business  referred to in
     Section  10.10  (including,  without  limitation,  licenses,  participation
     rights,  rebate or revenue sharing obligations,  or similar  encumbrances),
     provided that such Liens have not arisen in connection  with the incurrence
     of Debt; and


<PAGE>

          (j) Liens,  not otherwise  permitted by the provisions of this Section
     10.4,  on property of the Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary,  provided
     that on the date the Company or such Restricted  Subsidiary  becomes liable
     with  respect to the Debt  secured by such  Liens,  and  immediately  after
     giving  effect  thereto  and the  concurrent  retirement  of any other Debt
     constituting Priority Debt,

               (i) no Default or Event of Default exists, and

               (ii) the  aggregate  amount of Priority  Debt does not exceed ten
          percent (10%) of Consolidated Tangible Assets.

     In case any  property  shall be  subjected  to a Lien in  violation of this
Section  10.4,  the  Company  will  forthwith  make or cause to be made,  to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law,  provision whereby the Notes will be
secured  equally  and  ratably as to such  property  with all other  obligations
secured thereby pursuant to such agreements and instruments as shall be approved
by the Required Holders,  and the Company will promptly cause to be delivered to
each  holder  of a Note an  opinion,  reasonably  satisfactory  to the  Required
Holders,  of Gardere Wynne Sewell & Riggs,  L.L.P. or other independent  counsel
satisfactory  to the  Required  Holders to the effect that such  agreements  and
instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms, and in any event the
Notes shall have the benefit,  to the full extent that,  and with such  priority
as, the holders of Notes may be entitled under  applicable  law, of an equitable
Lien on such  property  (and any  proceeds  thereof)  securing  the Notes.  Such
violation of this Section 10.4 will  constitute  an Event of Default  hereunder,
whether  or not any such  provision  is made or any  equitable  Lien is  created
pursuant to this Section 10.4.

     10.5 Mergers and Consolidations

     The  Company  will  not,  and  will  not  permit  any  of  the   Restricted
Subsidiaries to, consolidate with or merge with any other corporation or convey,
transfer,  spin-off  or  lease  substantially  all of  its  assets  in a  single
transaction  or series of  transactions  to any Person (except that a Restricted
Subsidiary may (x) consolidate with or merge with, or convey, transfer, spin-off
or lease  substantially  all of its assets in a single  transaction or series of
transactions  to, another  Restricted  Subsidiary or the Company and (y) convey,
transfer,  spin-off or lease all of its assets in compliance with the provisions
of Section 10.6),  provided that the foregoing restriction does not apply to the
consolidation  or merger  of the  Company  with,  or the  conveyance,  transfer,
spin-off or lease of substantially  all of the assets of the Company in a single
transaction or series of transactions to, any Person so long as:

          (a) the successor formed by such consolidation or the survivor of such
     merger or the Person that  acquires by  conveyance,  transfer,  spin-off or
     lease substantially all of the assets of the Company as an entirety, as the
     case may be (the "Successor  Corporation"),  shall be a solvent corporation
     organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America,  any
     state thereof or the District of Columbia and shall  conduct  substantially
     all of its business in one or more of such jurisdictions;

          (b) if the Company is not the Successor Corporation,  such corporation
     shall have executed and delivered to each holder its  assumption of the due
     and punctual  performance  and observance of each covenant and condition of
     this Agreement and the Notes  (pursuant to such  agreements and instruments
     as shall be  reasonably  satisfactory  to the  Required  Holders),  and the
     Company  shall  have  caused to be  delivered  to each  holder an  opinion,
     reasonably  satisfactory to the Required Holders, of Gardere Wynne Sewell &
     Riggs,   L.L.P.  or  other  nationally   recognized   independent   counsel
     satisfactory to the Required Holders,  to the effect that all agreements or
     instruments  effecting such  assumption are  enforceable in accordance with
     their terms and comply with the terms hereof;


<PAGE>

          (c) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to, such
     transaction, no Default or Event of Default would exist; and

          (d) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, the Successor
     Corporation would be permitted, pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.3,
     to incur at least One  Dollar  ($1) of  additional  Debt  owing to a Person
     other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the Successor Corporation.

No such  conveyance,  transfer,  spin-off or lease of  substantially  all of the
assets of the  Company  shall have the effect of  releasing  the  Company or any
Successor Corporation from its liability under this Agreement or the Notes.

     10.6 Sale of Assets

          (a) Sale of Assets.  The Company  will not, and will not permit any of
     the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  to,  make any  Transfer,  provided  that the
     foregoing restriction does not apply to a Transfer if:

               (i) the property that is the subject of such Transfer constitutes
          either  (A)  inventory  held for  sale,  or (B)  equipment,  fixtures,
          supplies  or  materials  no longer  required in the  operation  of the
          business  of the  Company  or such  Restricted  Subsidiary  or that is
          obsolete,  and, in the case of any Transfer described in clause (A) or
          clause (B),  such  Transfer is in the ordinary  course of business (an
          "Ordinary Course Transfer");

               (ii) either

                    (A) such  Transfer is from a  Restricted  Subsidiary  to the
               Company or a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary, or
<PAGE>

                    (B) such  Transfer  is from the  Company  to a  Wholly-Owned
               Restricted Subsidiary,

          so long as immediately  before and immediately  after the consummation
          of such  transaction,  and after giving effect thereto,  no Default or
          Event of  Default  exists  or would  exist  (each  such  Transfer,  an
          "Intergroup  Transfer,"  and,  collectively  with any Ordinary  Course
          Transfers, "Excluded Transfers"); or

               (iii) such  Transfer is not an Excluded  Transfer  and all of the
          following conditions shall have been satisfied with respect thereto:

                    (A) such Transfer does not involve a Substantial  Portion of
               the property of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries,

                    (B) in the good faith  opinion of the Company,  the Transfer
               is in exchange  for  consideration  with a Fair  Market  Value at
               least equal to that of the property exchanged, and is in the best
               interests of the Company, and

                    (C) immediately  after giving effect to such  transaction no
               Default or Event of Default would exist.

          (b) Debt Prepayment Transfers and Reinvested Transfers.

               (i)  Notwithstanding  the  provisions  of  Section  10.6(a),  the
          determination of whether a Transfer involves a Substantial  Portion of
          the  property  of the  Company  and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  as
          provided in Section 10.6(a)(iii)(A), shall be made without taking into
          account  the same  proportion  of the book value  attributable  to the
          property  subject to such Transfer as shall be equal to the proportion
          of the Net Asset Sale Proceeds Amount (the "Designated Portion") to be
          applied to either a prepayment of the Notes pursuant to Section 8.2 (a
          "Prepayment  Transfer") or the  acquisition  of assets  similar to the
          assets  which  were  the  subject  of  such  Transfer  (a  "Reinvested
          Transfer") within one hundred eighty (180) days of the consummation of
          such Transfer,  as specified in an Officer's  Certificate delivered to
          each holder prior to, or  contemporaneously  with, the consummation of
          such Transfer.

               (ii)  If,  notwithstanding  the  certificate  referred  to in the
          foregoing  clause  (i),  the  Company  shall  fail to apply the entire
          amount of the  Designated  Portion as  specified  in such  certificate
          within the period stated in Section  10.6(b)(i),  the  computation  of
          whether such Transfer  involved a Substantial  Portion of the property
          of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall be recomputed, as
          of the  date of  such  Transfer,  by  taking  into  account  the  same
          proportion of the book value  attributable to the property  subject to
          such  Transfer  as shall be equal to the  proportion  of the Net Asset
          Sale Proceeds Amount actually applied to either a Prepayment  Transfer
          or  a  Reinvested   Transfer   within  such   period.   If,  upon  the
          recomputation  provided for in the preceding  sentence,  such Transfer
          involved a Substantial  Portion of the property of the Company and the
          Restricted  Subsidiaries,  an Event of Default shall be deemed to have
          existed as of the expiration of such period.

          (c)  Certain  Definitions.  The  following  terms  have the  following
     meanings:

               (i) Disposition  Value -- means, at any time, with respect to any
          Transfer of property,

                    (A) in the case of property that does not constitute capital
               stock of a Restricted Subsidiary,  the book value thereof, valued
               at the amount  taken into  account  (or which would be taken into
               account) in the  consolidated  balance  sheet of the Company then
               most  recently  required  to have been  delivered  to the holders
               pursuant to Section 7.1, and
<PAGE>

                    (B) in the case of property that  constitutes  capital stock
               of a Restricted Subsidiary, an amount equal to that percentage of
               the book value of the assets of the  Restricted  Subsidiary  that
               issued such capital stock as is equal to the percentage  that the
               book value of such capital stock  represents of the book value of
               all  of  the   outstanding   capital  stock  of  such  Restricted
               Subsidiary  (assuming,  in  making  such  calculations,  that all
               Securities  convertible  into such capital stock are so converted
               and giving full effect to all transactions that would occur or be
               required in connection  with such  conversion),  determined as of
               the date of the balance sheet referred to in the foregoing clause
               (A).

               (ii)  Substantial  Portion -- means,  at any time,  any  property
          subject to a Transfer if

                    (A) the  Disposition  Value of such property,  when added to
               the  Disposition  Value of all other  property of the Company and
               the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  that  has been  the  subject  of a
               Transfer  (other  than an Excluded  Transfer  and  subject,  with
               respect to both such property and all such other property, to the
               provisions  of Section  10.6(b))  during the then current  fiscal
               year of the Company, exceeds an amount equal to ten percent (10%)
               of  Consolidated  Total  Assets  as  reflected  (or as  would  be
               reflected) in the consolidated  balance sheet of the Company then
               most  recently  required  to have been  delivered  to the holders
               pursuant to Section 7.1, or

                    (B) the  Disposition  Value of such property,  when added to
               the  Disposition  Value of all other  property of the Company and
               the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  that  has been  the  subject  of a
               Transfer  (other  than an Excluded  Transfer  and  subject,  with
               respect to both such property and all such other property, to the
               provisions of Section 10.6(b)) during the period beginning on the
               Series A and B Closing Date and ending on and  including the date
               of the consummation of such Transfer,  exceeds an amount equal to
               twenty  percent (20%) of  Consolidated  Total Assets as reflected
               (or as would be reflected) in the  consolidated  balance sheet of
               the Company then most recently required to have been delivered to
               the holders pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof.

               (iii)  Transfer  --  means,  with  respect  to  any  Person,  any
          transaction in which such Person sells,  conveys,  transfers or leases
          (as  lessor)  any  of its  property,  including,  without  limitation,
          capital stock of any other Person.


<PAGE>

     10.7 Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments

          (a)  Limitation.  The Company will not, and will not permit any of the
     Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,  declare, make or incur
     any  liability  to make any  Restricted  Payment or make or  authorize  any
     Restricted  Investment  unless  immediately  after  giving  effect  to such
     action:

               (i) the sum of (x) the aggregate amount of outstanding Restricted
          Investments  (valued  immediately  after  such  action),  plus (y) the
          aggregate  amount  of  Restricted  Payments  of the  Company  and  the
          Restricted  Subsidiaries declared or made during the period commencing
          on the  Series A and B  Closing  Date,  and  ending  on the date  such
          Restricted  Payment or  Restricted  Investment  is  declared  or made,
          inclusive, would not exceed the sum of

                    (A) Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), plus

                    (B) fifty percent (50%) of  Consolidated  Net Income for the
               period  commencing  July 1,  1995 and  ending  on the  date  such
               Restricted  Payment or such Restricted  Investment is declared or
               made (or minus 100% of Consolidated Net Income for such period if
               Consolidated Net Income for such period is a loss), plus

                    (C) the aggregate  amount of Net Proceeds of Common Stock of
               the Company for such period; and

               (ii) the Company could incur,  pursuant to Section 10.3, at least
          One Dollar  ($1) of  additional  Debt  owing to a Person  other than a
          Restricted Subsidiary; and

               (iii) no Default or Event of Default would exist.

          (b) Time of Payment.  The Company  will not, nor will it permit any of
     the Restricted  Subsidiaries to, authorize a Restricted Payment that is not
     payable within sixty (60) days of authorization.

          (c)  Investments  of   Subsidiaries.   Each  Person  which  becomes  a
     Restricted  Subsidiary after the Series A and B Closing Date will be deemed
     to have made, on the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary,  all
     Restricted   Investments   of  such  Person  in  existence  on  such  date.
     Investments in any Person that ceases to be a Restricted  Subsidiary  after
     the  Series A and B  Closing  Date  (but in which the  Company  or  another
     Restricted  Subsidiary  continues to maintain an Investment) will be deemed
     to have  been  made  on the  date  on  which  such  Person  ceases  to be a
     Restricted Subsidiary.


<PAGE>

     10.8 Limitations on Certain Restricted Subsidiary Actions

     The  Company  will  not,  and  will  not  permit  any  of  the   Restricted
Subsidiaries  to, enter into any agreement  which would  restrict any Restricted
Subsidiary's legal ability or right to:

          (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its common stock;

          (b) pay any Debt owing to the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary
     (other than waivers of subrogation);

          (c)  make  any  Investment  in  the  Company  or  another   Restricted
     Subsidiary;

          (d)  transfer  its  property  to the  Company  or  another  Restricted
     Subsidiary  (except that any such agreement may (i) prohibit the assignment
     of contractual  rights,  (ii) include grants of contractual rights of first
     refusal,  and (iii) include similar contractual  obligations not unusual in
     the course of such Restricted Subsidiary's business); or

          (e) Guaranty the Notes or any renewals or refinancings thereof;

provided, however, that

          (i) the restrictions of this Section 10.8 shall not apply to

               (A) any such agreement in existence on the Series A and B Closing
          Date and set forth in Schedule 10.8,

               (B) this Agreement, or

               (C) other  agreements  relating  to the  creation  of Senior Debt
          incurred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and

          (ii) the  restrictions  of clause (d) of this  Section  10.8 shall not
     apply to any agreement relating to the creation of Priority Debt or Debt of
     Restricted  Subsidiaries  secured by Liens  permitted by Section 10.4(a) to
     Section 10.4(i),  inclusive, to the extent that such restrictions limit the
     ability of any Restricted  Subsidiary to transfer the Property that secures
     such Priority Debt or such other Debt;

provided  further that, in the case of the foregoing  clauses (i) and (ii), such
agreement does not impose any limitations on any Restricted Subsidiary's ability
to perform its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty.


<PAGE>

     10.9 Affiliate Transactions

     The  Company  will  not,  and  will  not  permit  any  of  the   Restricted
Subsidiaries to, enter into any transaction  (other than transactions  among the
Company  and  its   wholly-owned   Unrestricted   Subsidiaries   that  are  not,
individually or in the aggregate,  Material), including, without limitation, the
purchase, sale or exchange of property or the rendering of any service, with any
Affiliate,  except in the  ordinary  course of  business  of the Company or such
Restricted  Subsidiary and upon fair and  reasonable  terms no less favorable to
the Company or such  Restricted  Subsidiary than it would obtain in a comparable
arm's-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate.

     10.10 Line of Business

     The  Company  will not,  and will not  permit any of the  Subsidiaries  to,
engage in any business if, as a result, the Company and the Subsidiaries,  taken
as a whole,  would not be engaged primarily in the provision of (a) seismic data
services,  (b)  exploration  for, and  development and ownership of, gas and oil
reserves,  (c)  gas  marketing  and  (d)  businesses  related  to the  foregoing
businesses.

11.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     An "Event of Default"  shall exist if any of the  following  conditions  or
events shall occur and be continuing:

          (a)  the  Company  defaults  in the  payment  of any  principal  of or
     Make-Whole  Amount,  if any,  on any Note  when the  same  becomes  due and
     payable,  whether  at  maturity  or at a date  fixed for  prepayment  or by
     declaration or otherwise; or

          (b) the Company  defaults  in the payment of any  interest on any Note
     for more  than  five (5)  Business  Days  after  the same  becomes  due and
     payable; or

          (c) the Company  defaults in the performance of or compliance with any
     term  contained in Sections  10.1 through  10.9,  inclusive,  except as set
     forth in paragraph 11(d) below with respect to Section 10.4; or

          (d) the Company  defaults in the performance of or compliance with any
     term contained  herein (other than those referred to in paragraphs (a), (b)
     and (c) of this  Section  11) or  incurs  at any time  Liens  of the  types
     described in  paragraphs  (a), (b) and (c) of Section 10.4 for  obligations
     then due aggregating  less than Two Million Five Hundred  Thousand  Dollars
     ($2,500,000),  and such  default is not  remedied  within  thirty (30) days
     after the earlier of (i) a Responsible  Officer  obtaining actual knowledge
     of such  default  and (ii) the  Company  receiving  written  notice of such
     default  from any holder (any such  written  notice to be  identified  as a
     "notice of default" and to refer specifically to this Section 11(d)); or

          (e) any  representation or warranty made in writing by or on behalf of
     the Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary or by any officer of the Company
     or any Restricted  Subsidiary in this Agreement or the Subsidiary  Guaranty
     or  in  any  writing   furnished  in  connection   with  the   transactions
     contemplated  hereby proves to have been false or incorrect in any material
     respect on the date as of which made; or


<PAGE>

          (f)  (i) the Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  is in default (as
     principal or as guarantor or other  surety) in the payment of any principal
     of or premium or make-whole amount or interest on any one or more issues of
     outstanding  Debt in an aggregate  principal amount of at least Ten Million
     Dollars  ($10,000,000)  beyond any period of grace  provided  with  respect
     thereto, or (ii) the Company or any Restricted  Subsidiary is in default in
     the  performance of or compliance  with any term of any evidence of any one
     or more issues of Debt in an aggregate  outstanding  principal amount of at
     least Ten Million Dollars  ($10,000,000)  or of any mortgage,  indenture or
     other agreement  relating  thereto or any other condition  exists,  and the
     effect of such default or  condition is to cause,  or the holder or holders
     of such  obligation (or a trustee on behalf of such holder or holders) as a
     result of such default or condition  actually  cause,  such  obligation  to
     become due prior to any originally stated maturity, or to be repurchased by
     the Company or any Restricted  Subsidiary prior to any originally scheduled
     maturity; or

          (g) the Company or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  (i) is  generally  not
     paying, or admits in writing its inability to pay, its debts as they become
     due, (ii) files,  or consents by answer or otherwise to the filing  against
     it of, a petition for relief or  reorganization or arrangement or any other
     petition  in  bankruptcy,  for  liquidation  or to  take  advantage  of any
     bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,  moratorium or other similar law of
     any  jurisdiction,  (iii)  makes  an  assignment  for  the  benefit  of its
     creditors,  (iv)  consents to the  appointment  of a  custodian,  receiver,
     trustee or other  officer  with  similar  powers with respect to it or with
     respect to any  substantial  part of its property,  (v) is  adjudicated  as
     insolvent  or to be  liquidated,  or (vi)  takes  corporate  action for the
     purpose of any of the foregoing; or

          (h) a court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction enters
     an  order  appointing,  without  consent  by  the  Company  or  any  of the
     Subsidiaries, a custodian,  receiver, trustee or other officer with similar
     powers with  respect to it or with respect to any  substantial  part of its
     property,  or  constituting an order for relief or approving a petition for
     relief  or  reorganization  or any  other  petition  in  bankruptcy  or for
     liquidation or to take advantage of any bankruptcy or insolvency law of any
     jurisdiction, or ordering the dissolution, winding-up or liquidation of the
     Company or any of the  Subsidiaries,  or any such  petition  shall be filed
     against the Company or any of the  Subsidiaries and such petition shall not
     be dismissed within sixty (60) days; or

          (i) a final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating
     in excess of One Million Dollars  ($1,000,000)  are rendered against one or
     more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and such judgments are not, within
     forty-five  (45) days after entry  thereof,  bonded,  discharged  or stayed
     pending appeal, or are not discharged within forty-five (45) days after the
     expiration of such stay; or

          (j)  (i) the Subsidiary  Guaranty  shall cease to be in full force and
     effect  or  shall  be  declared  by a court or  governmental  authority  of
     competent  jurisdiction to be void,  voidable or unenforceable  against any
     Restricted Subsidiary,


<PAGE>

          (ii) the validity or enforceability of the Subsidiary Guaranty against
     any Restricted Subsidiary shall be contested by such Restricted Subsidiary,
     the Company or any Affiliate, or

          (iii) any Restricted  Subsidiary,  the Company or any Affiliate  shall
     deny  that  such  Restricted   Subsidiary  has  any  further  liability  or
     obligation under the Subsidiary Guaranty.

12.  REMEDIES ON DEFAULT, ETC

     12.1 Acceleration

          (a) If an Event of Default  with  respect to the Company  described in
     paragraph  (g) or (h) of  Section  11  (other  than  an  Event  of  Default
     described  in clause (i) of  paragraph  (g) or  described in clause (vi) of
     paragraph (g) by virtue of the fact that such clause encompasses clause (i)
     of  paragraph  (g)) has  occurred,  all the Notes  then  outstanding  shall
     automatically become immediately due and payable.

          (b) If any other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,  the
     Required  Holders  may at any time at its or their  option,  by  notice  or
     notices  to the  Company,  declare  all the Notes  then  outstanding  to be
     immediately due and payable.

          (c) If any  Event of  Default  described  in  paragraph  (a) or (b) of
     Section 11 has occurred and is  continuing,  any holder or holders of Notes
     at the time outstanding  affected by such Event of Default may at any time,
     at its or their  option,  by notice or notices to the Company,  declare all
     the Notes held by it or them to be immediately due and payable.

     Upon any Notes  becoming due and payable under this Section  12.1,  whether
automatically or by declaration, such Notes will forthwith mature and the entire
unpaid principal amount of such Notes,  plus (x) all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon and (y) the  Make-Whole  Amount  determined in respect of such principal
amount  (to  the  full  extent  permitted  by  applicable  law),  shall  all  be
immediately due and payable, in each and every case without presentment, demand,
protest  or  further  notice,  all of  which  are  hereby  waived.  The  Company
acknowledges,  and the parties  hereto agree,  that each holder has the right to
maintain its investment in the Notes free from repayment by the Company  (except
as herein  specifically  provided  for) and that the  provision for payment of a
Make-Whole  Amount by the Company in the event that the Notes are prepaid or are
accelerated  as a  result  of  an  Event  of  Default  is  intended  to  provide
compensation for the deprivation of such right under such circumstances.


<PAGE>

     12.2 Other Remedies

     If any  Default or Event of Default has  occurred  and is  continuing,  and
irrespective of whether any Notes have become or have been declared  immediately
due and  payable  under  Section  12.1,  the  holder  of any  Note  at the  time
outstanding  may  proceed to protect and enforce the rights of such holder by an
action at law, suit in equity or other appropriate  proceeding,  whether for the
specific performance of any agreement contained herein or in any Note, or for an
injunction against a violation of any of the terms hereof or thereof,  or in aid
of the exercise of any power granted hereby or thereby or by law or otherwise.

     12.3  Rescission

     At any time after any Notes have been declared due and payable  pursuant to
clause (b) or (c) of Section 12.1,  the Required  Holders,  by written notice to
the Company,  may rescind and annul any such declaration and its consequences if
(a) the Company has paid all overdue interest on the Notes, all principal of and
Make-Whole  Amount, if any, on any Notes that are due and payable and are unpaid
other  than by reason of such  declaration,  and all  interest  on such  overdue
principal  and  Make-Whole  Amount,  if any,  and (to the  extent  permitted  by
applicable  law) any overdue  interest  in respect of the Notes,  at the Default
Rate, (b) all Events of Default and Defaults,  other than non-payment of amounts
that have  become due solely by reason of such  declaration,  have been cured or
have been waived  pursuant to Section 17, and (c) no judgment or decree has been
entered for the payment of any monies due  pursuant  hereto or to the Notes.  No
rescission  and  annulment  under this Section 12.3 will extend to or affect any
subsequent Event of Default or Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

     12.4  No Waivers or Election of Remedies, Expenses, etc.

     No course of dealing  and no delay on the part of any holder in  exercising
any  right,  power or remedy  shall  operate as a waiver  thereof  or  otherwise
prejudice such holder's rights,  powers or remedies.  No right,  power or remedy
conferred  by this  Agreement  or by any Note upon any holder  thereof  shall be
exclusive of any other right,  power or remedy  referred to herein or therein or
now or hereafter  available at law, in equity, by statute or otherwise.  Without
limiting the  obligations  of the Company under Section 15, the Company will pay
to each holder on demand such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover all
costs and  expenses of such holder  incurred in any  enforcement  or  collection
under this Section 12,  including,  without  limitation,  reasonable  attorneys'
fees, expenses and disbursements.

13.  REGISTRATION; EXCHANGE; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES

     13.1  Registration of Notes

     The Company shall keep at its principal executive office a register for the
registration  and  registration  of transfers of Notes.  The name and address of
each holder of one or more Notes, each transfer thereof and the name and address
of each  transferee of one or more Notes shall be  registered in such  register.
Prior to due presentment for registration of transfer,  the Person in whose name
any Note shall be registered shall be deemed and treated as the owner and holder
thereof for all purposes  hereof,  and the Company  shall not be affected by any
notice or knowledge to the  contrary.  The Company shall give to any holder that
is an  Institutional  Investor  promptly upon request  therefor,  a complete and
correct copy of the names and addresses of all registered holders.


<PAGE>

     13.2  Transfer and Exchange of Notes

     Upon surrender of any Note at the principal executive office of the Company
for  registration  of transfer or exchange  (and in the case of a surrender  for
registration of transfer,  duly endorsed or accompanied by a written  instrument
of transfer duly executed by the registered  holder of such Note or his attorney
duly  authorized in writing and  accompanied  by the address for notices of each
transferee  of such Note or part  thereof,  and subject to  compliance  with all
restrictions  on transfer set forth herein and in such Note),  the Company shall
execute and  deliver,  at the  Company's  expense  (except as  provided  below),
promptly  and, in any event,  within ten (10) days of the surrender of such Note
by the  registered  holder  thereof,  one or more new Notes (as requested by the
holder thereof) in exchange therefor,  in an aggregate principal amount equal to
the unpaid principal amount of the surrendered Note. Each such new Note shall be
payable to such Person as such holder may request and shall be  substantially in
the form of Exhibit 1A,  Exhibit 1B or Exhibit 1C, as the case may be. Each such
new Note shall be dated and bear interest from the date to which  interest shall
have been paid on the surrendered Note or dated the date of the surrendered Note
if no interest shall have been paid thereon.  The Company may require payment of
a sum  sufficient  to cover any  stamp tax or  governmental  charge  imposed  in
respect  of any such  transfer  of  Notes.  Notes  shall not be  transferred  in
denominations  of less than One Hundred Thousand  Dollars  ($100,000),  provided
that if  necessary  to enable the  registration  of  transfer by a holder of its
entire  holding  of Notes,  one Note may be in a  denomination  of less than One
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000). Any transferee, by its acceptance of a Note
registered  in its name (or the name of its  nominee),  shall be  deemed to have
made the  representations  set forth in Section  6.1  (unless  such  transfer is
effected pursuant to a transaction in which the representation set forth in such
Section is not required in order to comply with the securities  laws  applicable
to such transfer) and Section 6.3.

     13.3  Replacement of Notes

     Upon receipt by the Company of evidence  reasonably  satisfactory  to it of
the  ownership of and the loss,  theft,  destruction  or  mutilation of any Note
(which evidence shall be, in the case of an Institutional Investor,  notice from
such Institutional Investor of such ownership and such loss, theft,  destruction
or mutilation), and

          (a) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity reasonably
     satisfactory to it (provided that if a Qualified Institutional Buyer is the
     holder of such Note,  the  unsecured  agreement of indemnity of such holder
     shall be deemed to be satisfactory), or

          (b) in  the  case  of  mutilation,  upon  surrender  and  cancellation
     thereof,

the Company at its own expense  shall  execute  and,  within ten (10) days after
such receipt,  deliver,  in lieu thereof, a new Note, dated and bearing interest
from the date to which  interest  shall  have  been paid on such  lost,  stolen,
destroyed or mutilated Note or dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or
mutilated Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon.


<PAGE>

14.  PAYMENTS ON NOTES

     14.1  Place of Payment

     The Company will  punctually pay, or cause to be paid, the principal of and
interest  (and  Make-Whole  Amount,  if any) on the Notes,  as and when the same
shall  become due and payable  according  to the terms  hereof and of the Notes.
Subject to Section 14.2,  payments of principal,  Make-Whole Amount, if any, and
interest  becoming  due and payable on the Notes shall be made at the  principal
office of the  Company.  The Company may at any time,  by notice to each holder,
change the place of payment of the Notes so long as such place of payment  shall
be either  the  principal  office of the  Company  in such  jurisdiction  or the
principal office of a bank or trust company in such jurisdiction.

     14.2 Home Office Payment

     So long  as you or your  nominee  shall  be the  holder  of any  Note,  and
notwithstanding  anything  contained  in  Section  14.1 or in  such  Note to the
contrary, the Company will pay all sums becoming due on such Note for principal,
Make-Whole  Amount,  if any,  and  interest  by the  method  and at the  address
specified  for such  purpose  below  your name in  Schedule  A, or by such other
method or at such other address as you shall have from time to time specified to
the Company in writing for such purpose,  without the  presentation or surrender
of such Note or the making of any  notation  thereon,  except that upon  written
request of the Company  made  concurrently  with or  reasonably  promptly  after
payment or prepayment  in full of any Note,  you shall  surrender  such Note for
cancellation,  reasonably promptly after any such request, to the Company at its
principal  executive office or at the place of payment most recently  designated
by the Company pursuant to Section 14.1. Prior to any sale or other  disposition
of any Note held by you or your  nominee  you  will,  at your  election,  either
endorse  thereon the amount of principal paid thereon and the last date to which
interest has been paid thereon or surrender such Note to the Company in exchange
for a new Note or Notes  pursuant to Section  13.2.  The Company will afford the
benefits of this Section 14.2 to any  Institutional  Investor that is the direct
or indirect transferee of any Note purchased by you under this Agreement.

15.  EXPENSES, ETC

     15.1 Transaction Expenses

     Whether or not the transactions  contemplated  hereby are consummated,  the
Company  will  pay all  reasonable  attorneys'  fees of Hebb &  Gitlin,  special
counsel to you and the Other Purchasers,  in connection with such  transactions,
and will pay all costs and expenses (including  reasonable  attorneys' fees of a
special counsel and, if reasonably required, local or other counsel) incurred by
you and each Other  Purchaser or holder in  connection  with the  consideration,
evaluation, analysis, assessment,  negotiation,  preparation and/or execution of
any amendments, waivers or consents under or in respect of this Agreement or the
Notes (whether or not any such amendment,  waiver or consent becomes effective),
or in  connection  with any  controversy  or potential  controversy  thereunder,
including,  without limitation: (a) the costs and expenses incurred in enforcing
or  defending  (or  determining  whether or how to enforce or defend) any rights

<PAGE>

under this  Agreement  or the Notes or in  responding  to any  subpoena or other
legal process or informal  investigative  demand issued in connection  with this
Agreement  or the Notes,  or by reason of being a holder,  and (b) the costs and
expenses,  including  financial  advisors' fees, incurred in connection with the
insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company or any Subsidiary or in connection  with
any work-out or restructuring of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the
Notes.  The Company will pay,  and will save you and each other holder  harmless
from,  all claims in respect of any fees,  costs or  expenses if any, of brokers
and finders (other than those retained by you).

     15.2 Survival

     The  obligations  of the  Company  under this  Section 15 will  survive the
payment or transfer of any Note,  the  enforcement,  amendment  or waiver of any
provision of this Agreement or the Notes, and the termination of this Agreement.

16.   SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; ENTIRE AGREEMENT

     All  representations  and  warranties  contained  herein shall  survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Notes, the purchase or transfer
by you of any Note or portion thereof or interest therein and the payment of any
Note (but not the payment in full of all of the  Notes),  and may be relied upon
by any subsequent holder of a Note,  regardless of any investigation made at any
time by or on behalf of you or any other holder. All statements contained in any
certificate  or  other  instrument  delivered  by or on  behalf  of the  Company
pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed representations and warranties of the
Company under this Agreement.  Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement
and the Notes embody the entire agreement and understanding  between you and the
Company and supersede all prior  agreements and  understandings  relating to the
subject matter hereof.

17.  AMENDMENT AND WAIVER

     17.1 Requirements

     This Agreement and the Notes may be amended, and the observance of any term
hereof or of the Notes may be waived (either  retroactively  or  prospectively),
with (and  only  with) the  written  consent  of the  Company  and the  Required
Holders,  except that (a) no  amendment  or waiver of any of the  provisions  of
Section 1 to Section 6,  inclusive,  or Section 21, or any defined term as it is
used therein, will be effective as to you unless consented to by you in writing,
and (b) no such  amendment  or waiver may,  without  the written  consent of the
holder of each Note at the time outstanding affected thereby, (i) subject to the
provisions  of Section 12 relating to  acceleration  or  rescission,  change the
amount or time of any  prepayment or payment of principal of, or reduce the rate
or change the time of payment or method of  computation  of  interest  or of the
Make-Whole  Amount on, the Notes,  (ii) change the  percentage  of the principal
amount of the Notes the  holders  of which are  required  to consent to any such
amendment or waiver,  or (iii) amend any of Sections 8, 11(a),  11(b), 12, 17 or
20.


<PAGE>

     17.2 Solicitation of Holders

          (a) Solicitation.  The Company will provide each holder  (irrespective
     of the  amount  of Notes  then  owned by it) with  sufficient  information,
     sufficiently  far in advance of the date a decision is required,  to enable
     such holder to make an informed and considered decision with respect to any
     proposed  amendment,  waiver or consent in respect of any of the provisions
     hereof or of the Notes.  The  Company  will  deliver  executed  or true and
     correct copies of each amendment,  waiver or consent  effected  pursuant to
     the  provisions  of this Section 17 to each holder  promptly  following the
     date on which it is executed and  delivered  by, or receives the consent or
     approval of, the requisite holders.

          (b) Payment.  The Company will not directly or indirectly pay or cause
     to be paid any  remuneration,  whether by way of supplemental or additional
     interest,  fee or  otherwise,  or grant  any  security,  to any  holder  as
     consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by any holder of
     any waiver or amendment of any of the terms and  provisions  hereof  unless
     such  remuneration  is  concurrently  paid,  or  security  is  concurrently
     granted, on the same terms, ratably to each holder then outstanding even if
     such holder did not consent to such waiver or amendment.

          (c) Scope of Consent.  Any consent made  pursuant to this Section 17.2
     by a holder of Notes that has  transferred  or has agreed to  transfer  its
     Notes to the Company,  any  Subsidiary or any Affiliate and has provided or
     has agreed to provide such written  consent as a condition to such transfer
     shall be void and of no force and effect  except  solely as to such holder,
     and any amendments effected or waivers granted or to be effected or granted
     that would not have been or would not be so  effected  or  granted  but for
     such  consent  (and the  consents  of all other  holders of Notes that were
     acquired  under  the same or  similar  conditions)  shall be void and of no
     force  and  effect,  retroactive  to the  date  such  amendment  or  waiver
     initially took or takes effect, except solely as to such holder.

     17.3 Binding Effect, etc.

     Any amendment or waiver consented to as provided in this Section 17 applies
equally to all holders and is binding  upon them and upon each future  holder of
any Notes and upon the  Company  without  regard to  whether  such Note has been
marked to indicate such  amendment or waiver.  No such  amendment or waiver will
extend to or affect any  obligation,  covenant,  agreement,  Default or Event of
Default not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent  thereon.
No course of  dealing  between  the  Company  and the holder of any Note nor any
delay in  exercising  any rights  hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a
waiver of any rights of any holder of such Note. As used herein,  the term "this
Agreement" and references  thereto shall mean this Agreement as it may from time
to time be amended or supplemented.


<PAGE>

     17.4 Notes held by Company, etc.

     Solely for the purpose of determining  whether the holders of the requisite
percentage  of the aggregate  principal  amount of Notes then  outstanding  have
approved or consented to any amendment, waiver or consent to be given under this
Agreement  or the Notes,  or have  directed  the  taking of any action  provided
herein  or in the  Notes to be taken  upon the  direction  of the  holders  of a
specified   percentage  of  the  aggregate   principal   amount  of  Notes  then
outstanding, Notes directly or indirectly owned by the Company, any Wholly-Owned
Restricted  Subsidiary or any of the Company's Affiliates shall be deemed not to
be outstanding.

18.  NOTICES

     All notices and  communications  provided for hereunder shall be in writing
and sent (a) by telecopy if the sender on the same day sends a  confirming  copy
of such notice by a recognized overnight delivery service (charges prepaid),  or
(b) by  registered  or certified  mail with return  receipt  requested  (postage
prepaid),  or (c) by a  recognized  overnight  delivery  service  (with  charges
prepaid). Any such notice must be sent:

          (i) if to you or your nominee,  to you or it at the address  specified
     for such  communications  in Schedule A, or at such other address as you or
     it shall have specified to the Company in writing,

          (ii) if to any other  holder,  to such holder at such  address as such
     other holder shall have specified to the Company in writing, or

          (iii) if to the  Company,  to the  Company at its address set forth at
     the  beginning  hereof to the attention of the  Company's  Chief  Financial
     Officer,  or at such other address as the Company  shall have  specified to
     each of the holders in writing.

Notices under this Section 18 will be deemed given only when actually received.

19.  REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS

     This  Agreement  and all documents  relating  thereto,  including,  without
limitation,  (a)  consents,  waivers and  modifications  that may  hereafter  be
executed,  (b)  documents  received  by you at the  Closings  (except  the Notes
themselves),  and (c) financial  statements,  certificates and other information
previously  or  hereafter  furnished  to you,  may be  reproduced  by you by any
photographic, photostatic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic or other
similar  process and you may destroy any original  document so  reproduced.  The
Company agrees and stipulates  that, to the extent  permitted by applicable law,
any such reproduction  shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in
any  judicial or  administrative  proceeding  (whether or not the original is in
existence  and whether or not such  reproduction  was made by you in the regular
course of business) and any  enlargement,  facsimile or further  reproduction of
such  reproduction  shall  likewise be admissible  in evidence.  This Section 19
shall not  prohibit  the Company or any other  holder from  contesting  any such
reproduction  to the same extent that it could  contest  the  original,  or from
introducing evidence to demonstrate the inaccuracy of any such reproduction.


<PAGE>

20.  CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

     For the  purposes of this  Section  20,  "Confidential  Information"  means
information delivered to you by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary in
connection with the transactions  contemplated by or otherwise  pursuant to this
Agreement  that is  proprietary in nature and that was clearly marked or labeled
or otherwise  adequately  identified when received by you as being  confidential
information of the Company or such Subsidiary,  provided that such term does not
include  information that (a) was publicly known or otherwise known to you prior
to the time of such disclosure,  (b) subsequently becomes publicly known through
no act or omission by you or any Person  acting on your  behalf,  (c)  otherwise
becomes  known to you  other  than  through  disclosure  by the  Company  or any
Subsidiary  or (d)  constitutes  financial  statements  delivered  to you  under
Section  7.1 that are  otherwise  publicly  available.  You  will  maintain  the
confidentiality  of such Confidential  Information in accordance with procedures
adopted  by you in good  faith  to  protect  confidential  information  of third
parties delivered to you and will use such Confidential Information only for the
purposes of evaluating and administering your investment in the Notes,  provided
that you may deliver or disclose Confidential Information to

          (i)  your  directors,   officers,  employees,  agents,  attorneys  and
     affiliates  (to  the  extent  such  disclosure  reasonably  relates  to the
     administration of the investment represented by your Notes),

          (ii) your financial advisors and other professional advisors who agree
     to  hold  confidential  the  Confidential   Information   substantially  in
     accordance with the terms of this Section 20,

          (iii) any other holder,

          (iv) any  Institutional  Investor  to which  you sell or offer to sell
     such Note or any part thereof or any participation  therein (if such Person
     has agreed in writing prior to its receipt of such Confidential Information
     to be bound by the provisions of this Section 20),

          (v) any  Institutional  Investor  from which you offer to purchase any
     Security of the Company (if such Person has agreed in writing  prior to its
     receipt of such  Confidential  Information to be bound by the provisions of
     this Section 20),

          (vi) any federal or state  regulatory  authority  having  jurisdiction
     over you,

          (vii) the  National  Association  of  Insurance  Commissioners  or any
     similar  organization,  or any  nationally  recognized  rating  agency that
     requires access to information about your investment portfolio, or

          (viii) any other Person to which such  delivery or  disclosure  may be
     necessary  or  appropriate  (w) to effect  compliance  with any law,  rule,
     regulation  or order  applicable to you, (x) in response to any subpoena or
     other legal process, (y) in connection with any litigation to which you are

<PAGE>

     a party or (z) if an Event of Default has  occurred and is  continuing,  to
     the extent you may reasonably  determine such delivery and disclosure to be
     necessary or  appropriate  in the  enforcement or for the protection of the
     rights and remedies under your Notes and this Agreement.

Each holder,  by its  acceptance of a Note,  will be deemed to have agreed to be
bound by and to be entitled to the benefits of this Section 20 as though it were
a party to this Agreement.

21.  SUBSTITUTION OF PURCHASER

     You shall have the right to  substitute  any one of your  Affiliates as the
purchaser  of the Notes that you have agreed to purchase  hereunder,  by written
notice  to the  Company,  which  notice  shall  be  signed  by both you and such
Affiliate,  shall  contain  such  Affiliate's  agreement  to be  bound  by  this
Agreement and shall  contain a  confirmation  by such  Affiliate of the accuracy
with respect to it of the  representations  set forth in Section 6. Upon receipt
of such notice, wherever the word "you" is used in this Agreement (other than in
this Section 21),  such word shall be deemed to refer to such  Affiliate in lieu
of you.  In the event  that such  Affiliate  is so  substituted  as a  purchaser
hereunder and such Affiliate  thereafter  transfers to you all of the Notes then
held by such Affiliate,  upon receipt by the Company of notice of such transfer,
wherever  the word "you" is used in this  Agreement  (other than in this Section
21), such word shall no longer be deemed to refer to such  Affiliate,  but shall
refer to you, and you shall have all the rights of an original holder under this
Agreement.

22.  MISCELLANEOUS


     22.1 Successors and Assigns

     All covenants  and other  agreements  contained in this  Agreement by or on
behalf  of any of the  parties  hereto  bind and inure to the  benefit  of their
respective successors and permitted assigns (including,  without limitation, any
subsequent holder of a Note) whether so expressed or not.

     22.2 Payments Due on Non-Business Days

     If any payment due on, or with respect to, any Note shall fall due on a day
other than a Business  Day,  then such payment  shall be made on the first (1st)
Business Day  following  the day on which such payment shall have so fallen due,
provided  that if all or any portion of such payment  shall consist of a payment
of interest,  for purposes of calculating  such interest,  such payment shall be
deemed to have been originally due on such first (1st)  following  Business Day,
such interest shall accrue and be payable to (but not including) the actual date
of  payment  and the amount of the next  succeeding  interest  payment  shall be
adjusted accordingly.

     22.3 Severability

     Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or  unenforceable in any
jurisdiction  shall,  as to such  jurisdiction,  be ineffective to the extent of
such  prohibition  or  unenforceability   without   invalidating  the  remaining
provisions  hereof,  and  any  such  prohibition  or   unenforceability  in  any
jurisdiction  shall (to the full  extent  permitted  by law) not  invalidate  or
render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.


<PAGE>

     22.4 Construction

     Each covenant contained herein shall be construed (absent express provision
to the contrary) as being  independent of each other covenant  contained herein,
so that  compliance  with any one  covenant  shall not  (absent  such an express
contrary  provision)  be deemed to excuse  compliance  with any other  covenant.
Where any provision herein refers to action to be taken by any Person,  or which
such Person is  prohibited  from  taking,  such  provision  shall be  applicable
whether such action is taken directly or indirectly by such Person.

     22.5 Counterparts

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which
shall be an original but all of which together shall  constitute one instrument.
Each  counterpart may consist of a number of copies hereof,  each signed by less
than all, but together signed by all, of the parties hereto.

     22.6 Governing Law

     THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE  WITH, AND THE
RIGHTS OF THE  PARTIES  SHALL BE  GOVERNED  BY, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
EXCLUDING  CHOICE-OF-LAW  PRINCIPLES OF THE LAW OF SUCH STATE THAT WOULD REQUIRE
THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH STATE.

     22.7 Consent to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent

          (a)  Consent to  Jurisdiction.  THE  COMPANY  HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY  AND
     UNCONDITIONALLY  AGREES THAT ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING  ARISING OUT OF
     OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE NOTES,  OR ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING TO
     EXECUTE  OR  OTHERWISE  ENFORCE  ANY  JUDGMENT  IN  RESPECT  OF ANY  BREACH
     HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER, BROUGHT BY ANY HOLDER OF NOTES AGAINST THE COMPANY
     OR ANY OF ITS  PROPERTY,  MAY BE  BROUGHT  BY SUCH  HOLDER  OF NOTES IN ANY
     FEDERAL  DISTRICT  COURT LOCATED IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK OR ANY NEW YORK
     STATE COURT SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, AS SUCH HOLDER OF NOTES MAY
     IN ITS SOLE  DISCRETION  ELECT,  AND BY THE  EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS
     AGREEMENT,  THE  COMPANY  IRREVOCABLY  AND  UNCONDITIONALLY  SUBMITS TO THE
     NON-EXCLUSIVE IN PERSONAM  JURISDICTION OF EACH SUCH COURT, AND THE COMPANY
     IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT IN ANY  PROCEEDING  BEFORE ANY
     TRIBUNAL, BY WAY OF MOTION, AS A DEFENSE OR OTHERWISE, ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS
     NOT SUBJECT TO THE IN PERSONAM JURISDICTION OF ANY SUCH COURT. IN ADDITION,
     THE COMPANY HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY
     LAW, ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE

<PAGE>

     IN ANY SUIT,  ACTION  OR  PROCEEDING  ARISING  OUT OF OR  RELATING  TO THIS
     GUARANTY BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT, AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY CLAIM
     THAT ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN
     BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL IN ANY WAY BE DEEMED
     TO LIMIT THE ABILITY OR RIGHT OF ANY HOLDER OF NOTES TO OBTAIN JURISDICTION
     OVER  THE  COMPANY  IN  SUCH  OTHER  JURISDICTION  AS MAY BE  PERMITTED  BY
     APPLICABLE LAW.

          (b) Agent for Service of Process.  THE COMPANY HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY AND
     UNCONDITIONALLY   AGREES  THAT  PROCESS  SERVED  EITHER  PERSONALLY  OR  BY
     REGISTERED MAIL SHALL CONSTITUTE,  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ADEQUATE
     SERVICE OF  PROCESS IN ANY SUIT,  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  ARISING  OUT OF OR
     RELATING TO THIS  AGREEMENT OR THE NOTES,  OR ANY ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  TO
     EXECUTE  OR  OTHERWISE  ENFORCE  ANY  JUDGMENT  IN  RESPECT  OF ANY  BREACH
     HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER, BROUGHT BY ANY HOLDER OF NOTES AGAINST THE COMPANY
     OR ANY OF ITS PROPERTY.  RECEIPT OF PROCESS SO SERVED SHALL BE CONCLUSIVELY
     PRESUMED AS EVIDENCED BY A DELIVERY RECEIPT  FURNISHED BY THE UNITED STATES
     POSTAL SERVICE OR ANY COMMERCIAL  DELIVERY  SERVICE.  WITHOUT  LIMITING THE
     FOREGOING,  THE COMPANY HEREBY APPOINTS,  IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR
     PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF OR IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK:

                              CT CORPORATION SYSTEM
                                  1633 BROADWAY
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019


     TO RECEIVE, FOR IT AND ON ITS BEHALF, SERVICE OF PROCESS. THE COMPANY SHALL
     AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN AN AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW
     YORK AND MAY FROM TIME TO TIME  APPOINT  SUCCEEDING  AGENTS FOR  SERVICE OF
     PROCESS BY NOTIFYING EACH HOLDER OF NOTES OF SUCH APPOINTMENT, WHICH AGENTS
     SHALL BE ATTORNEYS,  OFFICERS OR DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY,  OR CORPORATIONS
     WHICH IN THE  ORDINARY  COURSE OF  BUSINESS  ACT AS AGENTS  FOR  SERVICE OF
     PROCESS.  NOTHING HEREIN SHALL IN ANY WAY BE DEEMED TO LIMIT THE ABILITY OR
     RIGHT OF ANY HOLDER OF NOTES TO SERVE ANY WRITS,  PROCESS OR  SUMMONSES  IN
     ANY MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

     22.8 Defeasance

          (a) Option of  Company.  Anything  to the  contrary  contained  herein
     notwithstanding,  the Company may, in its sole  discretion  and at any time
     upon not less than thirty (30) days' prior  written  notice to all holders,
     elect to establish a trust (the "Trust"), solely in favor of all holders of
     the  Notes  then  outstanding,   and  irrevocably  and  absolutely  assign,
     transfer,  and convey to, and deposit into,  said Trust an amount of United
     States  Governmental  Securities  having  interest and  principal  payments
     sufficient  to pay in full all remaining  principal  and interest  payments
     and,  if any  principal  is to be  repaid  on a date  other  than  the date
     scheduled  therefor in Section 8.1, together with the Make-Whole Amount, if
     any, as the same shall fall due, in respect of all Notes then outstanding.


<PAGE>

          (b) Discharge. Provided that

               (i) the Trust, the trustee thereof,  and the terms and conditions
          (as well as the form and substance) of the indenture whereby the Trust
          shall have been  established  shall be reasonably  satisfactory to the
          Required Holders,

               (ii)  the  purchase  price  of  the  United  States  Governmental
          Securities  to be deposited  into the Trust shall have been fully paid
          by the Company,  and such United States Governmental  Securities shall
          have been so  deposited  into the Trust  (and each  holder  shall have
          received written verification thereof by the trustee of the Trust) and
          shall, as so deposited,  be unencumbered by any Lien and sufficient to
          pay all principal, interest and Make-Whole Amount, if any, to fall due
          on the Notes then outstanding as provided in Section 22.8(a) (and each
          holder shall have received written verification of such sufficiency by
          the independent  certified public  accountants of recognized  national
          standing selected by the Company),

               (iii) the Company shall have (A) paid in full all fees, costs and
          expenses of the  trustee of the Trust and of all  holders  incurred in
          connection  with  the  preparation  of the  trust  indenture  and  the
          establishment  of  the  Trust,  including,   without  limitation,  all
          reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements,  and (B) prepaid in full
          any and all fees,  costs and  expenses of the trustee of the Trust for
          the entire  term of the Trust (and the holders of the Notes shall have
          received written  confirmation from the trustee confirming its receipt
          of the  payments  required  to be made to it  pursuant  to this clause
          (iii)),

               (iv) the  Company  shall have no  continuing  legal or  equitable
          interest  in the Trust or the United  States  Governmental  Securities
          deposited  into the Trust (other than a  reversionary  interest in any
          such United States Governmental  Securities or the proceeds therefrom,
          remaining  after  the  full,  final and  indefeasible  payment  of the
          principal amount of the Notes and all interest and Make-Whole  Amount,
          if any,  thereon)  and shall have no right to direct or  instruct  the
          trustee of the Trust,  or to remove  such  trustee,  or  otherwise  to
          require  such  trustee to take any action with  respect to such United
          States Governmental Securities or otherwise,

               (v) no Event of Default  shall have occurred and be continuing at
          the time of such deposit,

               (vi) the Company shall have delivered the written notice referred
          to in Section  22.8(a)  hereof to the holders  and a legal  opinion of
          Gardere Wynne Sewell & Riggs,  L.L.P. or other independent  counsel to
          the Company,  reasonably satisfactory to the Required Holders stating,
          among other things which the Required Holders may reasonably  request,
          that (A) the Trust is validly  created and duly  constituted  and that
          the sole beneficiaries  thereof are the holders, (B) the United States
          Governmental  Securities deposited therein were validly contributed to
          the Trust and  constitute a legal and valid res of the Trust,  (C) the
          Company's  actions in creating the Trust and  contributing  the United

<PAGE>

          States Governmental Securities thereto were duly authorized and valid,
          (D) the Company,  as the settlor of the Trust, has no right,  title or
          interest  in  and to  the  Trust  or the  res  thereof  (other  than a
          reversionary interest in any United States Governmental Securities, or
          the proceeds thereof, remaining after the full, final and indefeasible
          payment  of the  principal  amount of the Notes and all  interest  and
          Make-Whole Amount, if any, thereon) and has no power of direction,  or
          right of removal, with respect to the trustee of the Trust, (E) if any
          of the events described in clause (g) or clause (h) of Section 11 were
          to  occur,  the  Trust  and the res  thereof  would not be part of the
          estate  of the  Company  and (F) the  creation  of the  Trust  and the
          depositing of the United States Governmental  Securities therein shall
          not, for purposes of the Code with respect to any holder,  result in a
          taxable  event  whereby (I) such holder may become liable to pay a tax
          on any gain deemed to have arisen with respect to such  transaction or
          (II) such holder  shall have been deemed to have  suffered a loss with
          respect to such transaction,

               (vii) all principal,  interest costs, expenses and other sums due
          and  payable  to the  holders  under  the this  Agreement,  the  Other
          Agreements  and the Notes on the date the Trust is created  shall have
          been paid in full, and

               (viii) either (A) the Company shall have delivered to the holders
          an opinion of independent  certified public  accountants of recognized
          national standing selected by the Company,  reasonably satisfactory to
          the  Required  Holders,  or (B) at the  option of the  Company  at its
          expense  (provided  that the Company shall have the right to negotiate
          with such accountants  regarding the cost of furnishing such opinion),
          the holders  shall have received an opinion of  independent  certified
          public  accountants  of  recognized   national  standing,   reasonably
          satisfactory  to the  Required  Holders,  stating  that under GAAP the
          creation  of  the  Trust  and  the  depositing  of the  United  States
          Governmental  Securities therein shall not result, with respect to any
          holder,  in an exchange of the Note or Notes of such holder for all or
          part of such United  States  Governmental  Securities  which  exchange
          would  result in a gain or loss being  realized by such  holder  under
          GAAP in respect of such transaction,

     then,  and in  that  case,  all  obligations  of  the  Company  under  this
     Agreement,  the  Other  Agreements  and  the  Notes  shall  be  discharged;
     provided,  however,  if the  contribution to the Trust of any United States
     Governmental  Securities  is  invalidated,  declared  to be  fraudulent  or
     preferential,  set  aside,  or  if  any  such  United  States  Governmental
     Securities are required to be returned or  redelivered  to the Company,  or
     any custodian,  trustee,  receiver or any other Person under any bankruptcy
     act,  state or federal law,  common law or equitable  cause,  then,  to the
     extent of such  invalidation,  return or redelivery,  the obligations under
     this  Agreement,  the Other  Agreements  and the Notes (less any  payments,
     which shall not have been themselves invalidated,  returned or redelivered,
     made  thereon  from  or  in  respect  of  the  United  States  Governmental
     Securities so invalidated,  returned or  redelivered)  shall be revived and
     restored.


<PAGE>

     22.9 GAAP.

     Where the  character  or amount of any asset or liability or item of income
or expense, or any consolidation or other accounting  computation is required to
be made for any purpose  hereunder,  it shall be done in accordance with GAAP as
in effect on the date of, or at the end of the period  covered by, the financial
statements from which such asset, liability, item of income, or item of expense,
is derived, or, in the case of any such computation, as in effect on the date as
of which such  computation is required to be determined,  provided,  that if any
term defined herein includes or excludes  amounts,  items or concepts that would
not be  included in or  excluded  from such term if such term was  defined  with
reference solely to generally accepted accounting principles,  such term will be
deemed to  include or  exclude  such  amounts,  items or  concepts  as set forth
herein.

     22.10 Usury.

     It is the  intention  of the parties  hereto to comply with all  applicable
usury laws; accordingly,  it is agreed that notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary  herein or in the Notes,  or in any of the documents  securing  payment
thereof or  otherwise  relating  hereto,  no such  provision  shall  require the
payment or permit the  collection  of  interest  in excess of the  highest  rate
allowed by  applicable  law (the "Maximum  Rate").  If any excess of interest in
such respect is provided  for, or shall be  adjudicated  to be so provided  for,
herein or in the Notes or in any of the documents  securing  payment  thereof or
otherwise relating hereto, then in such event

          (a) the provisions of this Section 22.10 shall govern and control,

          (b) neither the Company,  endorsers or  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  nor
     their heirs,  legal  representatives,  successors  or assigns nor any other
     party  liable for the payment on the Notes,  shall be  obligated to pay the
     amount of such  interest  to the extent that it is in excess of the Maximum
     Rate,

          (c) any such excess with  respect to any such Note which may have been
     collected  shall,  at the  election  of the holder of such Note,  be either
     applied as a credit against the then unpaid  principal  amount on such Note
     or refunded to the Company, and

          (d) the provisions hereof and of the Notes and any documents  securing
     payment thereof shall be automatically  reformed so that the effective rate
     of  interest  shall be  reduced to the  Maximum  Rate.  For the  purpose of
     determining  the Maximum Rate,  all interest  payments with respect  hereto
     shall be  amortized,  prorated and spread  throughout  the full term of the
     Notes  so  that  the  effective  rate of  interest  thereunder  is  uniform
     throughout the term thereof.

                       [Next page is the signature page.]


<PAGE>

     If you are in  agreement  with  the  foregoing,  please  sign  the  form of
agreement on the accompanying counterpart of this Agreement and return it to the
Company,  whereupon the foregoing shall become a binding  agreement  between you
and the Company.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   SEITEL, INC.


                                   By   /s/Debra D. Valice
                                        ---------------------------------------

                                        Name:  Debra D. Valice

                                        Title:  Senior Vice President-Finance
                                                and Chief Financial Officer


The foregoing is hereby
agreed to as of the
date thereof.

PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By   /s/Warren Shank
     ----------------------------------
   Name:  Warren Shank
  Title:  Counsel

By   /s/Clint Woods
     ----------------------------------
   Name:  Clint Woods
  Title:  Counsel

<PAGE>

MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By   /s/Richard C. Morrison
     ----------------------------------
   Name:  Richard C. Morrison
  Title:  Vice President


JOHN ALDEN LIFE INSURANCE

By   /s/Michael E. Halligan
     ----------------------------------
   Name:  Michael E. Halligan
  Title:  Vice President


THE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK

By   /s/Peter W. Oliver
     ----------------------------------
   Name:  Peter W. Oliver
  Title:  Managing Director


MONY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA

By   /s/Peter W. Oliver
     ----------------------------------
   Name:  Peter W. Oliver
  Title:  Authorized Agent


UNITED OF OMAHA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By   /s/Victor N. Hanson
     ----------------------------------
   Name:  Victor N. Hanson
  Title:  First Vice President


PAN-AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By   /s/F. Anderson Stone
     ----------------------------------
   Name:  F. Anderson Stone
  Title:  Vice President, Corporate Securities




<PAGE>


                                  Schedule A-15

                                   SCHEDULE A
                       INFORMATION RELATING TO PURCHASERS

================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RA-1; $21,000,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Norwest Bank Iowa, N.A.
                                        7th and Walnut Street
                                        Des Moines, IA 50304

                                        For credit to Principal Mutual Life 
                                             Insurance Company
                                        General Account No. 014752
                                        Reference: Bond No. 1-B-60639
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series A
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2001 PPN:
                                        816074 A* 9;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                        711 High Street
                                        Des Moines, IA 50392-0960
                                        ATTN: Investment Department - Securities
                                              Division
                                        Fax: 515-248-2643
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                        711 High Street
                                        Des Moines, IA 50392
                                        ATTN: Investment Department - Securities
                                              Division
                                        Fax: 515-248-2490
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             2 signature lines required
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               42-0127290
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RA-2; $4,000,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Norwest Bank Iowa, N.A.
                                        7th and Walnut Street
                                        Des Moines, IA 50304

                                        For credit to Principal Mutual Life
                                             Insurance Company
                                        Separate Account No. 032395
                                        Reference: Bond No. 16-B-60639
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series A
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2001 PPN:
                                        816074 A* 9;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                        711 High Street
                                        Des Moines, IA 50392-0960
                                        ATTN: Investment - Accounting & Treasury
                                              - Securities
                                        Fax: 515-248-2643
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                        711 High Street
                                        Des Moines, IA 50392
                                        ATTN: Investment Department - Securities
                                              Division
                                        Fax: 515-248-2490
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             2 signature lines required
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               42-0127290
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE 
                                             COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
                                             Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-1; $4,000,000
Amount                                  RC-1; $4,000,000
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        4 Chase MetroTech Center
                                        New York, NY 10081
                                        ABA No. 021000021

                         For MassMutual IFM Traditional
                             Account No. 910-1388131
================================================================================
Accompanying Information                Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B Senior 
                                             Notes due December 30, 2002
                                        PPN: 816074 A@ 7;

                                        Seitel, Inc.; Series C Senior Notes due
                                             December 30, 2002
                                        PPN:  816074 A# 5;

                                        [due  date  and  application  (as  among
                                        principal,    Make-Whole    Amount   and
                                        interest)  of the  payment  being  made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
                                             Company
                                        1295 State Street
                                        Springfield, MA  01111
                                        ATTN: Securities Custody and Collection
                                              Department

                                        With telephone advice of payment to:
                                        Securities Custody and Collection
                                             Department at 413-744-3878
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
                                             Company
                                        1295 State Street
                                        Springfield, MA  01111
                                        ATTN: Securities Investment Division,
                                              Richard C. Morrison,
                                              Vice President

                                        Telephone:   413-788-8411
                                        Fax:   413-744-6127
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               04-1590850
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE
                                             COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance 
                                             Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-2; $3,000,000
Amount                                  RC-2; $3,000,000
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        4 Chase MetroTech Center
                                        New York, NY 10081
                                        ABA No. 021000021

                       For MassMutual IFM Non-Traditional
                             Account No. 910-2509073
================================================================================
Accompanying Information                Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B Senior
                                             Notes due December 30, 2002
                                        PPN: 816074 A@ 7;

                                        Seitel, Inc.; Series C Senior Notes due
                                             December 30, 2002
                                        PPN:  816074 A# 5;

                                        [due  date  and  application  (as  among
                                        principal,    Make-Whole    Amount   and
                                        interest)  of the  payment  being  made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
                                             Company
                                        1295 State Street
                                        Springfield, MA  01111
                                        ATTN: Securities Custody and Collection
                                              Department

                                        With telephone advice of payment to:
                                        Securities Custody and Collection
                                             Department at 413-744-3878
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
                                             Company
                                        1295 State Street
                                        Springfield, MA  01111
                                        ATTN: Securities Investment Division,
                                              Richard C. Morrison,
                                              Vice President

                                        Telephone:   413-788-8411
                                        Fax:   413-744-6127
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               04-1590850
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE
                                             COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance 
                                             Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-3; $3,000,000
Amount                                  RC-3; $3,000,000
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        4 Chase MetroTech Center
                                        New York, NY 10081
                                        ABA No. 021000021

                        For MassMutual Pension Management
                             Account No. 910-2594018
================================================================================
Accompanying Information                Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B Senior 
                                             Notes due December 30, 2002
                                        PPN: 816074 A@ 7;

                                        Seitel, Inc.; Series C Senior Notes due
                                             December 30, 2002
                                        PPN: 816074 A# 5;

                                        [due  date  and  application  (as  among
                                        principal,    Make-Whole    Amount   and
                                        interest)  of the  payment  being  made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
                                             Company
                                        1295 State Street
                                        Springfield, MA  01111
                                        ATTN: Securities Custody and Collection
                                             Department

                                        With telephone advice of payment to:
                                        Securities Custody and Collection
                                             Department at 413-744-3878
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
                                             Company
                                        1295 State Street
                                        Springfield, MA  01111
                                        ATTN: Securities Investment Division,
                                              Richard C. Morrison,
                                              Vice President

                                        Telephone:   413-788-8411
                                        Fax:   413-744-6127
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               04-1590850
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          JOHN ALDEN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Atwell & Co.
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-4; $2,500,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        ABA #021 000 021
                                        Chase Account No. 900-9-002206
                                        BBK: Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.

                                        Account Name:   JALIC SPREAD PRODUCT
                                        Account No.:   89922410
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A@ 7;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        770 Broadway
                                        New York, NY 10005-9598
                                        Attn:  Larry Seidel
                                        ABA #021 000 021
                                        Account Name:   JALIC SPREAD PRODUCT
                                        Account No.:   89922410
                                        Tax ID# 41-0999752
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Investment Accounting
                                        John Alden Asset Management Company
                                        P.O. Box 020270 - 3rd Floor
                                        Miami, Florida 33102-0270
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             Signature Block:

                        JOHN ALDEN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                        By
                            Name: Michael E. Halligan
                              Title: Vice President
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        Securities Services & Trust Operations
                                        Two Chase Manhattan Plaza - Fourth Floor
                                             Securities Window
                                        New York, NY  10081

                         Reference: JALIC SPREAD PRODUCT
                         Reference: Account No. 89922410
                               Tax ID# 41-0999752
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               ATWELL & CO.  13-6050547
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          JOHN ALDEN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF
                                             NEW YORK
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Atwell & Co.
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-5; $2,500,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        ABA #021 000 021
                                        Chase Account No. 900-9-002206
                                        BBK: Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.

                                        Account Name:   JANY SPREAD PRODUCT
                                        Account No.:   89922403
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A@ 7;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        770 Broadway
                                        New York, NY 10005-9598
                                        Attn:  Larry Seidel
                                        ABA #021 000 021
                                        Account Name:   JANY SPREAD PRODUCT
                                        Account No.:   89922403
                                        Tax ID# 13-6178234
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Investment Accounting
                                        John Alden Asset Management Company
                                        P.O. Box 020270 - 3rd Floor
                                        Miami, Florida 33102-0270
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             Signature Block:

                                        JOHN ALDEN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF
                                             NEW YORK

                                        By
                            Name: Michael E. Halligan
                              Title: Vice President
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                        Securities Services & Trust Operations
                                        Two Chase Manhattan Plaza - Fourth Floor
                                             Securities Window
                                        New York, NY  10081

                                        Reference: JANY SPREAD PRODUCT
                                        Reference: Account No. 89922403
                                        Tax ID# 13-6178234
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               ATWELL & CO.  13-6050547
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          THE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF
                                             NEW YORK
================================================================================
Registered Name                         The Mutual Life Insurance Company of
                                             New York
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-6; $5,000,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Chemical Bank
                                        ABA# 021000128
                                        For credit to:  The Mutual Life 
                                                        Insurance Company of 
                                                        New York's Security
                        Remittance Account No. 321-023803
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A@ 7;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Telecopy Confirms and Notices:
                                                 (201) 907-6979
                                                 Attention: Securities Custody

                                        Mailing Confirms and Notices:
                                                  Glenpointe Marketing & 
                                                  Operations Center - MONY
                                                  Glenpointe Center West
                                                  500 Frank W. Burr Blvd.
                                                  Teaneck, NJ 07666-6888
                                                  Attention: Securities Custody
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         The Mutual Life Insurance Company of
                                             New York
                                        1740 Broadway
                                        New York, NY 10019
                     Attention: MONY Capital Management Unit
                                Fax: 212-708-2491
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               13-1632487
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          THE MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF 
                                             NEW YORK
================================================================================
Registered Name                         The Mutual Life Insurance Company of
                                             New York
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RC-4; $5,000,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Chemical Bank
                                        ABA# 021000128
                                        For credit to:  The Mutual Life 
                                                        Insurance Company of 
                                                        New York's Security
                        Remittance Account No. 321-023803
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information   Seitel,   Inc.;  Series  C
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A# 5;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Telecopy Confirms and Notices:
                                                 (201) 907-6979
                                                 Attention: Securities Custody

                                        Mailing Confirms and Notices:
                                                  Glenpointe Marketing & 
                                                  Operations Center - MONY
                                                  Glenpointe Center West
                                                  500 Frank W. Burr Blvd.
                                                  Teaneck, NJ 07666-6888
                                                  Attention: Securities Custody
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         The Mutual Life Insurance Company of
                                             New York
                                        1740 Broadway
                                        New York, NY 10019
                     Attention: MONY Capital Management Unit
                                Fax: 212-708-2491
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               13-1632487
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          MONY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
================================================================================
Registered Name                         MONY Life Insurance Company of America
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-7; $2,500,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Chemical Bank
                                        ABA# 021000128
                                        For credit to:  MONY Life Insurance
                                                        Company of America
                                        Account No. 323-161243
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A@ 7;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Telecopy Confirms and Notices:
                                                 (201) 907-6979
                                                 Attention: Securities Custody

                                        Mailing Confirms and Notices:
                                                  Glenpointe Marketing & 
                                                  Operations Center - MONY
                                                  Glenpointe Center West
                                                  500 Frank W. Burr Blvd.
                                                  Teaneck, NJ 07666-6888
                                                  Attention: Securities Custody
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         MONY Life Insurance Company of America
                                        c/o The Mutual Life Insurance Company of
                                             New York
                                        1740 Broadway
                                        New York, NY 10019
                     Attention: MONY Capital Management Unit
                                Fax: 212-708-2491
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               86-0222062
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          MONY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA
================================================================================
Registered Name                         MONY Life Insurance Company of America
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RC-5; $2,500,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     Chemical Bank
                                        ABA# 021000128
                                        For credit to:  MONY Life Insurance 
                                                        Company of America
                                        Account No.  323-161243
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information   Seitel,   Inc.;  Series  C
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A# 5;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Telecopy Confirms and Notices:
                                                  (201) 907-6979
                                                  Attention: Securities Custody

                                        Mailing Confirms and Notices:
                                                  Glenpointe Marketing & 
                                                  Operations Center - MONY
                                                  Glenpointe Center West
                                                  500 Frank W. Burr Blvd.
                                                  Teaneck, NJ 07666-6888
                                                  Attention: Securities Custody
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         MONY Life Insurance Company of America
                                        c/o The Mutual Life Insurance Company of
                                             New York
                                             1740 Broadway
                                             New York, NY 10019
                     Attention: MONY Capital Management Unit
                                Fax: 212-708-2491
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Law Department of Purchaser
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               86-0222062
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          UNITED OF OMAHA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-8; $3,500,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     FirsTier Bank - Omaha
                                        ABA #1040-0002-9
                                        17th & Farnam Streets
                                        Omaha, NE  68102

                                        For credit to United of Omaha Life
                                             Insurance Company
                                        Account #144-7-076
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A@ 7;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
                                        Attention:  Investments / Securities
                                                    Accounting
                                        Mutual of Omaha Plaza
                                        Omaha, NE  68175
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
                                        Attention: Investment Division
                                        Mutual of Omaha Plaza
                                        Omaha, NE  68175
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
                                        Attention:  Investments / Securities
                                                    Accounting
                                        Mutual of Omaha Plaza
                                        Omaha, NE  68175
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               47-0322111
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          UNITED OF OMAHA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RC-6; $3,500,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     FirsTier Bank - Omaha
                                        ABA #1040-0002-9
                                        17th & Farnam Streets
                                        Omaha, NE  68102

                                        For credit to United of Omaha Life
                                             Insurance Company
                                        Account #144-7-076
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information   Seitel,   Inc.;  Series  C
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A# 5;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
                                        Attention:  Investments / Securities 
                                                    Accounting
                                        Mutual of Omaha Plaza
                                        Omaha, NE  68175
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
                                        Attention: Investment Division
                                        Mutual of Omaha Plaza
                                        Omaha, NE  68175
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
                                        Attention:  Investments / Securities
                                                    Accounting
                                        Mutual of Omaha Plaza
                                        Omaha, NE  68175
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               47-0322111
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          PAN-AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Pan-American Life Insurance Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RB-9; $1,500,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     First National Bank of Commerce
                                        210 Baronne Street
                                        New Orleans, LA  70112

                                        ABA No. 065-000-029

                                        For credit to Pan-American Life 
                                             Insurance Company
                                        Account No. 1100-29496
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information Seitel, Inc.; 7.17% Series B
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A@ 7;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Pan-American Life Insurance Company
                                        Pan American Life Center
                                        601 Poydras Street
                                        New Orleans, LA  70130
                                        Attn:  Investment Department - 
                                               28th Floor,
                                               Bond & Stock Accounting
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Pan-American Life Insurance Company
                                        Pan American Life Center
                                        601 Poydras Street
                                        New Orleans, LA  70130
                                        Attn:  Investment Department - 
                                               28th Floor, 
                                               Fixed Income Securities
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Pan-American Life Insurance Company
                                        Pan American Life Center
                                        601 Poydras Street
                                        New Orleans, LA  70130
                                        Attn:  Marylyn Andree, 
                                               Investment Department - 
                                               28th Floor
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               72-0281240
================================================================================


<PAGE>



================================================================================
Purchaser Name                          PAN-AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
================================================================================
Registered Name                         Pan-American Life Insurance Company
================================================================================
Note Registration Number; Principal     RC-7; $1,500,000
Amount
================================================================================
Method of Payment                       Federal Funds Wire Transfer
================================================================================
Account Information                     First National Bank of Commerce
                                        210 Baronne Street
                                        New Orleans, LA  70112

                                        ABA No. 065-000-029

                                        For credit to Pan-American Life 
                                             Insurance Company
                                        Account No. 1100-29496
================================================================================
Accompanying                            Information   Seitel,   Inc.;  Series  C
                                        Senior  Notes due December 30, 2002 PPN:
                                        816074 A# 5;  [due date and  application
                                        (as among principal,  Make-Whole  Amount
                                        and interest) of the payment being made;
                                        [contact name at Company] and [telephone
                                        number]
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Payment Notices       Pan-American Life Insurance Company
                                        Pan American Life Center
                                        601 Poydras Street
                                        New Orleans, LA  70130
                                        Attn:  Investment Department - 
                                               28th Floor,
                                               Bond & Stock Accounting
================================================================================
Address/Fax # for Other Notices         Pan-American Life Insurance Company
                                        Pan American Life Center
                                        601 Poydras Street
                                        New Orleans, LA  70130
                                        Attn:  Investment Department - 
                                               28th Floor, 
                                               Fixed Income Securities
================================================================================
Other Instructions (if any)             [None]
================================================================================
Instructions re Delivery of Notes       Pan-American Life Insurance Company
                                        Pan American Life Center
                                        601 Poydras Street
                                        New Orleans, LA  70130
                                        Attn:  Marylyn Andree, 
                                               Investment Department - 
                                               28th Floor
================================================================================
Tax Identification Number               72-0281240
================================================================================



<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE B
                                  DEFINED TERMS

     As used herein, the following terms have the respective  meanings set forth
below or set forth in the Section hereof following such term:

     Accredited  Institution -- means any Person who is an "accredited investor"
within the  meaning of such term set forth in Rule  501(a)(1),  (2),  (3) or (7)
under the Securities Act.

     Affiliate -- means, at any time,

          (a) with  respect to any  Person  other  than the  Company,  any other
     Person  that  at such  time  directly  or  indirectly  through  one or more
     intermediaries  Controls,  or is Controlled  by, or is under common Control
     with, such Person, and

          (b) with respect to the Company,  a Person (other than a  Wholly-Owned
     Restricted Subsidiary),

               (i) that at such time directly or indirectly  through one or more
          intermediaries  Controls,  or is  Controlled  by,  or is under  common
          Control with, the Company,

               (ii) that at such time  beneficially  owns or holds,  directly or
          indirectly,  ten  percent  (10%)  or more of the  Voting  Stock of the
          Company, or

               (iii) ten percent  (10%) or more of the Voting  Stock of which is
          at such time  beneficially  owned or held by the Company or any one or
          more of the Subsidiaries.

As used  in  this  definition,  "Control"  means  the  possession,  directly  or
indirectly,  of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and
policies of a Person,  whether  through the ownership of voting  Securities,  by
contract or otherwise.

     Agreement -- is defined in Section 17.3.

     Board of  Directors  -- at any time  means  the board of  directors  of the
Company or any committee  thereof which, in the instance,  shall have the lawful
power to exercise the power and authority of such board of directors.

     Business  Day -- means (a) for the  purposes of Section  8.6 only,  any day
other than a Saturday,  a Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in New York,
New York are required or  authorized  to be closed,  and (b) for the purposes of
any other provision of this Agreement,  any day other than a Saturday,  a Sunday
or a day on which commercial  banks in Houston,  Texas or New York, New York are
required or authorized to be closed.

     Capital Lease -- means a lease with respect to which the lessee is required
concurrently  to recognize the  acquisition  of an asset and the incurrence of a
liability in accordance with GAAP.


<PAGE>

     Capital Lease Obligation -- means, with respect to any Person and a Capital
Lease,  the amount of the  obligation  of such  Person as the lessee  under such
Capital Lease which would, in accordance  with GAAP,  appear as a liability on a
balance sheet of such Person.

     Closing Date -- is defined in Section 3.2.

     Closings -- is defined in Section 3.2.

     Code -- means the Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as amended from time to
time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time.

     Company -- is defined in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

     Confidential Information -- is defined in Section 20.

     Consolidated Debt -- means, as of any date of  determination,  the total of
all Debt of the  Company and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  outstanding  on such
date,  after  eliminating all offsetting  debits and credits between the Company
and the Restricted Subsidiaries and all other items required to be eliminated in
the  course of the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  of the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

     Consolidated Interest Expense -- means, with respect to any period, the sum
(without duplication) of the following (in each case, eliminating all offsetting
debits and credits between the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries  and all
other  items  required  to be  eliminated  in the course of the  preparation  of
consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries
in accordance with GAAP):

          (a) all interest in respect of Debt of the Company and the  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  (including  imputed  interest on Capital  Lease  Obligations)
     deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period, and

          (b)  all  debt  discount  and  expense  amortized  or  required  to be
     amortized in the determination of Consolidated Net Income for such period.

     Consolidated  Net Income -- means,  with  reference to any period,  the net
income (or loss) of the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries for such period
(taken as a cumulative  whole),  as determined in  accordance  with GAAP,  after
eliminating  all  offsetting  debits and  credits  between  the  Company and the
Restricted  Subsidiaries  and all other items  required to be  eliminated in the
course of the  preparation of consolidated  financial  statements of the Company
and the Restricted  Subsidiaries  in accordance  with GAAP,  provided that there
shall be excluded:

          (a) any gains  resulting  from any write-up of any assets (but not any
     loss resulting from any write-down of any assets),

          (b) the income (or loss) of any  Person  accrued  prior to the date it
     becomes a Restricted  Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the
     Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, and the income (or loss) of any Person,
     substantially  all of the assets of which have been  acquired in any manner

<PAGE>

     by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary,  realized by such other Person
     prior to the date of acquisition,

          (c) in the case of a  successor  to the  Company by  consolidation  or
     merger or as a  transferee  of its assets,  any  earnings of the  successor
     corporation prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets,

          (d) any  aggregate  net gain (but not any  aggregate  net loss) during
     such  period  arising  from  the  sale,   conversion,   exchange  or  other
     disposition  of capital assets (such term to include,  without  limitation,
     (i) all non-current  assets and, without  duplication,  (ii) the following,
     whether or not current:  all fixed assets,  whether tangible or intangible,
     all inventory sold in conjunction with the disposition of fixed assets, and
     all securities),

          (e) any  portion of such net income  that  cannot be freely  converted
     into United States Dollars,

          (f) the  income  (or  loss) of any  Person  (other  than a  Restricted
     Subsidiary)  in which  the  Company  or any  Restricted  Subsidiary  has an
     ownership  interest,  except to the  extent  that any such  income has been
     actually received by the Company or such Restricted  Subsidiary in the form
     of cash dividends or similar cash distributions,

          (g) any gain  arising from the  acquisition  of any  security,  or the
     extinguishment,  under GAAP, of any Debt, of the Company or any  Restricted
     Subsidiary,

          (h) any net income or gain or any net loss during such period from (i)
     any change in accounting  principles  in  accordance  with GAAP or (ii) any
     prior period adjustments resulting from any change in accounting principles
     in accordance with GAAP, and

          (i) any net income or gain (but not any net loss)  during  such period
     from (i) any extraordinary items or (ii) any discontinued operations or the
     disposition thereof.

     Consolidated  Net Worth --  means,  at any  time,  the total  stockholders'
equity which would be shown in consolidated  financial statements of the Company
and the Restricted Subsidiaries prepared at such time in accordance with GAAP.

     Consolidated  Tangible  Assets -- means,  at any time,  Consolidated  Total
Assets at such time, minus

          (a) deferred assets, other than prepaid expenses which are refundable;

          (b) patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand
     names,  franchises,  goodwill,  experimental  expenses  and  other  similar
     intangibles;

          (c) unamortized debt discount and expense; and

          (d) all other property  which would be classified as intangible  under
     GAAP.


<PAGE>

     Consolidated  Total Assets -- means,  at any time,  the amount at which the
total assets of the Company and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  would be shown in
consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries
prepared at such time in accordance with GAAP,  after deduction of depreciation,
amortization and all other properly deductible valuation reserves.

     Contingent Optional Prepayment -- is defined in Section 8.2.

     DDD -- means DDD Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

     DDD Facility -- means the Credit  Agreement dated June 14, 1995,  among DDD
and the DDD Facility Lenders, as amended.

     DDD Facility  Lenders -- means Bank One, Texas,  National  Association,  as
agent and as a lender, and Compass Bank-Houston, as a lender, in each case under
the DDD Facility.

     Debt -- means, with respect to any Person, without duplication,

          (a) its obligations for borrowed money;

          (b)  its  obligations  in  respect  of  banker's  acceptances,   other
     acceptances,  letters  of credit  and other  instruments  serving a similar
     function issued or accepted by banks and other financial  institutions  for
     the account of such Person  (whether or not incurred in connection with the
     borrowing of money);

          (c) its obligations that are evidenced by bonds, notes,  debentures or
     similar instruments;

          (d) its  obligations  for the  deferred  purchase  price  of  property
     acquired by such Person (excluding accounts payable arising in the ordinary
     course of business  but  including,  without  limitation,  all  obligations
     created or arising  under any  conditional  sale or other  title  retention
     agreement with respect to any such property);

          (e) its Capital Lease Obligations;

          (f) its obligations in respect of all mandatorily redeemable preferred
     stock of such Person;

          (g) its  obligations  for  borrowed  money  secured  by any Lien  with
     respect to any property owned by such Person (whether or not it has assumed
     or otherwise become liable for such obligations); and

          (h) any Guaranty of such Person with respect to  liabilities of a type
     described in any of clauses (a) through (g) hereof.

Debt of any Person shall include all obligations of such Person of the character
described in clauses (a) through (h) to the extent such Person  remains  legally
liable in respect thereof  notwithstanding that any such obligation is deemed to
be extinguished under GAAP.


<PAGE>

     Default -- means an event or condition the occurrence or existence of which
would,  with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both,  become an Event
of Default.

     Default Rate -- means the rate of interest  for overdue  payments as stated
in the first paragraph of the relevant Series of Notes.

     Designated Portion -- is defined in Section 10.6(b)(i).

     Disposition Value -- is defined in Section 10.6(c)(i).

     EBITDA -- means, in respect of any period, Consolidated Net Income for such
period minus

          (a) to the extent added in the  computation of such  Consolidated  Net
     Income, each of the following:

               (i) extraordinary gains, net of extraordinary losses, and

               (ii)  gains,  net of  losses,  arising  from the  disposition  of
          property other than in the ordinary course of business, plus

          (b) to the extent deducted in the computation of such Consolidated Net
     Income, each of the following:

               (i)  Consolidated  Interest  Expense,  net of interest  and other
          investment income,

               (ii) taxes imposed on or measured by income or excess  profits of
          the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries,

               (iii) the amount of all depreciation,  depletion and amortization
          allowances  and  other  non-cash  expenses  of  the  Company  and  the
          Restricted Subsidiaries,

               (iv) extraordinary losses, net of extraordinary gains, and

               (v)  losses,  net of  gains,  arising  from  the  disposition  of
          property other than in the ordinary course of business.

     Environmental Laws -- means any and all Federal,  state, local, and foreign
statutes,  laws, regulations,  ordinances,  rules,  judgments,  orders, decrees,
permits, concessions,  grants, franchises,  licenses, agreements or governmental
restrictions  relating to pollution and the protection of the environment or the
release of any  materials  into the  environment,  including  but not limited to
those related to hazardous substances or wastes, air emissions and discharges to
waste or public systems.



<PAGE>

     Equity Interest -- means

          (a) the  outstanding  Voting Stock of a corporation  or other business
     entity,

          (b) the interest in the capital or profits of a  corporation,  limited
     liability company, partnership or joint venture, or

          (c) the beneficial interest in a trust or estate.

     ERISA -- means the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act of 1974,  as
amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations  promulgated thereunder
from time to time in effect.

     ERISA   Affiliate   --  means  any  trade  or  business   (whether  or  not
incorporated)  that is treated as a single  employer  together  with the Company
under section 414 of the Code.

     Event of Default -- is defined in Section 11.

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

     Excluded Transfer -- is defined in Section 10.6.

     Fair Market Value -- means,  at any time and with respect to any  property,
the sale value of such property that would be realized in an  arm's-length  sale
at such time between an informed  and willing  buyer and an informed and willing
seller (neither being under a compulsion to buy or sell, respectively).

     GAAP -- means  accounting  principles as  promulgated  from time to time in
statements,  opinions and  pronouncements by the American Institute of Certified
Public  Accountants  and the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board and in such
statements,  opinions and  pronouncements of such other entities with respect to
financial   accounting  of  for-profit  entities  as  shall  be  accepted  by  a
substantial segment of the accounting profession in the United States.

     Governmental Authority -- means

          (a) the government of

               (i) the United States of America or any State or other  political
          subdivision thereof, or

               (ii) any  jurisdiction  in which the  Company  or any  Subsidiary
          conducts  all  or  any  part  of  its   business,   or  which  asserts
          jurisdiction over any properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, or

          (b) any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory
     or administrative functions of, or pertaining to, any such government.


<PAGE>

     Guaranty -- means, with respect to any Person,  any obligation  (except the
endorsement  in the ordinary  course of business of negotiable  instruments  for
deposit or collection) of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any
indebtedness,  dividend or other  obligation  of any other Person in any manner,
whether  directly or  indirectly,  including  (without  limitation)  obligations
incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise, by such Person:

          (a) to  purchase  such  indebtedness  or  obligation  or any  property
     constituting security therefor;

          (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of such
     indebtedness  or  obligation,  or (ii) to maintain  any working  capital or
     other  balance  sheet  condition or any income  statement  condition of any
     other  Person or  otherwise  to  advance  or make  available  funds for the
     purchase or payment of such indebtedness or obligation;

          (c)  to  lease  properties  or  to  purchase  properties  or  services
     primarily  for the purpose of assuring  the owner of such  indebtedness  or
     obligation  of the  ability  of any  other  Person to make  payment  of the
     indebtedness or obligation; or

          (d) otherwise to assure the owner of such  indebtedness  or obligation
     against loss in respect thereof.

In any computation of the indebtedness or other liabilities of the obligor under
any Guaranty, the indebtedness or other obligations that are the subject of such
Guaranty shall be assumed to be direct obligations of such obligor.

     Hazardous  Material  -- means any and all  pollutants,  toxic or  hazardous
wastes or any other substances that might pose a hazard to health or safety, the
removal  of which may be  required  or the  generation,  manufacture,  refining,
production, processing, treatment, storage, handling, transportation,  transfer,
use, disposal, release, discharge,  spillage, seepage, or filtration of which is
or  shall  be  restricted,   prohibited  or  penalized  by  any  applicable  law
(including, without limitation,  asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation and
polychlorinated biphenyls).

     holder -- means,  at any time and with  respect to any Note,  the Person in
whose name such Note is  registered  at such time in the register  maintained by
the Company pursuant to Section 13.1.

     Institutional  Investor -- means (a) any original purchaser of a Note or an
Affiliate  thereof,  (b) any holder of more than five  percent (5%) in aggregate
principal  amount  of  the  Notes  then  outstanding,  and  (c)  any  Accredited
Institution.

     Intergroup Transfer -- is defined in Section 10.6.

     Investment  --  means  any  investment,  made  in cash  or by  delivery  of
property,  by the Company or any of the  Subsidiaries in any Person,  whether by
acquisition of stock,  indebtedness or other obligation or Security  (including,
without  limitation,  any interests in any partnership or joint venture),  or by

<PAGE>

loan,  Guaranty,  advance,  capital  contribution  or  otherwise;  provided that
"Investment"  does not  include  trade  credit  to the  extent  extended  in the
ordinary course of business.

     Lien -- means,  with respect to any Person,  any  mortgage,  lien,  pledge,
charge, security interest or other encumbrance,  or any interest or title of any
vendor,  lessor,  lender or other  secured  party to or of such Person under any
conditional  sale or other title retention  agreement or Capital Lease,  upon or
with respect to any property or asset of such Person  (including  in the case of
stock,   stockholder  agreements,   voting  trust  agreements  and  all  similar
arrangements).

     Make-Whole Amount -- is defined in Section 8.6.

     Material  --  means  material  in  relation  to the  business,  operations,
affairs,  financial  condition,  assets or  properties  of the  Company  and the
Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

     Material  Adverse  Effect  -- means a  material  adverse  effect on (a) the
business, operations,  affairs, financial condition, assets or properties of the
Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries,  taken as a whole,  (b) the ability of
the Company to perform its obligations  under this Agreement and the Notes,  (c)
the ability of any Restricted  Subsidiary to perform its respective  obligations
under the Subsidiary  Guaranty,  or (d) the validity or  enforceability  of this
Agreement, the Subsidiary Guaranty or the Notes.

     Maximum Rate -- is defined in Section 22.10.

     Memorandum -- is defined in Section 5.3.

     Multiemployer  Plan -- means  any Plan that is a  "multiemployer  plan" (as
such term is defined in section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA).

     NAIC Annual Statement -- is defined in Section 6.3.

     Net Asset Sale  Proceeds  Amount -- means,  with respect to any Transfer of
any property by any Person, an amount equal to the difference of

          (a) the  aggregate  amount of the  consideration  (valued  at the Fair
     Market Value of such  consideration at the time of the consummation of such
     Transfer) received by such Person in respect of such Transfer, minus

          (b) all  ordinary  and  reasonable  out-of-pocket  costs and  expenses
     actually incurred by such Person in connection with such Transfer.

     Net  Proceeds of Common Stock -- means,  with  respect to any period,  cash
proceeds  (net of all costs and  out-of-pocket  expenses  incurred in connection
therewith, including, without limitation,  placement, underwriting and brokerage
fees and  expenses)  received  by the Company  and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries
during such period from the sale of all common stock of the  Company,  including
in such net proceeds:


<PAGE>

          (a) the net amount paid upon issuance and exercise  during such period
     of any right to acquire  any common  stock,  or paid  during such period to
     convert a  convertible  debt  Security to common stock (but  excluding  any
     amount  paid  to  the  Company  upon  issuance  of  such  convertible  debt
     Security); and

          (b) any amount paid to the Company  upon  issuance of any  convertible
     debt Security that is converted to common stock during such period.

     Notes -- is defined in Section 1.

     Officer's  Certificate -- means a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer
or of any other  officer of the  Company  whose  responsibilities  extend to the
subject matter of such certificate.

     Optional Prepayment Date -- is defined in Section 8.2.

     Optional Prepayment Notice -- is defined in Section 8.2.

     Ordinary Course Transfer -- is defined in Section 10.6.

     Other Agreements -- is defined in Section 2.

     Other Purchasers -- is defined in Section 2.

     PBGC -- means the  Pension  Benefit  Guaranty  Corporation  referred to and
defined in ERISA or any successor thereto.

     Person -- means an individual, partnership,  corporation, limited liability
company,  association,  trust, unincorporated  organization,  or a government or
agency or political subdivision thereof.

     Plan -- means an  "employee  benefit  plan" (as defined in section  3(3) of
ERISA) that is or,  within the preceding  five years,  has been  established  or
maintained,  or to which  contributions are or, within the preceding five years,
have been made or required to be made, by the Company or any ERISA  Affiliate or
with respect to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate may have any liability.

     Prepayment Transfer -- is defined in Section 10.6.

     Priority Debt -- means, without duplication, the sum of (a) all Debt of the
Company  secured by a Lien permitted only by Section 10.4(j) and (b) all Debt of
Restricted  Subsidiaries  (except (i) Debt held by the Company or a Wholly-Owned
Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary that is an unsecured
guaranty  of Senior Debt and that ranks pari passu with the  obligations  of the
Restricted  Subsidiaries  under the  Subsidiary  Guaranty,  and (iii)  Debt of a
Restricted  Subsidiary  secured by a Lien permitted by the provisions of Section
10.4(a) through (i), inclusive).

     property or properties -- means,  unless  otherwise  specifically  limited,
real or  personal  property  of any  kind,  tangible  or  intangible,  choate or
inchoate.


<PAGE>

     Purchaser -- means any Person that is a Series A Purchaser  and/or a Series
B Purchaser and/or a Series C Purchaser.

     Qualified  Institutional  Buyer -- means you, each of the Other Purchasers,
and any Person who is a "qualified  institutional  buyer," within the meaning of
such term as set forth in Rule 144A(a)(1) under the Securities Act.

     Reinvested Transfer -- is defined in Section 10.6.

     Relevant Treasury Yield -- means the yield to maturity implied by

          (i) the yields reported,  as of 10:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the
     fifth  (5th)  Business  Day  preceding  the Series C Closing  Date,  on the
     display  designated as "Page 678" on the Telerate  Access  Service (or such
     other display as may replace Page 678 on the Telerate  Access  Service) for
     actively  traded  U.S.  Treasury  securities  having a maturity of five (5)
     years,  or if such  yields are not  reported  as of such time or the yields
     reported as of such time are not ascertainable,

          (ii) the Treasury  Constant  Maturity Series Yields reported,  for the
     latest  day for which such  yields  have been so  reported  as of the fifth
     (5th) Business Day preceding the Series C Closing Date, in Federal  Reserve
     Statistical  Release H.15 (519) (or any comparable  successor  publication)
     for actively traded U.S.  Treasury  securities  having a constant  maturity
     equal  to five  (5)  years.  Such  implied  yield  will be  determined,  if
     necessary,   by  (a)   converting   U.S.   Treasury   bill   quotations  to
     bond-equivalent  yields in accordance with accepted  financial practice and
     (b)  interpolating  linearly between (1) the actively traded U.S.  Treasury
     security  with the duration  closest to and greater than five (5) years and
     (2) the actively traded U.S. Treasury security with the duration closest to
     and less than five (5) years.

     Required  Holders -- means, at any time, the holders of at least a majority
in principal  amount of the Notes at the time  outstanding  (exclusive  of Notes
then owned by the Company or any of its Affiliates).

     Rescission Notice -- is defined in Section 8.2.

     Responsible  Officer -- means any Senior  Financial  Officer  and any other
officer  of the  Company  with  responsibility  for  the  administration  of the
relevant portion of this agreement.

     Restricted Investments -- means all Investments except the following:

          (a) cash;

          (b) Investments in one or more  Restricted  Subsidiaries or any Person
     engaged in the business referred to in Section 10.10 that concurrently with
     such Investment becomes a Wholly-Owned Restricted Subsidiary;

          (c)  Investments in United States  Governmental  Securities,  provided
     that such  obligations  mature within 365 days from the date of acquisition
     thereof;


<PAGE>

          (d)  Investments in  certificates  of deposit or banker's  acceptances
     issued by an Acceptable Bank,  provided that such obligations mature within
     365 days from the date of acquisition thereof;

          (e)  Investments  in  commercial  paper given the highest  rating by a
     credit rating agency of recognized  national standing and maturing not more
     than 270 days from the date of creation thereof; and

          (f)  Investments  in money market  mutual funds that invest  solely in
     so-called "money market" instruments  maturing not more than one year after
     the acquisition thereof,  which funds have assets in excess of Five Hundred
     Million Dollars ($500,000,000).

For purposes of this Agreement,  an Investment  shall be valued at the lesser of
(i) cost and (ii) the value at which such Investment is to be shown on the books
of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

As used in this definition of "Restricted Investments":

          Acceptable  Bank --  means  any  bank or trust  company  (i)  which is
     organized  under  the laws of the  United  States of  America  or any State
     thereof  and  (ii)  which  has  capital,   surplus  and  undivided  profits
     aggregating at least Five Hundred Million Dollars ($500,000,000).

          Restricted Payment -- means

               (a) any  Distribution in respect of the Company or any Restricted
          Subsidiary  (other  than on account of capital  stock or other  equity
          interests of a Restricted Subsidiary owned legally and beneficially by
          the  Company or another  Restricted  Subsidiary),  including,  without
          limitation,  any  Distribution  resulting  in the  acquisition  by the
          Company of Securities which would constitute treasury stock; and

               (b) any payment, repayment, redemption, retirement, repurchase or
          other  acquisition,   direct  or  indirect,  by  the  Company  or  any
          Restricted  Subsidiary  of, on  account  of,  or in  respect  of,  the
          principal of any Subordinated Debt (or any installment thereof) prior
          to the regularly  scheduled maturity date thereof (as in effect on the
          date such Subordinated Debt was originally incurred).

For purposes of this  Agreement,  the amount of any  Restricted  Payment made in
property  shall be the greater of (x) the Fair Market Value of such property (as
determined  in good faith by the board of  directors  (or  equivalent  governing
body) of the Person making such  Restricted  Payment) and (y) the net book value
thereof on the books of such Person,  in each case  determined as of the date on
which such Restricted Payment is made.

     Distribution -- means, in respect of any corporation,  association or other
business entity:
<PAGE>

          (a) dividends or other  distributions  or payments on capital stock or
     other equity  interest of such  corporation,  association or other business
     entity (except distributions in such stock or other equity interest); and

          (b) the  redemption  or  acquisition  of such  stock or  other  equity
     interests or of warrants, rights or other options to purchase such stock or
     other  equity  interests  (except when solely in exchange for such stock or
     other equity interests).

     Restricted Subsidiary -- means and includes each and every Subsidiary other
than any Subsidiary which, at the time of any determination  hereunder, has been
designated by the Board of Directors and by written notice of the Company to all
of the holders to be an Unrestricted  Subsidiary;  provided,  in any event, that
each of the following shall at all times constitute a Restricted Subsidiary:

          (a) each Subsidiary identified on Schedule 5.4; and

          (b) each  Subsidiary  which owns,  directly or  indirectly,  more than
     fifty percent (50%) of the Equity Interest of a Restricted Subsidiary.

     Revolving  Facility -- means the  Restated  Revolving  Credit and  Security
Agreement dated effective as of December 31, 1994, among the Company and certain
Restricted  Subsidiaries,  as borrowers,  and the Revolving Facility Lenders, as
amended.

     Revolving Facility Lenders -- means Bank One, Texas,  National Association,
as agent and as a lender,  and Compass  Bank-Houston,  as a lender, in each case
under the Revolving Facility.

     Securities Act -- means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to
time.

     Security -- means  "security" as defined by section 2(1) of the  Securities
Act.

     Senior  Debt -- means  any Debt of the  Company  that is not in any  manner
subordinated  in  right  of  payment  or  security  in any  respect  to the Debt
evidenced by the Notes or to any other Debt of the Company.

     Senior Financial  Officer -- means the chief financial  officer,  principal
accounting officer, treasurer or comptroller of the Company.

     Series -- means any one or more of the series of Notes issued hereunder.

     Series A and B Closing -- is defined in Section 3.1.

     Series A and B Closing Date -- is defined in Section 3.1.

     Series A Notes -- is defined in Section 1.

     Series A Purchasers -- is defined in Section 3.1.


<PAGE>

     Series B Notes -- is defined in Section 1.

     Series B Purchasers -- is defined in Section 3.1.

     Series C Closing -- is defined in Section 3.2.

     Series C Closing Date -- is defined in Section 3.2.

     Series C Interest Rate -- is defined in Section 3.2.

     Series C Notes -- is defined in Section 1.

     Series C Purchasers -- is defined in Section 3.2.

     Subordinated Debt -- mean any Debt of the Company other than Senior Debt.

     Subsidiary -- means, as to any Person,  any corporation,  limited liability
company, partnership, joint venture, trust or estate in which such Person or one
or more of the  Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of the  Subsidiaries
own more than fifty  percent  (50%) of the Equity  Interest.  Unless the context
otherwise clearly requires,  any reference to a "Subsidiary" is a reference to a
Subsidiary of the Company.

     Subsidiary Guaranty -- is defined in Section 4.10.

     Substantial Portion -- is defined in Section 10.6(c)(ii).

     Successor Corporation -- is defined in Section 10.5.

     Total  Capitalization  -- means, at any time, the sum of Consolidated  Debt
plus Consolidated Net Worth, in each case at such time.

     Transfer -- is defined in Section 10.6(c)(iii).

     Trust -- is defined in Section 22.8.

     United States  Governmental  Security -- means any direct obligation of, or
obligation guaranteed by, the United States of America, or any agency controlled
or supervised by or acting as an instrumentality of the United States of America
pursuant to authority  granted by the Congress of the United  States of America,
so long as such obligation or guarantee shall have the benefit of the full faith
and  credit of the  United  States of  America  which  shall  have been  pledged
pursuant to authority granted by the Congress of the United States of America.

     Unrestricted  Subsidiary -- means each  Subsidiary  other than a Restricted
Subsidiary.


<PAGE>

     Voting  Stock -- shall mean the  capital  stock or similar  interest of any
class or classes (however designated) of a corporation or other business entity,
the holders of which are ordinarily,  in the absence of contingencies,  entitled
to vote for the  election of the members of the board of  directors  (or Persons
performing similar functions) of a corporation or other business entity.

     Wholly-Owned  Restricted  Subsidiary -- means,  at any time, any Restricted
Subsidiary  one hundred  percent (100%) of all of the Equity  Interests  (except
directors' qualifying shares) and voting interests of which are owned by any one
or  more  of  the  Company  and  the  Company's  other  Wholly-Owned  Restricted
Subsidiaries at such time.


<PAGE>
                              Schedule 4.9-1

                                  SCHEDULE 4.9

                         CHANGES IN CORPORATE STRUCTURE

                                      NONE


<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 5.3

                              DISCLOSURE MATERIALS


               SEE ATTACHED LETTER FROM SEITEL, INC. TO PURCHASERS
                             DATED DECEMBER 15, 1995



<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 5.4

                           SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
                        AND OWNERSHIP OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK


A.

     I. Restricted Subsidiaries

Name of Restricted             Jurisdiction of         
Subsidiary                      Incorporation          100% of Stock Owned By:
- -------------------------      ---------------         ------------------------
Seitel Data Corp.                 Delaware             Seitel, Inc.
Seitel Geophysical, Inc.          Delaware             Seitel, Inc.
DDD Energy, Inc.                  Delaware             Seitel, Inc.
Seitel Gas & Energy Corp.         Delaware             Seitel, Inc.
Seitel Power Corp.                Delaware             Seitel, Inc.
Seitel Natural Gas, Inc.          Delaware             Seitel Gas & Energy Corp.
Matrix Geophysical, Inc.          Delaware             Seitel, Inc.
Exsol, Inc.                       Delaware             Seitel, Inc.
Datatel, Inc.                     Delaware             Seitel Data Corp.
Seitel Offshore Corp.             Delaware             Seitel Data Corp.
Polymer Dynamics, Inc.            Delaware             Seitel, Inc.
Seitel International, Inc.        Cayman Islands       Seitel Data Corp.
African Geophysical, Inc.         Cayman Islands       Seitel Geophysical, Inc.
Geo-Bank, Inc.                    Texas                Seitel, Inc.
Alternative Communication 
Enterprises, Inc.                 Texas                Seitel, Inc.


     II. Affiliates

     Affiliate Name                            Owner and Type of Interest Owned
- -----------------------------                  --------------------------------
TGC/SEI Joint Venture                           Seitel Data Corp. - 50%
                                                  Joint Venture Interest
SSC/SEI Joint Venture                           Seitel Data Corp. - 41%
                                                  Joint Venture Interest
Marsh Joint Venture                             Seitel Data Corp. - 50%
                                                  Joint Venture Interest
Digitel Data Joint Venture                      Seitel Offshore Corp. -
                                                  50% Joint Venture Interest
Spectrum/SII Joint Venture                      Seitel International, Inc. -
                                                  50% Joint Venture Interest
Redman/Smackover Joint Venture                  DDD Energy, Inc. - 38%
                                                  Joint Venture Interest


B.   All stock of the Restricted  Subsidiaries is currently  pledged as security
     under  the  DDD  Facility  described  in  Item 1 of  Schedule  5.15  or the
     Revolving  Facility described in Item 2 of Schedule 5.15, which loans shall
     be paid in full  with the  proceeds  of the sale of the  Series A Notes and
     Series B Notes  immediately upon funding thereof.  The DDD Facility and the
     Revolving  Facility  and  all  security  interests  granted  in  connection
     therewith,  including but not limited to the pledges of such stock, will be
     terminated immediately upon receipt by such banks of such payments.

C.   Reference  is hereby made to each of the  agreements  described  in Items 1
     through 9 inclusive of Schedule 5.15 hereof.



<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 5.5

                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.   Financial  Statements  contained in the Company's  Form 10-K for the twelve
     months ended December 31, 1994.

2.   Financial Statements contained in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly
     period ended June 30, 1995.

3.   Financial Statements contained in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly
     period ended September 30, 1995.


<PAGE>
                                 SCHEDULE 5.8

                               CERTAIN LITIGATION



                                      NONE


<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 5.11

                                  PATENTS, ETC.



                                      NONE


<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 5.12

                                      ERISA


A.   The following  Restricted  Subsidiaries  are ERISA Affiliates that maintain
     one or more Plans.  There are no employee  organizations  in respect of any
     Plan or Multiemployer Plan.

                    Datatel, Inc.

                    DDD Energy, Inc.

                    Matrix Geophysical, Inc.

                    Seitel Data Corp.

                    Seitel Gas & Energy Corp.

                    Seitel Geophysical, Inc.

B.   All of the Restricted Subsidiaries may be considered ERISA Affiliates.  The
     following  Plans  constitute  all "employee  benefit plans" with respect to
     which   the   Company   or   any   "affiliate"   of   the   Company   is  a
     "party-in-interest"  or in respect of which the Notes could  constitute  an
     "employer  security." All plans apply to all ERISA Affiliates  listed in A.
     above except as specifically set forth below.

                    Seitel, Inc. 401(k) Plan

                    Medical Insurance through New York Life Insurance Company

                    Dental Insurance through New York Life Insurance Company

                    Life Insurance through Guarantee Mutual Life Company (Seitel
                    Geophysical, Inc. does not participate in this insurance)

                    Accidental  Death  and   Dismemberment   Insurance   through
                    Guarantee Mutual Life Company (Seitel Geophysical, Inc. does
                    not participate in this insurance)

                    Disability Insurance through Guarantee Mutual Life Company


<PAGE>


                                  SCHEDULE 5.15

                       EXISTING DEBT IN EXCESS OF $100,000

1.   Credit Agreement dated June 14, 1995, between DDD Energy,  Inc. as borrower
     and Bank One, Texas, N.A. and Compass Bank-Houston as lenders relating to a
     loan of up to $75 Million secured  primarily by oil and gas interests and a
     pledge of the stock of DDD Energy,  Inc., the outstanding  balance of which
     as of  December  15,  1995 was  approximately  $8.1  Million,  and  related
     agreements.  Copies of these  agreements  have been provided to Purchasers'
     special  counsel,  Hebb & Gitlin.  The credit  facility  evidenced by these
     agreements will be paid in full with the proceeds of the sale of the Series
     A Notes and  Series B Notes  immediately  upon  funding  thereof,  and this
     credit facility and all security interests granted in connection  therewith
     will be terminated immediately upon receipt by such Banks of such payments.

2.   Restated  Revolving  Credit and Security  Agreement  dated  effective as of
     December 31, 1994, between Seitel,  Inc., Seitel Geophysical,  Inc., Exsol,
     Inc., Seitel Data Corp., and Seitel Offshore Corp. as borrowers and Compass
     Bank-Houston  and Bank One, Texas,  N.A. as lenders relating to a revolving
     line  of  credit  of  up to  $25  Million  secured  primarily  by  accounts
     receivable,  seismic  data,  and a  pledge  of  the  stock  of  all  of the
     Restricted  Subsidiaries  other  than DDD  Energy,  Inc.,  the  outstanding
     balance of which as of December 15, 1995 was  approximately  $18.9 Million,
     and related  agreements.  Copies of these  agreements have been provided to
     Purchasers'  special counsel,  Hebb & Gitlin. The credit facility evidenced
     by these  agreements  will be paid in full with the proceeds of the sale of
     the Series A Notes and Series B Notes immediately upon funding thereof, and
     this credit  facility  and all  security  interests  granted in  connection
     therewith will be terminated immediately upon receipt by such banks of such
     payments.

3.   Term Credit and  Security  Agreement  dated July 15, 1993,  between  Seitel
     Geophysical,  Inc.  and Compass Bank  (formerly  Central Bank of the South)
     relating  to a term loan in the  original  principal  amount of  $4,300,000
     secured  primarily  by certain  equipment,  and related  agreements.  As of
     December 15, 1995, the outstanding  balance of this debt was  approximately
     $2.4  Million.  The consent  required by Section  4.10(b)  amended  certain
     covenants  under the Term Credit and  Security  Agreement.  Copies of these
     agreements  have been  provided  to  Purchasers'  special  counsel,  Hebb &
     Gitlin.


<PAGE>

4.   Master  Equipment  Lease  Agreement  dated  May 20,  1994,  and  amendments
     thereto,  between Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc. and METLIFE  CAPITAL,  Limited
     Partnership  relating to the lease by Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc. of certain
     equipment.  As of December 15, 1995,  the  outstanding  balance  under this
     lease was approximately $3.5 Million.  Copies of these agreements have been
     provided to Purchasers' special counsel, Hebb & Gitlin.

5.   Master  Equipment  Lease  Agreement  dated February 2, 1994, and amendments
     thereto,  between  Seitel  Geophysical,  Inc.  and Gelco  Corporation,  dba
     McCullagh  Leasing,  a unit of GE Capital Fleet  Services,  relating to the
     lease  by  Seitel  Geophysical,   Inc.  of  certain  vehicles  and  related
     equipment.  As of December 15, 1995,  the  outstanding  balance  under this
     lease was approximately $128,000.

6.   Master  Equipment  Lease  Agreement  dated  March 4, 1994,  and  amendments
     thereto,  between Seitel, Inc. and NationsBanc Leasing Corporation relating
     to the lease by Seitel,  Inc. of certain  geophysical  computer  processing
     equipment and related furniture and fixtures.  As of December 15, 1995, the
     outstanding balance under this lease was approximately $210,000.

7.   Note and Security  Agreement dated July 7, 1995,  between DDD Energy,  Inc.
     and CoreStates Bank, N.A. relating to a term loan in the original principal
     amount of $329,701.36 secured primarily by certain computer equipment,  and
     related  agreements.  As of December 15, 1995, the  outstanding  balance of
     this debt was approximately $278,000.

8.   Note and Security Agreement dated November 29, 1995,  between Seitel,  Inc.
     and CoreStates Bank, N.A. relating to a term loan in the original principal
     amount of  $386,663.62  secured  primarily  by a Marathon  Coach  Bus,  and
     related  agreements.  As of December 15, 1995, the  outstanding  balance of
     this debt was approximately $375,000.

9.   Seitel,  Inc.  and Seitel Data  Corp.'s  accounts  payable  incurred in the
     ordinary  course of  business  to PGS  Exploration  (U.S.),  Inc.  for PGS'
     services in connection  with conducting 3D seismic surveys in the U.S. Gulf
     of Mexico, the current balance of which is approximately  $19.4 Million, of
     which approximately $1.5 Million is secured by the seismic data acquired by
     one of such surveys.  The Company currently intends to pay such payables in
     full  with the  proceeds  of the sale of the  Series A Notes  and  Series B
     Notes, as described in the letter  attached to Schedule 5.3 hereof,  and to
     obtain the release of such security interest in such seismic data.

10.  Seitel,  Inc. 9%  Convertible  Subordinated  Debentures due March 31, 2002,
     which are convertible  into Seitel,  Inc. common stock at a conversion rate
     of one  share/$9.28.  As of December 15, 1995, the outstanding  balance due
     under these debentures is approximately $2.0 Million.


<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE 10.8

                  CERTAIN AGREEMENTS BY RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES


Reference is hereby made to each of the agreements  described in Items 1 through
9 inclusive of Schedule 5.15 hereof.


<PAGE>
                                                                     EXHIBIT 1A


                          FORM OF SERIES A SENIOR NOTE

THIS  SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN  REGISTERED  UNDER THE  SECURITIES  ACT OF 1933,  AS
AMENDED,  AND MAY ONLY BE REOFFERED AND SOLD IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGISTRATION
PROVISIONS OF SUCH ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

                                  SEITEL, INC.

                7.17% Series A Senior Note Due December 30, 2001

No.                                                                       , 19
   -----                                                       -----------    --
$                                                               PPN: 816074 A* 9
 ---------


     SEITEL, INC. (the "Company"),  a Delaware corporation,  for value received,
hereby  promises to pay to        or  registered  assigns the  principal  sum of
                           ------
       DOLLARS  ($      ) on December 30, 2001 and to pay interest  (computed on
- ------            ------
the basis of a 360-day  year of twelve  30-day  months) on the unpaid  principal
balance  thereof  from the date of this Note at the rate of seven and  seventeen
hundredths  percent (7.17%) per annum,  semiannually on the thirtieth (30th) day
of June and December in each year,  commencing  on the later of June 30, 1996 or
the payment date next  succeeding  the date hereof,  until the principal  amount
hereof  shall  become  due and  payable;  and to pay on demand  interest  on any
overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole
Amount,  if any, and (to the extent  permitted by applicable law) on any overdue
installment  of interest,  at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the highest rate
allowed  by  applicable  law or  (b)  the  greater  of (i)  nine  and  seventeen
hundredths  percent (9.17%) per annum and (ii) two percent (2%) over the rate of
interest publicly  announced by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York in New
York, New York as its "base" or "prime" rate.

     Payments of principal,  Make-Whole  Amount,  if any, and interest  shall be
made in such coin or currency of the United  States of America as at the time of
payment is legal  tender for the  payment  of public  and  private  debts to the
registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register  maintained by the
Company for such purpose,  in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement
(defined below).

     This Note is one of an issue of Series A Notes of the Company  issued in an
aggregate principal amount limited to Twenty-Five Million Dollars  ($25,000,000)
pursuant to the Company's separate Note Purchase Agreements  (collectively,  the
"Note  Purchase  Agreement"),  each  dated as of  December  28,  1995,  with the
purchasers  listed on  Schedule  A  thereto,  and is  entitled  to the  benefits
thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the
meanings  specified  in the Note  Purchase  Agreement.  As  provided in the Note

<PAGE>

Purchase Agreement,  this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in
certain cases  without a Make-Whole  Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole
Amount. The Company agrees to make required prepayments on account of such Notes
in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

     The Notes and all other  obligations of the Company under the Note Purchase
Agreement have been  unconditionally  guarantied by the Restricted  Subsidiaries
pursuant to the  Guaranty,  dated as of December 28, 1995,  entered into by such
Restricted Subsidiaries.

     This  Note  is a  registered  Note  and  is  transferable,  subject  to the
restrictions  set forth in the Note Purchase  Agreement and in the legend above,
only by surrender thereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in
the  Note  Purchase  Agreement,  duly  endorsed  or  accompanied  by  a  written
instrument of transfer duly  executed by the  registered  holder of this Note or
his attorney duly authorized in writing.

     Under certain  circumstances,  as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement,
the principal of this Note (together with any applicable  Make-Whole Amount) may
be declared  due and  payable in the manner and with the effect  provided in the
Note Purchase Agreement.

     It is the  intention  of the parties  hereto to comply with all  applicable
usury laws; accordingly,  it is agreed that notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary  herein or in the Note Purchase  Agreement,  or in any of the documents
securing payment hereof or otherwise  relating  hereto,  no such provision shall
require  the  payment  or permit the  collection  of  interest  in excess of the
highest rate allowed by applicable  law (the "Maximum  Rate").  If any excess of
interest in such  respect is  provided  for,  or shall be  adjudicated  to be so
provided  for,  herein  or in  the  Note  Purchase  Agreement  or in  any of the
documents  securing payment hereof or otherwise  relating  hereto,  then in such
event (a) the provisions of this paragraph shall govern and control, (b) neither
the  Company,  endorsers or  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  nor their  heirs,  legal
representatives,  successors  or  assigns  nor any other  party  liable  for the
payment  hereof,  shall be obligated  to pay the amount of such  interest to the
extent that it is in excess of the Maximum  Rate,  (c) any such excess which may
have been collected shall, at the election of the holder of this Note, be either
applied as a credit against the then unpaid  principal amount hereof or refunded
to the Company, and (d) the provisions hereof and of the Note Purchase Agreement
and any documents  securing  payment hereof shall be  automatically  reformed so
that the effective  rate of interest  shall be reduced to the Maximum Rate.  For
the purpose of determining the Maximum Rate, all interest  payments with respect
hereto shall be amortized,  prorated and spread  throughout the full term hereof
so that the effective rate of interest  hereunder is uniform throughout the term
hereof.

     THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE  PURCHASE  AGREEMENT  ARE  GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE
CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL NEW YORK LAW.

                                SEITEL, INC.



                                 By:

                                     Name:

                                     Title:


<PAGE>


                                                                      EXHIBIT 1B

                          FORM OF SERIES B SENIOR NOTE

THIS  SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN  REGISTERED  UNDER THE  SECURITIES  ACT OF 1933,  AS
AMENDED,  AND MAY ONLY BE REOFFERED AND SOLD IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGISTRATION
PROVISIONS OF SUCH ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

                                  SEITEL, INC.

                7.17% Series B Senior Note Due December 30, 2002

No.                                                                       , 19
   -----                                                      ------------    --
$                                                                PPN:816074 A@ 7
 ---------


     SEITEL, INC. (the "Company"),  a Delaware corporation,  for value received,
hereby  promises to pay to        or  registered  assigns the  principal  sum of
                           ------
       DOLLARS  ($      ) on December   , 2002 and to pay interest  (computed on
- ------            ------              --
the basis of a 360-day  year of twelve  30-day  months) on the unpaid  principal
balance  thereof  from the date of this Note at the rate of seven and  seventeen
hundredths  percent (7.17%) per annum,  semiannually on the thirtieth (30th) day
of June and December in each year,  commencing  on the later of June 30, 1996 or
the payment date next  succeeding  the date hereof,  until the principal  amount
hereof  shall  become  due and  payable;  and to pay on demand  interest  on any
overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole
Amount,  if any, and (to the extent  permitted by applicable law) on any overdue
installment  of interest,  at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the highest rate
allowed  by  applicable  law or  (b)  the  greater  of (i)  nine  and  seventeen
hundredths  percent (9.17%) per annum and (ii) two percent (2%) over the rate of
interest publicly  announced by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York in New
York, New York as its "base" or "prime" rate.

     Payments of principal,  Make-Whole  Amount,  if any, and interest  shall be
made in such coin or currency of the United  States of America as at the time of
payment is legal  tender for the  payment  of public  and  private  debts to the
registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register  maintained by the
Company for such purpose,  in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement
(defined below).

     This Note is one of an issue of Series B Notes of the Company  issued in an
aggregate principal amount limited to Twenty-Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars   ($27,500,000)   pursuant  to  the  Company's  separate  Note  Purchase
Agreements  (collectively,  the "Note  Purchase  Agreement"),  each  dated as of
December  28, 1995,  with the  purchasers  listed on Schedule A thereto,  and is
entitled  to the  benefits  thereof.  Capitalized  terms  used  herein  and  not
otherwise  defined  herein  have the  meanings  specified  in the Note  Purchase
Agreement.  As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement,  this Note is subject to
prepayment,  in whole or in part, in certain  cases without a Make-Whole  Amount
and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make required
prepayments  on account of such Notes in accordance  with the  provisions of the
Note Purchase Agreement.
<PAGE>

     The Notes and all other  obligations of the Company under the Note Purchase
Agreement have been  unconditionally  guarantied by the Restricted  Subsidiaries
pursuant to the  Guaranty,  dated as of December 28, 1995,  entered into by such
Restricted Subsidiaries.

     This  Note  is a  registered  Note  and  is  transferable,  subject  to the
restrictions  set forth in the Note Purchase  Agreement and in the legend above,
only by surrender thereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in
the  Note  Purchase  Agreement,  duly  endorsed  or  accompanied  by  a  written
instrument of transfer duly  executed by the  registered  holder of this Note or
his attorney duly authorized in writing.

     Under certain  circumstances,  as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement,
the principal of this Note (together with any applicable  Make-Whole Amount) may
be declared  due and  payable in the manner and with the effect  provided in the
Note Purchase Agreement.

     It is the  intention  of the parties  hereto to comply with all  applicable
usury laws; accordingly,  it is agreed that notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary  herein or in the Note Purchase  Agreement,  or in any of the documents
securing payment hereof or otherwise  relating  hereto,  no such provision shall
require  the  payment  or permit the  collection  of  interest  in excess of the
highest rate allowed by applicable  law (the "Maximum  Rate").  If any excess of
interest in such  respect is  provided  for,  or shall be  adjudicated  to be so
provided  for,  herein  or in  the  Note  Purchase  Agreement  or in  any of the
documents  securing payment hereof or otherwise  relating  hereto,  then in such
event (a) the provisions of this paragraph shall govern and control, (b) neither
the  Company,  endorsers or  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  nor their  heirs,  legal
representatives,  successors  or  assigns  nor any other  party  liable  for the
payment  hereof,  shall be obligated  to pay the amount of such  interest to the
extent that it is in excess of the Maximum  Rate,  (c) any such excess which may
have been collected shall, at the election of the holder of this Note, be either
applied as a credit against the then unpaid  principal amount hereof or refunded
to the Company, and (d) the provisions hereof and of the Note Purchase Agreement
and any documents  securing  payment hereof shall be  automatically  reformed so
that the effective  rate of interest  shall be reduced to the Maximum Rate.  For
the purpose of determining the Maximum Rate, all interest  payments with respect
hereto shall be amortized,  prorated and spread  throughout the full term hereof
so that the effective rate of interest  hereunder is uniform throughout the term
hereof.
<PAGE>

     THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE  PURCHASE  AGREEMENT  ARE  GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE
CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL NEW YORK LAW.

                                  SEITEL, INC.



                                  By:

                                     Name:

                                     Title:


<PAGE>

                                                                      EXHIBIT 1C

                          FORM OF SERIES C SENIOR NOTE

THIS  SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN  REGISTERED  UNDER THE  SECURITIES  ACT OF 1933,  AS
AMENDED,  AND MAY ONLY BE REOFFERED AND SOLD IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGISTRATION
PROVISIONS OF SUCH ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

                                  SEITEL, INC.

                   Series C Senior Note Due December 30, 2002

No.                                                                       , 19
   -----                                                      ------------    --
$                                                               PPN: 816074 A# 5
 --------


     SEITEL, INC. (the "Company"),  a Delaware corporation,  for value received,
hereby  promises to pay to        or  registered  assigns the  principal  sum of
                           ------
       DOLLARS  ($      ) on December 30, 2002 and to pay interest  (computed on
- ------            ------
the basis of a 360-day  year of twelve  30-day  months) on the unpaid  principal
balance    thereof    from    the    date   of   this    Note   at   the    rate
of                                  percent  (    %) per annum,  semiannually on
  --------------------------------            ----
the  thirtieth  (30th) day of June and December in each year,  commencing on the
later of June 30,  1996 or the payment  date next  succeeding  the date  hereof,
until the principal  amount  hereof shall become due and payable;  and to pay on
demand interest on any overdue  principal  (including any overdue  prepayment of
principal)  and  Make-Whole  Amount,  if any,  and (to the extent  permitted  by
applicable law) on any overdue  installment of interest,  at a rate equal to the
lesser of (a) the highest rate allowed by  applicable  law or (b) the greater of
(i)                              percent  (   %) per annum and (ii) two  percent
     --------------------------            --- 
(2%) over the rate of  interest  publicly  announced  by Morgan  Guaranty  Trust
Company of New York in New York, New York as its "base" or "prime" rate.

     Payments of principal,  Make-Whole  Amount,  if any, and interest  shall be
made in such coin or currency of the United  States of America as at the time of
payment is legal  tender for the  payment  of public  and  private  debts to the
registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register  maintained by the
Company for such purpose,  in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement
(defined below).

     This Note is one of an issue of Series C Notes of the Company  issued in an
aggregate  principal amount limited to Twenty-Two  Million Five Hundred Thousand
Dollars   ($22,500,000)   pursuant  to  the  Company's  separate  Note  Purchase
Agreements  (collectively,  the "Note  Purchase  Agreement"),  each  dated as of
December  28, 1995,  with the  purchasers  listed on Schedule A thereto,  and is
entitled  to the  benefits  thereof.  Capitalized  terms  used  herein  and  not
otherwise  defined  herein  have the  meanings  specified  in the Note  Purchase

<PAGE>

Agreement.  As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement,  this Note is subject to
prepayment,  in whole or in part, in certain  cases without a Make-Whole  Amount
and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make required
prepayments  on account of such Notes in accordance  with the  provisions of the
Note Purchase Agreement.

     The Notes and all other  obligations of the Company under the Note Purchase
Agreement have been  unconditionally  guarantied by the Restricted  Subsidiaries
pursuant to the  Guaranty,  dated as of December 28, 1995,  entered into by such
Restricted Subsidiaries.

     This  Note  is a  registered  Note  and  is  transferable,  subject  to the
restrictions  set forth in the Note Purchase  Agreement and in the legend above,
only by surrender thereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in
the  Note  Purchase  Agreement,  duly  endorsed  or  accompanied  by  a  written
instrument of transfer duly  executed by the  registered  holder of this Note or
his attorney duly authorized in writing.

     Under certain  circumstances,  as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement,
the principal of this Note (together with any applicable  Make-Whole Amount) may
be declared  due and  payable in the manner and with the effect  provided in the
Note Purchase Agreement.

     It is the  intention  of the parties  hereto to comply with all  applicable
usury laws; accordingly,  it is agreed that notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary  herein or in the Note Purchase  Agreement,  or in any of the documents
securing payment hereof or otherwise  relating  hereto,  no such provision shall
require  the  payment  or permit the  collection  of  interest  in excess of the
highest rate allowed by applicable  law (the "Maximum  Rate").  If any excess of
interest in such  respect is  provided  for,  or shall be  adjudicated  to be so
provided  for,  herein  or in  the  Note  Purchase  Agreement  or in  any of the
documents  securing payment hereof or otherwise  relating  hereto,  then in such
event (a) the provisions of this paragraph shall govern and control, (b) neither
the  Company,  endorsers or  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  nor their  heirs,  legal
representatives,  successors  or  assigns  nor any other  party  liable  for the
payment  hereof,  shall be obligated  to pay the amount of such  interest to the
extent that it is in excess of the Maximum  Rate,  (c) any such excess which may
have been collected shall, at the election of the holder of this Note, be either
applied as a credit against the then unpaid  principal amount hereof or refunded
to the Company, and (d) the provisions hereof and of the Note Purchase Agreement
and any documents  securing  payment hereof shall be  automatically  reformed so
that the effective  rate of interest  shall be reduced to the Maximum Rate.  For
the purpose of determining the Maximum Rate, all interest  payments with respect
hereto shall be amortized,  prorated and spread  throughout the full term hereof
so that the effective rate of interest  hereunder is uniform throughout the term
hereof.
<PAGE>

     THIS NOTE AND THE NOTE  PURCHASE  AGREEMENT  ARE  GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE
CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL NEW YORK LAW.

                                    SEITEL, INC.



                                    By:
                                       Name:

                                       Title:


<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 4.4(a)

               FORM OF OPINION OF SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY


                         [Letterhead of Company Counsel]


                                                                  [Closing Date]

To the Persons Listed on
Annex 1 hereto

         Re:      Seitel, Inc. (the "Company")
                  Our File No. 979275/086

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Reference is made to the separate Note Purchase  Agreements,  each dated as
of December 28, 1995 (collectively,  the "Note Purchase Agreement"), between the
Company and each of the  purchasers  listed on  Schedule A attached  hereto (the
"Purchasers"),  which provide,  among other things, for the issuance and sale by
the Company of its

          (a)  7.17%  Series  A Senior  Notes  due  December  30,  2001,  in the
     aggregate principal amount of Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000),

          (b)  7.17%  Series  B Senior  Notes  due  December  30,  2002,  in the
     aggregate  principal  amount of Twenty-Seven  Million Five Hundred Thousand
     Dollars ($27,500,000), and

          (c) Series C Senior  Notes due December  30,  2002,  in the  aggregate
     principal  amount of  Twenty-Two  Million  Five  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars
     ($22,500,000).

The  capitalized  terms used  herein and not defined  herein  have the  meanings
specified in the Note Purchase Agreement.

     We have acted as  special  counsel to the  Company in  connection  with the
transactions contemplated by Note Purchase Agreement. We advise you that we have
previously represented the Company and certain Restricted Subsidiaries only with
respect to specific matters referred to us. Consequently, there are matters of a
legal nature concerning the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries of which we
have no knowledge.  This opinion is delivered to you pursuant to Section  4.4(a)
of the Note Purchase Agreement. In acting as such counsel, we have examined:

          (a) the Note Purchase Agreement;


<PAGE>

          (b) the  Company's  7.17% Series A Senior Notes due December 30, 2001,
     dated  the date  hereof,  in the form set forth in  Exhibit  1A to the Note
     Purchase Agreement, and in the principal amounts, and with the registration
     numbers set forth on Schedule A to the Note Purchase Agreement (the "Series
     A Notes");

          (c) the  Company's  7.17% Series B Senior Notes due December 30, 2002,
     dated  the date  hereof,  in the form set forth in  Exhibit  1B to the Note
     Purchase Agreement, and in the principal amounts, and with the registration
     numbers set forth on Schedule A to the Note Purchase Agreement (the "Series
     B Notes");

          (d) the Subsidiary  Guaranty executed and delivered by each Restricted
     Subsidiary;

          (e) the  compliance  certificates  of the Company  and the  Restricted
     Subsidiaries  required by Section 4.3 of the Note Purchase Agreement (which
     compliance  certificates,  together with the Note Purchase  Agreement,  the
     Series  A Notes,  the  Series B Notes,  and the  Subsidiary  Guaranty,  are
     referred to herein collectively as the "Documents");

          (f) the bylaws and minute  books of the  Company  and each  Restricted
     Subsidiary  incorporated  under  the laws of any  jurisdiction  within  the
     United  States,  and a  certified  copy of the  certificate  or articles of
     incorporation  of the Company and each such  Restricted  Subsidiary,  as in
     effect on the date hereof;

          (g)  a  long-form  good  standing   certificate   from  the  state  of
     incorporation  of the Company and each Restricted  Subsidiary  incorporated
     under the laws of any  jurisdiction  within the United States,  and foreign
     good standing  certificates for each of such  corporations from each of the
     states set forth on Annex 2 hereto;

          (h) a letter to Hebb & Gitlin and  Gardere  Wynne  Sewell & Riggs from
     Bear,  Stearns & Co.,  Inc.,  describing  the manner of the offering of the
     Notes (the "Offeree Letter");

          (i) the opinion of Hebb & Gitlin, counsel to the Purchasers, dated the
     date hereof;

          (j)   certificate  of  officer  of  the  Company  and  the  Restricted
     Subsidiaries, a copy of which is attached hereto as Annex 3 (the "Officer's
     Certificate"); and

          (k)  originals,  or copies  certified or otherwise  identified  to our
     satisfaction,   of  such  other   documents,   records,   instruments   and
     certificates of public officials as we have deemed necessary or appropriate
     to enable us to render this opinion.

     In rendering our opinion,  we have relied,  to the extent we deem necessary
and proper, on:
<PAGE>

          (a) warranties and  representations as to factual matters contained in
     the Note Purchase Agreement and the Subsidiary Guaranty;

          (b) the Officer's Certificate;

          (c) the Offeree Letter; and

          (d) said opinion of Hebb & Gitlin with respect to all matters governed
     by New York law.

     We have no actual  knowledge  of any  material  inaccuracies  in any of the
facts contained in the Note Purchase  Agreement or the Subsidiary  Guaranty.  We
have made no independent  investigations  as to the accuracy or  completeness of
any factual representation, warranty, data or other information, whether written
or  oral,  that  may  have  been  made by or on  behalf  of the  parties  to the
Documents.  We have not made any  examination  of any  accounting  or  financial
matters and express no opinion with respect thereto.

     By accepting this opinion,  you are agreeing that in rendering this opinion
we may assume (i) the  genuineness of all signatures  (except for the signatures
of the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries),  (ii) the  authenticity of all
documents  submitted to us as originals and the conformity to original documents
of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic  copies,  (iii) the
correctness of all statements set forth in certificates or written  documents of
governmental  officials and certificates or written  documents of the Company or
the Restricted  Subsidiaries or representatives of the Company or the Restricted
Subsidiaries  as to  corporate  proceedings,  incumbency  of officers  and other
corporate matters (which statements,  to our knowledge,  are correct), (iv) that
none of the parties  upon whom we have relied for  purposes of this  opinion has
perpetuated a fraud upon any of the parties to the transactions evidenced by the
Documents or any of the attorneys representing any of such parties, (v) that all
of the terms and  conditions  of, or relating  to, the  purchase and sale of the
Notes are correctly and completely  embodied in the Note Purchase  Agreement and
the Schedules  thereto,  (vi) that the Purchasers will comply with all the terms
and provisions of the Documents including, without limitation, the usury savings
clause contained therein,  (vii) that no attorney representing any Purchaser has
any opinion  regarding the subject matter of this letter which is contrary to or
inconsistent  with any of the  opinions  expressed  herein,  and (viii) that the
Purchasers have disbursed or advanced the entire amount due upon issuance of the
Series A Notes and the Series B Notes to the account specified by the Company to
the Purchasers.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the following opinions:

     1.   (a) The Company is a corporation duly  incorporated,  validly existing
          and in good  standing  under the laws of the State of Delaware and has
          all  requisite  corporate  power and authority to own its property and
          carry on its business as currently conducted.
<PAGE>

          (b) Each  Restricted  Subsidiary  incorporated  under  the laws of any
          jurisdiction   within  the  United  States  is  a   corporation   duly
          incorporated,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
          its state of incorporation  and has all requisite  corporate power and
          authority  to own its  property and carry on its business as currently
          conducted.

     2.  Each  of  the  Company  and  the  Restricted   Subsidiaries  that  are
          incorporated  under the laws of any  jurisdiction  within  the  United
          States  has  duly  qualified  and is in  good  standing  as a  foreign
          corporation in each jurisdiction  where it is shown to be so qualified
          and in good standing in Annex 2 hereto,  which  jurisdictions,  to our
          knowledge,  are the only  jurisdictions  in  which  the  character  or
          location  of the  properties  of each such  entity  (owned,  leased or
          licensed)  or the  nature  or  conduct  of  its  business  makes  such
          qualification  necessary,  except  for  where  the  failure  to  be so
          qualified  or in  good  standing  will  not  in the  aggregate  have a
          Material Adverse Effect on the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries
          taken as a whole.

     3.   To the best of our knowledge, in reliance on the Officer's Certificate
          and after inquiry of the lawyers at this firm  identified in the third
          from last  paragraph  of this  letter,  there is no  judgment,  order,
          action, suit, proceeding,  inquiry, order or investigation,  at law or
          in equity,  before any court or  Governmental  Authority,  arbitration
          board or tribunal,  pending or  threatened  against the Company or any
          one or more of the  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  except for the actions,
          suits, and proceedings listed on Annex 4 hereto.

     4.   (a) The Company has the  requisite  corporate  power and  authority to
          execute and deliver the Note Purchase  Agreement,  the Series A Notes,
          and the Series B Notes, and the Company's  obligations  under the Note
          Purchase  Agreement,  the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes may be
          performed in a manner which is within the  Company's  corporate  power
          and authority.

          (b) Each  Restricted  Subsidiary  incorporated  under  the laws of any
          jurisdiction  within the United  States  has the  requisite  corporate
          power and authority to execute and deliver the Subsidiary Guaranty and
          each such  Restricted  Subsidiary's  obligations  under the Subsidiary
          Guaranty may be performed in a manner which is within such  Restricted
          Subsidiary's corporate power and authority.

     5.   (a) Each of the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the Series A Notes and the
          Series B Notes has been duly  authorized  by all  necessary  corporate
          action  on the  part of the  Company  (no  action  on the  part of the
          stockholders  of the Company being required in respect  thereof),  has
          been  executed  and  delivered  by  duly  authorized  officers  of the
          Company,  and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the
          Company,  enforceable  against  the  Company  in  accordance  with its
          terms.1

          (b) The Subsidiary  Guaranty has been duly authorized by all necessary
          corporate  action on the part of each of the  Restricted  Subsidiaries
          incorporated  under the laws of any  jurisdiction  within  the  United

<PAGE>

          States  (no  action  on the  part  of  the  stockholders  of any  such
          Restricted  Subsidiary  being required in respect  thereof),  has been
          executed and delivered by duly authorized  officers of each Restricted
          Subsidiary,  and constitutes a legal,  valid and binding obligation of
          each Restricted  Subsidiary,  enforceable against each such Restricted
          Subsidiary in accordance with its terms.

     6.   (a) The  execution and delivery of the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the
          Series A Notes and the  Series B Notes,  and the issue and sale of the
          Series A Notes and the Series B Notes, by the Company will not and the
          obligations  of the Company  thereunder  may be  performed in a manner
          which will not conflict  with,  constitute a violation of, result in a
          breach of any provision of,  constitute a default under,  or result in
          the creation or imposition of any Lien or encumbrance  upon any of the
          property of the Company  pursuant to, the certificate of incorporation
          or by-laws of the Company, any applicable statute,  rule or regulation
          to which the  Company  is  subject,  or, to the best of our  knowledge
          based on the Officer's Certificate,  any agreement or instrument known
          to us to which the Company is a party or by which its  properties  may
          be  bound,  except  for  (i)  such  conflicts,  violations,  breaches,
          defaults or encumbrances  under agreements and instruments as may have
          been  waived  by the other  party  thereto,  or (ii)  such  conflicts,
          violations,  breaches,  defaults or encumbrances  under agreements and
          instruments  which  would  not  have,  alone  or in the  aggregate,  a
          Material Adverse Effect on the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries
          taken as a whole.

          (b) The execution and delivery of the  Subsidiary  Guaranty by each of
          the Restricted  Subsidiaries  that are incorporated  under the laws of
          any   jurisdiction   within  the  United  States  will  not,  and  the
          obligations  of each  such  Restricted  Subsidiary  thereunder  may be
          performed  in a manner  which will not,  conflict  with,  constitute a
          violation of,  result in a breach of any  provision  of,  constitute a
          default under,  or result in the creation or imposition of any Lien or
          encumbrance   upon  any  of  the  property  of  any  such   Restricted
          Subsidiaries  pursuant to the certificate or articles of incorporation
          or by-laws of any such Restricted Subsidiary,  any applicable statute,
          rule or regulation to which any such Restricted Subsidiary is subject,
          or, to the best of our knowledge  based on the Officer's  Certificate,
          any agreement or instrument  known to us to which any such  Restricted
          Subsidiary  is a party or by which its  respective  properties  may be
          bound, except for (i) such conflicts,  violations,  breaches, defaults
          or  encumbrances  under  agreements  and  instruments as may have been
          waived by the other party thereto, or (ii) such conflicts, violations,
          breaches,  defaults or encumbrances  under  agreements and instruments
          which would not have,  alone or in the aggregate,  a Material  Adverse
          Effect  on the  Company  and the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  taken as a
          whole.

     7.   All consents,  approvals and  authorizations of, and all designations,
          declarations, filings, registrations,  qualifications and recordations
          with, Governmental Authorities required on the part of the Company and
          the  Restricted  Subsidiaries  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  any
          jurisdiction within the United States have been obtained in connection
          with the execution and delivery of the Note Purchase Agreement and the
          Subsidiary  Guaranty  and the issue and sale of the Series A Notes and
          the Series B Notes,  except for such  informational  filings as may be
          required to be made after the issue and sale of the Series A Notes and
          the Series B Notes.
<PAGE>

     8.   The  offering,  issuance and sale by the Company of the Series A Notes
          and the Series B Notes are exempt from the  registration  requirements
          under the  Securities  Act, and the Company is not required to qualify
          an indenture  with respect  thereto  under the Trust  Indenture Act of
          1939, as amended.2

     9.   Neither the issuance of the Series A Notes or the Series B Notes,  nor
          the  intended  use of the  proceeds  of such  Notes  (as set  forth in
          Section 5.14 of the Note Purchase Agreement), will violate Regulations
          G, T or X of the Federal Reserve Board.3

     10.  Neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary

          (a) is an  "investment  company"  within the meaning of the Investment
          Company Act of 1940, as amended, or

          (b) is a "holding  company" or an "affiliate" of a "holding  company,"
          or  a  "subsidiary  company"  of a  "holding  company,"  or a  "public
          utility"  within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act
          of 1935, as amended.

     11.  All of the  outstanding  shares of  capital  stock of each  Restricted
          Subsidiary  incorporated under the laws of any jurisdiction within the
          United States listed in Schedule 5.4 to the Note Purchase Agreement as
          being owned by the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries  have been
          validly  issues and are fully paid and  nonassessable.  To the best of
          our  knowledge in reliance on the Officer's  Certificate,  such shares
          are free and clear in each case of any perfected  security interest or
          any  other  Lien,  except  as set  forth in  Schedule  5.4 to the Note
          Purchase Agreement.

          The foregoing opinions are subject to and are qualified in all respect
          by the following:

               (i) The  enforceability  of the  Documents  may be limited by (a)
          bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium and similar laws
          from time to time in effect  and  affecting  creditors'  rights or the
          collection  of  debtors'  obligations  generally  (including,  without
          limitation,   laws  generally  defining  and  restricting   fraudulent
          conveyances),  (b)  principles  of equity,  (c)  principles  of public
          policy and (d)  requirements  of  commercial  reasonableness  and good
          faith.

               (ii)  We  express  no   opinion   as  to  the   availability   or
          enforceability  of certain  provisions  or  remedies  set forth in the
          Documents,  including  but not  limited  to those (a) that  purport to
          provide  access to or restrict  legal or  equitable  remedies  such as
          specific  performance  and the  appointment  of a  receiver,  (b) that
          purport  to  establish  evidentiary  standards,  (c)  that  relate  to

<PAGE>

          waivers,  or to delays or  omissions  of  enforcement  of  remedies or
          severance,  (d) that  attempt to prohibit or  restrict  the  transfer,
          alienation,  mortgaging,  encumbering or hypothecation of any property
          described in the Documents,  (e) that relate to subrogation  rights or
          the waiver thereof and (f) that attempt to establish  proper venue for
          the filing and  maintenance of any claim,  suit or action with respect
          to the  Documents;  provided,  however,  that such  limitations on the
          availability   of  remedies  under  the  Documents  or  the  legality,
          validity,  binding effect or enforceability of the Documents will not,
          in our opinion, substantially interfere with the practical realization
          of the  benefits  expressed in the  Documents  except for the economic
          consequences of any procedural delay which may result from such laws.

               (iii)  We  express  no  opinion  as  to  the   enforceability  of
          provisions in the Documents attempting to establish choice of laws.

               (iv) We express no opinion as to whether  the  investment  in the
          Notes  complies  with any  statutory,  regulatory or other loan limits
          applicable to any Purchaser or complies with any other statutes, laws,
          rules  or  regulations   which   prescribe   permissible   and  lawful
          investments for the Purchasers (either as to type, amount,  percentage
          of total investments or other).

               (v) With  respect to the opinion  expressed  in 8 above,  we have
          specifically   assumed   (without   limiting  the  generality  of  our
          assumptions   elsewhere   herein)   that  (A)  in   reliance   on  the
          representations  and warranties of the Purchasers in the Note Purchase
          Agreement,  each  Purchaser  is an  "accredited  investor"  within the
          meaning of Regulation D  promulgated  by the  Securities  and Exchange
          Commission  under the Securities Act, (B) in reliance on the Company's
          representations  and warranties in the Note Purchase  Agreement and on
          Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.'s  representations in the Offeree Letter, the
          Company and Bear,  Stearns & Co. Inc. have  complied,  as  applicable,
          with the  requirements of paragraphs  (b)(2)(v) and (c) of Rule 502 of
          Regulation D in connection with the issuance of the Notes, and (C) the
          issuance by the Company of the Notes will not be  integrated  with the
          offer or sale of any other securities.

     We  acknowledge  that this  opinion is being  issued at the  request of the
Company  pursuant to Section 4.4(a) of the Note Purchase  Agreement and we agree
that the  parties  listed on Annex 1 hereto may rely and are  relying  hereon in
connection with the  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by the Note
Purchase Agreement.  Hebb & Gitlin, special counsel to the Purchasers,  may rely
on this opinion for the sole purpose of rendering  their  opinion to be rendered
pursuant to Section 4.4(b) of the Note Purchase Agreement.

     Our  "knowledge"  as to any  matters  in  connection  with this  opinion is
limited to the actual knowledge of the lawyers in our firm who have participated
in the  negotiation  and  preparation of the Documents and such other lawyers in
the firm who have represented the Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries  that
the lawyer in charge of the matter reasonably believes should be consulted,  and
does not include constructive or imputed knowledge.


<PAGE>

     We are  admitted to the Bar in the State of Texas.  This opinion is limited
to United States federal law, laws of the State of Texas, and general  corporate
law of the  State  of  Delaware,  all as now  in  effect,  and we  disclaim  any
responsibility  to inform you of any change  thereto  after the date hereof.  No
opinion is  expressed  as to any matter  that may be governed by the laws of any
other jurisdiction;  provided, however, to the extent that the laws of any state
other than Texas govern the Documents, you may rely on our opinion to the extent
that the laws of such  state or states  are the same as the laws of the State of
Texas, as to which sameness we express no opinion.

     Subsequent  holders  of the  Notes may rely on this  opinion  as if it were
addressed to them.

                                                   Very truly yours,


<PAGE>


                                     ANNEX 1
                                   Addressees

Seitel, Inc.
50 Briar Hollow Lane, 7th Floor West
Houston, TX 77027

Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
711 High Street
Des Moines, IA 50392

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
1295 State Street
Springfield, MA  01111

John Alden Life Insurance Company
P.O. Box 020270 - 3rd Floor
Miami, Florida 33102-0270

John Alden Life Insurance Company of New York
P.O. Box 020270 - 3rd Floor
Miami, Florida 33102-0270

The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York
1740 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

MONY Life Insurance Company of America
1740 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
Mutual of Omaha Plaza
Omaha, NE  68175

Pan-American Life Insurance Company
Pan American Life Center
601 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA  70130


<PAGE>


                                     ANNEX 2
                       Foreign Good Standing Certificates

Corporation                   State
- -----------                   -----
Seitel, Inc.                  Alabama, Louisiana, Texas
Seitel Data Corp.             Louisiana, Texas
Seitel Geophysical, Inc.      Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama
DDD Energy, Inc.              Louisiana, Texas, Alabama
Seitel Gas & Energy Corp.     Texas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey,
                              Pennsylvania, New York
Seitel Offshore Corp.         Texas
Datatel, Inc.                 Colorado, Louisiana, Texas
Exsol, Inc.                   Texas


<PAGE>


                                     ANNEX 3

                              Officer's Certificate


[To be provided.]

<PAGE>
     1    For the second closing,  reference would be made to the Series C Notes
          in this  paragraph  in lieu of the  Series  A Notes  and the  Series B
          Notes.

     2    For the second closing,  reference would be made to the Series C Notes
          in this  paragraph  in lieu of the  Series  A Notes  and the  Series B
          Notes.

     3    For the second closing,  reference would be made to the Series C Notes
          in this  paragraph  in lieu of the  Series  A Notes  and the  Series B
          Notes.

<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT 4.4(b)

              FORM OF OPINION OF SPECIAL COUNSEL FOR THE PURCHASERS


                         [Letterhead of Hebb & Gitlin]

                                                                  [Closing Date]


To the Persons Listed on
Annex 1 hereto

         Re: Seitel, Inc. (the "Company")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Reference is made to the separate Note Purchase  Agreements,  each dated as
of December 28, 1995 (collectively,  the "Note Purchase Agreement"), between the
Company and each of the  purchasers  listed on Schedule A attached  thereto (the
"Purchasers"),  which provide,  among other things, for the issuance and sale by
the Company of its

          (a)  7.17%  Series  A Senior  Notes  due  December  30,  2001,  in the
     aggregate principal amount of Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000),

          (b)  7.17%  Series  B Senior  Notes  due  December  30,  2002,  in the
     aggregate  principal  amount of Twenty-Seven  Million Five Hundred Thousand
     Dollars ($27,500,000), and

          (c) Series C Senior  Notes due December  30,  2002,  in the  aggregate
     principal  amount of  Twenty-Two  Million  Five  Hundred  Thousand  Dollars
     ($22,500,000).

The  capitalized  terms used  herein and not defined  herein  have the  meanings
assigned to them by or pursuant to the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement.

     We have acted as special  counsel to the Purchasers in connection  with the
transactions  contemplated  by the Note  Purchase  Agreement.  This  opinion  is
delivered to you pursuant to Section 4.4(b) of the Note Purchase  Agreement.  In
acting as such counsel, we have examined:

          (a) the Note Purchase Agreement;

          (b) the  Company's  7.17% Series A Senior Notes due December 30, 2001,
     dated  the date  hereof,  in the form set forth in  Exhibit  1A to the Note
     Purchase Agreement,  and in the principal amounts and with the registration
     numbers set forth on Schedule A to the Note Purchase Agreement (the "Series
     A Notes");


<PAGE>

          (c) the  Company's  7.17% Series B Senior Notes due December 30, 2002,
     dated  the date  hereof,  in the form set forth in  Exhibit  1B to the Note
     Purchase Agreement,  and in the principal amounts and with the registration
     numbers set forth on Schedule A to the Note Purchase Agreement (the "Series
     B Notes");4

          (d) the Subsidiary  Guaranty executed and delivered by each Restricted
     Subsidiary;

          (e) an Officer's Certificate of the Company, dated the date hereof;

          (f) a  certificate  of the  Secretary of the  Company,  dated the date
     hereof;

          (g) a  certificate  of the  Secretary  of each  Restricted  Subsidiary
     incorporated  under the laws of any state of the  United  States  (each,  a
     "U.S. Restricted Subsidiary"), dated the date hereof;

          (h) a letter to Hebb & Gitlin and  Gardere  Wynne  Sewell & Riggs from
     Bear,   Stearns  &  Co.,  Inc.  dated  the  date  hereof,   making  certain
     representations  with  respect  the manner in which the Notes were  offered
     (the "Offeree Letter");

          (i) the  opinion  of  Gardere  Wynne  Sewell & Riggs,  counsel  to the
     Company and the U.S. Restricted Subsidiaries, dated the date hereof; and

          (j)  originals,  or copies  certified or otherwise  identified  to our
     satisfaction,   of  such  other   documents,   records,   instruments   and
     certificates of public officials as we have deemed necessary or appropriate
     to enable us to render this opinion.

     In rendering our opinion,  we have assumed that all signatures are genuine,
that all  documents  submitted to us as originals  are genuine,  that all copies
submitted to us conform to the  originals,  that all natural  Persons have legal
capacity, and as to documents executed by or on behalf of Persons other than the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries,

          (i) that each such Person  executing  documents had the power to enter
     into and perform its obligations under such documents, and

          (ii) that such  documents  have been  duly  authorized,  executed  and
     delivered by, and are binding upon and enforceable against, such Persons.


<PAGE>

     In addition,  we have assumed that each U.S. Restricted Subsidiary received
fair consideration and reasonably equivalent value in exchange for executing the
Subsidiary Guaranty.

     In rendering our opinion,  we have relied,  to the extent we deem necessary
and proper, on:

          (a)  warranties  and  representations  as to certain  factual  matters
     contained in the Note Purchase Agreement;

          (b) the Offeree Letter; and

          (c) said  opinion of Gardere  Wynne Sewell & Riggs with respect to all
     questions  governed  by  Delaware  law and with  respect  to all  questions
     concerning the due incorporation, valid existence and good standing of, and
     the  authorization,  execution and delivery of instruments  by, the Company
     and  each  U.S.  Restricted   Subsidiary  (except  that  we  have  made  an
     independent  examination of a certified copy of the certificate or articles
     of incorporation of the Company and each U.S.  Restricted  Subsidiary,  and
     certificates of officers of the Company and each U.S. Restricted Subsidiary
     setting  forth  their   respective   by-laws  and   corporate   resolutions
     authorizing  the   participation  by  such  entities  in  the  transactions
     contemplated by the Note Purchase  Agreement and the Subsidiary  Guaranty);
     based on such investigation as we have deemed appropriate,  said opinion is
     satisfactory  in form and scope to us and in our opinion the Purchasers and
     we are  justified  in relying  thereon.  As to such opinion and the matters
     therein upon which we are relying,  we incorporate  herein the  assumptions
     and qualifications to such opinion set forth therein.

     Based on the foregoing, we are of the following opinions:

     1.   (a) The Company is a corporation duly  incorporated,  validly existing
          and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

          (b)  Each  U.S.   Restricted   Subsidiary   is  a   corporation   duly
          incorporated,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of
          its jurisdiction of incorporation.

     2.   (a) The Company has all  requisite  corporate  power and  authority to
          execute and deliver the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the Series A Notes
          and the  Series B Notes,  to issue and sell the Series A Notes and the
          Series B Notes,  and to perform its  obligations  set forth in each of
          the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the  Series A Notes  and the  Series B
          Notes.5
<PAGE>

          (b) Each U.S. Restricted  Subsidiary has all requisite corporate power
          and  authority to execute and deliver the  Subsidiary  Guaranty and to
          perform its obligations set forth in the Subsidiary Guaranty.6

     3.   (a) Each of the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the Series A Notes and the
          Series B Notes has been duly  authorized  by all  necessary  corporate
          action on the part of the Company,  has been executed and delivered by
          duly  authorized  officers of the Company,  and  constitutes  a legal,
          valid and binding obligation of the Company,  enforceable  against the
          Company in accordance with its terms.7

          (b) The Subsidiary  Guaranty has been duly authorized by all necessary
          corporate  action  on  the  part  of  each  of  the  U.S.   Restricted
          Subsidiaries,  has been  executed  and  delivered  by duly  authorized
          officers of each U.S. Restricted Subsidiary,  and constitutes a legal,
          valid  and  binding  obligation  of each U.S.  Restricted  Subsidiary,
          enforceable against such U.S. Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with
          its terms.

     4.   (a) The  execution and delivery of the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the
          Series A Notes and the  Series B Notes,  and the issue and sale of the
          Series  A  Notes  and the  Series  B  Notes,  by the  Company  and the
          performance  by the  Company of its  obligations  thereunder  will not
          conflict  with,  result in a breach of any provision of,  constitute a
          default  under,  or result in the creation or  imposition  of any Lien
          upon  any  of  its   properties   pursuant  to,  the   certificate  of
          incorporation or bylaws of the Company.8
<PAGE>

          (b) The execution and delivery of the  Subsidiary  Guaranty by each of
          the U.S.  Restricted  Subsidiaries,  and the  performance by each such
          U.S.  Restricted  Subsidiary of its  obligations  thereunder  will not
          conflict  with,  result in a breach of any provision of,  constitute a
          default  under,  or result in the creation or  imposition  of any Lien
          upon any of the properties pursuant to, the certificate or articles of
          incorporation or bylaws of such U.S. Restricted Subsidiary.9

     5.   No consents,  approvals or authorizations of governmental  authorities
          are  required on the part of the Company  under the laws of the United
          States  of  America  or the State of New York in  connection  with the
          execution  and delivery of each of the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the
          Series A Notes and the Series B Notes, and the offer,  issue, sale and
          delivery  of the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes.10  Our opinion
          in  this  paragraph  5 is  based  solely  on  a  review  of  generally
          applicable  laws of the United States of America and New York, and not
          on any search  with  respect  to, or review of, any  orders,  decrees,
          judgments  or  other  determinations  specifically  applicable  to the
          Company.

     6.   Under  existing law, the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes are not
          subject to the registration  requirements  under the Securities Act of
          1933, as amended or the "Blue Sky" laws of the State of New York,  and
          the  Company is not  required  to qualify an  indenture  with  respect
          thereto under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.11

     All  opinions  herein  contained  with  respect  to the  enforceability  of
     documents and instruments are qualified to the extent that:
<PAGE>

     (a) the availability of equitable  remedies,  including without limitation,
     specific enforcement and injunctive relief, is subject to the discretion of
     the court before which any proceedings therefor may be brought; and

     (b) the  enforceability  of certain  terms  provided  in the Note  Purchase
     Agreement and the Notes may be limited by

          (i) applicable bankruptcy,  reorganization,  arrangement,  insolvency,
          moratorium  or similar laws  affecting the  enforcement  of creditors'
          rights generally as at the time in effect, and

          (ii) common law or statutory  requirements  with respect to commercial
          reasonableness.

     We express no opinion as to the law of any jurisdiction  other than the law
of New York,  United  States  federal  law and,  in  reliance  on the opinion of
Gardere  Wynne  Sewell & Riggs,  the law of Delaware  and Texas.  Gardere  Wynne
Sewell & Riggs may rely on this opinion for the sole purpose of rendering  their
opinion  to be  rendered  pursuant  to  Section  4.4(a)  of  the  Note  Purchase
Agreement.

     Subsequent  holders  of the  Notes may rely on this  opinion  as if it were
addressed to them.

                                            Very truly yours,


<PAGE>


                                     ANNEX 1
                                   Addressees

Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
711 High Street
Des Moines, IA 50392

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
1295 State Street
Springfield, MA  01111

John Alden Life Insurance Company
P.O. Box 020270 - 3rd Floor
Miami, Florida 33102-0270

John Alden Life Insurance Company of New York
P.O. Box 020270 - 3rd Floor
Miami, Florida 33102-0270

The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York
1740 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

MONY Life Insurance Company of America
1740 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

United of Omaha Life Insurance Company
Mutual of Omaha Plaza
Omaha, NE  68175

Pan-American Life Insurance Company
Pan American Life Center
601 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA  70130

<PAGE>
     4    Paragraphs  (b) and (c) would be  replaced  by the  following  for the
          second closing:

               [the Company's     % Series C Senior Notes due December 30, 2002,
                              ---- 
               dated  the date hereof, in the form set forth in Exhibit 1C to
               the Note Purchase  Agreement,  and in the principal amounts,  and
               with the registration numbers set forth on Schedule A to the Note
               Purchase Agreement (the "Series C Notes")]

     5 Paragraph 2(a) would read as follows for the second closing:

               The Company had the  requisite  corporate  power and authority to
               execute and deliver the Note  Purchase  Agreement  at the time of
               its execution and delivery thereof. The Company has the requisite
               corporate power and authority to execute, deliver, issue and sell
               the Series C Notes,  and to perform its  obligations set forth in
               each of the Note Purchase Agreement and the Series C Notes.

     6 Paragraph 2(b) would read as follows for the second closing:

               Each U.S. Restricted Subsidiary had the requisite corporate power
               and authority to execute and deliver the  Subsidiary  Guaranty at
               the  time  of its  execution  and  delivery  thereof.  Each  U.S.
               Restricted  Subsidiary  has the  requisite  corporate  power  and
               authority to perform its  obligations set forth in the Subsidiary
               Guaranty.

     7    For the second closing,  reference would be made to the Series C Notes
          in this  paragraph  in lieu of the  Series  A Notes  and the  Series B
          Notes.

     8 Paragraph 4(a) would read as follows for the second closing:

               The execution and delivery of the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the
               Series A Notes and the Series B Notes by the Company did not, and
               the execution,  delivery, issue and sale of the Series C Notes by
               the Company and the performance by the Company of its obligations
               under  the  Note  Purchase  Agreement  and the  Notes  will  not,
               conflict  with,  constitute a violation of, result in a breach of
               any provision of,  constitute a default  under,  or result in the
               creation or imposition of any Lien or encumbrance upon any of the
               property  of  the  Company   pursuant  to,  the   certificate  of
               incorporation or by-laws of the Company.

     9 Paragraph 4(b) would read as follows for the second closing:

               The  execution  and delivery of the  Subsidiary  Guaranty by each
               U.S.  Restricted  Subsidiary did not, and the performance by each
               U.S.  Restricted  Subsidiary of its  obligations  thereunder will
               not, conflict with, constitute a violation of, result in a breach
               of any provision of, constitute a default under, or result in the
               creation or imposition of any Lien or encumbrance upon any of the
               property  of such U.S.  Restricted  Subsidiary  pursuant  to, the
               certificate of incorporation  or by-laws of such U.S.  Restricted
               Subsidiary.

     10   For the second closing,  reference would be made to the Series C Notes
          in this  paragraph  in lieu of the  Series  A Notes  and the  Series B
          Notes.

     11   For the second closing,  reference would be made to the Series C Notes
          in this  paragraph  in lieu of the  Series  A Notes  and the  Series B
          Notes.




<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.10

                           FORM OF SUBSIDIARY GUARANTY

                                    GUARANTY


     THIS  GUARANTY,  dated as of December 28, 1995 (as amended or restated from
time to time,  this  "Guaranty"),  by SEITEL DATA CORP., a Delaware  corporation
(together with its successors and assigns,  "SDC"), SEITEL GEOPHYSICAL,  INC., a
Delaware  corporation  (together  with its successors  and assigns,  "SG"),  DDD
ENERGY, INC., a Delaware corporation  (together with its successors and assigns,
"DDD"),  SEITEL GAS & ENERGY CORP.,  a Delaware  corporation  (together with its
successors  and assigns,  "SG&E"),  SEITEL POWER CORP.,  a Delaware  corporation
(together with its successors and assigns,  "SPC"),  SEITEL NATURAL GAS, INC., a
Delaware corporation  (together with its successors and assigns,  "SNG"), MATRIX
GEOPHYSICAL,  INC., a Delaware  corporation  (together  with its  successors and
assigns,   "MG"),  EXSOL,  INC.,  a  Delaware  corporation  (together  with  its
successors  and  assigns,  "EXSOL"),   DATATEL,  INC.,  a  Delaware  corporation
(together with its successors and assigns, "DATATEL"),  SEITEL OFFSHORE CORP., a
Delaware corporation (together with its successors and assigns,  "SOC"), POLYMER
DYNAMICS,  INC.,  a  Delaware  corporation  (together  with its  successors  and
assigns,  "PD"),  SEITEL  INTERNATIONAL,  INC.,  a  Cayman  Islands  corporation
(together with its successors and assigns,  "SI"), AFRICAN GEOPHYSICAL,  INC., a
Cayman Islands  corporation  (together  with its successors and assigns,  "AG"),
GEO-BANK,  INC., a Texas corporation  (together with its successors and assigns,
"GB"),  and ALTERNATIVE  COMMUNICATION  ENTERPRISES,  INC., a Texas  corporation
(together with its  successors  and assigns,  "ACE" and ACE, SDC, SG, DDD, SG&E,
SPC, SNG, MG, Exsol, Datatel, SOC, PD, SI, AG and GB, and each other corporation
which  becomes  a  party  hereto,  each a  "Guarantor"  and,  collectively,  the
"Guarantors"),  in favor of each of the Noteholders (as such term is hereinafter
defined).

     1.   PRELIMINARY STATEMENT.

     1.1 SEITEL, INC. (together with its successors and assigns, the "Company"),
a Delaware  corporation,  has authorized the issuance of (i) its Series A Senior
Notes due  December  30, 2001 (as may be amended or restated  from time to time,
the "Series A Notes"),  in the aggregate principal amount of Twenty-Five Million
Dollars ($25,000,000),  (ii) its Series B Senior Notes due December 30, 2002 (as
may be amended or restated  from time to time,  the  "Series B Notes,"),  in the
aggregate principal amount of Twenty-Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
($27,500,000), and (iii) its Series C Senior Notes due December 30, 2002 (as may
be amended or restated  from time to time,  the "Series C Notes," and,  together
with the Series A Notes and the Series B Notes,  the "Notes"),  in the aggregate
principal   amount  of  Twenty-Two   Million  Five  Hundred   Thousand   Dollars
($22,500,000), pursuant to those certain Note Purchase Agreements (collectively,
as may be amended or restated from time to time, the "Note Purchase Agreement"),
each dated as of December 28, 1995,  entered into separately between the Company
and,  respectively,  each of the  purchasers of the Notes named on Schedule A to
the Note Purchase Agreement (the "Purchasers").
<PAGE>

     1.2 In order to induce the  Purchasers  to purchase the Notes,  the Company
has  agreed,  pursuant  to the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  that  the  Restricted
Subsidiaries  (including each of the Guarantors) will be required to jointly and
severally guaranty  unconditionally  all of the obligations of the Company under
and in  respect of the Notes and the Note  Purchase  Agreement  pursuant  to the
terms and provisions hereof.

     1.3 Each Guarantor will receive direct and indirect economic, financial and
other benefits from the indebtedness  incurred under the Note Purchase Agreement
and the Notes by the Company,  and under this  Guaranty,  and the  incurrence of
such  indebtedness is in the best interests of each  Guarantor.  The Company and
the  Guarantors  have  explicitly  induced the  Purchasers to purchase the Notes
based upon and in reliance  upon the  consolidated  financial  condition  of the
Company and its subsidiaries, including the Guarantors.

     1.4 All acts and  proceedings  required  by law and by the  certificate  or
articles of  incorporation,  as the case may be, and  by-laws of each  Guarantor
necessary to constitute this Guaranty a valid and binding agreement for the uses
and purposes set forth  herein in  accordance  with its terms have been done and
taken,  and the  execution  and delivery  hereof has been in all  respects  duly
authorized.

     2.   GUARANTY AND OTHER RIGHTS AND UNDERTAKINGS

     2.1  Guarantied Obligations.

     Each Guarantor,  in consideration of the execution and delivery of the Note
Purchase  Agreement  and the  purchase  of the Notes by the  Purchasers,  hereby
irrevocably, unconditionally, absolutely, jointly and severally guarantees, on a
continuing basis, to each Noteholder, as and for the Guarantor's own debt, until
final and indefeasible payment has been made:

          (a) the due and punctual  payment by the Company of the  principal of,
     and interest,  and the Make-Whole Amount (if any) on, the Notes at any time
     outstanding and the due and punctual  payment of all other amounts payable,
     and all other  indebtedness  owing, by the Company to the Noteholders under
     the Note  Purchase  Agreement  and the Notes,  in each case when and as the
     same  shall  become  due and  payable,  whether at  maturity,  pursuant  to
     mandatory or optional  prepayment,  by  acceleration  or otherwise,  all in
     accordance with the terms and provisions  hereof and thereof;  it being the
     intent of the  Guarantors  that the  guaranty  set forth  herein shall be a
     continuing guaranty of payment and not a guaranty of collection; and

          (b) the punctual and faithful performance,  keeping,  observance,  and
     fulfillment  by  the  Company  of all  duties,  agreements,  covenants  and
     obligations of the Company contained in the Note Purchase Agreement and the
     Notes.

All of the  obligations  set forth in subsection  (a) and subsection (b) of this
Section  2.1 are  referred  to herein as the  "Guarantied  Obligations"  and the
guaranty  thereof  contained  herein  is  a  primary,   original  and  immediate
obligation of each Guarantor and is an absolute,  unconditional,  continuing and
irrevocable  guaranty of payment and  performance and shall remain in full force
and effect  until the full,  final and  indefeasible  payment of the  Guarantied
Obligations.
<PAGE>

     2.2  Performance Under the Note Purchase Agreement.

     In the event the Company fails to pay, perform,  keep,  observe, or fulfill
any  Guarantied  Obligation  in the manner  provided in the Notes or in the Note
Purchase Agreement,  the Guarantors shall cause forthwith to be paid the moneys,
or to be performed,  kept, observed,  or fulfilled each of such obligations,  in
respect of which such  failure  has  occurred in  accordance  with the terms and
provisions of the Note Purchase  Agreement and the Notes.  In furtherance of the
foregoing, if an Event of Default shall exist, all of the Guarantied Obligations
shall,  in the  manner  and  subject  to the  limitations  provided  in the Note
Purchase  Agreement for the acceleration of the Notes,  forthwith become due and
payable  without  notice,  regardless of whether the  acceleration  of the Notes
shall be stayed, enjoined, delayed or otherwise prevented.

     2.3  Undertakings in Note Purchase Agreement.

     The Guarantors will comply with each of the  undertakings of the Company in
the Note Purchase  Agreement in respect of which the Company undertakes to cause
the  Guarantors  (in their  capacities,  respectively,  as a Guarantor  and as a
Restricted Subsidiary) to comply with such undertakings, as if such undertakings
(as they  apply to the  Guarantors)  were set  forth  at  length  herein  as the
undertakings of the Guarantors.

     2.4  Releases.

     Each Guarantor  consents and agrees that,  without any notice whatsoever to
or by such  Guarantor  and without  impairing,  releasing,  abating,  deferring,
suspending, reducing, terminating or otherwise affecting the obligations of such
Guarantor hereunder, each Noteholder, by action or inaction, may:

          (a)  compromise  or settle,  renew or extend the period of duration or
     the time for the payment,  or discharge the  performance  of, or may refuse
     to, or otherwise not, enforce,  or may, by action or inaction,  release all
     or any one or more  parties  to,  any one or more of the  Notes,  the  Note
     Purchase  Agreement,  any other guaranty or agreement or instrument related
     thereto or hereto;

          (b) assign, sell or transfer, or otherwise dispose of, any one or more
     of the Notes;

          (c) grant waivers,  extensions,  consents and other indulgences of any
     kind whatsoever to the Company or any Other Guarantor in respect of any one
     or more of the Notes,  the Note Purchase  Agreement,  any other guaranty or
     any agreement or instrument related thereto or hereto;

          (d) amend,  modify or supplement in any manner  whatsoever  and at any
     time (or from time to time) any one or more of the Notes, the Note Purchase
     Agreement,  any other  guaranty  or any  agreement  or  instrument  related
     hereto;

          (e)  release  or  substitute  any  one or  more  of the  endorsers  or
     guarantors of the Guarantied Obligations whether parties hereto or not; and
<PAGE>

          (f)  sell,  exchange,  release,  surrender  or  enforce,  by action or
     inaction,  any  property  at any time  pledged or granted  as  security  in
     respect of the Guarantied Obligations, whether so pledged or granted by the
     Company,  such Guarantor or any Other  Guarantor,  or pursuant to any other
     guaranty or any agreement or instrument related hereto.

     2.5  Waivers.

          To the fullest  extent  permitted by law, each  Guarantor  does hereby
     waive:

               (a) any notice of

                    (i) acceptance of this Guaranty;

                    (ii) any  purchase  of the  Notes  under  the Note  Purchase
               Agreement,  or the creation,  existence or  acquisition of any of
               the  Guarantied  Obligations,  or the  amount  of the  Guarantied
               Obligations, subject to such Guarantor's right to make inquiry of
               each  Noteholder  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  the  Guarantied
               Obligations  owing to such  Noteholder  at any  reasonable  time,
               provided that such  Guarantor will look solely to the Company for
               the determination of the identities of the Noteholders;

                    (iii) any transfer of Notes from one Noteholder to another;

                    (iv) any adverse  change in the  financial  condition of the
               Company or any other fact that might  increase,  expand or affect
               such Guarantor's risk hereunder;

                    (v) presentment  for payment,  demand,  protest,  and notice
               thereof as to the Notes or any other instrument;

                    (vi) any Default or Event of Default; and

                    (vii) any kind or nature  whatsoever to which such Guarantor
               might  otherwise  be  entitled  other  than  those   specifically
               required to be given to such  Guarantor  pursuant to the terms of
               this Guaranty);

               (b) the right by statute or otherwise  to require any  Noteholder
          to  institute  suit  against the Company or any Other  Guarantor or to
          exhaust the rights and remedies of any Noteholder  against the Company
          or any Other Guarantor;

               (c) the benefit of any stay (except in connection  with a pending
          appeal), valuation,  appraisal,  redemption or extension law now or at
          any time  hereafter  in force  which,  but for this  waiver,  might be
          applicable  to any sale of  property of the  Guarantor  made under any
          judgment,  order or decree based on this  Guaranty,  and the Guarantor
          covenants that it will not at any time insist upon or plead, or in any
          manner claim or take the benefit or advantage of such law;
<PAGE>

               (d) any defense or objection to the absolute, primary, continuing
          nature, or the validity or enforceability of, or the amount guaranteed
          pursuant to, this Guaranty, including, without limitation, any defense
          based  on (and  the  primary,  continuing  nature,  and the  validity,
          enforceability  and amount,  of this Guaranty shall be unaffected by),
          any of the following:

                    (i) any change in future conditions;

                    (ii) any change of law;

                    (iii) any  invalidity  or  irregularity  with respect to the
               issuance or assumption  of any  obligations  (including,  without
               limitation,  the  Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the  Notes  or  any
               agreement  or  instrument  related  hereto) by the Company or any
               other Person;

                    (iv) the execution and delivery of any agreement at any time
               hereafter  (including,  without  limitation,  the  Note  Purchase
               Agreement,  the  Notes or any  agreement  or  instrument  related
               hereto) by the Company or any other Person;

                    (v) the genuineness,  validity, regularity or enforceability
               of any of the Guarantied Obligations;

                    (vi) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in
               the  performance  of any  obligations  by  the  Company  or  such
               Guarantor;

                    (vii) any creditors'  rights,  bankruptcy,  receivership  or
               other insolvency proceeding of the Company or such Guarantor,  or
               sequestration  or seizure of any  property of the Company or such
               Guarantor,   or  any   merger,   consolidation,   reorganization,
               dissolution,  liquidation  or winding  up or change in  corporate
               constitution or corporate  identity or loss of corporate identity
               of the Company or such Guarantor;

                    (viii) any  disability  or other  defense of the  Company or
               such  Guarantor  to payment  and  performance  of all  Guarantied
               Obligations   other  than  the   defense   that  the   Guarantied
               Obligations  shall  have been  fully and  finally  performed  and
               indefeasibly paid;

                    (ix)  the  cessation  from  any  cause   whatsoever  of  the
               liability  of the  Company  or such  Guarantor  in respect of the
               Guarantied Obligations;

                    (x)  impossibility  or illegality of performance on the part
               of  the  Company  or  such  Guarantor  under  the  Note  Purchase
               Agreement, the Notes or this Guaranty;
<PAGE>

                    (xi) any change of the  circumstances  of the Company,  such
               Guarantor  or  any  other  Person,  whether  or not  foreseen  or
               foreseeable,  whether  or not  imputable  to the  Company or such
               Guarantor,   including,  without  limitation,   impossibility  of
               performance through fire, explosion, accident, labor disturbance,
               floods,  droughts,  embargoes,  wars  (whether or not  declared),
               civil  commotions,  acts of God or the  public  enemy,  delays or
               failure of suppliers or carriers,  inability to obtain materials,
               economic or political  conditions,  or any other causes affecting
               performance,  or any other force  majeure,  whether or not beyond
               the control of the Company or such  Guarantor  and whether or not
               of the kind hereinbefore specified;

                    (xii) any attachment,  claim,  demand,  charge, Lien, order,
               process,  encumbrance or any other  happening or event or reason,
               similar or dissimilar to the  foregoing,  or any  withholding  or
               diminution  at the source,  by reason of any taxes,  assessments,
               expenses,   indebtedness,   obligations  or  liabilities  of  any
               character,  foreseen  or  unforeseen,  and  whether or not valid,
               incurred  by or  against  any  Person,  or any  claims,  demands,
               charges or Liens of any nature, foreseen or unforeseen,  incurred
               by any  Person,  or  against  any  sums  payable  under  the Note
               Purchase  Agreement or the Notes or any  agreement or  instrument
               related hereto so that such sums would be rendered  inadequate or
               would be unavailable to make the payment as herein provided;

                    (xiii) any change in the ownership of the equity  securities
               of the Company,  such  Guarantor  or any other  Person  liable in
               respect of the Notes; or

                    (xiv)  any  other   action,   happening,   event  or  reason
               whatsoever that shall delay,  interfere with,  hinder or prevent,
               or in any way adversely affect, the performance by the Company or
               such Guarantor of any of its obligations  under the Note Purchase
               Agreement, the Notes or this Guaranty.

     2.6  Waivers of Subrogation, Reimbursement and Indemnity.

     No  Guarantor  shall  have  any  right  of  subrogation,  reimbursement  or
indemnity whatsoever in respect of the Guarantied  Obligations,  or any right of
recourse to or with respect to any assets or property of the Company.

     2.7  Invalid Payments.

     To the extent the Company  makes a payment or  payments to any  Noteholder,
which  payment or payments or any part  thereof  are  subsequently  invalidated,
declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required, for any of the
foregoing  reasons  or for any  other  reason,  to be  repaid  or paid over to a
custodian, trustee, receiver or any other party or officer under any bankruptcy,
reorganization,  arrangement,  insolvency,  readjustment of debt, dissolution or
liquidation law of any jurisdiction,  state or federal law, or any common law or
equitable cause, then to the extent of such payment or repayment, the obligation
or part thereof  intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full
force and effect as if said payment had not been made and each  Guarantor  shall
be primarily liable for such obligation.


<PAGE>

     2.8  Marshaling.

     Neither  any  Noteholder  nor any  Person  acting  for the  benefit  of any
Noteholder  shall be under any  obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any
Guarantor or against or in payment of any or all of the Guarantied Obligations.

     2.9  Setoff, Counterclaim or Other Deductions.

     Except as otherwise required by law, each payment by any Guarantor shall be
made without setoff, counterclaim or other deduction.

     2.10 Election by Guarantors to Perform Obligations.

     Any  election  by the  Guarantor  to pay or  otherwise  perform  any of the
obligations of the Company under the Notes,  the Note Purchase  Agreement or any
agreement  or  instrument  related  hereto  shall not release the  Company,  the
Guarantor or any Other  Guarantor from such  obligations or any of such Person's
other obligations under the Notes, the Note Purchase  Agreement or any agreement
or instrument related hereto.

     2.11 No Election of Remedies by Noteholders.

     To the extent  provided in the Note  Purchase  Agreement,  each  Noteholder
shall,  individually or  collectively,  have the right to seek recourse  against
each  Guarantor to the fullest extent  provided for herein for such  Guarantor's
obligations  under this Guaranty in respect of the  Guarantied  Obligations.  No
election to proceed in one form of action or  proceeding,  or against any party,
or on any obligation,  shall constitute a waiver of such  Noteholder's  right to
proceed  in any other form of action or  proceeding  or  against  other  parties
(including,  without limitation, any Other Guarantor) unless such Noteholder has
expressly waived such right in writing.  Specifically,  but without limiting the
generality of the foregoing,  no action or proceeding by any Noteholder  against
the  Company  or any  Guarantor  under any  document  or  instrument  evidencing
obligations of the Company or such Guarantor to such  Noteholder  shall serve to
diminish the  liability of such  Guarantor  under this  Guaranty,  except to the
extent that such  Noteholder  finally and  unconditionally  shall have  realized
payment by such action or proceeding in respect of the Guarantied Obligations.

     2.12 Separate Action; Other Enforcement Rights.

     Each of the  rights  and  remedies  granted  under  this  Guaranty  to each
Noteholder in respect of the Notes held by such  Noteholder  may be exercised by
such  Noteholder  without notice by such Noteholder to, or the consent of or any
other action by, any other  Noteholder.  Each  Noteholder may proceed to protect
and enforce this Guaranty by suit or suits or proceedings  in equity,  at law or
in  bankruptcy,  and whether for the  specific  performance  of any  covenant or
agreement contained herein or in execution or aid of any power herein granted or
for the recovery of judgment for the  obligations  hereby  guarantied or for the
enforcement  of any other  proper,  legal or equitable  remedy  available  under
applicable law.

     2.13 Noteholder Setoff.

     Each Noteholder shall have, to the fullest extent permitted by law and this
Guaranty,  a right of set-off  against any and all credits and any and all other
property of each or all of the Guarantors,  now or at any time whatsoever,  with
or in the possession of, such Noteholder,  or anyone acting for such Noteholder,
to ensure the full  performance  of any and all  obligations  of the  Guarantors
hereunder.


<PAGE>

     2.14 Delay or Omission; No Waiver.

     No course of dealing on the part of any  Noteholder and no delay or failure
on the part of any such Person to exercise any right hereunder shall impair such
right or operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise  prejudice such Person's
rights,  powers and  remedies  hereunder.  Every right and remedy  given by this
Guaranty or by law to any Noteholder may be exercised from time to time as often
as may be deemed expedient by such Person.

     2.15 Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

     If any Noteholder shall have instituted any proceeding to enforce any right
or remedy  under this  Guaranty or under any Note held by such  Noteholder,  and
such  proceeding  shall have been  dismissed,  discontinued or abandoned for any
reason, or shall have been determined adversely to such Noteholder,  then and in
every such case each such  Noteholder,  the  Company and each  Guarantor  shall,
except as may be limited or affected by any  determination  (including,  without
limitation,  any  determination  in connection  with any such dismissal) in such
proceeding,  be restored  severally and  respectively  to its respective  former
positions hereunder and thereunder,  and thereafter,  subject as aforesaid,  the
rights  and  remedies  of such  Noteholders  shall  continue  as  though no such
proceeding had been instituted.

     2.16 Cumulative Remedies.

     No remedy under this Guaranty,  the Note Purchase Agreement or the Notes is
intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, but each and every remedy shall be
cumulative  and in addition to any and every other remedy given pursuant to this
Guaranty, the Note Purchase Agreement or the Notes.

     2.17 Limitation on Guarantied Obligations.

     It is the intention of each Guarantor and each  Noteholder that the maximum
amount of the obligations of any Guarantor  hereunder shall be equal to, but not
in excess of, the amount equal to the lesser of

     (a) the Guarantied Obligations, and

     (b) the maximum amount permitted by applicable law.

To that end, with respect to the  determination of the "maximum amount permitted
by applicable law," but only to the extent such  obligations  would otherwise be
avoidable,  the obligations of each Guarantor  hereunder shall be limited to the
maximum amount that,  after giving effect to the incurrence  thereof,  would not
render such  Guarantor  insolvent or unable to pay its debts (within the meaning
of Title 11 of the United States Code or as defined in the analogous  applicable
law) as they mature or leave such Guarantor with an unreasonably  small capital.
The need for any  such  limitation  shall  be  determined,  and any such  needed
limitation  shall be  effective,  at the time or times  that such  Guarantor  is
deemed,  under  applicable  law,  to  incur  obligations  hereunder.   Any  such
limitation  shall be apportioned  among the Guarantied  Obligations  owed to the
Noteholders  pro rata.  This  Section  2.17 is intended  solely to preserve  the
rights  of  each  Noteholder  hereunder  to  the  maximum  extent  permitted  by
applicable  law, and neither the  Guarantors nor any other Person shall have any
rights under this Section 2.17 that it would not otherwise have under applicable
law. For the purposes of this Section 2.17,  "insolvency",  "unreasonably  small
capital" and  "inability  to pay debts (as so defined) as they mature"  shall be
determined in accordance with applicable law.
<PAGE>

     2.18 Maintenance of Offices.

     The Guarantors  will maintain an office at the address set forth in Section
5.3 where notices,  presentations and demands in respect of this Guaranty may be
made upon them.  Such office will be  maintained at such address until such time
as any Guarantor  shall notify the Noteholders of any change of location of such
office.

     2.19 Further Assurances.

     Each Guarantor will cooperate with the Noteholders and execute such further
instruments and documents as the Required  Holders shall  reasonably  request to
carry  out,  to  the  reasonable  satisfaction  of  the  Required  Holders,  the
transactions  contemplated  by the Note  Purchase  Agreements,  the Notes,  this
Guaranty and the documents and instruments related thereto.

     2.20 Pari Passu.

     Each Guarantor  covenants that its  obligations  under this Guaranty do and
will rank at least pari passu with all its other  present  and future  unsecured
Senior Debt.

3.   INTERPRETATION OF THIS GUARANTY

     3.1  Terms Defined.

     As used in this Guaranty,  the capitalized terms have the meaning specified
in the Note Purchase Agreement unless otherwise  specified below or set forth in
the section of this Guaranty  referred to immediately  following such term (such
definitions,  unless otherwise expressly  provided,  to be equally applicable to
both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

     AC&E -- has  the  meaning  assigned  to such  term in the  first  paragraph
hereof.

     AG -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     Company -- Section 1.1.

     Datatel -- has the  meaning  assigned  to such term in the first  paragraph
hereof.

     DDD -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     Debt  -- has  the  meaning  assigned  to such  term  in the  Note  Purchase
Agreement.

     Exsol -- has the  meaning  assigned  to such  term in the  first  paragraph
hereof.
<PAGE>

     GB -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     Guarantied Obligations -- Section 2.1.

     Guarantor -- has the meaning  assigned to such term in the first  paragraph
hereof.

     Guaranty,  this -- has the  meaning  assigned  to  such  term in the  first
paragraph hereof.

     MG -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     Note Purchase Agreement -- Section 1.1.

     Noteholder  -- means,  at any time,  each  Person that is the holder of any
Note at such time.

     Notes -- Section 1.1.

     Other Guarantors -- means, at any time with respect to any Guarantor,  each
other Guarantor and all other guarantors of the Company's  obligations under the
Note Purchase Agreement and the Notes at such time.

     PD -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     Purchasers -- Section 1.1.

     SDC -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     Senior  Debt -- means,  with  respect  to any  Guarantor,  any Debt of such
Guarantor that is not in any manner subordinated in right of payment or security
in any respect to the Debt  evidenced  by this  Guaranty or to any other Debt of
such Guarantor.

     Series A Notes -- Section 1.1.

     Series B Notes -- Section 1.1.

     Series C Notes -- Section 1.1.

     SG -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     SG&E -- has  the  meaning  assigned  to such  term in the  first  paragraph
hereof.

     SI -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     SNG -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     SOC -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.

     SPC -- has the meaning assigned to such term in the first paragraph hereof.


<PAGE>

     3.2  Section Headings and Construction.

          (a) Section  Headings,  etc.  The titles of the  Sections  appear as a
     matter of  convenience  only, do not constitute a part hereof and shall not
     affect the construction  hereof. The words "herein," "hereof,"  "hereunder"
     and "hereto"  refer to this  Guaranty as a whole and not to any  particular
     Section or other subdivision.

          (b)  Construction.  Each covenant  contained herein shall be construed
     (absent an express contrary  provision herein) as being independent of each
     other covenant contained herein, and compliance with any one covenant shall
     not  (absent  such an  express  contrary  provision)  be  deemed  to excuse
     compliance with one or more other covenants.

4.   WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

     Each Guarantor represents and warrants to each Purchaser, as of the date of
effectiveness hereof, as follows:

     4.1  Generally.

          (a) Such  Guarantor is fully aware of the  financial  condition of the
     Company.  Such  Guarantor  delivers this Guaranty based solely upon its own
     independent  investigation  and  in no  part  upon  any  representation  or
     statement  of any  one or  more  Noteholders  with  respect  thereto.  Such
     Guarantor   is  in  a  position  to  obtain,   and  hereby   assumes   full
     responsibility  for obtaining,  any additional  information  concerning the
     financial  condition of the Company as such  Guarantor may deem material to
     its  obligations  hereunder,  and such  Guarantor is not relying upon,  nor
     expecting,  any  Noteholder to furnish it any  information  concerning  the
     financial condition of the Company.

          (b) As of the date of the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, the
     fair  salable  value of the  assets  of such  Guarantor,  taken as a whole,
     exceeds its  liabilities,  taken as a whole;  such Guarantor is able to pay
     and discharge all of its debts (including,  without limitation, its current
     liabilities) as they become due and after giving effect to the transactions
     contemplated by this Guaranty, such Guarantor will not become unable to pay
     and discharge such debts as they become due; there are no presently pending
     material  court or  administrative  proceedings or  undischarged  judgments
     against  such  Guarantor;  and no tax liens have been  filed or  threatened
     against such Guarantor, nor is such Guarantor in default or claimed default
     under any agreement for borrowed money.

          (c)  Such  Guarantor  is a  corporation  duly  organized  and  validly
     existing  and in  good  standing  under  the  laws of its  jurisdiction  of
     incorporation. Such Guarantor has the corporate power to own its properties
     and carry on its business as it is now being conducted.  Such Guarantor has
     the valid authority and the corporate power to enter into and perform,  and
     has taken  all  necessary  action to  authorize  its  entry  into,  and the
     performance   and   delivery  of,  this   Guaranty  and  the   transactions
     contemplated hereby.
<PAGE>

          (d) This Guaranty has been duly authorized by all necessary  action on
     the part of such  Guarantor,  has been duly  executed and delivered by duly
     authorized  officers of such Guarantor,  and constitutes a legal, valid and
     binding obligation of such Guarantor.

          (e)  The  entry  into  and   performance  of  this  Guaranty  and  the
     transactions  contemplated  hereby  do not and will not  conflict  with any
     applicable law or regulation or official or judicial  order,  conflict with
     the  articles  or  certificate  of  incorporation,  as the case may be,  or
     by-laws,  of such  Guarantor,  conflict  with any  agreement or document to
     which such  Guarantor  is a party or that is binding  upon it or any of its
     properties,  or result in the creation or  imposition of any Lien on any of
     its properties pursuant to the provisions of any agreement or document.

     4.2  Nature of Business of Company and Restricted Subsidiaries.

          The Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries  have sought and obtained
     the  Note  Purchase  Agreement,  the  sale of the  Notes  and  the  related
     transactions  based  upon their  consolidated  financial  position  and the
     Company and the Restricted  Subsidiaries understand that the Purchasers are
     relying upon the  consolidated  financial  condition of the Company and the
     Restricted  Subsidiaries  in purchasing the Notes.  Nothing herein shall be
     deemed to prohibit any transfer by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
     of any of its or a Subsidiary's  stock otherwise  permitted under the terms
     and provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

     4.3  Solvency.

          The fair value of the  business  and assets of each of the Company and
     the  Guarantors  exceeds  the  amount  that  will  be  required  to pay its
     liabilities  (including,  without  limitation,  contingent,   subordinated,
     unmatured  and   unliquidated   liabilities  on  existing  debts,  as  such
     liabilities  may become  absolute and  matured),  in each case after giving
     effect to the transactions contemplated by the Note Purchase Agreement, the
     Notes and this Guaranty,  including,  without limitation, the provisions of
     Section 2.17.  None of the Guarantors nor the Company,  after giving effect
     to the transactions  contemplated by the Note Purchase Agreement, the Notes
     and this Guaranty,  will be insolvent or will be engaged in any business or
     transaction,  or about to engage in any business or transaction,  for which
     such Person has unreasonably small assets or capital (within the meaning of
     the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, the Uniform Fraudulent  Conveyance Act
     and Section  548 of Title 11 of the United  States  Code),  and none of the
     Guarantors  nor the Company has any intent to hinder,  delay or defraud any
     entity to which it is, or will become, on or after the date of the Closing,
     indebted  or incur  debts that  would be beyond its  ability to pay as they
     mature.

5.   MISCELLANEOUS

     5.1  Successors and Assigns.

          (a) Whenever any  Guarantor or any of the parties to the Note Purchase
     Agreement  is referred  to, such  reference  shall be deemed to include the
     successors and assigns of such party,  and all the covenants,  promises and

<PAGE>

     agreements  contained  in this  Guaranty by or on behalf of such  Guarantor
     shall bind the  successors and assigns of such Guarantor and shall inure to
     the  benefit  of each of the  Noteholders  from  time  to time  whether  so
     expressed or not and whether or not an assignment  of the rights  hereunder
     shall  have been  delivered  in  connection  with any  assignment  or other
     transfer of Notes.

          (b) Each  Guarantor  agrees to take such  action as may be  reasonably
     requested by any  Noteholder  to confirm such  Guarantor's  Guaranty of the
     Guarantied Obligations in connection with the transfer of the Notes of such
     Noteholder.

     5.2  Partial Invalidity.

          The  unenforceability  or  invalidity  of any  provision or provisions
     hereof shall not render any other provision or provisions  contained herein
     unenforceable or invalid.

     5.3  Communications.

          (a) Method; Address. All communications hereunder shall be in writing,
     shall be delivered in the manner  required by the Note Purchase  Agreement,
     and shall be addressed,  if to the Guarantors,  at the address set forth on
     Annex 1 hereto, and if to any of the Noteholders:

               (A) if such  Noteholder is a Purchaser,  at the address set forth
          on Schedule A to the Note Purchase Agreement for such Noteholder,  and
          further including any parties referred to on such Schedule A which are
          required to receive notices in addition to such Noteholder, and

               (B) if such  Noteholder  is not a  Purchaser,  at the address set
          forth in the  register  for the  registration  and  transfer  of Notes
          maintained pursuant to Section 13.1 of the Note Purchase Agreement for
          such Noteholder,

         or to any such party at such other  address as such party may designate
         by notice duly given in accordance with this Section 5.3.

          (b) When Given.  Any  communication  addressed and delivered as herein
     provided  shall be deemed to be received  when  actually  delivered  to the
     address of the addressee  (whether or not delivery is accepted) or received
     by  the  telecopy  machine  of  the  recipient.  Any  communication  not so
     addressed and delivered shall be ineffective.

     5.4  Governing Law.

          THIS  GUARANTY  SHALL  BE  CONSTRUED,   INTERPRETED  AND  ENFORCED  IN
     ACCORDANCE  WITH,  AND GOVERNED  BY, THE INTERNAL  LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
     YORK.

     5.5  Effective Date.

          This Guaranty shall be effective as of the date hereof.
<PAGE>

     5.6  Benefits of Guaranty Restricted to Noteholders.

          Nothing  express or implied in this  Guaranty  is intended or shall be
     construed  to  give  to any  Person  other  than  the  Guarantors  and  the
     Noteholders  any legal or  equitable  right,  remedy  or claim  under or in
     respect  hereof or any covenant,  condition or provision  therein or herein
     contained, and all such covenants,  conditions and provisions are and shall
     be held to be for the sole and exclusive  benefit of the Guarantors and the
     Noteholders.

     5.7  Survival of Representations and Warranties; Entire Agreement.

          All representations and warranties contained herein or made in writing
     by the  Guarantors in connection  herewith  shall survive the execution and
     delivery hereof.

     5.8  Expenses.

          (a) The  Guarantors  shall pay when  billed the  reasonable  costs and
     expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by the Noteholders
     in connection with the consideration, negotiation, preparation or execution
     of any  amendments,  waivers,  consents,  standstill  agreements  and other
     similar agreements with respect hereto (whether or not any such amendments,
     waivers,  consents,  standstill  agreements or other similar agreements are
     executed).

          (b) At any time when any one or more of the Company or the  Guarantors
     and the Noteholders are conducting restructuring or workout negotiations in
     respect  hereof,  or a Default or Event of Default  exists,  the Guarantors
     shall  pay  when  billed  the  reasonable  costs  and  expenses  (including
     reasonable   attorneys'  fees  and  the  reasonable  fees  of  professional
     advisors)  incurred by the  Noteholders in connection  with the assessment,
     analysis  or  enforcement  of any  rights  or  remedies  that are or may be
     available to the Noteholders.

          (c) If the Guarantors  shall fail to pay when due any principal of, or
     Make-Whole  Amount or interest on, any Note,  the  Guarantors  shall pay to
     each  Noteholder,  to the extent permitted by law, such amounts as shall be
     sufficient  to cover the costs and  expenses,  including but not limited to
     reasonable  attorneys' fees,  incurred by such Noteholder in collecting any
     sums due on such Notes.

     5.9  Amendment.

          This  Guaranty  may be  amended  only  in a  writing  executed  by the
     Guarantors and the Required Holders.

     5.10 Consent to Jurisdiction; Appointment of Agent.

          (a) Consent to  Jurisdiction.  EACH GUARANTOR  HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY AND
     UNCONDITIONALLY  AGREES THAT ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING  ARISING OUT OF
     OR RELATING TO THIS  GUARANTY,  OR ANY ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  TO EXECUTE OR
     OTHERWISE ENFORCE ANY JUDGMENT IN RESPECT OF ANY BREACH HEREUNDER,  BROUGHT
     BY ANY  NOTEHOLDER  AGAINST SUCH  GUARANTOR OR ANY OF ITS PROPERTY,  MAY BE
     BROUGHT BY SUCH  NOTEHOLDER  IN ANY FEDERAL  DISTRICT  COURT LOCATED IN NEW
     YORK CITY,  NEW YORK OR ANY NEW YORK STATE COURT  SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY,
     NEW YORK, AS SUCH NOTEHOLDER MAY IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION  ELECT,  AND BY THE

<PAGE>

     EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS  GUARANTY,  SUCH GUARANTOR  IRREVOCABLY  AND
     UNCONDITIONALLY  SUBMITS TO THE  NON-EXCLUSIVE IN PERSONAM  JURISDICTION OF
     EACH SUCH COURT,  AND SUCH GUARANTOR  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO
     ASSERT IN ANY  PROCEEDING  BEFORE  ANY  TRIBUNAL,  BY WAY OF  MOTION,  AS A
     DEFENSE OR  OTHERWISE,  ANY CLAIM THAT IT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE IN PERSONAM
     JURISDICTION  OF  ANY  SUCH  COURT.  IN  ADDITION,  SUCH  GUARANTOR  HEREBY
     IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES,  TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY OBJECTION
     THAT IT MAY NOW OR  HEREAFTER  HAVE TO THE  LAYING  OF VENUE  IN ANY  SUIT,
     ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUARANTY BROUGHT IN
     ANY SUCH COURT, AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH SUIT,
     ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  BROUGHT  IN ANY SUCH  COURT HAS BEEN  BROUGHT  IN AN
     INCONVENIENT FORUM.  NOTHING HEREIN SHALL IN ANY WAY BE DEEMED TO LIMIT THE
     ABILITY  OR  RIGHT OF ANY  NOTEHOLDER  TO  OBTAIN  JURISDICTION  OVER  SUCH
     GUARANTOR IN SUCH OTHER JURISDICTION AS MAY BE PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

          (b) Agent for Service of Process.  EACH GUARANTOR  HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY
     AND  UNCONDITIONALLY  AGREES THAT PROCESS  SERVED  EITHER  PERSONALLY OR BY
     REGISTERED MAIL SHALL CONSTITUTE,  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ADEQUATE
     SERVICE OF  PROCESS IN ANY SUIT,  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  ARISING  OUT OF OR
     RELATING  TO THIS  GUARANTY,  OR ANY  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  TO  EXECUTE OR
     OTHERWISE ENFORCE ANY JUDGMENT IN RESPECT OF ANY BREACH HEREUNDER,  BROUGHT
     BY ANY NOTEHOLDER AGAINST SUCH GUARANTOR OR ANY OF ITS PROPERTY. RECEIPT OF
     PROCESS SO SERVED SHALL BE CONCLUSIVELY PRESUMED AS EVIDENCED BY A DELIVERY
     RECEIPT  FURNISHED BY THE UNITED  STATES POSTAL  SERVICE OR ANY  COMMERCIAL
     DELIVERY  SERVICE.  WITHOUT  LIMITING THE FOREGOING,  SUCH GUARANTOR HEREBY
     APPOINTS,  IN THE CASE OF ANY SUCH  ACTION  OR  PROCEEDING  BROUGHT  IN THE
     COURTS OF OR IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK:

                           CT CORPORATION SYSTEM
                           1633 BROADWAY
                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019

     TO RECEIVE,  FOR IT AND ON ITS BEHALF,  SERVICE OF PROCESS.  EACH GUARANTOR
     SHALL AT ALL TIMES  MAINTAIN  AN AGENT FOR  SERVICE  OF PROCESS IN NEW YORK
     CITY,  NEW YORK AND MAY FROM TIME TO TIME  APPOINT  SUCCEEDING  AGENTS  FOR
     SERVICE OF PROCESS BY NOTIFYING EACH NOTEHOLDER OF SUCH APPOINTMENT,  WHICH
     AGENTS SHALL BE  ATTORNEYS,  OFFICERS OR DIRECTORS  OF SUCH  GUARANTOR,  OR
     CORPORATIONS  WHICH IN THE  ORDINARY  COURSE OF BUSINESS  ACT AS AGENTS FOR
     SERVICE OF PROCESS.  NOTHING HEREIN SHALL IN ANY WAY BE DEEMED TO LIMIT THE
     ABILITY OR RIGHT OF ANY NOTEHOLDER TO SERVE ANY WRITS, PROCESS OR SUMMONSES
     IN ANY MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.


<PAGE>

     5.11 Survival.

          So long as the Guarantied  Obligations and all payment  obligations of
     the Guarantors  hereunder  shall not have been fully and finally  performed
     and  indefeasibly  paid, the obligations of the Guarantors  hereunder shall
     survive the transfer and payment of any Note and the payment in full of all
     the Notes.

     5.12 Entire Agreement.

          This Guaranty  Agreement  constitutes the final written  expression of
     all of the terms hereof and is a complete and exclusive  statement of those
     terms.

     5.13 Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.

          Two or more duplicate  originals  hereof may be signed by the parties,
     each of  which  shall  be an  original  but  all of  which  together  shall
     constitute  one and the same  instrument.  This Guaranty may be executed in
     one or more  counterparts  and shall be  effective  as to each party hereto
     when at least one counterpart  shall have been executed by such party,  and
     each set of counterparts that,  collectively,  show execution by each party
     hereto shall constitute one duplicate original.

     5.14 Additional Guarantors.

          In addition to SDC, SG, DDD, SG&E, SPC, SNG, MG, Exsol,  Datatel, SOC,
     PD, SI, GB and AC&E,  other Restricted  Subsidiaries may become  Guarantors
     hereunder in accordance with the terms of the Note Purchase  Agreement,  by
     execution of the form of Joinder Agreement attached hereto as Annex 2.

     5.15 Release of Guarantors.

          Without any action  required of any  Noteholder but subject to Section
     2.7,  any  Guarantor  shall be  released  from its  obligations  under this
     Guaranty upon

               (a)  the   designation  of  such  Guarantor  as  an  Unrestricted
          Subsidiary  by the  Company  pursuant  to the  provisions  of the Note
          Purchase Agreement, or

               (b) the  disposition  of such  Guarantor  pursuant to the Section
          10.5 or Section 10.6 of the Note Purchase Agreement,

     provided  that  immediately  after  giving  effect to such  designation  or
     disposition,  as the case may be, no Default or Event of Default  under the
     Note Purchase  Agreement would exist. The Noteholders shall, at the expense
     of the Company or said Guarantor, execute and deliver such documents as may
     be reasonably necessary to evidence such release.


                         [Next page is signature page.]


<PAGE>




          IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  each  Guarantor  has caused this  Guaranty to be
     executed on its behalf by one of its duly authorized officers.


                                        SEITEL DATA CORP.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        SEITEL GEOPHYSICAL, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        DDD ENERGY, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        SEITEL GAS & ENERGY CORP.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:

<PAGE>

                                        SEITEL POWER CORP.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        SEITEL NATURAL GAS, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        MATRIX GEOPHYSICAL, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        EXSOL, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:



<PAGE>

                                        DATATEL, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        SEITEL OFFSHORE CORP.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        POLYMER DYNAMICS, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        SEITEL INTERNATIONAL, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:



<PAGE>

                                        AFRICAN GEOPHYSICAL, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        GEO-BANK, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:


                                        ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION
                                        ENTERPRISES, INC.



                                        By

                                              Name:

                                              Title:

<PAGE>


                                  Annex 1

                              Address of Guarantors

The Address of each Guarantor is:


         50 Briar Hollow Lane
         West Building, 7th Floor
         Houston, Texas 77027


<PAGE>
                                     Annex 2

                           [FORM OF JOINDER AGREEMENT]

                                                                          [DATE]


To each of the Noteholders (as defined in the Guaranty
         Agreement hereinafter referred to)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Reference is made to the Guaranty dated as of December 28, 1995 (as amended
or restated  from time to time,  the  "Guaranty"),  among  SEITEL DATA CORP.,  a
Delaware corporation  (together with its successors and assigns,  "SDC"), SEITEL
GEOPHYSICAL,  INC., a Delaware  corporation  (together  with its  successors and
assigns,  "SG"),  DDD ENERGY,  INC., a Delaware  corporation  (together with its
successors  and  assigns,  "DDD"),  and  SEITEL GAS & ENERGY  CORP.,  a Delaware
corporation  (together with its successors  and assigns,  "SG&E"),  SEITEL POWER
CORP., a Delaware corporation (together with its successors and assigns, "SPC"),
SEITEL NATURAL GAS, INC., a Delaware  corporation  (together with its successors
and assigns, "SNG"), MATRIX GEOPHYSICAL,  INC., a Delaware corporation (together
with its  successors and assigns,  "MG"),  EXSOL,  INC., a Delaware  corporation
(together with its successors and assigns,  "EXSOL"),  DATATEL, INC., a Delaware
corporation  (together  with its  successors  and  assigns,  "DATATEL"),  SEITEL
OFFSHORE  CORP.,  a  Delaware  corporation  (together  with its  successors  and
assigns,  "SOC"), POLYMER DYNAMICS,  INC., a Delaware corporation (together with
its successors and assigns, "PD"), SEITEL INTERNATIONAL,  INC., a Cayman Islands
corporation   (together  with  its  successors  and  assigns,   "SI"),   AFRICAN
GEOPHYSICAL,  INC., a Cayman Islands  corporation  (together with its successors
and assigns,  "AG"),  GEO-BANK,  INC., a Texas  corporation  (together  with its
successors and assigns, "GB"), and ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION ENTERPRISES,  INC.,
a Texas  corporation  (together with its successors and assigns,  "ACE" and ACE,
SDC, SG, DDD, SG&E,  SPC, SNG, MG, Exsol,  Datatel,  SOC, PD, SI, AG and GB, and
each other  corporation  which becomes a party hereto,  each a "Guarantor"  and,
collectively, the "Guarantors"), in favor of each of the Noteholders (as defined
in the Guaranty).  Capitalized  terms used herein and not otherwise defined have
the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Guaranty.

     [NEW  GUARANTOR],  a  [jurisdiction  of  incorporation]   corporation  (the
"Company"), agrees with you as follows:

     1. Guaranty.  The Company hereby  unconditionally  and expressly  agrees to
become a party to the  Guaranty and to perform and observe each and every one of
the  covenants,   agreements,   terms,  conditions,   obligations,   duties  and
liabilities of a Guarantor thereunder, and that all references to the Guarantors
in the Guaranty or any document,  instrument or agreement executed and delivered
or  furnished,  or to be executed and  delivered  or  furnished,  in  connection
therewith  shall be deemed to be  references  which  include the  Company,  as a
Guarantor.
<PAGE>

     2.  Warranties  and  Representations.   The  Company  hereby  warrants  and
represents that each of the warranties and representations set forth in Sections
4.1 through 4.3, inclusive,  of the Guaranty,  are true and correct with respect
to the Company as of the date hereof and such warranties and representations are
incorporated by reference  herein in their entirety.  Such  representations  and
warranties shall survive the execution and delivery hereof.

     3. Further Assurances. The Company agrees to cooperate with the Noteholders
and execute such further instruments and documents as the Required Holders shall
reasonably  request to effect,  to the reasonable  satisfaction  of the Required
Holders, the purposes of this Agreement.

     4. Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended only in a writing  executed by
the Company and the Required Holders.

     5. Binding  Effect.  This  Agreement  shall be binding upon the Company and
shall inure to the benefit of the  Noteholders and their  respective  successors
and assigns.

     6. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Agent for Service of Process.
This Agreement shall be construed,  interpreted and enforced in accordance with,
and governed by, the internal laws of the State of New York.  The  provisions of
Section 5.10 of the Guaranty  shall apply to this Agreement as if each reference
to "this Guaranty" therein was a reference to this Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on
its behalf by one of its duly authorized officers.


                                                  [NEW GUARANTOR]



                                                  By

                                                      Name:

                                                      Title:









                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1

                                  SEITEL, INC.

                     LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT


***      African Geophysical, Inc. (incorporated in Cayman Islands)

***      Alternative Communication Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated in Texas)

         Datatel, Inc. (incorporated in Delaware)

         DDD Energy, Inc. (incorporated in Delaware)

         Exsol, Inc. (incorporated in Delaware)

***      GEO-BANK, INC. (incorporated in Texas)

         Matrix Geophysical, Inc. (incorporated in Delaware)

         Seitel Data Corp. (incorporated in Delaware)

**       Seitel Delaware, Inc. (incorporated in Delaware)

         Seitel Gas & Energy Corp. (incorporated in Delaware)

         Seitel Geophysical Inc. (incorporated in Delaware)
         (dba Eagle Geophysical)

         Seitel International, Inc. (incorporated in Cayman Islands)

*        Seitel Management, Inc. (incorporated in Delaware)
         (formerly Polymer Dynamics, Inc.)

*        Seitel Natural Gas, Inc. (incorporated in Delaware)

         Seitel Offshore Corp. (incorporated in Delaware)

         Seitel Power Corp. (incorporated in Delaware)



*        Incorporated in 1995
**       Incorporated in 1996
***      Dormant




                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference of our report dated March 29, 1996,  included in this Form 10-K,  into
the Seitel,  Inc.  previously filed Form S-3  Registration  Statements File Nos.
33-80574,  33-89890,  33-71968,  33-78554, and Form S-8 Registration  Statements
File Nos. 33-78560, 33-89934 and 333-01271.



/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Houston, Texas
March 29, 1996




                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.2

                       FORREST A. GARB & ASSOCIATES, INC.
                              PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS
                   5310 Harvest Hill Road, Suite 160 - LB 152
                            Dallas, Texas 75230-5805
                                  (214)788-1110

                                 March 29, 1996


                                CONSENT OF EXPERT
                                -----------------




Ms. Debra D. Valice
Seitel, Inc.
50 Briar Hollow Lane, 7th Floor West
Houston, Texas 77027

Dear Ms. Valice:

         Forrest  A. Garb &  Associates,  Inc.,  petroleum  consultants,  hereby
consent to the incorporation by reference in any registration statement or other
document filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission by Seitel,  Inc., of
our  reserve  report  dated  January 1, 1996 and to all  references  to our firm
included therein.

                                     Forrest A. Garb & Associates, Inc.

                                     By:      /s/ Ronald D. Wade
                                              --------------------------------
                                              Name:   Ronald D. Wade
                                              Title:  Executive Vice President

                                     Dallas, Texas

                                     March 29, 1996


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
       
<S>                                      <C>

<PERIOD-TYPE>                                 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                        DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                             DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                         6,242
<SECURITIES>                                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                 42,931
<ALLOWANCES>                                     650
<INVENTORY>                                        0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                   0<F1>
<PP&E>                                        61,619<F2>
<DEPRECIATION>                                 9,069
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               209,567
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              0<F1>
<BONDS>                                       61,283
                              0
                                        0
<COMMON>                                          94
<OTHER-SE>                                   120,284
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 209,567
<SALES>                                       74,439
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                              74,439
<CGS>                                         13,071
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 13,071
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             3,407
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               16,025
<INCOME-TAX>                                   5,898
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           10,127
<DISCONTINUED>                                (1,448)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                    0
<CHANGES>                                          0
<NET-INCOME>                                   8,679
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   0.88
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   0.85
<FN>
<F1> The Company does not present a classified balance sheet; therefore, current
assets and current  liabilities  are not  reflected in the  Company's  financial
statement.  

<F2> PP&E does not include  seismic data bank assets with a cost of $232,704,000
     and related accumulated amortization of $127,335,000.
</FN>


        




</TABLE>


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