TRENWICK GROUP INC
10-K, 2000-03-30
FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES  EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

     For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.

                                       OR

[ ]  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 number 1-15389

                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           Delaware                                            06-1152790
(State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)

                One Canterbury Green, Stamford, Connecticut 06901
               (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 353-5500

           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 $.10 per share          New York Stock Exchange
     Preferred Stock Purchase Rights            New York Stock Exchange

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

     Indicate  by check mark  whether the  registrant  (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  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 on March 24, 2000 of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates of the registrant was $224,696,190.

     The number of shares  outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
stock as of the close of the period covered by this report:

             Class                                Outstanding at March 24, 2000
             -----                                -----------------------------
Common Stock, $.10 par value                               16,295,207

Certain portions of the registrant's  definitive proxy statement relating to its
annual  meeting  of  stockholders  scheduled  to be  held on May  18,  2000  are
incorporated  by reference into Part III of this report and certain  portions of
the  registrant's  annual report to stockholders  are  incorporated by reference
into Parts II and IV of this report.

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<PAGE>


                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.

                                Table of Contents

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         Page
Item                                                                                                    Number
- - ----                                                                                                    ------
                                     PART I
<S>                                                                                                       <C>
 1.  Business  .........................................................................................   1
 2.  Properties  .......................................................................................  22
 3.  Legal Proceedings  ................................................................................  23
 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders  ..............................................  23

                                   PART II

 5.  Market for the Corporation's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters  ........................  24
 6.  Selected Financial Data  ..........................................................................  25
 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
     Results of Operation  .............................................................................  27
 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.........................................  27
 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data  ......................................................  27
 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
     Financial Disclosure  .............................................................................  27

                                  PART III

10.  Directors and Executive Officers  .................................................................  27
11.  Executive Compensation  ...........................................................................  28
12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management  ...................................  28
13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions  ...................................................  28

                                   PART IV

14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K  ..................................  28
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


                                     PART I

Item 1. Business

General Background and History

Trenwick  Group  Inc.   ("Trenwick")  is  a  specialty  insurance   underwriting
organization with multiple  distribution  platforms in insurance and reinsurance
operating  through its subsidiaries  located in the United States and the United
Kingdom.   Trenwick's  four  principal  operating  units  are  Trenwick  America
Reinsurance   Corporation   ("Trenwick   America  Re"),  which  provides  treaty
reinsurance  to insurers of property  and casualty  risks in the United  States;
Trenwick  International  Limited ("Trenwick  International"),  which underwrites
treaty and facultative reinsurance as well as specialty insurance on a worldwide
basis;   Chartwell  Managing  Agents  Limited  ("Chartwell   Managing  Agents"),
Trenwick's  managing  agency at Lloyd's;  and  Canterbury  Financial  Group Inc.
("Canterbury Financial"), which underwrites U.S. property and casualty insurance
through specialty program administrators.

Trenwick was incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1985. Trenwick America Re,
a  Connecticut  corporation,  operated  as  a  subsidiary  of  Trenwick  America
Corporation  from 1983  through  1985 and was  acquired by Trenwick in 1985 as a
result of a corporate restructuring. Trenwick acquired Trenwick International in
February 1998 and  Chartwell Re  Corporation  ("Chartwell")  in October 1999. In
connection  with the  acquisition  of  Chartwell,  Trenwick  acquired  Chartwell
Managing Agents, Chartwell Reinsurance Company ("Chartwell Reinsurance"),  whose
reinsurance  business  was  assumed by Trenwick  America  Re, and The  Insurance
Corporation  of New York  ("INSCORP")  and Dakota  Specialty  Insurance  Company
("Dakota"),  both of which are operating companies for Canterbury Financial.  In
addition, Trenwick owns several inactive Bermuda subsidiaries.

On December 19, 1999,  Trenwick  announced that it had entered into a definitive
agreement to combine with LaSalle Re Holdings Limited, with shareholders of each
company to receive shares in a new Bermuda  holding company to be named Trenwick
Group Ltd. This transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of
2000.

Each of  Trenwick's  operating  insurance  company  subsidiaries  is  rated  "A"
(Excellent) by A.M. Best Company and has been assigned an A+ financial  strength
rating by Standard & Poor's.  All of Chartwell Managing Agents' syndicates enjoy
the benefit of the ratings of Lloyd's,  which is rated "A"  (Excellent)  by A.M.
Best Company and has an A+ claims paying  ability rating from Standard & Poor's.
These  ratings  are  based  upon  factors  that may be of  concern  to policy or
contract  holders,   agents  and   intermediaries,   but  may  not  reflect  the
considerations  applicable to an equity investment in a reinsurance or insurance
company.  A change in any such  rating is at the  discretion  of the  respective
rating agencies.


<PAGE>


Trenwick's  gross and net  premium  writings  for its  operational  units are as
follows:

                                            1999           1998           1997
                                          --------       --------       --------
Gross Premiums Written

     Trenwick America Re                  $210,921(1)    $218,249       $248,662
     Trenwick International                171,698        105,114(2)          --
     Chartwell Managing Agents              84,834(3)          --             --
     Canterbury Financial                   38,088(4)          --             --
                                          --------       --------       --------
     Total                                $505,541       $323,363       $248,662
                                          ========       ========       ========

Net Premiums Written

     Trenwick America Re                  $155,108(1)    $169,112       $195,230
     Trenwick International                129,399         81,107(2)          --
     Chartwell Managing Agents              64,462(3)          --             --
     Canterbury Financial                    5,641(4)          --             --
                                          --------       --------       --------
     Total                                $354,610       $250,219       $195,230
                                          ========       ========       ========

(1)  Includes reinsurance business of Chartwell Reinsurance and its subsidiaries
     since its acquisition on October 27, 1999.

(2)  Includes Trenwick  International business since its acquisition on February
     27, 1998.

(3)  Includes  Chartwell  Managing  Agents  business  since its  acquisition  on
     October 27, 1999.

(4)  Includes Canterbury Financial business since its acquisition on October 27,
     1999.

Trenwick America Reinsurance Corporation

Trenwick  America Re,  which  comprised  44% of  Trenwick's  total net  premiums
written in 1999,  underwrites United States treaty  reinsurance,  which accounts
for the  majority  of its  business,  as well as a small  amount of  facultative
reinsurance.  In this section,  Trenwick  America Re's 1999 results  include the
reinsurance  business of Chartwell  Reinsurance and its  subsidiaries  since its
acquisition on October 27, 1999.

Trenwick  America Re generally  obtains all of its business  through brokers and
reinsurance  intermediaries  which seek its  participation on reinsurance  being
placed for their  customers.  In underwriting  reinsurance,  Trenwick America Re
does not target types of clients,  classes of business or types of  reinsurance.
Rather,  it selects  transactions  based upon the quality of the reinsured,  the
attractiveness of the reinsured's  insurance rates and policy conditions and the
adequacy of the proposed reinsurance terms.

Trenwick America Re's commitment is currently limited to $2,500,000 per contract
on  casualty  treaty  business  and  $1,500,000  on  property  business.  Larger
commitments are subject to Trenwick's Underwriting Committee referral process.


                                       2
<PAGE>


Trenwick  America Re's net premiums written by line of business are set forth in
the following table for the periods indicated.

                    Trenwick America Reinsurance Corporation
                    Net Premiums Written By Lines of Business
                                 (in thousands)

                                             1999(1)        1998         1997
                                            ---------    ---------    ---------
Casualty

         Automobile Liability               $  17,831    $  51,299    $  50,187
         Errors and Omissions                  45,557       36,655       40,063
         General Liability                     22,170       17,743       20,795
         Accident and Health                   17,922       11,014        6,326
         Medical Malpractice                    3,422        7,700       10,293
         Workers' Compensation                  8,297        3,025       18,328
         Products Liability                     1,834        2,312        1,743
         Other Casualty                        12,431        2,697        9,133
                                            ---------    ---------    ---------
                  Total Casualty              129,464      132,445      156,868
                                            ---------    ---------    ---------
Property                                       25,644       36,667       38,362
                                            ---------    ---------    ---------
         Total                              $ 155,108    $ 169,112    $ 195,230
                                            =========    =========    =========

(1)  Includes reinsurance business of Chartwell Reinsurance and its subsidiaries
     since its acquisition on October 27, 1999.

The major lines of  reinsurance  currently  written by  Trenwick  America Re are
automobile liability,  errors and omissions,  general liability and accident and
health. Together these lines account for an aggregate of at least 67% of its net
premiums  written in all years  indicated.  The overall  decline in net premiums
written  since 1997 is a result of three  principal  causes.  Competition  among
primary  companies  has caused  cedants to reduce their own premium  writings or
restructure their reinsurance programs,  reducing the amount of reinsurance they
purchase.  As a  result  of  consolidation  within  the  industry,  many  ceding
companies are now larger and financially stronger,  enabling them to retain more
risk. In addition,  increasingly  intense competition in the reinsurance markets
has driven reinsurance prices on a number of accounts below pricing levels which
Trenwick  America Re will accept.  The 65% decline in  automobile  liability net
premium  writings  in 1999  resulted  from the  non-renewal  of two  significant
accounts,  one of which was commuted in the fourth quarter of 1999. Accident and
health net  premiums  written  increased  by 63% compared to 1998 as a result of
Trenwick  America Re's strategic  alliance with Duncanson and Holt. This account
was  non-renewed  in 2000 following the sale of Duncanson and Holt. In 1999, the
amount of property business,  including automobile physical damage, underwritten
by Trenwick  America Re remained  constant as a percentage  of total net written
premiums.

Three ceding companies accounted for approximately 25%, 38%, and 32% of Trenwick
America Re's gross premiums written in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. During
1999,  Duncanson  and  Holt,  American  International  Group  and CNA  Insurance
Companies accounted for 11%, 7% and 7%,  respectively,  of Trenwick America Re's
gross  premiums  written.  While  Trenwick  America Re believes that the loss of
these  accounts  will not have a material  adverse  effect on the  business  and
operations of Trenwick,  Trenwick does not believe that such a loss would have a
long-term adverse effect because of Trenwick's



                                       3
<PAGE>


competitive  position  within the  reinsurance  market and the  availability  of
business from other brokers and ceding  companies.  Further,  Trenwick  believes
that it will continue to underwrite new business to replace the accounts.

Trenwick International Limited

Trenwick  International's  business, which accounted for 36% of Trenwick's total
net premiums written in 1999, consists  principally of insurance and facultative
reinsurance  of  specialty  classes.  Trenwick  International  also  underwrites
property and casualty treaty  reinsurance.  In the latter part of 1998, Trenwick
International  opened a branch office in Paris which  specializes in facultative
reinsurance of large,  technically  complex property risks.  Premiums written by
the Paris branch in 1999 were not material.

Trenwick  International  also  obtains  all of  its  business  through  brokers.
Trenwick  International's  business  consists of  Specialist  Risk  Underwriting
("SRU") which includes  direct  insurance,  facultative  reinsurance  and treaty
reinsurance.  The following table reflects Trenwick International's net premiums
written by type of business for 1999 and 1998.

             International Net Premiums Written By Type of Business

                             (dollars in thousands)

                        1999                        1998
                  -----------------          -----------------
SRU                 98,926      76%           83,397       83%
Treaty              30,473      24%           17,385       17%
                  -----------------          -----------------
Total             $129,399     100%          100,782      100%
                  =================          =================

Specialist Risk Underwriting

SRU underwrites  business in both London and Paris.  Trenwick's branch office in
Paris  was  opened  in  September  of 1998.  The  principal  lines  of  business
underwritten in 1999 and 1998 include property, engineering, accident and health
professional indemnity, financial institutions, liability, extended warranty and
yacht hull. In 1999,  approximately 53% of Trenwick International's net premiums
were written directly as insurance.

Trenwick's  Paris  branch  specializes  in large,  complex  property  risks that
require  a  high  degree  of  underwriting  expertise.   Trenwick  International
generally   underwrites  this  business,   which  includes  large  manufacturing
facilities,  construction  projects as well as both onshore and offshore  energy
risks, as facultative reinsurance, but can also function directly as an insurer.
The Paris branch benefits from a pool of  underwriters  trained as engineers and
has emerged as a center for this type of technical underwriting.

Treaty

Trenwick  International's  treaty business includes  liability  business,  which
accounted for  approximately 51% of treaty business in 1999, as well as property
and  credit   business.   Treaty  is  written   both  on  a   proportional   and
non-proportional basis.



                                       4
<PAGE>


Chartwell Managing Agents

Trenwick  participates in the Lloyd's market through Chartwell  Managing Agents,
which is a managing agent at Lloyd's and through four Lloyd's corporate members.
Chartwell Managing Agents receives fees and profit commissions in respect of the
underwriting and administrative services it provides to the Lloyd's underwriting
syndicates  that it manages.  For the 2000 year of account,  Chartwell  Managing
Agents  manages  three  syndicates  with  a  total   underwriting   capacity  of
approximately  $377.1 million. In 1998 and 1999,  Chartwell Managing Agents sold
to third parties the rights to manage  syndicates 866 (motor),  947 (non-marine)
and 994  (non-marine)  and combined into a single syndicate for the 2000 year of
account the remaining  non-life  syndicates.  Trenwick  retains the benefits and
obligations with respect to its Lloyd's corporate member participation interests
in those syndicates for the open years of account at the time of the sale.

Trenwick's  Lloyd's corporate members  participated on three Lloyd's  syndicates
for the 2000 year of account,  providing an aggregate  of  approximately  $350.1
million of capacity to those syndicates. Approximately 93% of Chartwell Managing
Agents syndicates' 2000 year of account capacity was supplied by Trenwick.

Classes of business  covered by Chartwell  Managing Agents'  syndicates  include
marine, non-marine property, non-marine liability, motor, aviation and life. The
table set forth below shows the gross premiums  written for  Trenwick's  Lloyd's
corporate members for the periods indicated.  All amounts in the table below are
presented in  accordance  with U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles
("GAAP").

                      Trenwick's Lloyd's Corporate Members
                Gross Premiums Written by Lloyd's Market Segment
                            (dollars in thousands)(1)

                                            Year Ended December 31,
                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                       1999                        1998
                             ------------------------    -----------------------
                              Amount       % of Total     Amount      % of Total
                             --------      ----------    --------     ----------
Motor                        $ 37,370        17.7%       $ 36,212        49.9%
Non-Marine                    140,337        66.5          31,121        42.9
Aviation                       19,802         9.4           3,194         4.4
Marine                         12,350         5.9           1,757         2.4
Life                            1,092          .5             289         0.4
                             --------       -----        --------       -----
Total                        $210,951       100.0%       $ 72,573       100.0%
                             ========       =====        ========       =====

(1)Business at Lloyd's is conducted in pounds sterling. The dollar amounts shown
here have been converted from pounds  sterling at the average  exchange rate for
each of the years presented.  Data shown for 1998 and that portion of 1999 prior
to October 27, 1999 is not included in Trenwick's  financial  statements because
Trenwick  acquired  Chartwell  Managing Agents and its related Lloyd's corporate
members on October 27, 1999.

Canterbury Financial Group

Canterbury   Financial  Group  develops  insurance  programs  through  specialty
production sources with a focus on a specific line or lines of business,  with a
limited geographic emphasis, and where the program administrator's  compensation
is  adjusted  based on the  underwriting  results  of the  business.  Canterbury
Financial Group evaluates each business relationship based upon the underwriting
experience  and  operational  expertise  of the  production  source.  Canterbury
Financial  Group  periodically  performs  underwriting,  claims and  operational
audits of each of its production sources.

Canterbury  Financial  Group's gross written premiums grew 32.7%, 4.3% and 81.3%
for the years ended  December 31, 1999,  1998 and 1997,  respectively,  over the
prior year. The increases in premium reflect the



                                       5
<PAGE>


geographic  expansion  of existing  programs as well as the  development  of new
programs during the periods shown.

The table set forth  below  shows the  gross  premiums  written  for  Canterbury
Financial Group for the periods indicated:

                           Canterbury Financial Group
                   Gross Premiums Written by Line of Business
                            (dollars in thousands)(1)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Year Ended December 31,
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1999                         1998                         1997
                                  ---------------------         ---------------------         ----------------------
                                   Amount         Total          Amount         Total          Amount         Total
                                  --------        -----         --------        -----         --------        ------
<S>                               <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>
Commercial Multiple Peril         $ 41,909         28.4%        $ 45,737         41.2%        $ 48,404         45.4%
General Liability                   36,743         25.0           31,575         28.4           30,418         28.6
Automobile                          46,471         31.5           23,354         21.0           22,267         20.9
Workers Compensation                12,589          8.5            4,224          3.8            4,169          3.9
Homeowners and Other                 9,786          6.6            6,241          5.6            1,285          1.2
                                  --------        -----         --------        -----         --------        -----
Total                             $147,498        100.0%        $111,131        100.0%        $106,543        100.0%
                                  ========        =====         ========        =====         ========        =====
</TABLE>

(1) Data shown for 1998 and that  portion of 1999 prior to October  27,  1999 is
not  included in  Trenwick's  financial  statements  because  Trenwick  acquired
Canterbury Financial on October 27, 1999.

During the year ended December 31, 1999,  Canterbury  Financial Group underwrote
approximately  64% of its gross premiums  through three managing general agents,
of which Florida Intracoastal  Underwriters accounted for approximately 31%, HDR
Insurance Services accounted for approximately 22% and Inter-Reco  accounted for
approximately  11%. No other managing  general agent accounted for more than 10%
of  Canterbury  Financial  Group's  gross  insurance  premiums  written for such
period.

In order to reduce the potential  adverse effect arising from the termination of
any specific business relationship, Canterbury Financial Group continues to seek
to establish and develop  relationships  with a large number of managing general
agents.  While  management  believes  that its  relationships  with its managing
general agents are satisfactory,  the termination of all or a substantial number
of these  relationships could have a material adverse effect on the business and
operations of Canterbury Financial Group.

Marketing

Trenwick  generally  obtains its  business  through  insurance  and  reinsurance
brokers which represent the ceding company and clients in  negotiations  for the
purchase  of  insurance  or  reinsurance.  The  process of  effecting a brokered
placement  typically begins when a client or ceding company enlists the aid of a
broker in  structuring an insurance or  reinsurance  program.  Often the various
parties will consult  with one or more lead  underwriters  as to the pricing and
contract terms of the protection being sought. Once the terms quoted by the lead
underwriter have been approved, the broker will offer participation to qualified
insurers or reinsurers  until the program is fully subscribed at terms agreed to
by all parties.

Trenwick pays such intermediaries or brokers commissions representing negotiated
percentages  of the  premium it writes.  These  commissions  constitute  part of
Trenwick's total acquisition costs and are included



                                       6
<PAGE>


in its underwriting expenses. Brokers do not have the authority to bind Trenwick
America Re with respect to  agreements.  Under  certain  limited  circumstances,
selected  administrators  have the  authority  to bind  Trenwick  International,
Chartwell  Managing  Agents  and  Canterbury  Financial  Group  business.  These
administrators  are  subject to  periodic  financial  and  operational  reviews.
Trenwick  does not commit in advance to accept any portion of the business  that
brokers  submit to it.  Business  from any company,  whether new or renewal,  is
subject to acceptance by Trenwick.

During 1999, three reinsurance  brokers,  AON Reinsurance  Agency, Guy Carpenter
and E. W. Blanch  generated 37%, 16% and 8%,  respectively,  of Trenwick America
Re's gross written premiums.  These brokers are among the ten largest brokers in
the insurance and reinsurance industry.  Loss of all or a substantial portion of
the business provided by Trenwick's brokers could have a material adverse effect
on the business and operations of Trenwick.  Trenwick does not believe, however,
that the loss of such business would have a long-term  adverse effect because of
Trenwick's  competitive  position  within the broker  insurance and  reinsurance
market and the availability of business from other brokers.

Underwriting

Trenwick's  underwriting  philosophy  emphasizes  a  transactional  approach  to
underwriting  in which any insurance or reinsurance  transaction for any line of
property or casualty business is considered on its own merits. The underwriter's
primary  objective is to assess the potential for an  underwriting  profit.  The
risk  assessment  process  undertaken  by  Trenwick's  underwriters  involves  a
comprehensive  analysis of historical  data,  when  available,  and estimates of
future value of loss costs which may not be evident in the historical  data. The
factors  which  Trenwick  considers  include  the type of risk,  details  of the
underlying  insurance  coverage  provided,  adequacy of pricing using  actuarial
analysis and the terms and conditions.  With respect to its domestic  operations
which comprises fewer but  significantly  larger accounts,  Trenwick  frequently
conducts  underwriting  and claims  audits of ceding  companies  to assist it in
evaluating the information submitted by the ceding companies, before agreeing to
participate in a reinsurance transaction.

Trenwick has established formal  underwriting policy standards for both domestic
and  international  operations.  This process  involves  pre-binding  reviews of
individual material transactions by its senior underwriting staff.  Underwriting
policies  for  insurance  and  reinsurance   transactions  are  supplemented  by
conducting  periodic internal audits of each  underwriting  department to ensure
compliance with underwriting policies and procedures.

Competition

Trenwick competes with numerous major  international and domestic  insurance and
reinsurance  companies.  These  competitors,  many of which  have  substantially
greater  financial  and  staff  resources  than  Trenwick,  include  independent
insurance and reinsurance  companies,  subsidiaries or affiliates of established
insurance  companies,  reinsurance  departments of certain commercial  insurance
companies and underwriting syndicates.

Competition in the types of business which Trenwick underwrites is based on many
factors.  These factors include the perceived overall financial  strength of the
insurer or reinsurer, rates charged, other terms and conditions,  agency ratings
(including A.M. Best Company and Standard & Poor's),  service offered,  speed of
service   (including  claims  payment)  and  perceived   technical  ability  and
experience  of  staff.  The  number  of  jurisdictions  in which an  insurer  or
reinsurer is licensed or authorized to do business is also a factor.



                                       7
<PAGE>


The  financial  security of insurers and  reinsurers  has emerged as a key issue
throughout the 1990's.  To be accepted by clients,  and by ceding  companies and
their  brokers,  insurers  and  reinsurers  must  demonstrate  higher  levels of
financial security and solvency than were previously required. Transactions tend
to  have  fewer  and  larger  participants,  which  may  negatively  affect  the
availability of underwriting opportunities for Trenwick.

Trenwick's  management  believes that the insurance  and  reinsurance  industry,
including the broker market, will continue to undergo further  consolidation and
that size and  financial  strength will  continue to be  significant  factors in
effective competition.

Claims Administration

Claims   are   managed   by   Trenwick's   professional   claims   staff   whose
responsibilities  include the review of initial loss reports,  creation of claim
files, determination of whether further investigation is required, establishment
and adjustment of case reserves and payment of claims.  In addition,  the claims
staff conducts  comprehensive  claims audits of both specific claims and overall
claims  procedures at the offices of selected brokers and ceding  companies.  In
certain instances, a claims audit may be performed prior to assuming reinsurance
business as part of a  comprehensive  risk  evaluation  process.  For  insurance
business, Trenwick's claim staff uses their own judgement as well as advice from
lawyers and loss adjusters where appropriate.

In  connection  with  the  acquisition  of  Chartwell,   Trenwick   acquired  an
environmental  claims unit to evaluate the complex  toxic tort and latent injury
claims resident in one of Chartwell's subsidiaries, The Insurance Corporation of
New York.

Unpaid Claims and Claims Expenses

General

Insurers  and  reinsurers   establish   claims  and  claims   expense   reserves
representing  estimates  of future  amounts  needed to pay  claims  and  related
expenses with respect to insured events which have  occurred.  Claims and claims
expense  reserves have two  components:  case  reserves,  which are reserves for
reported  claims,  and incurred but not reported  ("IBNR")  reserves,  which are
reserves  for claims not yet  reported.  Significant  periods of time may elapse
between the occurrence of an insured  claim,  the reporting of the claims to the
insurer  and the  subsequent  reporting  of the  claims  to the  reinsurer,  the
insurer's payment of that claim, and later payments by the reinsurer.

Trenwick  first  establishes  its case  reserves  for  reported  claims  when it
receives notice of the claim. It is Trenwick's policy to establish  reserves for
reported claims in an amount equal to the greater of the reserve  recommended by
the ceding  company or the claim as estimated by  Trenwick's  claims  personnel.
Trenwick  periodically  conducts  investigations  to  determine  if  the  amount
reserved by the ceding company is appropriate or should be adjusted.  During the
claim  settlement  period,  which may be many years,  additional facts regarding
individual  claims may become known. As Trenwick learns additional facts, it may
become



                                       8
<PAGE>


necessary to refine and adjust  upward or downward the  estimated  reserves on a
claim,  and even then the  ultimate net reserve may be less than or greater than
the revised  estimates.  Trenwick  does not  discount  any of its  reserves  for
reported  or  unreported  claims  in any line of its  business  for  anticipated
investment income.

Actuarial Methods

Trenwick  utilizes  the two most common  methods of  actuarial  evaluation  used
within the  insurance  industry,  the  Bornhuetter-Ferguson  method and the loss
development method. The Bornhuetter-Ferguson  method involves the application of
selected loss ratios to  Trenwick's  earned  premiums to determine  estimates of
ultimate expected loss and loss adjustment  expenses for each underwriting year.
Multiplying  expected losses by  underwriting  year by a selected loss reporting
pattern gives an estimate of reported and unreported IBNR losses.  When the IBNR
is added to the loss and loss adjustment  expense amounts with respect to claims
that have been  reported to date, an estimated  ultimate  expected loss results.
This method  provides a more stable estimate of IBNR that is insulated from wide
variations  in  reported  losses.  In  contrast,  the  loss  development  method
extrapolates the current value of reported losses to ultimate expected losses by
using selected  reporting  patterns of losses over time. The selected  reporting
patterns are based on historical  information  (organized into loss  development
triangles) and are adjusted to reflect the changing  characteristics of the book
of business written by Trenwick.

Trenwick  provides capital to its Lloyd's corporate  members,  which support the
underwriting  capacity of the Lloyd's  syndicates  managed by Chartwell Managing
Agents. Loss reserves for this business are established using methods similar to
those  used  by  Trenwick  for its  operating  insurance  company  subsidiaries.
Chartwell  Managing  Agents has engaged Bacon & Woodrow  London Market  Services
Ltd.  ("B&W"),  an  independent  actuarial  consulting  firm, to review the loss
reserves and prepare an actuarial opinion for each of its syndicates,  including
the  actuarial  opinion  required  by  Lloyd's  solvency  regulations.  The  B&W
opinions,  which are prepared  solely for the use of Lloyd's  regulators and are
only to be relied upon by Chartwell  Managing  Agents,  assist its syndicates in
establishing appropriate reserve estimates for both the reinsurance to close and
the open years of account.

In the reserve setting process,  Trenwick includes  provisions for inflation and
"social inflation" if appropriate,  as losses are generally not determined until
some time in the future.  Trenwick continually monitors legislative activity and
evaluates  the  potential  effect  of any  legislative  changes  on its  reserve
liabilities.

Trenwick's  reserves  are  carried at the full  amount  estimated  for  ultimate
expected losses and loss adjustment  expense without any discount to reflect the
time value of money in accordance with both statutory  accounting  practices and
GAAP.  Trenwick's  actuarial department regularly performs loss reserve analyses
for its operating insurance company subsidiaries.


                                       9
<PAGE>


Reserve Analysis

The following table presents the development of Trenwick's net unpaid claims and
claims  expenses for 1989 through 1999.  The top line of the table shows the net
unpaid  claims and claims  expenses  at the  balance  sheet date for each of the
indicated  years.  This reflects the net estimated  amounts of claims and claims
expenses for claims  arising in that year and in all prior years that are unpaid
at the balance sheet date,  including  claims that had been incurred but not yet
reported to Trenwick.  The upper  portion of the table shows the net  cumulative
subsequently paid amounts as of successive years with respect to that liability.
The  middle  portion  of the  table  shows  the net  re-estimated  amount of the
previously recorded net unpaid claims and claims expenses based on experience as
of the end of each  succeeding  year. The estimates  change as more  information
becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for individual years. A
redundancy  (deficiency)  exists  when the net  re-estimated  liability  at each
December 31 is less  (greater)  than the prior net liability  estimate.  The net
"Cumulative  Redundancy  (Deficiency)"  depicted in the table for any particular
calendar year represents the aggregate  change in the initial net estimates over
all subsequent calendar years.

The lower  portion  of the table  presents  a  reconciliation  of the net unpaid
claims  and claims  expenses  as of the end of the year with the  related  gross
unpaid  claims and  claims  expenses  as of  December  31,  1991  through  1999.
Additionally,  the table  presents a  reconciliation  of the gross  re-estimated
unpaid  claims and  claims  expenses  as of the end of the latest  re-estimation
year,  with  separate  disclosure  of  the  related   re-estimated   reinsurance
recoverable  on  unpaid  claims  and  claims  expenses.  The  "gross  cumulative
redundancy"  depicted  in the table for the  calendar  years 1991  through  1999
represents  the  aggregate  change  in the  initial  gross  estimates  over  all
subsequent calendar years.


                                       10
<PAGE>


                DEVELOPMENT OF UNPAID CLAIMS AND CLAIMS EXPENSES

                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1999       1998        1997       1996        1995       1994       1993        1992
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Net unpaid claims and claims
expenses, end of year                   $1,207,436    $449,264  $ 379,351    $386,887   $327,001    $294,008   $268,091   $266,685

Cumulative amount of net
liability paid as of:
         One year later                                172,674    104,718      94,197     46,860      61,804     52,300     52,260
         Two years later                                          194,188     162,565    110,289      81,417     90,382     93,312
         Three years later                                             --     215,803    149,810     121,133     89,445    118,345
         Four years later                                              --          --    178,919     142,485    112,119    111,174
         Five years later                                              --          --         --     156,204    124,096    125,847
         Six years later                                               --          --         --          --    134,535    133,502
         Seven years later                                             --          --         --          --         --    139,779
         Eight years later                                             --          --         --          --         --         --
         Nine years later                                              --          --         --          --         --         --
         Ten years later                                               --          --         --          --         --         --

Net liability re-estimated as of:

         One year later                                463,892    372,176     381,521    322,562     291,943    267,644    255,379
         Two years later                                          383,584     374,336    317,199     279,561    263,473    255,379
         Three years later                                                    381,463    308,700     274,283    246,367    252,458
         Four years later                                              --          --    309,282     265,041    241,478    236,009
         Five years later                                              --          --         --     266,583    229,742    230,488
         Six years later                                               --          --         --          --    230,824    222,094
         Seven years later                                             --          --         --          --         --    223,473
         Eight years later                                             --          --         --          --         --         --
         Nine years later                                              --          --         --          --         --         --
         Ten years later                                               --          --         --          --         --         --



Net cumulative redundancy (deficiency)                 (14,628)    (4,233)       5,424     17,719       27,425     37,267     43,212
Percentage                                                           (1)%          1%         5%           9%        14%       16%
Gross Liability, end of year                           682,428    518,387     467,177    411,874     389,298    354,582    351,897
Reinsurance recoverable                                233,164    139,036      80,290     84,873      95,290     86,491     85,212
Net liability, end of year                             449,264    379,351     386,887    327,001     294,008    268,091    266,685
Gross re-estimated liability-latest                    719,143    521,011     462,384    393,765     339,514    293,613    288,355
Re-estimated recoverable-latest                        255,251    137,427      80,921     84,483      72,931     62,789     64,882
Net re-estimated liability-latest                      463,892    383,584     381,463    309,282     266,583    230,824    223,473
Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency)               (36,715)    (2,624)      4,793     18,109      49,784     60,969     63,542


<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1991        1990       1989
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>        <C>         <C>
Net unpaid claims and claims
expenses, end of year                     $258,774   $245,105    $214,391

Cumulative amount of net
liability paid as of:
         One year later                     44,930     42,234      29,407
         Two years later                    80,725     77,183      60,888
         Three years later                 111,225    102,590      84,283
         Four years later                  127,431    124,129     101,597
         Five years later                  116,224    134,657     116,047
         Six years later                   127,130    122,089     124,465
         Seven years later                 132,194    129,100     110,656
         Eight years later                 137,401    132,888     115,017
         Nine years later                       --    136,959     117,364
         Ten years later                        --         --     120,895

Net liability re-estimated as of:

         One year later                    253,781    238,324     206,724
         Two years later                   243,488    233,565     199,864
         Three years later                 243,586    223,417     196,232
         Four years later                  241,600    224,171     188,052
         Five years later                  225,592    223,172     189,148
         Six years later                   217,852    213,327     188,884
         Seven years later                 208,701    205,179     180,619
         Eight years later                 211,487    199,948     176,778
         Nine years later                       --    202,578     172,846
         Ten years later                        --         --     175,362



Net cumulative redundancy (deficiency)      47,287     42,527      39,029
Percentage                                     18%        17%         18%
Gross Liability, end of year               332,503
Reinsurance recoverable                     73,729
Net liability, end of year                 258,774
Gross re-estimated liability-latest        268,217
Re-estimated recoverable-latest             56,730
Net re-estimated liability-latest          211,487
Gross cumulative redundancy (deficiency)    64,286
</TABLE>



                                       11
<PAGE>



In evaluating the  information in the table on the preceding  page, it should be
noted that each amount  includes the effects of all changes in amounts for prior
periods.  For example,  if a claim  determined  in 1991 to be $150,000 was first
reserved  in 1986 at  $100,000,  the  $50,000  deficiency  (actual  claim  minus
original  estimate)  would  be  included  in  the  gross  cumulative  redundancy
(deficiency)  in each of the years  1986-1991  shown on the preceding page. This
table does not present accident or policy year development data.  Conditions and
trends that have  affected  the  development  of  liability  in the past may not
necessarily  occur in the  future.  Accordingly,  it may not be  appropriate  to
extrapolate future redundancies or deficiencies based on this table.

The trend  depicted  in the table  indicates  that net unpaid  claims and claims
expense  liability at December 31, 1998 and 1997 have developed  unfavorably due
to  Trenwick  America  Re's  unfavorable  development  for claims  occurring  in
accident  years 1996 through 1998.  For further  discussion of unpaid claims and
claims expenses, see Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of
Trenwick.

Management believes that Trenwick's reserves are adequate.  However, the process
of  estimating  reserves is  inherently  imprecise and involves an evaluation of
many  variables,   including  potentially   unpredictable  social  and  economic
conditions.  Accordingly,  there can be no assurance  that  Trenwick's  ultimate
liability  will not vary  significantly  from  amounts  reserved.  The  inherent
uncertainties  of estimating  such reserves are greater for reinsurers  than for
primary  insurers,  primarily  due to the  longer-term  reporting  nature of the
reinsurance  business,  the diversity of development  patterns  among  different
types of reinsurance, the necessary reliance on ceding companies for information
regarding  reported  claims  and  differing  reserving  practices  among  ceding
companies.  Reserves  also include  provisions  for latent  injury or toxic tort
claims that cannot be estimated with traditional  reserving  techniques.  Due to
inconsistent  court  decisions in federal and state  jurisdictions  and the wide
variation  among  insureds  with  respect  to  underlying  facts  and  coverage,
uncertainty  exists with  respect to these  claims as to  liabilities  of ceding
companies and,  consequently,  reinsurance  coverage.  Management  believes that
Trenwick's  exposure to such latent losses is lessened because of its relatively
recent  entry  into the  reinsurance  business  (other  than  INSCORP),  its low
historical  levels of premium volume prior to the  application of exclusions for
asbestos and  environmental  liabilities,  its  retrocessional  programs and the
protection  afforded by Trenwick's  Contingent  Interest Notes due June 30, 2006
(the  "Contingent  Interest Notes") the payment of which is subject to reduction
in the event of such adverse reserve development related to INSCORP's business.

Reserves for Trenwick's  participation in Lloyd's syndicates through its Lloyd's
corporate  members  are  included  in the 1999  year end  reserves.  Part of the
reserve  represents  reinsurance to close balances  brought  forward to the open
years of  account  (for  example,  1996  reinsured  into the  1997  open  year).
Favorable or unfavorable  development of the prior year's reserves can influence
the results of the open years of 1997, 1998 and 1999. Consequently, there can be
no assurance as to the adequacy of reserves and the risk of future developments,
both favorable and unfavorable, exists.


                                       12
<PAGE>


Trenwick's  reserves  include an estimate of Trenwick's  ultimate  liability for
asbestos and  environmental  claims.  The gross and net unpaid claims and claims
expenses for asbestos and environmental claims are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1999          1998        1997
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>         <C>
Unpaid claims and claims expenses gross of
     reinsurance recoverable, end of year                   $ 100,131      $ 8,476     $  8,924
Unpaid claims and claims expenses, net of
     reinsurance recoverable, end of year                      72,092        8,428        8,814
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and
     claims expenses, end of year                              28,039           48          110
</TABLE>

The increase of the gross and net unpaid claims and claims expenses  reflect the
inclusion of the reserves related to the Chartwell acquisition. Under Trenwick's
current  interpretation of policy language,  management does not believe that it
has a  material  exposure  to  environmental  claims  that  requires  additional
reserves beyond its current estimates.

Contingent Interest Notes

Upon  consummation  of the  acquisition  of Chartwell,  Trenwick  assumed all of
Chartwell's   obligations  under  the  Contingent  Interest  Notes,  which  were
originally issued by Piedmont  Management  Company Inc. to its stockholders just
prior to its  acquisition by Chartwell in 1995. The Contingent  Interest  Notes,
which mature on June 30, 2006, are designed to provide  Trenwick with protection
against adverse development of INSCORP's reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses.  In the  event  there  is no  adverse  development,  Trenwick  will be
required  to pay the  holders  of the CI  Notes  approximately  $55  million  in
contingent  interest.  This contingent interest payment is in addition to the $1
million  principal amount of the Contingent  Interest Notes and interest on such
principal  amount at 8% per  annum  (collectively,  the  "Fixed  Amount")  which
Trenwick  in any  event  must  pay at  maturity  or  earlier  redemption  of the
Contingent Interest Notes.

In general,  assuming the Contingent Interest Notes are settled at maturity, the
contingent interest will be equal to $55 million (a) less an amount equal to (i)
the amount of any adverse  development of the loss and loss  adjustment  expense
reserves  and  related  accounts  (including  certain  reinsurance  recoverable,
commissions  and unearned  premiums)  of INSCORP  recorded as of March 31, 1995,
minus (ii) $25 million,  (b) plus the amount of certain tax benefits received or
recorded by Trenwick as a result of the amount determined pursuant to clause (a)
above.  The amount so  calculated  may not be greater  than $55 million nor less
than a minimum  amount  equal to the  lesser of (a) $10  million  less the Fixed
Amount  and (b) the tax  benefits  referred  to  above.  In the  event  that the
Contingent  Interest Notes are settled prior to maturity,  the foregoing formula
will in  general  apply,  except  that the $55  million  maximum  amount  of the
Contingent  Interest  Notes will be reduced  to an amount  equal to $55  million
discounted  back  from  June  30,  2006  at a  discount  rate  of 8% per  annum,
compounded  annually,  and the tax benefits  will be  calculated in a prescribed
manner.

The carrying value of the Contingent  Interest Notes on Trenwick's  consolidated
financial  statements at December 31, 1999 was $34.7 million,  representing  the
sum of the aggregate  principal amount of the Contingent  Interest Notes and the
present  value as of such  date of the  maximum  amount of  contingent  interest
payable on the  Contingent  Interest  Notes at their  stated  maturity  in 2006.
During the term of the Contingent  Interest Notes, the discounted carrying value
of the Contingent  Interest Notes will be increased to reflect  accretion of (i)
interest on the principal amount and (ii) the discounted contingent interest. To
the



                                       13
<PAGE>


extent that adverse  development of INSCORP's reserves (including IBNR reserves)
occurs prior to the maturity or redemption of the Contingent Interest Notes, the
contingent  interest payable on the Contingent  Interest Notes (and,  therefore,
the  then-current  carrying  value of such  Contingent  Interest  Notes) will be
reduced.  Such reductions in the carrying value of the Contingent Interest Notes
would offset in part,  in the period in which such adverse  development  occurs,
any reduction in Trenwick's GAAP net income and  stockholders'  equity resulting
from such adverse reserve development (that would,  however,  still be reflected
in Trenwick's statutory  underwriting results and in the policyholders'  surplus
of INSCORP and any parent insurer of INSCORP).

At its option,  Trenwick may settle the Contingent Interest Notes with shares of
common stock of Trenwick  instead of payment of cash. For purposes of settlement
of the Contingent  Interest  Notes,  such common stock would be valued at 85% of
its average closing market price over a specified period prior to the settlement
date.  However,  Trenwick may not settle the  Contingent  Interest  Notes in its
common stock unless (i) such stock is  registered  under the  Securities  Act of
1933 (or is  otherwise  freely  tradeable  other than by certain  affiliates  of
Trenwick),  (ii) such stock is listed on a national  securities  exchange or the
NASDAQ  National  Market and (iii) all Contingent  Interest Notes are settled in
such common stock.  Moreover,  Trenwick may not settle the  Contingent  Interest
Notes in its common stock if the  Contingent  Interest  Notes are being  settled
following  acceleration  thereof due to an event of default under the Contingent
Interest Notes.

Reinsurance and Retrocessional Agreements

Trenwick enters into reinsurance and retrocessional agreements to reduce its net
liability on individual risks,  protect against catastrophic losses and maintain
acceptable ratios.

Trenwick America Re has various retrocessional facilities, all of which are on a
treaty basis.  These  retrocessional  facilities include one treaty for Trenwick
America Re's facultative casualty reinsurance business,  which applies on a risk
or account basis,  and two for its treaty  property  business,  which protect it
against multiple claims arising out of a single occurrence or event. As a result
of these facilities,  Trenwick America Re's maximum retention generally does not
exceed  $500,000 per  occurrence  on  facultative  business and  $2,300,000  per
occurrence on property catastrophe business. From 1989 to 1999, Trenwick America
Re  has  purchased  aggregated  excess  of  loss  ratio  treaties  from  several
reinsurers.  These  facilities  provided  Trenwick  with a layer  of  protection
against  adverse  results  from its  domestic  casualty  business  in  excess of
specified  loss ratios.  Trenwick  did not purchase an aggregate  excess of loss
ratio treaty for 2000.

Trenwick  International,  as customary  with  companies  operating in the London
market,  buys  large  amounts of  reinsurance.  Reinsurance  and  retrocessional
coverage is  customized  for each class of business.  During 1998,  following an
increase in its share capital, Trenwick International increased its retention of
business by reducing the amount of reinsurance it buys, principally proportional
reinsurance treaties with its former parent.

Chartwell  Managing Agency, as part of its business  strategy,  has historically
purchased a  significant  amount of  reinsurance  for the Lloyd's  syndicates it
manages.  Reinsurance is generally  purchased to protect the syndicates  against
extraordinary  loss or loss  involving  one or more  underwriting  classes.  The
amount  purchased is  determined  with  reference to the  syndicates'  aggregate
exposure and potential loss scenarios.

Canterbury Financial Group purchases  reinsurance  specifically tailored to each
of the specialty programs underwritten by its insurance subsidiaries.



                                       14
<PAGE>


In  connection  with the  acquisition  of  Chartwell  by  Trenwick,  Chartwell's
insurance company subsidiaries purchased an aggregate excess of loss reinsurance
agreement  providing  up to  $100  million  in  coverage  against  unanticipated
increases in Chartwell's  reserves for business written on or before October 27,
1999, the date of completion of the  acquisition  of Chartwell.  Within the $100
million  maximum,  the  protection  is limited  to $100  million  for  increased
reserves  attributable  to  Chartwell's  Lloyd's  operations,  $25  million  for
increased  reserves  attributable  to  catastrophe  and year 2000 losses and $50
million  for  increased  reserves  attributable  to asbestos  and  environmental
coverage  losses.  The  aggregate  excess of loss  reinsurance  agreement is not
cancelable  by the  reinsurers,  London  Life  and  Scandanavian  Re  and  their
obligations  have been secured by a trust account.  The premium payable for this
aggregate excess of loss reinsurance agreement was approximately $56 million.

Trenwick  remains liable with respect to insurance and reinsurance  ceded in the
event that the insurer or  retrocessionaire  is unable to meet its  obligations.
All reinsurers and retrocessionaires  must be formally approved by the operating
company's Security Committee.  The Security Committees re-evaluate the financial
condition of Trenwick reinsurers and  retrocessionaires  at least annually.  The
evaluation process involves financial analysis of current audited financial data
and comparative analysis of such data in accordance with guidelines  established
by Trenwick.  Business may not be conducted with  retrocessionaires  who are not
currently approved by the Security Committees.

Trenwick  America  Re's  principal  retrocessionaires  are  Zurich  Reinsurance,
Continental  Casualty  Company,  Unum Life  Insurance  Company  of  America  and
National    Union   Fire   Insurance    Company.    Chartwell   Re's   principal
retrocessionaires  are Centre Reinsurance  (Bermuda) Limited and London Life and
Casualty  Reinsurance  Corp.  and  Scandinavian   Reinsurance  Company  Limited.
INSCORP's  largest  reinsurers  in  1999  were  American   Reinsurance  company,
Navigators  Insurance  Company and European  International  Reinsurance  Company
Limited. Trenwick International has two principal  retrocessionaires,  Lloyds of
London and Transatlantic Re. All these retrocessionaires are rated A (Excellent)
or better by A.M. Best Company.  At December 31, 1999,  Trenwick had no material
uncollectible amounts due from its  retrocessionaires.

Investments

The Investment  Committee of Trenwick's Board of Directors oversees  investments
and sets procedures and guidelines for investment strategy.  Trenwick's internal
staff manage these investments and utilize the services of investment  advisers.
Trenwick's  investment  strategy  focuses  on  capital  preservation  and income
predictability. This strategy also requires that the risks associated with these
objectives are properly managed.  Accordingly,  Trenwick  emphasizes  investment
grade debt investments.  At December 31, 1999, 79% of Trenwick's  investments in
debt securities were rated Aa or better. In October 1998, certain securities had
their ratings  withdrawn by various  nationally  recognized  statistical  rating
organizations. The servicer of these securities,  Commercial Financial Services,
Inc.,  filed for protection  under Chapter 11 of the Federal  Bankruptcy Code in
December 1998. During 1999, Trenwick wrote down the value of these securities by
$5.2 million.

Trenwick's  investment strategy permits an allocation for equity securities.  At
December 31, 1999, 6% of Trenwick's total  investments and cash were invested in
common and preferred  equities,  which consist primarily of securities issued by
U.S. and United Kingdom  corporations.  The primary risk  associated  with these
securities is the exposure to daily market fluctuations.



                                       15
<PAGE>


The investments of each of Trenwick's insurance company subsidiaries must comply
with the  respective  insurance  laws of the  jurisdiction  of  domicile of that
insurance  company,  and of the other  jurisdictions  in which it is licensed or
authorized.  These  laws  prescribe  the  kind,  quality  and  concentration  of
investments  which may be made by insurance  companies.  In general,  these laws
permit   investments,   within   specified   limits   and   subject  to  certain
qualifications,  in federal, state and municipal  obligations,  corporate bonds,
preferred and common stock,  real estate  mortgages and real estate.  These laws
generally  penalize  high  concentrations  of  riskier  types of assets and high
exposures to certain types of issuers.

Trenwick  invests  in  three  types  of  structured  securities,  collateralized
mortgage  obligations  ("CMO"),  mortgage-backed  securities  not backed by U.S.
government agencies ("non-agency MBS") and asset-backed securities ("ABS"), each
accounting for 5%, 5% and 2%, respectively,  of Trenwick's portfolio at December
31, 1999.

CMOs  consist  of  planned   amortization   classes  ("PACs")  which  have  been
constructed  with a certain  amount of call  protection  and CMOs that have lost
their PAC protection (sometimes called "broken" or "busted" PACs), due to actual
prepayments being significantly higher or lower than originally forecast.  These
agency  backed CMOs are not subject to credit  risk,  as all holdings are backed
indirectly or directly by the Federal  government  or one of its  agencies.  The
material risk inherent to holding these CMOs is prepayment  risk,  which relates
to  the  timing  of  cash  flows  that  result  from  amortization,  whether  it
accelerated,  because of lower interest rates and therefore higher than expected
prepayments,  or  decelerated,  because of higher  interest  rates and therefore
lower  than  expected   prepayments.   Changes  in  principal  repayments  could
negatively affect investment income due to the timing of the reinvested funds.

Non-agency MBSs are constructed  primarily from the  securitization of mortgages
on commercial or residential  real estate and,  lacking any agency backing,  are
inherently  subject to credit risk. They also have an element of prepayment risk
which  is  contingent  on the  structure  of each  security  and its  underlying
collateral.  93% of the  non-agency  MBS issues  Trenwick has  purchased  have a
rating of A or better from  various  Nationally  Recognized  Statistical  Rating
Organizations.

The  asset-backed  securities  owned by Trenwick have primarily  credit card and
home equity receivables as collateral and are subject also to credit risk. These
securities have less cash flow  uncertainty  than non-agency MBS and CMO issues,
because  the  issuer  has  the  ability  to  add in new  collateral  should  the
asset-backed security experience faster prepayments,  or in the event of default
on the  underlying  collateral.  94% of the  asset-backed  securities  owned  by
Trenwick  are rated A or better by  various  Nationally  Recognized  Statistical
Rating  Organizations.  The  remaining  6% include the  asset-backed  securities
serviced by  Commercial  Financial  Services,  Inc. for which  ratings have been
withdrawn.

Trenwick also invests in agency pass-through  securities which account for 7% of
Trenwick's  portfolio at December 31, 1999. As with CMOs,  these  securities are
subject to prepayment risk.

Trenwick holds debt  securities and cash in a number of currencies.  At December
31, 1999,  approximately 16% of Trenwick's debt securities and cash were held in
U.K. sterling, and the remainder in six other currencies.


                                       16
<PAGE>


The table below sets forth the distribution of Trenwick's  investments available
for sale at December 31, 1999 by type, maturity and quality rating.

                                   Investments
                             (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Average       Estimated
                                                                     Maturity         Fair             Amortized
                                                                     In Years        Value                Cost
                                                                     --------        -----                ----
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>                <C>
Type (debt securities)
U.S. Government bonds                                                  4.3         $  114,537         $  114,839
Obligations of states and political subdivisions(1)                    6.3            454,993            460,176
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities                            8.1            288,535            290,801
Debt securities issued by British government                           3.7            115,023            117,165
Debt securities issued by other foreign governments                    4.9             54,996             55,436
Public utilities                                                      14.7             20,891             21,229
Corporate securities                                                   8.3            259,446            262,855
Certificates of deposit                                                 .2              2,940              2,937
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
Total debt securities                                                  6.8         $1,311,361         $1,325,438
                                                                                   ==========         ==========
Maturity (debt securities)
Due in one year or less                                                 .5             94,546             93,913
Due in one year through five years                                     2.9            544,077            545,161
Due after five years through ten years                                 7.3            482,652            490,465
Due after ten years                                                   19.1            190,086            195,899
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
      Total debt securities                                            6.8         $1,311,361         $1,325,438
                                                                                   ==========         ==========
Quality (debt securities)
Aaa(2)-U.S. government bonds                                                       $  114,537         $  114,839
      Obligations of states and political subdivisions                                349,474            352,936
      Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities                                     211,980            211,775
      Debt securities issued by British government                                    115,023            117,165
      Debt securities issued by other foreign governments                              31,402             31,783
      Corporate securities                                                             14,585             14,959
      Certificates of deposit                                                           1,991              1,988
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
                                                                                      838,992            845,445
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
Aa(2)-Obligations of states and political subdivisions                                 77,762             78,661
      Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities                                      44,554             45,923
      Corporate securities                                                             58,250             58,558
      Debt securities issued by other foreign governments                              16,707             16,715
      Public utilities                                                                  2,438              2,483
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
                                                                                      199,711            202,340
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
A(2)-Obligations of states and political subdivisions                                  16,006             16,232
      Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities                                      24,522             25,465
      Debt securities issued by other foreign governments                               6,887              6,938
      Public utilities                                                                 13,065             13,152
      Corporate securities                                                            105,932            106,928
      Certificates of deposit                                                             809                809
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
                                                                                      167,221            169,524
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
Baa(2)-Obligations of states and political subdivisions                                11,751             12,347
      Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities                                       5,983              6,142
      Public utilities                                                                  4,335              4,469
      Corporate securities                                                             56,631             57,476
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
                                                                                       78,700             80,434
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
Ba(2)-Public utilities                                                                  1,053              1,125
      Corporate securities                                                             12,543             13,032
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
                                                                                       13,596             14,157
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
B(2)-Corporate securities                                                              11,143             11,495
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
Caa(2)-Corporate securities                                                               138                183
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
P1(2)-Certificates of deposits                                                            140                140
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
      Non-rated Corporate security                                                        224                224
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
      Withdrawn - Asset-backed securities                                               1,496              1,496
                                                                                   ==========         ==========
      Total debt securities                                                        $1,311,361         $1,325,438
                                                                                   ----------         ----------
</TABLE>


                                       17
<PAGE>

(1)   Obligations  of states  and  political  subdivisions  include  $38,240,000
      escrowed in U.S. Government Securities,  $242,320,000 insured by Municipal
      Bond  Investors  Assurance   Corporation,   Financial  Guaranty  Insurance
      Company,  AMBAC Indemnity  Corporation,  or Financial  Security  Assurance
      Corporation and $29,940,000 both escrowed and insured.

(2)   Quality  rating as assigned by Moody's  Investors  Service,  Inc.  for all
      except certain  mortgage-backed  securities not backed by U.S.  government
      agencies and certain  asset-backed  securities.  Quality ratings for these
      other securities are as assigned by Fitch Investors Service,

     Standard and Poor's or Duff and Phelps. Ratings are generally assigned upon
     the issuance of the securities, subject to revision on the basis of ongoing
     evaluations.

                                      18
<PAGE>


Regulation

Trenwick  and its  insurance  company  subsidiaries  are  subject to  regulatory
oversight under the insurance  statutes and regulations of the  jurisdictions in
which they conduct  business,  including all states of the United States and the
United Kingdom. These regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and are
generally  designed to protect ceding insurance  companies and  policyholders by
regulating   Trenwick's   financial  integrity  and  solvency  in  its  business
transactions  and  operations.  Many of the insurance  statutes and  regulations
applicable to Trenwick's  subsidiaries relate to reporting and enable regulators
to closely monitor  Trenwick's  performance.  Typical  required  reports include
information  concerning  Trenwick's  capital  structure,   ownership,  financial
condition, and general business operations.

Trenwick  International  is subject to the  regulatory  authority  of the United
Kingdom  Financial  Services  Authority.  Both  Chartwell  Managing  Agents  and
Trenwick's  dedicated  Lloyd's  underwriting  entities,  as a  Lloyd's  managing
general  agent and  Lloyd's  corporate  members,  respectively,  are  subject to
regulation and supervision by the Council of Lloyd's.  Lloyd's  operates under a
self-regulatory  regime  under  the  Lloyd's  Act 1982 and has the power to set,
interpret and change the rules which govern the operation of the Lloyd's market,
subject to regulation for solvency purposes by the Financial Services Authority.
Lloyd's  prescribes,  in respect of its managing  agents and corporate  members,
certain minimum standards relating to their management and control, solvency and
various other requirements.  In addition,  Lloyd's imposes  restrictions against
persons  becoming  controllers  and major  shareholders  of managing  agents and
corporate members without the consent of Lloyd's first having been obtained. The
United Kingdom  government has established the Financial Services Authority as a
single  regulator  to  supervise  securities,  banking and  insurance  business,
including  Lloyd's.  When the  Financial  Services  and Market Bill becomes law,
probably  in  late  2000,  the  Financial  Services  Authority  will  have  wide
authorization  and  intervention  powers in relation to Lloyd's.  A consultation
process has commenced in relation to Lloyd's regulatory framework.

NAIC

The National Association of Insurance  Commissioners ("NAIC") is an organization
which  assists  state  insurance  supervisory  officials in achieving  insurance
regulatory  objectives,  including  the  maintenance  and  improvement  of state
regulation.  From time to time various  regulatory and legislative  changes have
been proposed in the insurance  industry,  some of which could have an effect on
reinsurers.  Among the  proposals  that have in the past been or are at  present
being considered are the possible introduction of federal regulation in addition
to, or in lieu of, the  current  system of state  regulation  of  insurers,  and
proposals  in various  state  legislatures  (some of which  proposals  have been
enacted) to conform  portions of their insurance laws and regulations to various
model acts adopted by the NAIC.  Trenwick is unable to predict  what effect,  if
any, these developments may have on its operations and financial condition.  See
Item 7, Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.

Risk Based Capital

The NAIC has adopted  Risk-Based  Capital ("RBC")  requirements for property and
casualty  insurance  companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory capital and
surplus in relation to  investment  and insurance  risks such as asset  quality,
asset and liability matching,  loss reserve adequacy and other business factors.
The RBC formula is used by state  insurance  regulators as an early warning tool
to  identify,  for  the  purpose  of  initiating  regulatory  action,  insurance
companies  that  potentially  are  inadequately  capitalized.  In addition,  the
formula  defines  minimum  capital  standards that  supplement the system of low
fixed  minimum  capital  and surplus  requirements  on a  state-by-state  basis.
Regulatory  compliance is determined by a ratio of the  enterprise's  regulatory
total adjusted  capital to its  authorized  control level RBC, as defined by the
NAIC.  Enterprises below specific trigger points or ratios are classified within
certain levels, each of which



                                       19
<PAGE>


requires  specific  corrective  action.  The ratios of Total Adjusted Capital to
Authorized  Control  Level RBC for each of Trenwick's  United  States  insurance
company  subsidiaries  exceeded all the RBC trigger points at December 31, 1999,
1998 and 1997.

State Insurance Regulation

The  premium  rates  and  policy  terms  of  Trenwick's  reinsurance  agreements
generally  are not  subject to  regulation  by any  government  authority.  This
contrasts with Trenwick's  property and casualty insurance  operations where the
premium  rates  and  policy  terms  are  generally  closely  regulated  by state
insurance departments. As a practical matter, however, the premium rates charged
by insurers may place a limit on the rates which can be charged by reinsurers.

The regulation and supervision to which  Trenwick's  insurance  subsidiaries are
subject  relate  primarily  to the  standards  of solvency  that must be met and
maintained, licensing requirements for reinsurers, the nature of and limitations
on investments, restrictions on the size of risks which may be insured, deposits
of securities for the benefit of insureds or reinsureds,  methods of accounting,
periodic examinations of the financial condition and affairs of reinsurers,  the
form and content of reports of  financial  condition  required to be filed,  and
reserves for unearned  premiums,  losses and other  purposes.  In general,  such
regulation  is for the  protection of the insureds and  reinsureds,  rather than
Trenwick's security holders. Trenwick believes that it is in compliance with all
such material regulations.

Trenwick is subject to  regulation  under the  insurance  statutes and insurance
holding company statutes of various states, including Connecticut,  New York and
North Dakota,  the domicile states of its U.S. insurance  companies.  These laws
and  regulations  vary from state to state,  but generally  require an insurance
holding  company,  and  insurers  and  reinsurers  that are  subsidiaries  of an
insurance holding company, to register with the state regulatory authorities and
to file with those authorities certain reports including information  concerning
their capital  structure,  ownership,  financial  condition and general business
operations.

State laws also require prior notice or regulatory  agency approval of direct or
indirect changes in control of an insurer,  reinsurer or its holding company and
of certain  significant  intercorporate  transfers of assets  within the holding
company  structure.   An  investor  who  acquires  securities   representing  or
convertible into more than 10% of the voting power of the securities of Trenwick
would become subject to at least some of such  regulations  and would be subject
to  approval  by  the   Connecticut,   New  York  and  North  Dakota   Insurance
Commissioners  prior to  acquiring  such  shares.  Such  investor  would also be
required to file certain  notices and reports with the  Insurance  Commissioners
prior to such acquisition.

Codification of Statutory Accounting Principles

In March  1998,  the NAIC  adopted  the  Codification  of  Statutory  Accounting
Principles ("Codification").  The Codification, which is intended to standardize
regulatory  accounting and reporting for the insurance industry,  is proposed to
be January 1, 2001. The Codification provides guidance for areas where statutory
accounting  has been silent and changes  current  statutory  accounting  in some
areas. However,  statutory accounting principles will continue to be established
by individual state laws and permitted practices. Effective January 1, 2001, the
states of Connecticut  (domicile of Trenwick America Re), Minnesota (domicile of
Chartwell  Reinsurance),  New York  (domicile  of  INSCORP  and ReCor) and North
Dakota  (domicile of Dakota) will adopt the  Codification.  It is uncertain what
effect adoption of the Codification  for the preparation of statutory  financial
statements would have on those statutory financial statements.



                                       20
<PAGE>



Dividends

Because Trenwick's operations are conducted through its operating  subsidiaries,
Trenwick  is  dependent  upon the  ability  of its  operating  subsidiaries,  to
transfer funds,  principally in the form of cash dividends,  tax  reimbursements
and other  statutorily  permissible  payments.  In  addition  to  general  legal
restrictions  on payments of dividends and other  distributions  to shareholders
applicable to all corporations, Trenwick's insurance subsidiaries are subject to
further  regulations that, among other things,  restrict the amount of dividends
and other distributions that may be paid to their parent corporations.

Under the  applicable  provisions of the insurance  holding  company laws of the
states of domicile of Trenwick  America Re,  Chartwell  Reinsurance  and Dakota,
such  companies  may only pay dividends  without the approval of the  applicable
state insurance regulator, if such dividends, together with other dividends paid
within the preceding twelve months,  are less than the greater of (i) 10% of the
insurer's  policyholders'  surplus as of the end of the prior  calendar  year or
(ii) the insurer's  statutory net income,  excluding realized capital gains, for
the  prior  calendar  year.  As a further  restriction,  the  maximum  amount of
dividends  most U.S.  insurers  may pay is limited to its earned  surplus,  also
known as its unassigned  funds. Any dividend in excess of the amount  determined
pursuant to the foregoing  formula would be characterized  as an  "extraordinary
dividend" requiring the prior approval of the state insurance regulator.

Under New York law, which is applicable to INSCORP and ReCor  Insurance  Company
Inc.  ("ReCor") the maximum ordinary dividend payable in any twelve month period
without the approval of the New York  Insurance  Department is the lesser of (i)
10% of policyholders  surplus as shown on the company's last annual statement or
any  more  recent  quarterly  statement  or  (ii)  the  company's  adjusted  net
investment  income.  Adjusted net investment income is defined as net investment
income for the twelve months  preceding the declaration of the dividend plus the
excess, if any, of net investment income over dividends  declared or distributed
during the period  commencing  thirty-six  months  prior to the  declaration  or
distribution of the current dividend and ending twelve months prior thereto.  In
any case, New York law permits the payment of an ordinary dividend by an insurer
or reinsurer only out of earned surplus.

In addition to the foregoing limitations,  the New York Insurance Department, as
is its practice in any change of control situation,  required Trenwick to commit
to preclude the acquired New  York-domiciled  insurers,  INSCORP and ReCor, from
paying any dividends for two years after the merger with Chartwell without prior
regulatory approval.  The foregoing restriction will expire on October 27, 2001.
Neither INSCORP nor ReCor paid any dividends in 1997, 1998 or 1999.

Moreover, insurance holding company laws generally provide that, notwithstanding
the  receipt of any  dividend  from a  subsidiary  insurer,  an insurer may make
dividend  payments  to its parent  only to the extent it is  permitted  to do so
under its applicable  dividend  restrictions.  In other words,  the ability of a
subsidiary  insurer to pay dividends without  restriction may be impaired if its
parent insurer cannot pay dividends without restriction.

The maximum  dividend  permitted  by law may not be  indicative  of an insurer's
actual ability to pay dividends,  which may be constrained by business and other
regulatory  considerations,  such as the impact of dividends  on surplus,  which
could  affect an  insurer's  ratings  or  competitive  position,  the  amount of
premiums  that  can  be  written  and  the  ability  to  pay  future  dividends.
Furthermore,  beyond the limits described in the preceding paragraph,  insurance
regulatory  authorities  often  have the  discretion  to limit  the  payment  of
dividends by insurance companies domiciled in their jurisdictions.

In 2000,  of Trenwick's  U.S.  insurance  subsidiaries,  only Dakota could pay a
dividend  or  other  distribution  without  prior  approval  of  the  applicable
insurance regulatory  authority.  In 2000, Dakota Specialty could pay a dividend
of $2.8 milion  without prior  approval.  During 1999,  1998 and 1997,  Trenwick
America Re paid dividends of $53.4 million, $30.1




                                       21
<PAGE>


million and $8.3  million,respectively.  Chartwell Reinsurance paid dividends of
$30.3 million in 1999 and $3.0 million in 1997.  Chartwell  Reinsurance  did not
pay any dividends in 1998. None of Trenwick's other U.S. insurance  subsidiaries
paid any dividends in 1999, 1998 or 1997.

Under the applicable  laws of the United Kingdom,  Trenwick's U.K.  subsidiaries
may make shareholder  distributions only from accumulated  realized profits, net
of accumulated  realized losses. In addition,  under the UK Insurance  Companies
Act, Trenwick International is not permitted to make any distribution that would
reduce its net assets below the required  minimum margin of solvency  which,  as
determined under the U.K. Financial Service  Authority's rules, is approximately
$16.7 million as of December 31, 1999.  Trenwick  International must also notify
the United Kingdom  Financial  Services  Authority of any proposal to declare or
pay a dividend on any of its share capital. Under Lloyd's regulations, Chartwell
Managing Agents is not permitted to make any  distribution  that would cause its
assets to fall below any of Chartwell  Managing  Agents' share capital,  minimum
net current asset margin or minimum net asset  margin.  As of December 31, 1999,
the highest of the three tests required  Chartwell  Managing  Agents to maintain
approximately $1.1 million of capital.

Investment Limitations

Connecticut, New York and North Dakota laws and regulations govern the types and
amounts of investments  which are permissible for Trenwick's  insurance  company
subsidiaries.  These rules are  designated to ensure the safety and liquidity of
the insurers' investment portfolio.  In general,  these rules permit insurers to
purchase  only  investments  which  are  interest  bearing,  interest  accruing,
entitled to dividends or otherwise income earning and not then in default in any
respect,  and insurers must be entitled to receive for its exclusive account and
benefit the interest or income  accruing  thereon.  No security or investment is
eligible  for  purchase  at a price  above its fair  value or market  value.  In
addition,  these rules require  investments by Trenwick to be  diversified.  The
U.K.  Financial  Services Authority governs the types and amounts of investments
which are  permissible for insurers in the United  Kingdom,  including  Trenwick
International.  Likewise,  Lloyd's  regulations  govern the types and amounts of
investments that are permissible for Chartwell  Managing Agents to make with the
assets of the Lloyd's  syndicates  that it  manages.  These laws  penalize  high
concentrations of riskier types of assets and high exposures to certain types of
issuers. Trenwick believes that it is in compliance with all material applicable
investment laws.

Employees

At December  31, 1999,  Trenwick  employed a total of 124 and 284 persons in its
domestic and international operations,  respectively.  Trenwick has no employees
represented by a labor union and believes that its employee relations are good.

Item 2. Properties

Trenwick's corporate  headquarters and Trenwick America Re's offices are located
in  approximately  46,000  total  square  feet of  leased  office  space  at One
Canterbury Green, Stamford,  Connecticut.  In connection with the acquisition of
Chartwell, Trenwick assumed a lease of approximately 53,000 square feet of space
at Four  Stamford  Plaza in Stamford,  Connecticut.  Chartwell  Managing  Agents
leases approximately 39,000 square feet of space in London, England and Trenwick
International  leases  office  space  in  London,  England  and  Paris,  France.
Management  believes  Trenwick's current office space is adequate for its needs.
See Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Trenwick.




                                       22
<PAGE>



Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Trenwick is party to various legal  proceedings  generally arising in the normal
course of its business.  Trenwick does not believe that the eventual  outcome of
any such proceeding  will have a material  effect on its financial  condition or
business. Trenwick's subsidiaries are regularly engaged in the investigation and
the defense of claims arising out of the conduct of their business.  Pursuant to
Trenwick's  insurance  and  reinsurance  arrangements,  disputes  are  generally
required to be finally settled by arbitration.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

A  special  meeting  of  stockholders  of  Trenwick  was held in Old  Greenwich,
Connecticut  on  October  7,  1999.  Shareholders  holding  8,680,216  shares of
Trenwick's common stock, 82.8% of the then outstanding  shares, were represented
in person or by proxy.

The proposal to adopt the merger  agreement  between  Trenwick and Chartwell and
approve  the merger of  Chartwell  with and into  Trenwick  and the  issuance of
Trenwick  common stock to Chartwell  stockholders  upon completion of the merger
was approved:  7,881,754 shares voted in favor; 7,884 shares voted against;  and
1,155 shares abstained (including broker non-votes).

The proposal to amend  Trenwick 1993 Stock Option Plan to increase the aggregate
number of shares of Common  Stock  subject to awards  under such plan by 125,000
shares was  approved:  7,584,123  shares  voted in favor;  294,381  shares voted
against; and 801,712 shares abstained (including broker non-votes).


                                       23
<PAGE>


                                     PART II

Item 5. Market for Corporation's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters

As of October 28, 1999,  Trenwick Common Stock commenced trading on the New York
Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TWK. Prior to such date,  Trenwick Common
Stock traded on the NASDAQ  National Market System under the ticker symbol TREN.
The following table sets forth for the periods presented below, the high and low
sales price of the  Trenwick  Common  Stock as  reported  by the NASDAQ  through
October  27, 1999 and as  reported  by the NYSE from  October  28, 1999  through
December 31, 1999. On March 27, 2000,  the last reported sales price of Trenwick
Common Stock on the NYSE was $13.81 per share.

Year ended December 31, 1998                         High           Low
                                                     ----           ---
     First Quarter                                  $38.00         $33.75
     Second Quarter                                  41.75          35.50
     Third Quarter                                   39.50          28.00
     Fourth Quarter                                  34.50          27.31

Year ended December 31, 1999
     First Quarter                                   35.00          25.50
     Second Quarter                                  31.94          24.66
     Third Quarter                                   25.06          16.56
     Fourth Quarter                                  21.25          14.75

There were 327  holders of record  and in excess of 2,700  beneficial  owners of
Trenwick Common Stock as of March 24, 2000.

Trenwick  paid a quarterly  cash  dividend of $.25 per share in each  quarter of
1998 and a quarterly  cash  dividend of $.26 per share in each  quarter of 1999.
The  declaration  and payment of future  dividends  will be at the discretion of
Trenwick's  Board of Directors and is subject to certain  legal,  regulatory and
other  restrictions.  For a description of restrictions on Trenwick's ability to
pay  dividends,  reference  is made to Item 1,  Business -  Regulation,  Item 7,
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations and Item 8, Note 12 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
of Trenwick.


                                       24
<PAGE>


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1999            1998            1997            1996            1995
                                                        -----------      -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                          (in thousands except per share data)
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Statement of Operations Data
Net premiums written                                    $   354,610      $   250,219     $   195,230     $   226,364     $   197,162
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Net premiums earned                                     $   325,114      $   245,561     $   190,156     $   211,069     $   177,394
Net investment income                                        66,394           56,316          48,402          41,226          36,828
Net realized investment gains                                 1,916            9,016           2,304             299             368
Other income                                                    861              421              10              --              --
                                                        -----------      -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
Total revenues                                          $   394,285      $   311,314     $   240,872     $   252,594     $   214,590
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Net income (loss)                                       $   (11,048)     $    34,792     $    35,252     $    33,848     $    29,841
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Per Share Data
Basic Earnings
   Income (loss) before extraordinary item              $      (.94)     $      2.99     $      3.12     $      3.40     $      3.09
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
   Net income  (loss)                                   $      (.94)     $      2.99     $      3.03     $      3.40     $      3.09
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding                          11,762           11,657          11,645           9,959           9,674
                                                                         ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Diluted earnings
   Income (loss) before extraordinary item              $      (.94)     $      2.95     $      3.01     $      2.85     $      2.59
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
   Net income (loss)                                    $      (.94)     $      2.95     $      3.01     $      2.85     $      2.59
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding                          11,762           11,779          12,265          13,352          13,149
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
     Dividends                                          $      1.04      $      1.00     $       .97     $       .83     $       .75
                                                        ===========      ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
Balance Sheet Data
Investments and cash                                    $ 1,749,859      $ 1,005,211     $   864,324     $   754,210     $   653,704
Total assets                                              3,240,599        1,392,261       1,085,956         920,804         820,930
Unpaid claims and claims expenses                         1,964,139          682,428         518,387         467,177         411,874
Long term debt                                              248,905           75,000              --         103,500         103,500
Company  obligated  mandatorily
   redeemable preferred capital
   securities of subsidiary trust
   holding solely junior subordinated
   debentures of Trenwick                                   110,000          110,000         110,000              --              --
Common stockholders' equity                                 462,249          348,029         357,649         265,753         240,776
Shares of common stock outstanding                           16,889           11,051          11,951          10,088           9,886
Book value per share                                    $     27.37      $     31.49     $     29.93     $     26.34     $     24.36
</TABLE>


                                       25
<PAGE>

Amounts  for  1999  reflect  the  results  of  Chartwell  and its  subsidiaries,
accounted for as a purchase, from October 27, 1999, the date of acquisition.

Amounts for 1998 reflect the results of Trenwick International, accounted for as
a purchase, from February 27, 1998, the date of acquisition.

All share and per share  information  reflects  a 3 for 2 stock  split,  paid on
April 15, 1997.

The earnings per share amounts have been restated to comply with the  accounting
standard, "Earnings per Share"


                                       26
<PAGE>



CERTAIN FINANCIAL RATIOS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1999            1998           1997          1996            1995
                                                   ----            ----           ----          ----            ----
<S>                                               <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
GAAP Combined ratio                                119.4%          102.3%          96.5%          95.8%          95.6%

Net premiums written to statutory surplus
ratio                                             0.62:1          0.77:1         0.55:1         0.85:1         0.82:1

Unpaid claims and claims expenses to
statutory surplus ratio                           1.75:1          1.96:1         1.45:1         1.76:1         1.71:1
</TABLE>

     The  other  information  called  for by this  item  can be found in Item 7,
     Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
     Operations and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Item 7. Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
        of Operations

The  information  called for by this item can be found in Trenwick's 1999 Annual
Report to Stockholders under the caption  "Management's  Discussion and Analysis
of Financial  Condition and Results of Operations" and is incorporated herein by
reference.

Item 7a.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

This information  called for by this item can be found in Trenwick's 1999 Annual
Report to Stockholders under the caption  "Management's  Discussion and Analysis
of Financial  Condition and Results of Operations" and is incorporated herein by
reference.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The  information  called for by this item can be found in Trenwick's 1999 Annual
Report to Stockholders immediately following the section captioned "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and to
the items included in Item 14(a) of this report,  and is incorporated  herein by
reference.

Item  9.  Changes  in and  Disagreements  with  Accountants  on  Accounting  and
          Financial Disclosure

None.

                                    PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers

The information called for by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the
sections   captioned   "Board  of  Directors",   "Management",   and  "Executive
Compensation"  of  Trenwick's  proxy  statement  for its 2000 Annual  Meeting of
Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement").



                                       27
<PAGE>


Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the
section captioned "Executive Compensation" of the Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the
section captioned "Principal Stockholders" of the Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the
section captioned "Election of Directors" of the Proxy Statement.

                                     PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)     Documents

(1)&(2) The  Financial  Statements,  Schedules  and the  Report  of  Independent
        Accountants  on  the  Financial  Statement  Schedules,   listed  in  the
        accompanying index on Page 34, are filed as part of this Report.

(3)     Exhibits

        3.1     Restated   Certificate   of   Incorporation   of  Trenwick  with
                Certificates of Amendment thereto.  Incorporated by reference to
                Exhibit 3.1 to Trenwick's  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                quarter ended June 30, 1997 (File No. 0-14737).

        3.2     (a)     Certificate of Elimination  amending Trenwick's Restated
                        Certificate of  Incorporation to eliminate all reference
                        to  Series  A  Junior  Participating   Preferred  Stock.
                        Incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit   3.1(a)  to
                        Trenwick's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
                        ended September 30, 1997 (File No. 1-15389).

                (b)     Certificate   of   Designation   amending  the  Restated
                        Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  Trenwick  to  create
                        Series   B   Junior   Participating   Preferred   Stock.
                        Incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit   3.2(b)  to
                        Trenwick's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
                        ended September 30, 1997 (File No. 1-15389).

        3.3     Trenwick's By-laws.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
                Trenwick's   Registration   Statement  on  Form  S-1  (File  No.
                33-5085).

        4.1     Rights  Agreement,  dated  as of  September  24,  1997,  between
                Trenwick and First Chicago Trust Company of New York  including,
                as Exhibit A thereto, a form of Rights Certificate. Incorporated
                by reference to Exhibit 1 to Trenwick's Form 8-A filed September
                24, 1997 (File No. 1-15389).



                                       28
<PAGE>


        4.2     Amendment  No. 1 to Rights  Agreement,  dated as of December 19,
                1999,  between  Trenwick and First  Chicago Trust Company of New
                York.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to Trenwick's Form
                8-A filed January 13, 2000 (File No. 1-15389).

        4.3     (a)     Indenture  dated as of January  31,  1997,  between  The
                        Chase  Manhattan  Bank  and  Trenwick.  Incorporated  by
                        reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to Trenwick's  Annual Report
                        on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1996 (File
                        No. 0-14737).

                (b)     Amended and  Restated  Declaration  of Trust of Trenwick
                        Capital   Trust  I  dated  as  of  January   31,   1997.
                        Incorporated   by   reference   to  Exhibit   4.2(b)  to
                        Trenwick's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                        December 31, 1996 (File No. 0-14737).

                (c)     Exchange Capital Securities Guarantee Agreement dated as
                        of  July  25,  1997,  between  Trenwick  and  The  Chase
                        Manhattan Bank, as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 4.7 to Trenwick's Registration Statement on Form
                        S-4 (File No. 333-28707).

        4.4     Indenture  dated as of March 27, 1998  between  Trenwick and The
                First  National  Bank of Chicago,  as Trustee,  with  respect to
                Trenwick's $75 million principal amount of 6.7% Senior Notes due
                April 1, 2003,  incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.2 to
                Trenwick's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
                March 31, 1998 (File No. 1-15389).

        4.5     Indenture,  dated as of March 17,  1994,  between  Chartwell  Re
                Corporation  and Bankers Trust Company,  as Trustee,  for the 10
                1/4% Senior Notes due 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                4.1 to Chartwell Re Corporation's Registration Statement on Form
                S-1 (File No. 33-75386).

        4.6     First  Supplemental  Indenture,  dated as of December  12, 1995,
                among   Chartwell   Re   Corporation,   Chartwell   Re  Holdings
                Corporation  and Bankers Trust Company,  as Trustee,  for the 10
                1/4Senior  Notes due 2004.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                4.3 to Chartwell Re Corporation's Registration Statement on Form
                S-1 (File No. 333-678).

        4.7     Second  Supplemental  Indenture,  dated as of December 12, 1995,
                between  Chartwell  Re Holdings  Corporation  and Bankers  Trust
                Company,  as  Trustee,  for the 10 1/4  Senior  Notes  due 2004.
                Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.4  to  Chartwell  Re
                Corporation's  Registration  Statement  on Form  S-1  (File  No.
                333-678).

        4.8     Indenture,  dated as of December 1, 1995,  between  Chartwell Re
                Corporation,  as the  successor to Piedmont  Management  Company
                Inc., and Fleet Bank, as Trustee,  for the  Contingent  Interest
                Notes due June 30,  2006.  Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit
                4.5 to Chartwell Re Corporation's Registration Statement on Form
                S-1 (File No. 333-678).

        4.9     First  Supplemental  Indenture,  dated as of December  13, 1995,
                among Piedmont Management Company,  Chartwell Re Corporation and
                Fleet Bank, as Trustee under the  Contingent  Interest Notes due
                June 30,  2006.  Incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit  4.6 to
                Chartwell Re  Corporation's  Registration  Statement on Form S-1
                (File No. 333-678).



                                       29
<PAGE>


        10.1    Credit Agreement, dated as of November 24, 1999, among Trenwick,
                various  lending  institutions,  First Union  National  Bank, as
                Syndication Agent, Fleet National Bank, as Documentation  Agent,
                and Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent.

        10.2    Amendment  No. 1 to Credit  Agreement,  dated as of December 31,
                1999 among Trenwick,  various lending institutions,  First Union
                National  Bank, as  Syndication  Agent,  Fleet National Bank, as
                Documentation Agent, and Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative
                Agent.

        10.3    Stockholders  Agreement,  dated as of December 13, 1995, between
                Chartwell Re Corporation  and the security  holders named in the
                schedule of holders attached thereto.  Incorporated by reference
                to  Exhibit  10.3 to  Chartwell  Re  Corporation's  Registration
                Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-678).

        10.4    Registration  Rights  Agreement,  dated as of December 13, 1995,
                between  Chartwell Re Corporation and the security holders named
                in the schedule of holders  attached  thereto.  Incorporated  by
                reference  to  Exhibit   10.4  to  Chartwell  Re   Corporation's
                Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-678).

        10.5    Common Stock Purchase  Warrant,  dated March 6, 1992,  issued by
                Chartwell  Re  Corporation  to Wand  Partners  (Chartwell)  L.P.
                Incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit  10.34 to  Chartwell  Re
                Corporation's  Registration  Statement  on Form  S-1  (File  No.
                33-75386).

        10.6    Common Stock Purchase  Warrant,  dated December 31, 1992, issued
                by Chartwell to Wand Partners  (Chartwell) L.P.  Incorporated by
                reference  as  Exhibit  10.35  to  Chartwell  Re   Corporation's
                Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-75386).

        10.7    Common Stock Purchase  Warrant,  dated December 31, 1992, issued
                by Chartwell to John Sagan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                10.36 to Chartwell Re  Corporation's  Registration  Statement on
                Form S-1 (File No. 33-75386).

        10.8    Form of Common Stock  Purchase  Warrants,  dated March 17, 1994,
                issued by Chartwell Re Corporation to Wand/Chartwell Investments
                L.P.  and to the  holders  of the  Series A Stock,  the Series B
                Stock  and the  Series  C Stock  of  Chartwell  Re  Corporation.
                Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.2  to  Chartwell  Re
                Corporation's  Quarterly  Report  on Form  10-Q for the  quarter
                ended March 31, 1994 (File No. 1-12502).

        10.9    Trenwick  1989 Stock Plan,  as amended  through  August 3, 1993.
                Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Trenwick's  Annual
                Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December  31, 1994 (File
                No. 0-14737).*

        10.10   Trenwick  1993 Stock  Option  Plan,  as amended  through May 21,
                1998.  Incorporated  by  reference  to Appendix A to  Trenwick's
                Proxy  Statement  for the 1998  Annual  Meeting of  Stockholders
                (File No. 1-15389).*

        10.11   Trenwick  1993 Stock  Option  Plan for  Non-Employee  Directors.
                Incorporated   by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to   Trenwick's
                Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the  quarter  ended  June 30,
                1994 ( File No. 0-14737).*

        10.12   Trenwick  Unfunded  Supplemental  Executive  Retirement Plan, as
                amended through December 14, 1993.  Incorporated by reference to
                Exhibit 10.14 to  Trenwick's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-14737).*



                                       30
<PAGE>


        10.13   Leased Automobile Policy for executive officers. Incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10.5 to  Trenwick's  Annual  Report on Form
                10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. (File No. 1-15389).*

        10.14   Description of life insurance and long-term disability insurance
                coverage for executive  officers.  Incorporated  by reference to
                Exhibit 10.16 to  Trenwick's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-14737).*

        10.15   Trenwick Directors Deferred  Compensation Plan.  Incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10.17 to  Trenwick's  Annual Report on Form
                10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-14737).*

        10.16   Description of Trenwick Directors Retirement Plan.  Incorporated
                by reference to Exhibit  10.18 to  Trenwick's  Annual  Report on
                Form  10-K  for the year  ended  December  31,  1994  (File  No.
                0-14737).*

        10.17   Declaration of Trust dated December 10, 1996, as amended through
                September 9, 1997,  establishing  a retirement  plan for certain
                employees of Trenwick Management Services Limited.  Incorporated
                by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Trenwick's Annual Report on Form
                10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. (File No. 1-15389).*

        10.18   1993 Stock Option Plan of Chartwell Re Corporation. Incorporated
                by  reference to Exhibit  10.14 to  Chartwell  Re  Corporation's
                Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 33-97010).*

        10.19   Chartwell Re Corporation 1996 Non-Employee Director Stock Option
                Plan.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c) to Chartwell Re
                Corporation's  Registration  Statement  on Form  S-8  (File  No.
                333-12203).*

        10.20   Chartwell Re  Corporation  1997 Omnibus  Stock  Incentive  Plan.
                Incorporated   by   reference  to  Exhibit  A  to  Chartwell  Re
                Corporation's  Definitive  Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed
                with the Securities  and Exchange  Commission on April 11, 1997.
                (File No. 1-12502).*

        10.21   Employment  Agreement,  dated  as of  March  31,  1993,  between
                Chartwell Re Corporation  and Steven J. Bensinger . Incorporated
                by  reference to Exhibit  10.20 to  Chartwell  Re  Corporation's
                Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-75386).*

        10.22   Fourth  Amendment  to  the  Employment  Agreement,  dated  as of
                December 31, 1997,  between  Chartwell Re Corporation and Steven
                J.  Bensinger.  Incorporated  by reference  to Exhibit  10.34 to
                Chartwell Re  Corporation's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the
                year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 1-12502).*

        10.23   Fifth Amendment to the Employment Agreement,  dated as of August
                4,  1998,   between  Chartwell  Re  Corporation  and  Steven  J.
                Bensinger.   Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.23  to
                Chartwell Re  Corporation's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the
                year ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-12502).*

        10.24   Sixth  Amendment  to  the  Employment  Agreement,  dated  as  of
                December 30, 1998,  between  Chartwell Re Corporation and Steven
                J.  Bensinger.  Incorporated  by reference  to Exhibit  10.26 to
                Chartwell Re  Corporation's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the
                year ended December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-12502).*



                                       31
<PAGE>


        10.25   Employment  Assumption  and  Amendment  Agreement,  dated  as of
                October 25, 1999, between Trenwick and Steven J. Bensinger.*

        10.26   Service  Agreement,  dated  October  26,  1995,  between  Sorema
                Underwriting Management Limited, Sorema (UK) Reinsurance Limited
                and  Russell  John  English,  as  amended by the Deed of Waiver,
                dated February 27, 1998.*

        10.27   Change of Control  Agreement,  dated  November 3, 1999,  between
                Trenwick and James F. Billett, Jr.*

        10.28   Form of Change of Control  Agreement,  dated  November  3, 1999,
                between Trenwick and senior officers of Trenwick.*

        10.29   Office lease between Trenwick and EOP-Canterbury  Green,  L.L.C.
                dated as of January 29,  1998,  with  respect to office space in
                Stamford,  Connecticut.  Incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit
                10.16 to  Trenwick's  Annual  Report  on Form  10-K for the year
                ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 1-15389).

        10.30   First  Amendment  dated as of March 31,  1998,  to office  lease
                between Trenwick and  EOP-Canterbury  Green L.L.C. dated January
                29,  1998.   Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.11  to
                Trenwick's  annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for the  year  ended
                December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-15389).

        10.31   Office Lease Agreement  between AML-Four  Stamford Plaza Limited
                Partnership and Chartwell Re Corporation,  dated March 29, 1996,
                of the  premises  located  at  Four  Stamford  Plaza,  Stamford,
                Connecticut.

        10.32   Lease  of the  premises  located  at 2  Minster  Court,  London,
                England, by and between Chartwell UK Management Services Limited
                (as Tenant) and The  Prudential  Assurance  Company  Limited (as
                Landlord).

        10.33   Underlease  between  Wereldhave  Property  Corporation  PLC  and
                predecessors of Trenwick  Management  Services Limited dated May
                22, 1991,  with respect to office space located at 16 Eastcheap,
                London,  England.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to
                Trenwick's  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for the  year  ended
                December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-15389).

        10.34   Coinsured Aggregate Excess of Loss Reinsurance Agreement between
                Trenwick   and   Centre   Reinsurance   Company   of  New  York.
                Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Trenwick's  Annual
                Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December  31, 1994 (File
                No. 0-14737).

        10.35   Aggregate  Excess  of Loss  Ratio  Cover  between  Trenwick  and
                Continental  Casualty  Company.  Incorporated  by  reference  to
                Exhibit 10.22 to  Trenwick's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                year ended December 31, 1995 (File No. 0-14737).

        10.36   1996 Coinsured  Aggregate Excess of Loss  Reinsurance  Agreement
                between Trenwick and Centre Reinsurance  Company of New York and
                CNA Re. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Trenwick's
                Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1996
                (File No. 0-14737).



                                       32
<PAGE>


        10.37   First and Second Coinsured  Aggregate Excess of Loss Reinsurance
                Agreement between Trenwick and Centre Reinsurance Company of New
                York and CNA Re.  Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to
                Trenwick's  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for the  year  ended
                December 31, 1997 (File No. 1-15389).

        10.38   1998 Coinsured  Aggregate Excess of Loss  Reinsurance  Agreement
                between Trenwick and Centre Reinsurance  Company of New York and
                National  Union.  Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to
                Trenwick's  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for the  year  ended
                December 31, 1998 (File No. 1-15389).

        10.39   1999 Coinsured  Aggregate Excess of Loss  Reinsurance  Agreement
                between  Trenwick  and Centre  Insurance  Company  and  National
                Union.

        10.40   Aggregate  Excess  of Loss  Reinsurance  Agreement,  dated as of
                October 27, 1999, by and between Chartwell  Reinsurance Company,
                Dakota Specialty Insurance Company, The Insurance Corporation of
                New York and Drayton  Company  Limited,  inclusive  of corporate
                capital support of London  underwriting  operations,  and London
                Life  and  Casualty  Reinsurance  Corporation  and  Scandinavian
                Reinsurance Company, Ltd.

        12.1    Computation of Ratios.

        13.1    Excerpts  from  Trenwick's  1999 Annual  Report to  Stockholders
                expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.

        21.1    List of Subsidiaries.

        23.1    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

        27.1    Financial Data Schedule.

        *Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

(b)     Reports on Form 8-K

        A Report on Form 8-K was filed on December 22,  1999,  which stated that
        Trenwick  and the  LaSalle  Re  Holdings  Limited  had  entered  into an
        Agreement,   Scheme  of   Arrangement,   Plan  of  Merger  and  Plan  of
        Reorganization,  dated as of December 19, 1999,  and that in  connection
        with this  Agreement,  Trenwick  and  LaSalle Re  Holdings  Limited  had
        entered into Stock Option Agreement with each other, each dated December
        19, 1999 and  Trenwick and certain  shareholders  of LaSalle Re Holdings
        Limited  and  LaSalle  Re  Limited  had  entered  into  a   Shareholders
        Agreement.  The Report on Form 8-K also stated that Trenwick and LaSalle
        Re  Holdings  Limited had issued a joint press  release  announcing  the
        signing of the agreements.


                                       33
<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

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

                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
                                  (Registrant)

                               By /s/ James F. Billett, Jr.
                                 ---------------------------------
                                  James F. Billett, Jr.
                                 Chairman, President and
                                 Chief Executive Officer

Dated: March 30, 2000

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature                                       Title                               Date
- - ---------                                       -----                               ----
<S>                                    <C>                                     <C>
  /s/James F. Billett, Jr.             Chairman of the Board,                  March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------         President and Chief
     James F. Billett, Jr.              Executive Officer and
                                        Director (Principal
                                        Executive Officer)

  /s/Alan L. Hunte                     Vice President and                      March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------         Treasurer (Principal
     Alan L. Hunte                      Financial Officer and
                                        Accounting Officer)

  /s/W. Marston Becker                 Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     W. Marston Becker

  /s/Anthony S. Brown                  Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     Anthony S. Brown

  /s/Richard E. Cole                   Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     Richard E. Cole
</TABLE>


                                       34
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<S>                                    <C>                                     <C>

  /s/Robert M. DeMichele               Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     Robert M. De Michele

  /s/Neil Dunn                         Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     Neil Dunn

  /s/Frank E. Grzelecki                Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     Frank E. Grzelecki

  /s/P. Anthony Jacobs                 Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     P. Anthony Jacobs

  /s/Joseph D. Sargent                 Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     Joseph D. Sargent

  /s/Frederick D. Watkins              Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     Frederick D. Watkins

  /s/Stephen R. Wilcox                 Director                                March 30, 2000
- - -------------------------------
     Stephen R. Wilcox
</TABLE>


                                       35
<PAGE>

                      TRENWICK GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  Pages
                                                                                                  -----
<S>                                                                                               <C>
Financial Statements:

  Report of Independent Accountants
  on Consolidated Financial Statements...........................................................    *

  Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1999 and 1998 ......................................    *

  Consolidated Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income
       for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997......................................    *

  Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
       for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997......................................    *

  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
       for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997......................................    *

  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.....................................................    *


Financial Statement Schedules:

     II   -   Condensed Financial Information of Registrant ..................................... S-1-S-3

     III  -   Supplementary Insurance Information ...............................................   S-4

     IV   -   Valuation and Qualifying Accounts..................................................   S-5

Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement
     Schedules ..................................................................................   S-6
</TABLE>


*    Incorporated by reference to Trenwick's 1999 Annual Report to Stockholders.

Schedules  other than those listed  above are omitted  since they are either not
required or are not applicable or the  information  required is presented in the
consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto.


<PAGE>


                      TRENWICK GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
            SCHEDULE II-CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT

                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
                                  BALANCE SHEET
                              (Parent Company Only)

                                                                 December 31,
                                                             1999         1998
                                                           --------     --------
                                                                (in thousands)
Assets:
     Investments in consolidated subsidiaries              $607,343     $532,069
     Cash and cash equivalents                                2,331          523
     Due from consolidated subsidiaries                         177        4,287
     Deferred debt issuance costs                             6,388        2,463
     Accrued investment income                                  128          125
     Net deferred income taxes                               15,000        4,198
     Goodwill                                               153,824        1,605
     Other assets                                            17,578            9
                                                           --------     --------

     Total assets                                          $802,769     $545,279
                                                           ========     ========

Liabilities:
     6.70% Senior notes due 2003                           $ 75,000     $ 75,000
     Junior subordinated debentures                         113,403      113,403
     Contingent interest notes                               34,699           --
     Due to consolidated subsidiaries                        10,965        2,700
     Accrued interest expense                                 5,497        5,424
     Chase syndicated senior credit facilities               94,501           --
     Other liabilities                                        6,455          723
                                                           --------     --------

     Total liabilities                                      340,520      197,250

Stockholders' equity                                        462,249      348,029
                                                           --------     --------

     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity            $802,769     $545,279
                                                           ========     ========


                                      S-1

<PAGE>


                      TRENWICK GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT-(continued)

                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
                               STATEMENT OF INCOME
                              (Parent Company Only)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Year ended December 31,
                                                      --------------------------------
                                                        1999        1998        1997
                                                      --------    --------    --------
                                                               (in thousands)
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>
Revenues:
Consolidated subsidiary dividends                     $ 46,100    $ 26,600    $  8,250
Net investment income                                      358       1,500       4,974
Net realized investment gains                               --         778          --
Other income                                                 1          12          --
                                                      --------    --------    --------

     Total revenues                                     46,459      28,890      13,224

Interest and operating expenses                         16,938      13,950      10,090
Amortization expense                                     1,423          33          --

Income before income taxes, equity in undistributed
     income of unconsolidated subsidiaries and
     extraordinary item                                 28,098      14,907       3,134
Income tax benefit                                      (5,077)     (3,942)     (1,239)
                                                      --------    --------    --------
Income before equity in undistributed income of
     consolidated subsidiaries                          33,175      18,849       4,373
Equity in undistributed income (loss) of consolidated
     subsidiaries                                      (44,223)     15,943      31,916
                                                      --------    --------    --------
Income (loss) before extraordinary loss on
     debt redemption                                   (11,048)     34,792      36,289
Extraordinary loss on debt redemption, net of $558
     income tax benefit                                     --          --       1,037
                                                      --------    --------    --------
Net income (loss)                                     $(11,048)   $ 34,792    $ 35,252
                                                      =========   ========    ========
</TABLE>


                                      S-2


<PAGE>


                      TRENWICK GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     SCHEDULE II--CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT-(continued)

                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                              (Parent Company Only)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Year ended December 31,
                                                                 -----------------------------------------------
                                                                    1999              1998               1997
                                                                 ---------          ---------          ---------
                                                                                 (in thousands)
<S>                                                              <C>                <C>                <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Dividends and net investment income received                $  46,466          $  28,548          $  12,642
     Interest and operating expenses paid                          (14,979)           (11,786)            (4,983)
     Income taxes received                                           3,669              5,035                794
                                                                 ---------          ---------          ---------

     Cash provided by operating activities                          35,156             21,797              8,453
                                                                 ---------          ---------          ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Purchases of debt securities                                       --            (16,637)           (72,932)
     Sales of debt securities                                           --             88,190                 --
     Maturities of debt securities                                      --                911             16,050
     Investment in subsidiaries                                    (57,474)          (130,582)            (3,403)
                                                                 ---------          ---------          ---------

     Cash used for investing activities                            (57,474)           (58,118)           (60,285)
                                                                 ---------          ---------          ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Issuance of senior notes                                           --             75,000                 --
     Issuance of junior subordinated debentures                         --                 --            113,403
     Issuance costs of senior notes and capital securities          (4,055)              (922)            (1,669)
     Long term debt proceeds                                        94,473                 --                 --
     Redemption of convertible debentures                               --                 --            (46,997)
     Issuance of common stock                                           --              1,536                956
     Repurchase of common stock                                    (44,604)           (34,880)              (171)
     Dividends paid                                                (12,787)           (11,698)           (11,546)
     Intercompany loans                                             (8,901)             2,700                 --
                                                                 ---------          ---------          ---------

     Cash provided by financing activities                          24,126             31,736             53,976
                                                                 ---------          ---------          ---------

Change in cash and cash equivalents                                  1,808             (4,585)             2,144

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                           523              5,108              2,964
                                                                 ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                           $   2,331          $     523          $   5,108
                                                                 =========          =========          =========
</TABLE>


                                      S-3


<PAGE>



                      TRENWICK GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
               SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION

                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1999        1998       1997
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
<S>                                                                         <C>          <C>         <C>
Deferred policy acquisition costs     Trenwick America Re                     $34,757    $21,023     $22,524
                                      Canterbury Financial Group                3,215         --          --
                                      Trenwick International                   19,982     14,238          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents                20,942         --          --
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                               78,896     35,261      22,524

Unpaid claims and claim expenses      Trenwick America Re                   1,201,954    546,292     518,387
                                      Canterbury Financial Group              142,215         --          --
                                      Trenwick International                  164,264    136,136          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents               455,706         --          --
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                            1,964,139    682,428     518,387

Unearned premium income               Trenwick America Re                     110,909     75,206      87,020
                                      Canterbury Financial Group               63,133
                                      Trenwick International                  100,336     76,845          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents               105,306
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                              379,684    152,051      87,020

Net premiums earned                   Trenwick America Re                     166,906    174,443     190,156
                                      Canterbury Financial Group               10,343
                                      Trenwick International                  107,911     71,118          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents                39,954
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                              325,114    245,561     190,156

Net Investment Income                 Trenwick America Re                      49,315     44,490      43,692
                                      Canterbury Financial Group                1,722
                                      Trenwick International                   11,253     10,614          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents                 3,845
                                      Unallocated                                 259      1,212       4,710
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                               66,394     56,316      48,402

Claims and claims expenses incurred   Trenwick America Re                     130,603    105,478     109,554
                                      Canterbury Financial Group                5,766
                                      Trenwick International                   80,866     47,657          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents                37,303
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                              254,538    153,135     109,554

Policy acquisition costs              Trenwick America Re                      61,633     58,310      58,549
                                      Canterbury Financial Group                  916
                                      Trenwick International                   22,627     15,887          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents                10,919
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                               96,095     74,197      58,549

Underwriting expenses                 Trenwick America Re                      13,790     13,789      15,425
                                      Canterbury Financial Group                2,687
                                      Trenwick International                   15,364     10,006          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents                 5,548
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                               37,389     23,795      15,425

Net premiums written                  Trenwick America Re                     155,108    169,112     195,230
                                      Canterbury Financial Group                5,641
                                      Trenwick International                  129,399     81,107          --
                                      Chartwell Managing Agents                64,462
                                                                            ---------    -------     -------
                                                                              354,610    250,219     195,230
</TABLE>


                                      S-4


<PAGE>


                      TRENWICK GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 SCHEDULE V - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999, 1998 AND 1997
                                 (in thousands)


                                        Balance at    Charged to      Balance at
                                       Beginning of    Costs and       End of
                                          Period       Expenses        Period
                                       ------------   ----------      ----------
Year Ended December 31, 1999
Reinsurance recoverable:
  Allowance for Uncollectible
      Reinsurance (1) ..............     $6,402         $  167         $6,569


Year Ended December 31, 1998
Reinsurance recoverable:
  Allowance for Uncollectible
      Reinsurance (1) ..............     $6,394         $    8         $6,402


Year Ended December 31, 1997
Reinsurance recoverable:
  Allowance for Uncollectible
      Reinsurance (1) ..............     $5,731         $  663         $6,394


(1)  Trenwick has a reinsurance  agreement which protects  Trenwick from certain
     uncollectible  reinsurance balances.  Uncollectible amounts have been ceded
     to said  contract  and are  reflected  as  reinsurance  recoverable  in the
     balance sheet.  Deductions to reserve represent  subsequent  collections of
     amounts deemed uncollectible.


                                      S-5


<PAGE>


                      Report of Independent Accountants on
                          Financial Statement Schedules

To the Board of Directors of
Trenwick Group Inc.

Our audits of the consolidated  financial  statements  referred to in our report
dated February 29, 2000,  appearing in the 1999 Annual Report to Stockholders of
Trenwick  Group Inc.  (which report and  consolidated  financial  statements are
incorporated  by reference in the Annual  Report on Form 10-K) also  included an
audit of the  financial  statement  schedules  listed in this Form 10-K.  In our
opinion,  these financial  statement  schedules  present fairly, in all material
respects,  the information  set forth therein when read in conjunction  with the
related consolidated financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP

New York, New York
February 29, 2000

                                      S-6



                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                     among
                              TRENWICK GROUP INC.,
                         VARIOUS LENDING INSTITUTIONS,
                           THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                            AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT,
                           FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK,
                              AS SYNDICATION AGENT

                                      and

                              FLEET NATIONAL BANK,
                             AS DOCUMENTATION AGENT
                         -----------------------------

                         Dated as of November 24, 1999

                         -----------------------------
                                  $400,000,000

                             CHASE SECURITIES INC.,
                       AS LEAD ARRANGER AND BOOK MANAGER


<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----
SECTION 1.  Revolving Credit Facility....................................... 1

1.01  Commitments........................................................... 1
1.02  Minimum Amount of Each Borrowing; Maximum Number of Borrowings........ 2
1.03  Notice of Borrowing of Revolving Loans................................ 2
1.04  Disbursement of Funds................................................. 2
1.05  Register.............................................................. 3
1.06  Conversions........................................................... 3
1.07  Pro Rata Borrowings................................................... 4
1.08  Interest.............................................................. 4
1.09  Interest Periods...................................................... 5
1.10  Increased Costs, Illegality, etc...................................... 6
1.11  Compensation.......................................................... 8
1.12  Change of Lending Office.............................................. 8
1.13  Replacement of Banks.................................................. 9

SECTION 2.  Letter of Credit Facility....................................... 9

2.01  Letters of Credit..................................................... 9
2.02  Letter of Credit Request; Notices of Issuance......................... 11
2.03  Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Payments.......................... 11
2.04  Increased Costs....................................................... 12
2.05  Letter of Credit Expiration Extensions................................ 12
2.06  Changes to Stated Amount.............................................. 13
2.07  Representations and Warranties of L/C Banks........................... 13

SECTION 3.  Fees; Commitments............................................... 13

3.01  Fees.................................................................. 13
3.02  Voluntary Reduction of Commitments.................................... 14
3.03  Mandatory Reductions of Commitments................................... 14

SECTION 4.  Payments........................................................ 15

4.01  Voluntary Prepayments................................................. 15
4.02  Mandatory Repayments and Prepayments.................................. 15
4.03  Method and Place of Payment........................................... 18
4.04  Net Payments.......................................................... 19

SECTION 5.  Conditions Precedent............................................ 20

5.01  Execution of Agreement................................................ 20
5.02  No Default; Representations and Warranties............................ 20
5.03  Officer's Certificate................................................. 21
5.04  Opinions of Counsel................................................... 21
5.05  Corporate Proceedings................................................. 21
5.06  Adverse Change, etc................................................... 21
5.07  Litigation............................................................ 22
5.08  Subsidiary Guaranty................................................... 22
5.09  Consummation of the Refinancing....................................... 22
5.10  Chartwell Senior Notes................................................ 22
5.11  Financial Statements; Projections..................................... 22
5.12  Approvals, etc........................................................ 23
5.13  Indebtedness.......................................................... 24
5.14  Payment of Fees....................................................... 24
5.15  Letter of Credit Request; Notice of Borrowing......................... 24
5.16  Capital Structure..................................................... 24
5.17  Solvency Certificate.................................................. 24
5.18  A.M. Best Rating...................................................... 24

SECTION 6.  Representations, Warranties and Agreements...................... 24

6.01  Corporate Status...................................................... 25
6.02  Corporate Power and Authority; Enforceability......................... 25
6.03  No Contravention of Laws, Agreements or Organizational Documents...... 25
6.04  Litigation and Contingent Liabilities................................. 25
6.05  Use of Proceeds; Margin Regulations................................... 26
6.06  Approvals............................................................. 26
6.07  Investment Company Act................................................ 26
6.08  Public Utility Holding Company Act.................................... 27
6.09  True and Complete Disclosure; Projections and Assumptions............. 27
6.10  Consummation of Transaction........................................... 27
6.11  Financial Condition; Financial Statements............................. 27
6.12  Tax Returns and Payments.............................................. 28
6.13  Compliance with ERISA................................................. 28
6.14  Subsidiaries.......................................................... 30
6.15  Intellectual Property, etc............................................ 30
6.16  Pollution and Other Regulations....................................... 30
6.17  Labor Relations; Collective Bargaining Agreements..................... 30
6.18  Capitalization........................................................ 31
6.19  Indebtedness.......................................................... 31
6.20  Compliance with Statutes, etc......................................... 31
6.21  Insurance Licenses.................................................... 31
6.22  Year 2000 Compliance.................................................. 31
<PAGE>
SECTION 7.  Affirmative Covenants........................................... 32

7.01  Information Covenants................................................. 32
7.02  Books, Records and Inspections........................................ 35
7.03  Insurance............................................................. 35
7.04  Payment of Taxes...................................................... 36
7.05  Corporate Franchises.................................................. 36
7.06  Compliance with Statutes, etc......................................... 36
7.07  ERISA................................................................. 36
7.08  Performance of Obligations............................................ 37
7.09  Good Repair........................................................... 38
7.10  End of Fiscal Years; Fiscal Quarters.................................. 38
7.11  Maintenance of Licenses and Permits................................... 38
7.12  Chartwell Senior Notes................................................ 38
7.13  Subsidiary Guaranties................................................. 38

SECTION 8.  Negative Covenants.............................................. 38

8.01  Changes in Business................................................... 38
8.02  Fundamental Changes; Acquisitions..................................... 38
8.03  Liens................................................................. 39
8.04  Indebtedness.......................................................... 41
8.05  Advances, Investments and Loans....................................... 42
8.06  Dividends, etc........................................................ 44
8.07  Transactions with Affiliates.......................................... 45
8.08  Issuance of Stock..................................................... 45
8.09  Creation of Subsidiaries.............................................. 45
8.10  Partnership Agreements................................................ 45
8.11  Prepayments of Indebtedness, Modifications of Agreements, etc......... 45
8.12  Leverage Ratio........................................................ 46
8.13  Interest Coverage Ratio............................................... 46
8.14  Minimum Risk Based Capital............................................ 46
8.15  Minimum Combined Statutory Surplus.................................... 46
8.16  Minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth............................... 46

SECTION 9.  Events of Default............................................... 46

9.01  Payments.............................................................. 46
9.02  Representations, etc.................................................. 47
9.03  Covenants............................................................. 47
9.04  Default Under Other Agreements........................................ 47
9.05  Bankruptcy, etc....................................................... 47
9.06  ERISA................................................................. 48
9.07  Subsidiary Guaranty................................................... 48
9.08  Judgments............................................................. 49
9.09  Change of Control..................................................... 49
9.10  Senior Unsecured Debt Ratings......................................... 49
9.11  A.M. Best Ratings..................................................... 49

SECTION 10.  Definitions.................................................... 50

SECTION 11.  The Administrative Agent....................................... 72

11.01  Appointment.......................................................... 72
11.02  Delegation of Duties................................................. 72
11.03  Exculpatory Provisions............................................... 72
11.04  Reliance by Administrative Agent..................................... 73
11.05  Notice of Default.................................................... 73
11.06  Non-Reliance......................................................... 73
11.07  Indemnification...................................................... 74
11.08  The Administrative Agent in its Individual Capacity.................. 74
11.09  Successor Administrative Agent....................................... 75
11.10  Other Agents......................................................... 75

SECTION 12.  Miscellaneous.................................................. 76

12.01  Payment of Expenses, etc............................................. 76
12.02  Right of Setoff...................................................... 76
12.03  Notices.............................................................. 77
12.04  Benefit of Agreement................................................. 77
12.05  No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative....................................... 79
12.06  Payments Pro Rata.................................................... 79
12.07  Calculations; Computations........................................... 80
12.08  GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION; VENUE..................... 81
12.09  Counterparts......................................................... 82
12.10  Effectiveness........................................................ 82
12.11  Headings Descriptive................................................. 82
12.12  Amendment or Waiver.................................................. 82
12.13  Survival............................................................. 82
12.14  Domicile of Loans.................................................... 82
12.15  Confidentiality...................................................... 83
12.16  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL................................................. 83
12.17  Judgment Currency.................................................... 83
12.18  Euro................................................................. 84

<PAGE>

ANNEX I       --   List of Banks and Commitments
ANNEX II      --   Bank Addresses
ANNEX III     --   Existing Indebtedness
ANNEX IV      --   Pension Plans
ANNEX V       --   Subsidiaries
ANNEX VI      --   Collective Bargaining Agreements
ANNEX VII     --   Existing Liens
ANNEX VIII    --   Existing Investments
ANNEX IX      --   Capitalization


EXHIBIT A-1   --   Form of Notice of Borrowing
EXHIBIT A-2   --   Form of Letter of Credit Request
EXHIBIT B     --   Form of Letter of Credit
EXHIBIT C-1   --   Form of Opinion of Baker & McKenzie
EXHIBIT C-2   --   Form of Opinion of the General Counsel of Trenwick Group Inc.
EXHIBIT C-3   --   Form of Opinion of White & Case LLP
EXHIBIT D     --   Form of Officer's Certificate
EXHIBIT E     --   Form of Section 4.04(b)(ii) Certificate
EXHIBIT F     --   Form of Subsidiary Guaranty
EXHIBIT G     --   Form of Solvency Certificate
EXHIBIT H     --   Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement

<PAGE>

CREDIT  AGREEMENT,  dated as of November 24, 1999,  among TRENWICK GROUP INC., a
Delaware  corporation (the "Borrower"),  the lending  institutions  listed from
time to time on Annex I hereto (each a "Bank" and,  collectively,  the "Banks"),
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as Syndication Agent (the "Syndication Agent"), FLEET
NATIONAL BANK, as Documentation Agent (the "Documentation  Agent") and THE CHASE
MANHATTAN BANK, as Administrative  Agent (the  "Administrative  Agent").  Unless
otherwise  defined  herein,  all  capitalized  terms used  herein and defined in
Section 10 are used herein as so defined.

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS,  subject to and upon the terms and  conditions  set forth herein,
the Banks are willing to make  available to the  Borrower the credit  facilities
provided for herein;

     NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

     SECTION 1.  Revolving Credit Facility.

     1.01  Commitments. (a) Subject to and upon the terms and conditions  herein
set forth,  each Bank severally  agrees at any time and from time to time on and
after the Effective Date and prior to the  Conversion  Date, to make a revolving
loan or  revolving  loans  (each  a  "Revolving  Loan"  and,  collectively,  the
"Revolving  Loans") to the Borrower,  which  Revolving Loans (i) may be made and
maintained  in such  Approved  Currency as is requested by the Borrower  (except
that Base Rate Loans may only be denominated in Dollars) and (ii) shall,  at the
option of the Borrower,  be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar  Loans,  provided that
all Revolving Loans made as part of the same Borrowing  shall,  unless otherwise
specifically provided herein, consist of Revolving Loans of the same Type, (iii)
may be repaid and  reborrowed in accordance  with the  provisions  hereof,  (iv)
shall not exceed for any Bank at any time outstanding  that aggregate  Principal
Amount which equals the Revolving Loan  Commitment of such Bank at such time and
(v)  shall  not  exceed  for all Banks at any time  outstanding  that  aggregate
Principal  Amount which equals the Available  Total Revolving Loan Commitment at
such time.

     (b) Subject  to and upon the  terms and  conditions set forth  herein,  the
Borrower and each Bank which has Revolving Loans  outstanding at such time agree
that at 9:00  A.M.  (New  York  time)  on the  Conversion  Date,  the  aggregate
principal  amount of Revolving  Loans owing to such Bank and outstanding at such
time shall (unless such Revolving  Loans have been declared (or have become) due
and  payable  pursuant to this  Agreement),  without any notice or action by any
party,  automatically  convert to and thereafter  constitute Term Loans owing to
such  Bank  hereunder.  The  Term  Loans  of each  Bank  (i)  shall  be made and
thereafter  maintained  in the same  currencies  in which the related  Revolving
Loans were  denominated as of the Conversion  Date, (ii) shall, at the option of
the  Borrower,  be Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar  Loans,  provided that (A) Base
Rate Loans may only be denominated in Dollars and (B) all Term Loans  comprising
the same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, consist
of Term Loans of the same Type and (iii)  shall not exceed in initial  Principal
Amount  for such Bank an amount  which  equals  the  total  Principal  Amount of
Revolving  Loans  owed to such  Bank and  outstanding  immediately  prior to the
Conversion Date. Once repaid, Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

                                       1
<PAGE>

     1.02  Minimum   Amount of Each  Borrowing;  Maximum  Number of  Borrowings.
The aggregate  Principal  Amount of each Borrowing  hereunder  shall not be less
than the Minimum  Borrowing  Amount.  More than one Borrowing may be incurred on
any day;  provided  that at no time shall  there be  outstanding  more than five
Borrowings of Eurodollar Loans.

     1.03 Notice of  Borrowing of  Revolving  Loans.  (a) Whenever  the Borrower
desires to incur Revolving Loans, it shall give the Administrative  Agent at its
Notice Office,  (x) prior to 11:00 A.M. (New York time), at least three Business
Days' prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly  confirmed in writing)
of each  Borrowing of Eurodollar  Loans in Dollars,  (y) prior to 1:00 P.M. (New
York time) at least four Business  Days' prior written of notice (or  telephonic
notice  promptly  confirmed in writing) of each  Borrowing of  Eurodollar  Loans
constituting  Alternate  Currency  Loans and (z) prior to 11:00  A.M.  (New York
time) at least one Business  Day's prior  written  notice (or  telephone  notice
promptly  confirmed in writing)  each  Borrowing  of Base Rate Loans.  Each such
notice (each, a "Notice of  Borrowing")  shall be in the form of Exhibit A-1 and
shall be  irrevocable  and shall  specify (i) in the case of Alternate  Currency
Loans, the Approved Currency for such Loans, (ii) the aggregate principal amount
of the  Revolving  Loans to be made  pursuant to such  Borrowing  (stated in the
applicable  Approved  Currency),  (iii) the date of Borrowing  (which shall be a
Business Day) and (iv) whether the  respective  Borrowing  shall consist of Base
Rate Loans or Eurodollar  Loans.  The  Administrative  Agent shall promptly give
each Bank written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of
each proposed Borrowing, of the portion thereof to be funded by such Bank and of
the other matters covered by the Notice of Borrowing.

     (b) Without in any way limiting the  obligation  of the Borrower to confirm
in  writing  any  telephonic  notice  permitted  to  be  given  hereunder,   the
Administrative  Agent may prior to receipt of written  confirmation  act without
liability upon the basis of such telephonic notice, believed by it in good faith
to be from an  Authorized  Officer  of the  Borrower.  In each  such  case,  the
Borrower hereby waives the right to dispute the Administrative Agent's record of
the terms of such telephonic notice absent manifest error.

     1.04  Disbursement of Funds. (a) No later than  11:00 A.M.  (New York time)
on the date specified in each Notice of Borrowing, each Bank will make available
its pro rata share, if any, of such Borrowing requested to be made on such date.
All such  amounts  shall be made  available to the  Administrative  Agent in the
relevant Approved Currency and immediately available funds at the Payment Office
and the  Administrative  Agent will make available to the Borrower by depositing
to the  account  designated  by  the  Borrower,  which  account  shall  be at an
institution in the same city as the respective  Payment Office, the aggregate of
the  amounts  so made  available  in the  type of  funds  received.  Unless  the
Administrative  Agent shall have been  notified by any Bank  participating  in a
Borrowing  prior to the date of such Borrowing that such Bank does not intend to
make  available  to the  Administrative  Agent its portion of the  Borrowing  or
Borrowings  to be made on such date,  the  Administrative  Agent may assume that
such Bank has made such amount  available  to the  Administrative  Agent on such
date  of  Borrowing,  and  the  Administrative  Agent,  in  reliance  upon  such
assumption,  may (in its sole  discretion  and without any  obligation to do so)
make available to the Borrower a corresponding  amount.  If such  corresponding
amount is not in fact made available to the  Administrative  Agent by such Bank
and the  Administrative  Agent  has made  available  same to the  Borrower,  the
Administrative Agent shall be entitled to recover such corresponding amount from
such Bank. If such Bank does not pay such  corresponding  amount  forthwith upon
the  Administrative  Agent's demand  therefor,  the  Administrative  Agent shall
promptly notify the Borrower in writing or by telephone  (promptly  confirmed in
writing),  and the Borrower shall immediately pay such  corresponding  amount to
the  Administrative  Agent. The  Administrative  Agent shall also be entitled to
recover on demand from such Bank or the Borrower,  as the case may be,  interest
on such  corresponding  amount  in  respect  of each  day  from  the  date  such
corresponding  amount  was made  available  by the  Administrative  Agent to the
Borrower  to  the  date  such   corresponding   amount  is   recovered   by  the
Administrative Agent, at a rate per annum equal to (x) if paid by such Bank, the
overnight Federal Funds Effective Rate or (y) if paid by the Borrower,  the then
applicable rate of interest, calculated in accordance with Section 1.08, for the
type of respective Loans which were required to be repaid.

                                       2
<PAGE>

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

     1.05 Register.  (a) The Administrative  Agent shall maintain a register for
the recordation of the Revolving Loan Commitments and the L/C Commitments of the
Banks  from  time to time and,  after  the  Conversion  Date has  occurred,  the
principal  amount of the Term  Loans  owing to each Bank (the  "Register").  The
entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent
manifest  error.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower
or any Bank at any reasonable time and from time to time upon  reasonable  prior
notice.

     (b) The Borrower hereby agrees to provide a Note, promptly upon the request
of any Bank, to the extent such Bank has requested such Note in connection  with
any pledge or assignment by such Bank of any or all of its Loans  hereunder to a
Federal Reserve Bank.

     1.06 Conversions.  The Borrower  shall  have the  option to  convert on any
Business Day all or a portion at least equal to the applicable Minimum Borrowing
Amount of its outstanding  Loans  denominated in a single Approved  Currency and
constituting  Base Rate Loans or Eurodollar Loans into a Borrowing or Borrowings
of Loans denominated in such Approved Currency and constituting Eurodollar Loans
or Base Rate Loans, respectively, provided that (i) Eurodollar Loans denominated
in a currency other than Dollars may not be converted into Base Rate Loans, (ii)
no partial  conversion  shall  reduce the  outstanding  principal  amount of the
Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing to less than the Minimum Borrowing
Amount  applicable  thereto,  (iii)  Base Rate Loans may not be  converted  into
Eurodollar  Loans when a Default or Event of Default is then in existence if the
Administrative Agent or the Required Banks shall have determined in its or their
sole  discretion not to permit such conversion and (iv) Borrowings of Eurodollar
Loans resulting from this Section 1.06 shall be limited in number as provided in
Section 1.02. Each such conversion  shall be effected by the Borrower giving the
Administrative  Agent at the Notice Office, prior to 11:00 A.M. (New York time),
at least three  Business  Days' (or one Business Day in the case of a conversion
into Base Rate  Loans)  prior  written  notice (or  telephonic  notice  promptly
confirmed in writing) (each, a "Notice of  Conversion")  specifying the Loans to
be so converted,  the Type of Loans (as to interest option) to be converted into
and, if to be  converted  into a Borrowing  of  Eurodollar  Loans,  the Interest
Period to be initially  applicable thereto.  The Administrative Agent shall give
each Bank prompt  notice of any such  proposed  conversion  affecting any of its
Loans.

                                       3
<PAGE>


     1.07 Pro Rata Borrowings. All Revolving Loans under this Agreement shall be
made by the Banks pro rata on the basis of their Revolving Loan Commitments.  It
is  understood  that no Bank shall be  responsible  for any default by any other
Bank in its  obligation  to make  Loans  hereunder  and that each Bank  shall be
obligated to make the Loans  provided to be made by it hereunder,  regardless of
the failure of any other Bank to fulfill its commitments hereunder.

     1.08 Interest. (a) The unpaid principal amount of each Base Rate Loan shall
bear interest  from the date of the  Borrowing  thereof until the earlier of (i)
the maturity  (whether by  acceleration or otherwise) of such Base Rate Loan and
(ii) the  conversion  of such Base Rate Loan to a  Eurodollar  Loan  pursuant to
Section  1.06,  at a rate per  annum  which  shall at all  times be equal to the
Applicable  Margin  then in  effect  for Base Rate  Loans  plus the Base Rate in
effect from time to time.

     (b) The unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest
from the date of the  Borrowing  thereof  until the earlier of (i) the  maturity
(whether by  acceleration  or  otherwise)  of such  Eurodollar  Loan or (ii) the
conversion of such Eurodollar Loan to a Base Rate Loan pursuant to Section 1.06,
at a rate per annum which shall at all times be equal to the  Applicable  Margin
then in effect for  Eurodollar  Loans plus the  relevant  LIBOR for the Interest
Period applicable to such Eurodollar Loan.

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

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

     (e) All  computations  of interest  hereunder  shall be made in accordance
with Section 12.07(b) and (c).

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


                                       4
<PAGE>

     1.09 Interest Periods. At the time the Borrower gives a Notice of Borrowing
or Notice of  Conversion  in respect of the making  of, or  conversion  into,  a
Borrowing  of  Eurodollar  Loans  (in the case of the  initial  Interest  Period
applicable thereto) or prior to 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the third Business
Day prior to the expiration of an Interest  Period  applicable to a Borrowing of
Eurodollar Loans, it shall have the right to elect by giving the  Administrative
Agent written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) of the
Interest Period to be applicable to such Borrowing, which Interest Period shall,
at the  option  of the  Borrower,  be a one,  two,  three or six  month  period.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above:

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

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

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

      (iv) no Interest Period may be elected at any time when a Default or Event
of Default is then in  existence  if the  Administrative  Agent or the  Required
Banks shall have  determined in its or their sole  discretion not to permit such
Interest Period;

       (v) no Interest  Period shall extend beyond the Term Loan Maturity  Date;
and

      (vi) no Interest Period with respect to any Borrowing of Term Loans may be
elected  that would extend  beyond any date upon which a mandatory  repayment of
Term Loans is required to be made under  Section  4.02(i)(a)  if,  after  giving
effect to the selection of such Interest Period, the aggregate  principal amount
of Term Loans  maintained as Eurodollar Loans with Interest Periods ending after
such date would exceed the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans permitted to
be outstanding after such mandatory repayment.

If upon the expiration of any Interest  Period,  the Borrower has failed,  or is
not  permitted,  to  elect  a new  Interest   Period  to be  applicable  to  the
respective  Borrowing of Eurodollar  Loans as provided above, the Borrower shall
be deemed to have elected to convert  such  Borrowing  into a Borrowing of Base
Rate Loans effective as of the expiration date of such current  Interest Period;
provided that if such Eurodollar  Loans are denominated in a currency other than
Dollars,  then such  Eurodollar  Loans  shall not convert to Base Rate Loans but
shall  instead  be  prepaid  by the  Borrower  on the last day of such  Interest
Period.

                                       5
<PAGE>
     1.10 Increased Costs,  Illegality,  etc. (a) In  the event that (x) in  the
case of clause (i) or (iv) below, the Administrative Agent or (y) in the case of
clauses  (ii)  and  (iii)  below,   any  Bank  shall  have   determined   (which
determination  shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding
upon all parties hereto,  provided that such determination has been made in good
faith):

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

       (ii)  at any  time,  that  such  Bank  shall  incur  increased  costs  or
reductions in the amounts  received or receivable  hereunder with respect to any
Eurodollar  Loans  (other than any  increased  cost or  reduction  in the amount
received or receivable  resulting from the imposition of or a change in the rate
of taxes or similar  charges) because of (x) any change since the Effective Date
in any applicable  law,  governmental  rule,  regulation,  guideline,  order or
request (whether or not having the force of law), or in the  interpretation or
administration  thereof  and  including  the  introduction  of any  new  law or
governmental  rule,  regulation,  guideline,  order or  request  (such as,  for
example, but not limited to, a change in official reserve requirements,  but, in
all  events,  excluding  reserves  required  under  Regulation  D to the  extent
included  in  the  computation  of  the  respective   LIBOR)  and/or  (y)  other
circumstances materially affecting the interbank Eurodollar market generally;

     (iii) at any time,  that the making or continuance  of any Eurodollar  Loan
has become  unlawful due to the  compliance  by such Bank in good faith with any
change  since the  Effective  Date in any law,  governmental  rule,  regulation,
guideline or order,  or the  interpretation  or  application  thereof,  or would
conflict  with any  thereof not having the force of law but with which such Bank
customarily  complies,  or has become impracticable as a result of a contingency
occurring  after the  Effective  Date which  materially  adversely  affects  the
interbank Eurodollar market; or

      (iv)  at  any  time  that  any  Alternate  Currency  is not  available  in
sufficient amounts, as determined in good faith by the Administrative  Agent, to
fund any Borrowing of Loans denominated in such Alternate Currency;

then, and in any such event, such Bank (or the Administrative  Agent in the case
of clause (i) or (iv)  above)  shall (x) on such date and (y) within 10 Business
Days of the date on which such event no longer  exists give notice (by telephone
confirmed in writing) to the Borrower and, except in the case of clauses (i) and
(iv) above, to the Administrative  Agent of such determination (which notice the
Administrative  Agent  shall  promptly  transmit  to each of the  other  Banks).
Thereafter  (w) in the case of clause (i)  above,  Eurodollar  Loans,  priced in
respect of the affected  LIBOR,  shall no longer be available until such time as
the  Administrative   Agent  notifies  the  Borrower  and  the  Banks  that  the
circumstances  giving rise to such notice by the Administrative Agent no longer
exist, and any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion given by the Borrower
with  respect to  Eurodollar  Loans  which have not yet been  incurred  shall be
deemed  rescinded  by the  Borrower  or, in the case of a Notice  of  Borrowing,
shall,  at the  option of the  Borrower,  be deemed  converted  into a Notice of
Borrowing  for Base Rate Loans to be made on the date of Borrowing  contained in
such Notice of  Borrowing,  (x) in the case of clause (ii) above,  the  Borrower
shall  pay to such  Bank,  within  10  days of its  receipt  of  written  demand
therefor,  such  additional  amounts (in the form of an increased  rate of, or a
different  method of  calculating,  interest  or  otherwise  as such Bank shall
determine)  as shall be required  to  compensate  such Bank for such  increased
costs or reductions in amounts receivable hereunder (a written notice as to the
additional  amounts  owed to such Bank,  showing  the basis for the  calculation
thereof, which basis shall be reasonable and consistently applied,  submitted to
the Borrower by such Bank shall,  absent manifest error, be final and conclusive
and binding upon all parties hereto), (y) in the case of clause (iii) above, the
Borrower shall take one of the actions  specified in Section 1.10(b) as promptly
as possible and, in any event, within the time period required by applicable law
and (z) in the  case of  clause  (iv)  above,  Loans in the  affected  Alternate
Currency  shall no longer be  available  until  such time as the  Administrative
Agent notifies the Borrower and the Banks that the circumstances giving rise to
such  notice by the  Administrative  Agent no longer  exist in  accordance  with
clause (y) of the preceding  sentence,  and any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of
Conversion  given by a Borrower with respect to such  Alternate  Currency  Loans
which have not yet been incurred shall be deemed rescinded by the Borrower.

                                       6
<PAGE>
     (b) At any time that any Eurodollar Loan is affected  by the  circumstances
described in Section  1.10(a)(ii) or (iii), the Borrower may (and in the case of
a Eurodollar Loan affected pursuant to Section  1.10(a)(iii) the Borrower shall)
either (i) if the  affected  Eurodollar  Loan is then being made  pursuant  to a
Borrowing,  by giving the  Administrative  Agent telephonic  notice  (confirmed
promptly in writing)  thereof on the same date that the Borrower was notified in
writing  by a Bank  pursuant  to  Section  1.10(a)(ii)  or  (iii),  cancel  said
Borrowing,  convert  the  related  Notice of  Borrowing  into one  requesting  a
Borrowing of Base Rate Loans or require the affected  Bank to make its requested
Loan  as a Base  Rate  Loan,  or (ii) if the  affected  Eurodollar  Loan is then
outstanding,  upon at least three  Business  Days' notice to the  Administrative
Agent, (A) in the case of a Eurodollar Loan denominated in Dollars,  require the
affected Bank to convert each such  Eurodollar  Loan into a Base Rate Loan,  and
(B) in the case of a Eurodollar Loan denominated in an Alternate Currency, repay
all  such  Eurodollar  Loans  in full,  provided  that if more  than one Bank is
affected at any time, then all affected Banks must be treated in the same manner
pursuant to this Section 1.10(b).

     (c) If  any  Bank  shall have determined  that after the Effective Date the
adoption or  effectiveness  of any applicable law, rule or regulation  regarding
capital adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in the interpretation or
administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable
agency charged by law with the  interpretation  or  administration  thereof,  or
compliance by such Bank or its parent  corporation with any request or directive
regarding  capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such
Governmental  Authority,  central bank or comparable  agency,  in each case made
subsequent to the Effective  Date,  has or would have the effect of reducing the
rate of return on such Bank's or its parent corporation's capital or assets as a
consequence of such Bank's commitments or obligations hereunder to a level below
that which such Bank or its parent  corporation could have achieved but for such
adoption,  effectiveness,  change or compliance  (taking into consideration such
Bank's or its parent  corporation's  policies with respect to capital adequacy),
then from time to time,  the  Borrower  shall  within 10 days of its  receipt of
written demand by such Bank (with a copy to the  Administrative  Agent),  pay to
such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank or its
parent  corporation  for such reduction.  Each Bank,  upon  determining in good
faith that any  additional  amounts  will be payable  pursuant to this  Section
1.10(c),  will give prompt written notice thereof to the Borrower,  which notice
shall set  forth in  reasonable  detail  the  basis of the  calculation  of such
additional  amounts,  which basis must be reasonable and  consistently  applied,
although  the failure to give any such notice  shall not release or diminish any
of the Borrower's obligations to pay additional amounts pursuant to this Section
1.10(c) upon the subsequent receipt of such notice.

                                       7
<PAGE>

     1.11  Compensation.  The  Borrower shall  compensate  each  Bank, upon  its
written  request (which  request shall set forth the basis for  requesting  such
compensation),  for all reasonable losses, expenses and liabilities (including,
without  limitation,  any loss,  expense or liability  incurred by reason of the
liquidation or  reemployment of deposits or other funds required by such Bank to
fund its Eurodollar  Loans but  excluding  any loss of anticipated  profit with
respect  to such  Loans)  which  such Bank may  sustain:  (i) if for any reason
(other than a default by such Bank or the  Administrative  Agent) a Borrowing of
Eurodollar  Loans  does not occur on a date  specified  therefor  in a Notice of
Borrowing or Notice of  Conversion  (whether or not withdrawn by the Borrower or
deemed withdrawn pursuant to Section 1.10(a)); (ii) if any repayment, prepayment
or conversion of any of its  Eurodollar  Loans occurs on a date which is not the
last day of an Interest Period  applicable  thereto;  (iii) if any prepayment of
any of its  Eurodollar  Loans is not made on any date  specified  in a notice of
prepayment  given by the  Borrower;  or (iv) as a  consequence  of (x) any other
failure by the  Borrower  to repay its Loans when  required by the terms of this
Agreement or (y) an election made pursuant to Section  1.10(b).  Calculation of
all amounts  payable to a Bank under this  Section  1.11 shall be made as though
that Bank had actually funded its relevant  Eurodollar Loan through the purchase
of a Eurodollar  deposit  bearing  interest at the  relevant  LIBOR in an amount
equal to the amount of that Loan,  having a maturity  comparable to the relevant
Interest  Period and through the  transfer of such  Eurodollar  deposit  from an
offshore  office of that Bank or other bank to a domestic office of that Bank in
the United States of America; provided, however, that each Bank may fund each of
its  Eurodollar  Loans in any  manner it sees fit and the  foregoing  assumption
shall be  utilized  only for the  calculation  of  amounts  payable  under this
Section 1.11.

     1.12 Change of Lending  Office.  Each Bank agrees that, upon the occurrence
of any event  giving rise to the  operation of Section  1.10(a)(ii)  or (iii) or
Section 4.04 with respect to such Bank,  it will,  if requested by the Borrower,
use reasonable efforts (subject to overall policy  considerations of such Bank)
to  designate  another  lending  office for any Loans  affected  by such  event;
provided  that such  designation  is made on such terms that,  in the opinion of
such  Bank,  such Bank and its  lending  office  suffer no  economic,  legal or
regulatory  disadvantage,  with the object of avoiding  the  consequence  of the
event giving rise to the operation of any such Section.  Nothing in this Section
1.12 shall  affect or postpone  any of the  obligations  of the  Borrower or the
right of any Bank provided in Section 1.10 or 4.04.


                                       8
<PAGE>

     1.13 Replacement of Banks. (x) If any Bank becomes a Defaulting Bank or (y)
upon the  occurrence  of any  event  giving  rise to the  operation  of  Section
1.10(a)(ii) or (iii),  Section  1.10(c) or Section 4.04 with respect to any Bank
which results in such Bank charging to the Borrower increased costs in excess of
those being  generally  charged by the other Banks,  the Borrower shall have the
right, if no Default or Event of Default then exists,  to replace such Bank (the
"Replaced Bank") with one or more other banks or financial institutions, none of
whom  shall  constitute  a  Defaulting  Bank at the  time  of  such  replacement
(collectively,   the   "Replacement   Bank")   reasonably   acceptable   to  the
Administrative  Agent, provided that (i) at the time of any replacement pursuant
to this  Section  1.13,  the  Replacement  Bank  shall  enter  into  one or more
Assignment and Assumption  Agreements pursuant to Section 12.04(b) (and with all
fees  payable  pursuant to said Section  12.04(b) to be paid by the  Replacement
Bank) pursuant to which the Replacement  Bank shall acquire all of the Revolving
Loan  Commitments  (if  prior  to the  Conversion  Date)  and  all  of  the  L/C
Commitments  and all of the  outstanding  Loans of the  Replaced  Bank  and,  in
connection  therewith,  shall pay to the  Replaced  Bank in  respect  thereof an
amount  equal  to (A)  the  principal  of,  and all  accrued  interest  on,  all
outstanding  Loans of the Replaced  Bank plus (B) all accrued,  but  theretofore
unpaid,  Fees owing to the Replaced Bank pursuant to Section 3.01, and (ii) all
obligations  (including,  without limitation,  all such amounts, if any, due and
owing under  Section  1.11) of the Borrower  due and owing to the Replaced  Bank
(other than those specifically described in clause (i) above in respect of which
the assignment  purchase  price has been, or is concurrently  being, paid) shall
be paid in full to such Replaced Bank concurrently with such replacement.  Upon
the execution of the respective Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the payment
of amounts referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above, the Replacement Bank shall
become a Bank  hereunder and the Replaced Bank shall cease to constitute a Bank
hereunder,   except  with  respect  to  indemnification  provisions  under  this
Agreement (including, without limitation,  Sections 1.10, 1.11, 4.04, 11.07 and
12.01), which shall survive as to such Replaced Bank.

     SECTION 2.  Letter of Credit Facility.

     2.01 Letters of Credit.  (a) Subject to and upon the terms  and  conditions
herein set forth,  the  Borrower  may request the Issuing  Agent at any time and
from  time to time on or  after  the  Effective  Date and on or prior to the L/C
Issuance  Expiration Date to issue, for the benefit of Lloyds and in support of,
on a standby basis,  L/C  Supportable  Obligations,  and subject to and upon the
terms and  conditions  herein set forth the Issuing Agent agrees to issue at any
time and from time to time on or after the Effective Date and on or prior to the
L/C Issuance  Expiration Date, one or more irrevocable standby letters of credit
in the form of Exhibit B (each such letter of credit,  a "Letter of Credit" and,
collectively,  the "Letters of Credit").  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the
Issuing  Agent shall be under no  obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if at
the time of such issuance:

        (i) any  order,  judgment  or decree of any  governmental  authority  or
arbitrator shall purport by its terms to enjoin or restrain the Issuing Agent or
any L/C Bank from  issuing  such  Letter of  Credit  or any  requirement  of law
applicable  to the  Issuing  Agent or any L/C Bank or any  request or  directive
(whether or not having the force of law) from any  governmental  authority with
jurisdiction  over the Issuing Agent or any L/C Bank shall prohibit,  or request
that the Issuing Agent or any L/C Bank refrain from,  the issuance of letters of
credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon the
Issuing  Agent or any L/C  Bank  with  respect  to such  Letter  of  Credit  any
restriction or reserve or capital  requirement  (for which the Issuing Agent or
any L/C Bank is not otherwise compensated) not in effect on the date hereof, or
any  unreimbursed  loss, cost or expense which was not applicable,  in effect or
known to the  Issuing  Agent or any L/C Bank as of the date hereof and which the
Issuing Agent or any L/C Bank in good faith deems material to it; or

       (ii) the conditions precedent set forth in Section 5 are not satisfied at
that time.

                                       9
<PAGE>

     (b) Each Letter of Credit  will be issued  by the Issuing  Agent on  behalf
of the L/C Banks,  and each L/C Bank will  participate  in each Letter of Credit
pro rata in accordance with its L/C Percentage. The obligations of each L/C Bank
under and in respect of each  Letter of Credit are  several,  and the failure by
any L/C Bank to perform its obligations  hereunder or under any Letter of Credit
shall not affect the  obligations of the Borrower  toward any other party hereto
nor shall any other  such  party be liable  for the  failure by such L/C Bank to
perform its obligations hereunder or under any Letter of Credit.

     (c)  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  (i) the  aggregate  Stated Amount of
each Letter of Credit shall not exceed an amount which, when added to the Letter
of Credit  Outstandings  at the time of issuance  thereof,  equals the Total L/C
Commitment  at the time of  issuance  thereof;  (ii) no L/C Bank's L/C  Exposure
shall  exceed  such L/C Bank's L/C  Commitment  at the time of  issuance  of any
Letter of Credit (and after giving effect to such  issuance);  (iii) each Letter
of Credit (x) issued after the Effective  Date and prior to the Lloyds Coming in
Line Date occurring in November,  2000 shall have an initial  expiration date of
December 31, 2004 and (y) issued  thereafter  but prior to the Lloyds  Coming in
Line Date  occurring  in  November,  2001 (to the extent  permitted to be issued
hereunder) shall have an initial expiration date of December 31, 2005; (iv) each
Letter of Credit may be  denominated  in any Approved  Currency as determined by
the Borrower at the time of issuance,  and payable on a sight basis; and (v) the
Issuing  Agent will not issue any Letter of Credit after it has received  notice
from the Borrower or the Required Banks stating that any condition precedent set
forth in Section 5 is not  satisfied at that time until the Issuing  Agent shall
have received a written  notice of (x)  rescission of such notice from the party
or  parties  originally  delivering  the same or (y) a waiver of such  condition
precedent by the Required Banks.

     (d) Subject to and on  the  terms  and  conditions  set forth  herein,  the
Issuing Agent is hereby  authorized by the Borrower and the L/C Banks to arrange
for the  issuance of any Letter of Credit  pursuant  to Section  2.01(a) and the
amendment of any Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.06 and/or 12.04(b) by:

        (i) completing the commencement date and the expiry date of such Letter
of Credit;

       (ii) (in the case of an  amendment  increasing  or  reducing  the  amount
thereof) amending such Letter of Credit in such manner as Lloyd's may agree;

     (iii)   completing   Schedule  1  to  such   Letter  of  Credit   with  the
participation of each L/C Bank as allocated pursuant to the terms hereof; and

      (iv)  executing  such  Letter  of  Credit  on  behalf of each L/C Bank and
following such execution delivering such Letter of Credit to Lloyd's.

     (e) Each L/C Bank hereby makes, constitute  and appoints the Issuing  Agent
its true and lawful  attorney-in-fact,  in its name, place and stead, giving the
Issuing  Agent full power to issue,  amend and take other action with respect to
each Letter of Credit as contemplated by this Agreement.

                                       10
<PAGE>
     2.02 Letter of Credit Request; Notices of Issuance. (a) Whenever it desires
a Letter of Credit to be  issued,  the  Borrower  shall give the  Issuing  Agent
written notice that it desires such Letter of Credit to be issued, which written
notice shall be in the form of Exhibit A-2 (the "Letter of Credit Request"). The
Letter of Credit Request shall include any other documents as the Administrative
Agent customarily requires in connection therewith.

     (b) Upon its issuance of or amendment to any Letter of Credit,  the Issuing
Agent shall  promptly  notify the Borrower and the L/C Banks of such issuance or
amendment,  which notice shall  include a summary  description  of the Letter of
Credit actually issued and any amendments thereto.

     2.03  Agreement to Repay Letter of Credit Payments. (a) The Borrower hereby
agrees to reimburse each L/C Bank, by making  payment  directly to each L/C Bank
in immediately available funds, for any payment or disbursement made by such L/C
Bank under any Letter of Credit  (each such  amount so paid or  disbursed  until
reimbursed,  an "Unpaid  Drawing") no later than one Business Day  following the
date that the  Borrower  receives  notice in writing or by  telephone  (promptly
confirmed in writing) from the Issuing Agent of such payment or  disbursement,
with  interest on the amount so paid or disbursed by such L/C Bank to the extent
not reimbursed prior to 1:00 P.M. (New York time) on the date of such payment or
disbursement,  from  and  including  the  date  paid  or  disbursed  to but not
including the date that such L/C Bank is reimbursed therefor at a rate per annum
which shall be the  Applicable  Margin plus the Base Rate as in effect from time
to time (plus an additional 2% per annum if not reimbursed by the third Business
Day  after  the date the  Borrower  receives  notice  from such L/C Bank of such
payment or disbursement),  such interest also to be payable on demand,  provided
that if a Default or an Event of Default  under Section 9.05 shall have occurred
and be continuing,  such Unpaid  Drawings shall be due and payable  immediately
without  presentment,  demand,  protest  or notice of any kind (all of which are
hereby waived by the Borrower) and shall bear interest at a rate per annum which
shall be the Base Rate plus the Applicable  Margin (plus an additional 2% on and
after the third Business Day following the respective drawing).

     (b) The Borrower's obligation under this Section 2.03 to reimburse each L/C
Bank with respect to Unpaid Drawings (including, in each case, interest thereon)
shall  be  absolute  and  unconditional  under  any  and all  circumstances  and
irrespective  of any  setoff,  counterclaim  or  defense  to  payment  which the
Borrower  may have or have had  against  such  L/C  Bank or the  Issuing  Agent,
including, without limitation, any defense based upon the failure of any drawing
under any Letter of Credit to substantially  conform to the terms of such Letter
of Credit or any  non-application  or misapplication by the beneficiary of the
proceeds of such  drawing;  provided,  however,  that the Borrower  shall not be
obligated to reimburse  any L/C Bank for any wrongful  payment made by such L/C
Bank  under a Letter  of Credit  issued  by it as a result of acts or  omissions
constituting  willful  misconduct  or gross  negligence on the part of such L/C
Bank.


                                       11
<PAGE>
     2.04  Increased Costs.   If  after  the  Effective Date,  the  adoption  or
effectiveness of any applicable law, rule or regulation,  or any change therein,
or  any  change  in  the  interpretation  or  administration   thereof  by  any
Governmental  Authority,  central  bank or  comparable  agency  charged with the
interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any L/C Bank with any
request  or  directive  (whether  or not  having  the  force of law) by any such
Governmental  Authority,  central  bank or  comparable  agency  shall either (i)
impose,  modify or make  applicable any reserve,  deposit,  capital  adequacy or
similar  requirement  against letters of credit issued by or participated in by
such L/C Bank,  or (ii) impose on such L/C Bank any other  conditions  affecting
this Agreement or any Letter of Credit and the result of any of the foregoing is
to  increase  the cost to such L/C  Bank,  or to  reduce  the  amount of any sum
received or  receivable by such L/C Bank,  then from time to time,  the Borrower
shall  within 10 days of its receipt of written  demand by such L/C Bank (with a
copy to the Administrative  Agent) pay to such L/C Bank such additional amounts
as will compensate such L/C Bank for such cost or reduction. Each L/C Bank, upon
determining in good faith that any additional  amounts will be payable  pursuant
to this Section 2.04,  will give prompt  written notice thereof to the Borrower,
which notice shall set forth in reasonable  detail the basis of the  calculation
of such  additional  amounts,  which basis must be reasonable  and  consistently
applied,  although  the failure to deliver any such notice  shall not release or
diminish the Borrower's  obligations to pay additional amounts pursuant to this
Section 2.04 upon subsequent receipt of such notice.

     2.05 Letter of Credit Expiration Extensions. (a) Each L/C Bank acknowledges
that in accordance  with the terms of each Letter of Credit the expiration  date
of such Letter of Credit will be automatically  extended for an additional year,
without written amendment, unless, at least 30 days prior to December 31 of each
year (commencing  with December 31, 2000),  notice is given by the Issuing Agent
in accordance  with the terms of the  respective  Letter of Credit (a "Notice of
Non-Extension")  that the  Letter  of Credit  will not be  extended  beyond  its
current expiration date.

     (b) In   connection  with  the  first  possible  extension  of  Letters  of
Credit  (occurring in the year 2000),  the Issuing Agent shall not give a Notice
of Non-Extension in respect of any Letter of Credit unless a Default or Event of
Default  exists at such  time,  in which  case the  Issuing  Agent  may,  and if
requested by the Required Banks will, give a Notice of  Non-Extension to Lloyd's
in  respect  of each  Letter  of Credit  no later  than  December  1,  2000.  In
connection with any subsequent  possible extension of the Letters of Credit, the
Issuing Agent may, and if requested by any L/C Bank (which  request any L/C Bank
may make in its sole  discretion)  the  Issuing  Agent  will,  give a Notice  of
Non-Extension  to  Lloyd's  in  respect  of each  Letter of Credit no later than
December 1st of such year.

     (c) Each L/C Bank agrees that on or prior to  the  date  occurring  90 days
prior to the Lloyds Coming in Line Date  occurring in November,  2001,  such L/C
Bank will notify the Borrower as to whether such L/C Bank intends to request the
Issuing Agent to deliver Notices of Non-Extension in respect of then outstanding
Letters of Credit in accordance with the last sentence of Section 2.05(b) above,
provided  that the failure of any L/C Bank to give such  notice to the  Borrower
shall not preclude such L/C Bank from  subsequently  delivering  such request to
the  Issuing  Agent  or the  Issuing  Agent  from  giving  any such  Notices  of
Non-Extension to Lloyds.

                                       12
<PAGE>

     2.06  Changes  to  Stated  Amount.  At any time  when any Letter of  Credit
is  outstanding,  at the request of the  Borrower,  the Issuing Agent will enter
into an amendment  increasing  or reducing  the Stated  Amount of such Letter of
Credit,  provided that (i) in no event shall the Stated Amount of such Letter of
Credit be  increased  to an amount  which,  when  added to the  Letter of Credit
Outstandings  at such time,  exceeds the Total L/C Commitment at such time, (ii)
the Stated  Amount of a Letter of Credit may not be increased at any time if the
conditions  precedent  set forth in Section 5.02 are not satisfied at such time,
and (iii) the Stated  Amount of a Letter of Credit may not be  increased  at any
time after the L/C Issuance Expiration Date.

     2.07  Representations and Warranties of L/C Banks. Each L/C Bank represents
and warrants that each Letter of Credit  constitutes a legal,  valid and binding
obligation of such L/C Bank enforceable in accordance with its terms.

     SECTION 3.  Fees; Commitments.

     3.01 Fees. (a) The Borrower shall pay a commitment fee (the "RL  Commitment
Fee") to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Non-Defaulting Bank
for the period from the  Effective  Date to but not including the earlier of (A)
the date the Total  Revolving Loan  Commitment  has been  terminated and (B) the
Conversion  Date,  computed  at a rate  per  annum  for  each  day  equal to the
Applicable  Commitment  Fee  Percentage  then in effect on the daily  Unutilized
Revolving Loan Commitment of such Bank.  Accrued RL Commitment Fees shall be due
and  payable  quarterly  in arrears on the last  Business  Day of each  calendar
quarter and the earlier of the date the Total Revolving Loan Commitment has been
terminated and the Conversion Date.

     (b) The Borrower  shall pay a commitment fee (the "L/C  Commitment  Fee")
to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each Non-Defaulting Bank for the
period from the  Effective  Date to but not  including the date that such Bank's
L/C  Commitment has been  terminated,  computed at a rate per annum for each day
equal to the Applicable  Commitment  Fee Percentage  then in effect on the daily
Unutilized L/C Commitment of such Bank. Accrued L/C Commitment Fees shall be due
and  payable  quarterly  in arrears on the last  Business  Day of each  calendar
quarter and the date the Total L/C Commitment has been terminated.

     (c) The  Borrower  shall pay a letter of credit fee (the "Letter of  Credit
Fee") to the Administrative  Agent for distribution to each  Non-Defaulting Bank
with an L/C  Commitment  for the period from the date of issuance of the initial
Letter of Credit to but not including  the date that such Bank's L/C  Commitment
has been  terminated,  computed  at a rate for each day equal to the  Applicable
Margin  then in effect for  Eurodollar  Loans on the daily L/C  Exposure of such
Bank (provided that for purposes of this Section  3.01(c) only,  each L/C Bank's
L/C  Exposure  shall  be  no  less  than  such  L/C  Bank's  L/C  Percentage  of
$150,000,000).  Accrued Letter of Credit Fees shall be due and payable quarterly
in arrears on the last  Business Day of each  calendar  quarter and the date the
Total L/C Commitment has been terminated.

     (d) The Borrower  hereby  agrees to  pay to the  Issuing   Agent upon  each
issuance  of,  payment  under,  and/or  amendment  of, any Letter of Credit such
amount  as shall at the  time of such  issuance,  payment  or  amendment  be the
administrative  charge  which the  Issuing  Agent is  customarily  charging  for
issuances of, payments under or amendments of, letters of credit issued by it.

     (e) The  Borrower  shall  pay  to  the  Administrative  Agent,  for its own
account,  such fees as may be agreed to from time to time in writing between the
Borrower and the Administrative Agent, when and as due.

     (f) All computations of Fees shall be made in accordance with Section 12.07
(b).

                                       13
<PAGE>
     3.02  Voluntary Reduction of Commitments. (a)  At  any  time  prior  to the
Conversion  Date, upon at least three Business Days' prior written notice to the
Administrative Agent at the Notice Office (which notice the Administrative Agent
shall  promptly  transmit to each of the  Banks),  the  Borrower  shall have the
right,  at any  time or from  time to  time,  without  premium  or  penalty,  to
terminate or reduce the Total Unutilized Revolving Loan Commitment,  in whole or
in  part,  pursuant  to  this  Section  3.02(a),  in  an  integral  multiple  of
$5,000,000,  in the case of partial reductions to the Total Unutilized Revolving
Loan Commitment,  provided that each such reduction shall apply  proportionately
to permanently reduce the Revolving Loan Commitment of each Bank.

     (b) At any time, upon at least three Business Days' prior written notice to
the  Administrative  Agent at the Notice Office (which notice the Administrative
Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the Banks), the Borrower shall have the
right,  at any  time or from  time to  time,  without  premium  or  penalty,  to
terminate or reduce the Total  Unutilized L/C  Commitment,  in whole or in part,
pursuant to this Section 3.02(b), in an integral multiple of $5,000,000,  in the
case of partial reductions to the Total Unutilized L/C Commitment, provided that
each such reduction shall apply  proportionately  to permanently  reduce the L/C
Commitment of each Bank.

     3.03  Mandatory  Reductions  of  Commitments.   (a)  The   Total  Revolving
Loan Commitment (and the Revolving Loan Commitment of each Bank) shall terminate
in its  entirety  at 9:00 a.m.  (New York time) on the  Conversion  Date  (after
giving effect to the conversion of outstanding  Revolving  Loans into Term Loans
at such time).

     (b) The  Total  L/C  Commitment   (and the L/C  Commitment  of  each  Bank)
shall  terminate on the later of (i) the L/C Maturity  Date and (ii) the date on
which no Letters of Credit are outstanding and no Unpaid Drawings exist.

     (c) On each date upon which a mandatory  repayment of Revolving  Loans
pursuant to Section 4.02(i)(c) or (d) is required or would be required if (x) an
unlimited amount of Revolving Loans were then outstanding and (y) the conditions
precedent to borrowing set forth in Section 5.02 are not satisfied at such time,
the Total Revolving Loan Commitment  shall be permanently  reduced by the amount
required to be applied  pursuant to said Section  (determined as if an unlimited
amount of Revolving Loans were actually outstanding);  provided,  that except to
the extent resulting from a mandatory  prepayment of Revolving Loans pursuant to
Section  4.02(i)(d)  with the  portion  of net  cash  proceeds  of  Indebtedness
incurred under Section 8.04(h) exceeding $150,000,000 (i) no mandatory reduction
of the Total  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  shall be  required  pursuant  to this
Section 3.03(c) at any time if the Borrower's  senior unsecured debt rating from
S&P is BBB+ or  greater  at such  time,  and (ii) in no event  shall  the  Total
Revolving  Loan  Commitment  be reduced  below  $100,000,000  as a result of the
operation of this Section 3.03(c).

     (d) Each reduction or adjustmen  of the  Total  Revolving  Loan  Commitment
pursuant to this Section 3.03 shall apply  proportionately to the Revolving Loan
Commitment of each Bank with such a Commitment.


                                       14

<PAGE>
     SECTION 4.  Payments.

     4.01 Voluntary Prepayments.  The Borrower shall have  the right  to pre-pay
Loans,  without  premium or penalty  (except  for  amounts  payable  pursuant to
Section 1.11), in whole or in part, from time to time on the following terms and
conditions:  (i) the Borrower shall give the Administrative  Agent at its Notice
Office written notice (or telephonic  notice  promptly  confirmed in writing) of
its intent to prepay the Loans,  whether  such Loans are Term Loans or Revolving
Loans,  the amount of such prepayment and (in the case of Eurodollar  Loans) the
specific  Borrowing(s)  pursuant to which such prepayment is made,  which notice
shall be  received  by the  Administrative  Agent  (x) in the case of Base  Rate
Loans,  no later than 11:00 A.M.  (New York time) one  Business Day prior to the
date of such prepayment,  or (y) in the case of Eurodollar Loans, three Business
Days  prior to the date of such  prepayment,  which  notice  shall  promptly  be
transmitted by the Administrative  Agent to each of the Banks; (ii) each partial
pre-payment  of any Borrowing  shall be in an aggregate  Principal  Amount of at
least $1,000,000,  provided that no partial  prepayment of Eurodollar Loans made
pursuant to a Borrowing shall reduce the aggregate principal amount of the Loans
outstanding  pursuant  to such  Borrowing  to an amount  less  than the  Minimum
Borrowing Amount; (iii) each prepayment in respect of any Loans made pursuant to
a Borrowing shall be applied pro rata among such Loans; and (iv) each prepayment
of Term Loans  pursuant to this  Section  4.01 shall  reduce the then  remaining
Scheduled  Repayments  on a pro  rata  basis  (based  upon  the  then  remaining
principal amount of each such Scheduled Repayment).

     4.02  Mandatory Repayments and Prepayments.

     (i)            Requirements:

     (a)  In addition  to any  other  mandatory repayments pursuant this Section
4.02, on each date set forth below,  the Borrower shall be required to repay the
principal  amount of Term  Loans in an amount  equal to the  product  of (x) the
aggregate  Principal  Amount of Revolving  Loans  converted to Term Loans on the
Conversion  Date  pursuant  to  Section  1.01(b)  hereof  multiplied  by (y) the
percentage set forth below opposite such date (each such repayment,  as the same
may be reduced  pursuant  to  Sections  4.01 and/or  4.02(ii)(a),  a  "Scheduled
Repayment"):

          Scheduled Repayment Date             Percentage

            November 30, 2001                    10.0%

            May 31, 2002                         12.5%

            November 30, 2002                    12.5%

            May 31, 2003                         15.0%

            November 30, 2003                    15.0%

            May 31, 2004                         17.5%

            Term Loan Maturity Date              17.5%

     (b)  In addition to any other mandatory repayments pursuant to this Section
4.02,  not later than the third  Business Day  following the date of the receipt
thereof by the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries,  an amount equal to 100%
of the cash proceeds (net of  underwriting  discounts and  commissions and other
reasonable  fees and costs  associated  therewith)  of the sale or  issuance  of
equity by, or cash capital  contributions  to, the Borrower or any Subsidiary of
the Borrower (other than (i) any issuance of common stock or options to purchase
common stock by the Borrower to the extent  issued to the employees or agents of
the Borrower or its  Subsidiaries,  (ii)  issuances of common stock  pursuant to
warrants  outstanding  on the  Effective  Date and (iii)  issuances  of stock by
Subsidiaries of the Borrower to the Borrower or to Wholly-Owned  Subsidiaries of
the Borrower,  and capital  contributions  by the Borrower to its  Subsidiaries)
shall be applied (i) if prior to the  Conversion  Date,  to repay the  aggregate
Principal  Amount  of  Revolving  Loans,  and  (ii) if the  Conversion  Date has
occurred, to repay the aggregate Principal Amount of the Term Loans.


                                       15
<PAGE>
     (c) In addition to any other mandatory repayments pursuant to this Section
4.02,  not later  than the fifth  Business  Day  following  the date of  receipt
thereof by the Borrower  and/or any of its  Subsidiaries  of the proceeds of any
Asset Sale, an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available  Proceeds of such Asset
Sale  shall be  applied  (i) if prior to the  Conversion  Date  (but only to the
extent that the conditions  precedent to borrowing set forth in Section 5.02 are
not satisfied at such time),  to repay the Principal  Amount of Revolving  Loans
and (ii) if the Conversion Date has occurred,  to repay the aggregate  Principal
Amount of the Term Loans; provided that (A) if the Net Available Proceeds of any
such Asset Sale are less than $5,000,000,  such Net Available Proceeds shall not
be required  to be so applied  until such time as such Net  Available  Proceeds,
when combined with the Net Available  Proceeds from additional  subsequent Asset
Sales, exceed $5,000,000, at which time all such Net Available Proceeds shall be
required to be applied  pursuant  to this  Section  4.02(i)(c),  and (B) the Net
Available  Proceeds  from Asset  Sales shall not be required to be so applied on
such date (i) to the extent that no Default or Event of Default  then exists and
the Borrower delivers a certificate to the  Administrative  Agent on or prior to
such date  stating  that  such Net  Available  Proceeds  shall  within  180 days
following the date of such Asset Sale be used to purchase  assets used, or to be
used, in the business described in Section 8.01 (including,  without limitation,
the equity interest of a Person engaged in any such business), which certificate
shall  set  forth the  estimate  of the  proceeds  to be so  expended,  it being
understood that (1) if all or any portion of such Net Available  Proceeds not so
applied are not so used (or contractually  committed to be used) within such 180
day  period,  such  remaining  portion  shall be applied on the last day of such
period as  provided  above in this  Section  4.02(i)(c)  (without  regard to the
proviso herein) and (2) if all or any portion of such Net Available Proceeds are
not  required  to be  applied on the 180th day  referred  to in clause (1) above
because such amount is contractually committed to be used and subsequent to such
date such contract is terminated or expires  without such portion being so used,
then such remaining  portion shall be applied on the date of such termination or
expiration as provided in this Section 4.02(i)(c) (without regard to the proviso
herein).

     (d)  In addition to any other mandatory repayments pursuant to this Section
4.02,  not later than the third  Business Day  following the date of the receipt
thereof by the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries,  an amount equal to 100%
of the cash proceeds (net of  underwriting  discounts and  commissions and other
reasonable   fees  and  costs   associated   therewith)  of  the  incurrence  of
Indebtedness  for borrowed  money or evidenced by bonds,  notes,  debentures  or
similar  instruments by the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries  (other than
Indebtedness  permitted by Section 8.04 as such Section 8.04 is in effect on the
Effective  Date,  provided  that  notwithstanding  the  foregoing  the net  cash
proceeds of Indebtedness  incurred under Section 8.04(h) shall be required to be
applied  pursuant to this Section  4.02(i)(d))  shall be applied (i) if prior to
the  Conversion  Date (but only to the extent that the  conditions  precedent to
borrowing  set forth in Section 5.02 are not  satisfied at such time),  to repay
the aggregate  Principal  Amount of Revolving  Loans and (ii) if the  Conversion
Date has occurred, to repay the aggregate Principal Amount of the Term Loans.

     (e)  If on any date the aggregate outstanding Principal Amount of Revolving
Loans (after giving effect to all other repayments thereof on such date) exceeds
the Available  Total  Revolving  Loan  Commitment as then in effect  (including,
without  limitation,  as a result of the  determination  of  Dollar  Equivalents
pursuant  to  Section  12.07(d)),  the  Borrower  shall  repay on such  date the
principal of the Revolving Loans in an amount equal to such excess.

                                       16
<PAGE>
     (f) If on any date the Letter  of  Credit Outstandings exceed the Total L/C
Commitment (including,  without limitation,  as a result of the determination of
Dollar Equivalents pursuant to Section 12.07(d)),  the Borrower agrees to pay to
the Administrative Agent an amount in cash and/or Cash Equivalents equal to such
excess and the Administrative  Agent shall hold such payment as security for the
obligations of the Borrower hereunder pursuant to a cash collateral agreement to
be  entered  into  in  form  and  substance   reasonably   satisfactory  to  the
Administrative Agent (which shall permit certain investments in Cash Equivalents
satisfactory to the  Administrative  Agent until the proceeds are applied to the
secured obligations).

     (g)   Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement
or in any other Credit Document, all then outstanding Term Loans shall be repaid
in full on the Term Loan Maturity Date.

     (ii)            Application:

     (a) Each mandatory prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to Section 4.02(i)(b),
(c) or (d) shall be applied to reduce the then remaining Scheduled Repayments on
a pro rata basis (based upon the then  remaining  principal  amount of each such
Scheduled Repayment).

     (b)    With respect to  each  prepayment  of Loans required by this Section
4.02,  the Borrower may designate the Types of Loans which are to be prepaid and
the specific Borrowing(s) pursuant to which made; provided that (i) the Borrower
shall first so designate all Base Rate Loans and Eurodollar  Loans with Interest
Periods  ending  on the  date  of  repayment  prior  to  designating  any  other
Eurodollar  Loans; (ii) if any prepayment of Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to a
single  Borrowing  shall  reduce the  outstanding  Loans made  pursuant  to such
Borrowing to an amount less than the Minimum  Borrowing  Amount,  such Borrowing
shall be immediately  converted into Base Rate Loans;  and (iii) each prepayment
of any Loans made  pursuant to a Borrowing  shall be applied pro rata among such
Loans.  In the absence of a  designation  by the  Borrower as  described  in the
preceding sentence,  the Administrative  Agent shall, subject to the above, make
such  designation in its sole  discretion  with a view,  but no  obligation,  to
minimize breakage costs owing under Section 1.11.  Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions  of this Section  4.02,  if at any time the  mandatory  prepayment of
Loans  pursuant to Section  4.02(i)(b),  (c) or (d) would  result,  after giving
effect to the first  sentence  of this clause  (b),  in the  Borrower  incurring
breakage  costs under Section 1.11 as a result of Eurodollar  Loans being repaid
other  than on the  last  day of an  Interest  Period  applicable  thereto  (the
"Affected  Eurodollar Loans"),  then the Borrower may, if it so elects by notice
to the Administrative  Agent, deposit a portion (up to 100%) of the amounts that
otherwise would have been paid in respect of the Affected  Eurodollar Loans with
the  Administrative  Agent to be held  pursuant  to an  escrow  agreement  to be
entered into in form and substance  satisfactory  to the  Administrative  Agent,
with such escrowed amounts to be released from such escrow (and applied to repay
the principal amount of such Loans) upon each occurrence  thereafter of the last
day of an Interest Period  applicable to the relevant  Eurodollar Loans (or such
earlier date or dates as shall be requested by the Borrower), with the amount to
be so  released  and applied on the last day of each  Interest  Period to be the
amount of the Loans to which such  Interest  Period  applies  (or, if less,  the
amount remaining in such escrow account).

                                       17
<PAGE>
     4.03   Method  and  Place of Payment.    Except as  otherwise  specifically
provided  herein,  all  payments  under  this  Agreement  shall  be  made to the
Administrative  Agent for the ratable account of the Banks entitled thereto, not
later  than 12:00 Noon (New York time) on the date when due and shall be made in
immediately  available  funds at the  Payment  Office  in (x)  Dollars,  if such
payment  is made  in  respect  of any  obligation  of the  Borrower  under  this
Agreement except as provided in the immediately  succeeding  clause (y), and (y)
the  appropriate  Alternate  Currency,  if such  payment  is made in  respect of
principal of or interest on Alternate  Currency Loans or if such payment is made
in  respect of any Unpaid  Drawing  (or  interest  thereon)  with  respect to an
Alternate  Currency  Letter of  Credit,  it being  understood  that  written  or
facsimile notice by the Borrower to the  Administrative  Agent to make a payment
from the funds in the Borrower's  account at the Payment Office shall constitute
the making of such payment to the extent of such funds held in such account. Any
payments  under  this  Agreement  which are made later than 12:00 Noon (New York
time)  shall be deemed to have been made on the next  succeeding  Business  Day.
Whenever  any  payment to be made  hereunder  shall be stated to be due on a day
which is not a Business  Day, the due date thereof shall be extended to the next
succeeding  Business Day and,  with respect to payments of  principal,  interest
shall be payable during such extension  period at the applicable  rate in effect
immediately prior to such extension.

                                       18

<PAGE>
     4.04 Net Payments. (a) All payments made by the Borrower hereunder or under
any Note will be made without setoff,  counterclaim or other defense.  Except as
provided in Section  4.04(b),  all such payments will be made free and clear of,
and without  deduction or withholding for, any present or future taxes,  levies,
imposts,  duties,  fees,  assessments or other charges of whatever nature now or
hereafter imposed by any jurisdiction or by any political  subdivision or taxing
authority  thereof or therein  with  respect to such  payments  (but  excluding,
except as  provided  in the second  succeeding  sentence,  any tax imposed on or
measured by the net income or net profits of a Bank  pursuant to the laws of the
jurisdiction in which it is organized or the jurisdiction in which the principal
office or applicable  lending office of such Bank is located or any  subdivision
thereof or therein)  and all  interest,  penalties or similar  liabilities  with
respect to such non-excluded taxes, levies,  imposts,  duties, fees, assessments
or other charges (all such non-excluded taxes,  levies,  imposts,  duties, fees,
assessments or other charges being referred to collectively as "Taxes").  If any
Taxes are so levied or imposed,  the  Borrower  agrees to pay the full amount of
such  Taxes,  and such  additional  amounts  as may be  necessary  so that every
payment  of all  amounts  due under  this  Agreement  or under  any Note,  after
withholding  or deduction for or on account of any Taxes,  will not be less than
the amount  provided  for herein or in such Note.  If any amounts are payable in
respect of Taxes  pursuant to the  preceding  sentence,  the Borrower  agrees to
reimburse each Bank, upon the written request of such Bank, for taxes imposed on
or measured  by the net income or net profits of such Bank  pursuant to the laws
of the  jurisdiction  in which such Bank is organized or in which the  principal
office or applicable lending office of such Bank is located or under the laws of
any political  subdivision or taxing authority of any such jurisdiction in which
such Bank is organized or in which the principal  office or  applicable  lending
office of such Bank is  located  and for any  withholding  of taxes as such Bank
shall  determine are payable by, or withheld from, such Bank, in respect of such
amounts so paid to or on behalf of such Bank pursuant to the preceding  sentence
and in respect of any amounts paid to or on behalf of such Bank pursuant to this
sentence.  The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative  Agent within 45 days
after  the date the  payment  of any Taxes is due  pursuant  to  applicable  law
certified copies of tax receipts,  evidencing such payment by the Borrower.  The
Borrower  agrees to indemnify and hold harmless  each Bank,  and reimburse  such
Bank upon its written request,  for the amount of any Taxes so levied or imposed
and paid by such Bank.

     (b)  Each  Bank  that  is  not  a  United  States  person  (as such term is
defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for U.S. Federal income tax purposes
agrees to deliver to the  Borrower and the  Administrative  Agent on or prior to
the  Effective  Date, or in the case of a Bank that is an assignee or transferee
of an interest under this  Agreement  pursuant to Section  12.04(b)  (unless the
respective  Bank  was  already  a  Bank  hereunder  immediately  prior  to  such
assignment  or  transfer),  on the date of such  assignment  or transfer to such
Bank, (i) two accurate and complete  original signed copies of Internal  Revenue
Service Form W-8ECI or Form W-8BEN (with respect to a complete  exemption  under
an income tax treaty) (or successor forms) certifying to such Bank's entitlement
as of such date to a complete  exemption from United States withholding tax with
respect to payments to be made under this  Agreement and under any Note, or (ii)
if the Bank is not a "bank"  within the meaning of Section  881(c)(3)(A)  of the
Code and cannot  deliver  either  Internal  Revenue  Service Form W-8ECI or Form
W-8BEN  (with  respect  to a  complete  exemption  under an income  tax  treaty)
pursuant to clause (i) above,  (x) a  certificate  substantially  in the form of
Exhibit E (any such certificate,  a "Section  4.04(b)(ii)  Certificate") and (y)
two accurate and complete  original  signed copies of Internal  Revenue  Service
Form W-8BEN (with respect to the  portfolio  interest  exemption)  (or successor
form)  certifying  to such  Bank's  entitlement  as of such  date to a  complete
exemption  from  United  States  withholding  tax with  respect to  payments  of
interest to be made under this  Agreement and under any Note. In addition,  each
Bank agrees  that from time to time after the  Effective  Date,  when a lapse in
time or change in circumstances renders the previous  certification  obsolete or
inaccurate  in any  material  respect,  it will  deliver to the Borrower and the
Administrative  Agent two new accurate and complete  original  signed  copies of


                                       19
<PAGE>

Internal  Revenue Service Form W-8ECI or Form W-8BEN (with respect to a complete
exemption  under an income tax  treaty),  or Form  W-8BEN  (with  respect to the
portfolio interest exemption) and a Section 4.04(b)(ii) Certificate, as the case
may be, and such other forms as may be required in order to confirm or establish
the  entitlement  of such Bank to a continued  exemption  from or  reduction  in
United States  withholding tax with respect to payments under this Agreement and
any Note,  or it shall  immediately  notify the Borrower and the  Administrative
Agent of its  inability to deliver any such Form or  Certificate,  in which case
such Bank shall not be required to deliver any such Form or Certificate pursuant
to this Section 4.04(b).  Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in
Section 4.04(a), but subject to Section 12.04(b) and the immediately  succeeding
sentence, (x) the Borrower shall be entitled, to the extent it is required to do
so by law, to deduct or withhold  income or similar  taxes imposed by the United
States (or any political  sub-division or taxing  authority  thereof or therein)
from interest,  Fees or other amounts  payable  hereunder for the account of any
Bank  which is not a United  States  person  (as such term is defined in Section
7701(a)(30) of the Code) for U.S. Federal income tax purposes to the extent that
such Bank has not provided to the Borrower U.S.  Internal  Revenue Service Forms
that establish a complete  exemption from such deduction or withholding  and (y)
the  Borrower  shall not be  obligated  pursuant  to Section  4.04(a)  hereof to
gross-up  payments  to be made to a Bank in respect  of income or similar  taxes
imposed by the United  States if (I) such Bank has not  provided to the Borrower
the  Internal  Revenue  Service  Forms  required to be provided to the  Borrower
pursuant to this  Section  4.04(b) or (II) in the case of a payment,  other than
interest,  to a Bank  described  in clause (ii)  above,  to the extent that such
Forms do not establish a complete exemption from withholding of such taxes.

     SECTION 5.   Conditions  Precedent.  The obligation of  each  Bank  to make
Revolving  Loans to the Borrower  hereunder  and the  obligation  of the Issuing
Agent to issue or increase the Stated Amount of any Letter of Credit  hereunder,
is  subject,  at the  time  of each  such  Credit  Event  (except  as  otherwise
hereinafter indicated), to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

     5.01   Execution of  Agreement.  The  Effective Date shall have occurred as
provided in Section 12.10.

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


                                       20
<PAGE>

     5.03   Officer's Certificate.   On  the Initial  Credit  Event  Date,   the
Administrative  Agent shall have  received an officer's  certificate  dated such
date, signed by an Authorized  Officer of the Borrower,  stating that all of the
applicable  conditions set forth in Sections  5.02,  5.06,  5.07,  5.09 and 5.13
exist as of such date.

     5.04   Opinions  of  Counsel.  On  the  Initial  Credit  Event  Date,   the
Administrative  Agent  shall have  received an  opinion,  in form and  substance
reasonably  satisfactory to the Administrative  Agent,  addressed to each of the
Banks  and dated the  Initial  Credit  Event  Date,  from (i) Baker &  McKenzie,
counsel to the  Borrower,  which  opinion  shall cover the matters  contained in
Exhibit  C-1,  (ii) John V. Del Col,  General  Counsel  of the  Borrower,  which
opinion shall cover the matters  contained in Exhibit C-2 and (iii) White & Case
LLP, counsel to the Administrative  Agent, which opinion shall cover the matters
contained in Exhibit C-3.

     5.05   Corporate  Proceedings.  (a) On the Initial  Credit Event Date,  the
Banks shall have received from each Credit Party an officer's certificate, dated
the Initial Credit Event Date,  signed by the President or any Vice President of
such Credit Party,  and attested to by the Secretary or any Assistant  Secretary
of such  Credit  Party,  in the  form  of  Exhibit  D  hereto  with  appropriate
insertions,  together with (x) copies of the  Certificate of  Incorporation  and
By-Laws of such Credit  Party and (y) the  resolutions  of such Credit Party and
the other documents referred to in such certificate,  and the foregoing shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

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

     5.06    Adverse Change,  etc.   On  the  Initial  Credit  Event  Date,  the
Administrative  Agent shall not have become aware of any facts or conditions not
previously known or disclosed,  whether  occurring prior to or after the Initial
Credit Event Date, and since  December 31, 1998 nothing shall have occurred,  in
either  case  which,  when  taken as a whole,  the  Administrative  Agent  shall
reasonably  determine  (i) has,  or is  reasonably  likely to have,  a  material
adverse  effect on the  rights or  remedies  of the Banks or the  Administrative
Agent under this  Agreement or any other Credit  Document,  or on the ability of
any Credit Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder, or (ii) has
or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.


                                       21
<PAGE>

     5.07  Litigation. On the  Initial  Credit  Event  Date,  no  actions, suits
or proceedings shall be pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened
(i) with respect to this Agreement or any other Credit Document, the Transaction
Documents or the  transactions  contemplated  hereby or thereby  (including  the
Acquisition) or (ii) which either the Administrative Agent or the Required Banks
shall reasonably  determine has, or is reasonably likely to have, (x) a Material
Adverse Effect or (y) a material adverse effect on the rights or remedies of the
Banks or the  Administrative  Agent hereunder or under any other Credit Document
or on the ability of any Credit  Party to perform its  obligations  hereunder or
thereunder.

     5.08   Subsidiary  Guaranty.  On  the   Initial  Credit  Event  Date,  each
Subsidiary  Guarantor  shall have duly  authorized,  executed  and  delivered  a
Subsidiary  Guaranty  in  the  form  of  Exhibit  F  (as  modified,  amended  or
supplemented  from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof,
the "Subsidiary  Guaranty"),  and the Subsidiary Guaranty shall be in full force
and effect.

     5.09   Consummation  of the  Refinancing.  On or before the Initial  Credit
Event Date, the Refinancing  shall have been  consummated in accordance with the
Refinancing  Documents,  which  Refinancing  Documents  shall  be  in  form  and
substance  reasonably  satisfactory to the  Administrative  Agent, and all Legal
Requirements,  each  of the  conditions  precedent  to the  consummation  of the
Refinancing  shall have been satisfied in all material  respects and not waived,
except  with  the  reasonable  consent  of  the  Administrative  Agent,  to  the
reasonable   satisfaction  of  the  Administrative  Agent,  all  commitments  in
connection with the existing Indebtedness for borrowed money of the Borrower and
Chartwell and their respective  Subsidiaries  shall have been terminated and all
Liens securing the  Indebtedness  refinanced  pursuant to the Refinancing  shall
have  been  terminated  and  released  to  the  reasonable  satisfaction  of the
Administrative Agent.

     5.10  Chartwell Senior Notes.  On or before the  Initial Credit Event Date,
Chartwell  Re  Holdings  shall have  given an  irrevocable  call  notice for the
redemption  of the  Chartwell  Senior Notes on or before March 1, 2000, it being
understood that the Chartwell  Senior Notes are not required to be prepaid as of
the Initial Credit Event Date.

     5.11 Financial Statements;  Projections.  Prior to the Initial Credit Event
Date,  the  Borrower  shall  have  delivered  or caused to be  delivered  to the
Administrative Agent with copies for each Bank:

     (a) the audited Annual Statement of each Regulated  Insurance Company which
is a Material  Subsidiary for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,  prepared
in accordance  with SAP and as filed with the  respective  Applicable  Insurance
Regulatory Authority,  which Annual Statements shall be satisfactory in form and
substance to the Administrative Agent;

     (b) the unaudited  Quarterly Statement of each  Regulated Insurance Company
which is a Material  Subsidiary  for the  fiscal  quarter  ended June 30,  1999,
prepared  in  accordance  with SAP and as filed with the  respective  Applicable
Insurance Regulatory Authority, which Quarterly Statements shall be satisfactory
in form and substance to the Administrative Agent;


                                       22
<PAGE>

     (c) the audited  balance  sheet of (i)  the Borrower and  its  Subsidiaries
(on a  consolidated  basis)  and  (ii)  Chartwell  and  its  Subsidiaries  (on a
consolidated  basis),  in each case for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
and the related statements of income, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows,
in each case prepared in accordance with GAAP;

     (d) the unaudited  balance sheet of (i) the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries
(on a  consolidated  basis)  and  (ii)  Chartwell  and  its  Subsidiaries  (on a
consolidated  basis),  in each case for the fiscal  quarter ended June 30, 1999,
and the related unaudited  statements of income, of stockholders'  equity and of
cash flows, in each case prepared in accordance with GAAP;

     (e)  projected financial statements for the Borrower and  its  Subsidiaries
reflecting  the  projected  financial  condition,  income and   expenses  of the
Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  after giving effect to the  Transaction  and the
other transactions  contemplated  hereby,  which projected financial  statements
shall be reasonably  satisfactory  in form and  substance to the  Administrative
Agent; and

     (f) a pro forma balance sheet of Borrower, as of September 30, 1999,  after
giving effect to the  Transaction  (as if the  Transaction had occurred prior to
such date) and the other transactions contemplated hereby.

     5.12   Approvals,  etc.  On  the Initial  Credit Event Date  the  following
approvals  shall have been obtained to the  satisfaction  of the  Administrative
Agent:

        (i) all necessary and material  governmental  and third party approvals,
permits  and  licenses   (including  without  limitation  the  approval  of  the
respective Insurance Departments of the States of Minnesota,  New York and North
Dakota)  in  connection   with  the  Transaction  and  this  Agreement  and  the
transactions  contemplated by the Transaction  Documents and otherwise referred
to herein or therein  (including  without  limitation the  Acquisition),  to the
extent  such  approvals,  consents,  permits  and  licenses  are  required to be
obtained  or made  prior to the  Initial  Credit  Event  Date,  shall  have been
obtained  and  remain in full  force and  effect,  and all  applicable  waiting
periods shall have  expired,  in each case without any action being taken by any
competent authority  (including any court having  jurisdiction) which restrains,
prevents or imposes,  in the  reasonable  judgment of the Required  Banks or the
Administrative  Agent,  materially  adverse conditions upon the consummation of
the Transaction or any such agreement or transaction;

       (ii) the  Form A filed by the  Borrower  with  the  respective  Insurance
Departments of the States of Minnesota, New York and North Dakota, together with
the  approval  of such  Insurance  Department,  or  other  Applicable  Insurance
Regulatory Authority, of such Form A or equivalent form (and all stipulations or
conditions  relating to such approval),  which approvals (and  stipulations  and
conditions,  if any)  shall be  reasonably  satisfactory  to the  Administrative
Agent; and

     (iii)  all  necessary   shareholder   approvals  in  connection   with  the
Transaction shall have been obtained and remain in full force and effect.

                                       23
<PAGE>

     5.13  Indebtedness.  On  the  Initial Credit  Event  Date  and after giving
effect  to the  consummation  of the  Transaction,  the  only  Indebtedness  for
borrowed  money of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries,  other than  Indebtedness
permitted  under  Sections  8.04(b) - (i),  shall  consist  of the  Indebtedness
incurred pursuant to the Credit Documents.

     5.14  Payment of Fees.  On the Initial  Credit Event Date, all costs,  fees
and expenses (including,  without limitation,  legal fees and expenses), and all
other compensation contemplated by this Agreement or the other Credit Documents,
due to the Administrative  Agent or any Banks shall have been paid to the extent
due.

     5.15 Letter of Credit Request;  Notice of Borrowing.  Prior to the issuance
of the Letter of Credit, the  Administrative  Agent shall have received a Letter
of Credit Request  satisfying the requirements of Section 2.02; and prior to the
incurrence of any Revolving Loans, the Administrative  Agent shall have received
a Notice of Borrowing satisfying the requirements of Section 1.03.

     5.16  Capital  Structure.  On or prior to the Initial  Credit  Event  Date,
the corporate and capital structure (and all agreements  related thereto) of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries and all  organizational  documents of the Borrower
and its  Subsidiaries  shall be reasonably  satisfactory  to the  Administrative
Agent.

     5.17 Solvency Certificate.  On  the Initial Credit Event Date, the Borrower
shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a solvency certificate from the
Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit G.

     5.18  A.M. Best Rating.  On  the Initial  Credit Event  Date,   each  Rated
Ongoing  Regulated  Subsidiary  of the Borrower  shall have an A.M.  Best claims
paying rating of at least A-.

     The  acceptance  of  the  benefits of each Credit  Event  occurring on  the
Initial Credit Event Date shall constitute a representation  and warranty by the
Borrower to each of the Banks that all of the applicable conditions specified in
this Section 5 exist or have been  satisfied as of such date.  The acceptance of
the benefits of each Credit Event  occurring after the Initial Credit Event Date
shall  constitute a  representation  and warranty by the Borrower to each of the
Banks that all of the applicable  conditions specified in Sections 5.02 and 5.15
exist or have been  satisfied as of such date.  All of the  certificates,  legal
opinions and other  documents  and papers  referred to in this Section 5, unless
otherwise  specified,  shall be  delivered  to the  Administrative  Agent at its
Notice Office for the account of each of the Banks.

     SECTION 6.  Representations, Warranties and Agreements.  In order to induce
the Administrative  Agent and the Banks to enter into this Agreement and to make
the Loans and issue the Letters of Credit as provided herein, the Borrower makes
the following representations and warranties to, and agreements with, the Banks,
all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this  Agreement and the
making  of the  Loans  and the  issuance  of the  Letters  of  Credit  (with the
occurrence of the Effective  Date and the  occurrence of each Credit Event being
deemed to constitute a representation and warranty that the matters specified in
this  Section 6 are true and correct in all  material  respects on and as of the
Effective Date and on the date of each such Credit Event (after giving effect to
the consummation of the  Transaction)  unless such  representation  and warranty
expressly indicates that it is being made as of any other specific date in which
case such  representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material
respects as of such other specified date):

                                       24
<PAGE>

     6.01 Corporate  Status.  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries (i) is a
duly  organized  and  validly  existing  corporation  in  good  standing  (where
applicable)  under the laws of the  jurisdiction of its organization and has the
corporate or other  organizational  power and  authority to own its property and
assets  and to  transact  the  business  in which it is  engaged  and  presently
proposes  to engage and (ii) has been duly  qualified  and is  authorized  to do
business and is in good standing (where  applicable) in all jurisdictions  where
it is required to be so  qualified,  except where the failure to be so qualified
is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.02 Corporate  Power and Authority; Enforceability.  Each Credit Party has
the corporate  power and  authority to execute,  deliver and carry out the terms
and provisions of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and has taken
all  necessary  corporate  action  to  authorize  the  execution,  delivery  and
performance  of the  Transaction  Documents to which it is a party.  Each Credit
Party  and  each of its  Subsidiaries  has  duly  executed  and  delivered  each
Transaction  Document to which it is a party and each such Transaction  Document
constitutes  the  legal,  valid and  binding  obligation  of such  Credit  Party
enforceable  against such Credit Party in accordance  with its terms,  except to
the extent that enforceability  thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and
general  principles of equity  regardless of whether  enforcement is sought in a
proceeding in equity or at law.

     6.03  No Contravention  of  Laws,  Agreements or Organizational  Documents.
Neither the  execution,  delivery  and  performance  by any Credit  Party of the
Transaction  Documents to which it is a party nor compliance  with the terms and
provisions  thereof,  nor  the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated
therein (i) will contravene any applicable provision of any law, statute,  rule,
regulation,  order,  writ,  injunction or decree of any Governmental  Authority,
(ii) will conflict or be inconsistent with or result in any breach of any of the
terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or
result in the creation or imposition of (or the  obligation to create or impose)
any Lien  upon any of the  property  or  assets  of the  Borrower  or any of its
Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of, any indenture,  mortgage,  deed of trust,
loan agreement,  credit agreement or any other material  instrument to which the
Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  is a party  or by  which it or any of its
property or assets are bound or to which it may be subject or (iii) will violate
any provision of the Certificate of  Incorporation or By-Laws of the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries; except in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) above (other
than with  respect to the Credit  Documents),  such  contraventions,  conflicts,
inconsistencies,  breaches, defaults or Liens which are not reasonably likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.04 Litigation and Contingent  Liabilities.   (a) There  are  no  actions,
suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in
writing  involving the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries  (including,  without
limitation, with respect to the Transaction, this Agreement or any documentation
executed in  connection  therewith or herewith)  (i) which has or is  reasonably
likely to have a Material  Adverse  Effect or (ii) that is reasonably  likely to
have a material  adverse effect on the rights or remedies of the Banks or on the
ability of any Credit Party to perform its  respective  obligations to the Banks
hereunder  and under the other  Credit  Documents  to which it is, or will be, a
party.  Additionally,  there does not exist any  judgment,  order or  injunction
prohibiting or imposing material adverse  conditions upon the making of any Loan
or the issuance of the Letter of Credit hereunder.


                                       25
<PAGE>

     (b) Except  as fully  reflected in the  financial  statements  described in
Section 6.11(b)  (including the footnotes  thereto),  the Indebtedness  incurred
under this Agreement and in connection  with the Transaction and all obligations
incurred  in the  ordinary  course of business  since the date of the  financial
statements  described in Section  6.11(b),  there were as of the Effective  Date
(and after  giving  effect to the Loans made on such date),  no  liabilities  or
obligations  with  respect to the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  of any
nature  whatsoever  (whether  absolute,  accrued,  contingent  or otherwise  and
whether  or not  due),  and the  Borrower  does  not know of any  basis  for the
assertion  against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any such liability
or obligation,  which,  in the case of any of the foregoing  referred to in this
clause (b),  either  individually  or in the  aggregate,  are or are  reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.05   Use of Proceeds; Margin  Regulations. (a) The  proceeds of all Loans
shall be utilized  for general  corporate  and working  capital  purposes of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries  (including,  without limitation,  for mergers and
acquisitions permitted hereunder).

     (b) The Letters of Credit  shall only be issued for the benefit of Lloyds
and in support of L/C Supportable Obligations.

     (c)  Neither  the making of any Loan  hereunder, the issuance of the Letter
of Credit, nor the use of the proceeds thereof,  will violate or be inconsistent
with the  provisions  of  Regulation  T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the
Federal  Reserve  System and no part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used to
purchase  or carry any  Margin  Stock or to extend  credit  for the  purpose  of
purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

     6.06  Approvals. Except for filings and approvals made or  obtained  on  or
prior to the Effective  Date and for which the failure to make or be obtained is
not  reasonably  likely to result in a Material  Adverse Effect (other than with
respect  to  the  Credit  Documents),  no  order,  consent,  approval,  license,
authorization,  or validation of, or filing,  recording or registration with, or
exemption  by, any foreign or  domestic  Governmental  Authority  is required to
authorize  or is required in  connection  with (i) the  execution,  delivery and
performance of any Transaction Document or (ii) the legality,  validity, binding
effect or enforceability of any Transaction Document.

     6.07  Investment  Company  Act.    Neither  the  Borrower  nor  any of  its
Subsidiaries  is  an  "investment  company"  or a  company  "controlled"  by  an
"investment  company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended.

                                       26

<PAGE>

     6.08  Public  Utility  Holding  Company Act.  Neither  the Borrower nor any
of its  Subsidiaries  is a "holding  company,"  or a  "subsidiary  company" of a
"holding  company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary
company"  of a  "holding  company,"  within the  meaning  of the Public  Utility
Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

     6.09  True and  Complete  Disclosure;  Projections   and  Assumptions.  All
factual information (taken as a whole) heretofore or contemporaneously furnished
in writing by or on behalf of the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  to the
Administrative Agent or any Bank (including, without limitation, all information
contained in the Transaction  Documents and in the Confidential Bank Memorandum,
but excluding the Projections and any other  projections)  for purposes of or in
connection  with this Agreement or any transaction  contemplated  herein is, and
all other factual  information  (taken as a whole) hereafter  furnished by or on
behalf of any such Persons in writing to the Administrative  Agent will be, true
and accurate in all material  respects on the date as of which such  information
is dated and not  incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to
make such information (taken as a whole) not misleading at such time in light of
the circumstances under which such information was provided. The Projections are
based on good faith  estimates  and  assumptions  believed by the Borrower to be
reasonable  and  attainable at the time made,  it being  recognized by the Banks
that such Projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts and that
actual results during the period or periods covered by any such  Projections may
differ from the projected results.

     6.10   Consummation of  Transaction.  On or before the Initial Credit Event
Date, the  Transaction  has been  consummated  in accordance  with the terms and
conditions of the Transaction Documents and all Legal Requirements. All consents
and approvals of, and filings and  registrations  with, and all other actions in
respect of, all governmental agencies, authorities or instrumentalities required
in order to  consummate  the  Transaction  in  accordance  with  the  terms  and
conditions of the Transaction Documents and all Legal Requirements have been, or
prior to the time required,  will have been,  obtained,  given,  filed or taken,
except in the case of any Acquisition  Documents and Refinancing Documents where
the failure to consummate the Acquisition and Refinancing in accordance with the
terms and conditions thereof and to obtain such consents, approvals, filings and
registrations is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.11  Financial  Condition;  Financial  Statements.   (a) On and as of  the
Initial  Credit  Event Date,  on a pro forma basis  after  giving  effect to the
Transaction and all Indebtedness  incurred,  and to be incurred,  on or prior to
the Initial Credit Event Date, and Liens created, and to be created, on or prior
to the Initial  Credit  Event Date,  in  connection  with this  Agreement,  with
respect to each of the  Borrower (on a  stand-alone  basis) and the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries (on a consolidated  basis) (x) the sum of the assets, at a fair
valuation, of each of the Borrower (on a stand-alone basis) and the Borrower and
its  Subsidiaries  (on a  consolidated  basis) will exceed their debts,  (y) the
Borrower (on a stand-alone  basis) and the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  (on a
consolidated  basis) will not have incurred or intended to, or believe that they
will,  incur debts beyond  their  ability to pay such debts as such debts mature
and  (z)  the  Borrower  (on a  stand-alone  basis)  and  the  Borrower  and its
Subsidiaries (on a consolidated  basis) will have sufficient  capital with which
to conduct its or their business.  For purposes of this Section 6.11(a),  "debt"
means any liability on a claim,  and "claim" means (i) right to payment  whether
or not such a right is reduced to  judgment,  liquidated,  unliquidated,  fixed,
contingent,  matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured
or unsecured;  or (ii) right to an equitable remedy for breach of performance if
such breach  gives rise to a payment,  whether or not such right to an equitable
remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent,  matured, unmatured, disputed,
undisputed, secured or unsecured.


                                       27
<PAGE>

     (b) The financial statements  and  pro forma  balance sheet  (after  giving
effect  to the  Transaction  and the  other  transactions  contemplated  hereby)
delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.11 present fairly in
all material respects the financial  position of the respective Persons referred
to in such Section at the dates of said statements and the results of operations
for the periods covered thereby (or, in the case of the pro forma balance sheet,
present a good faith estimate of the consolidated pro forma financial  condition
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof). All such financial
statements  have been prepared in  accordance  with SAP or GAAP, as indicated in
Section 5.11, consistently applied except to the extent provided in the notes to
said financial statements.

     (c) Since December 31, 1998,  nothing has occurred  which,  individually or
when taken as a whole with other  occurrences,  has or is  reasonably  likely to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.12  Tax Returns and  Payments.  The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
has filed all federal  income tax returns and all other  material  tax  returns,
domestic and foreign, required to be filed by it and has paid all material taxes
and assessments  payable by it which have become due, except for those contested
in good faith and  adequately  disclosed and fully provided for in the financial
statements of the Borrower and each of its  Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP
or SAP, as the case may be. The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries have paid,
or have provided adequate reserves (in the good faith judgment of the management
of such Person) for the payment of, all federal,  state and foreign income taxes
applicable  for all prior fiscal years and for the current  fiscal year to date.
There is no material action, suit, proceeding, investigation, audit or claim now
pending  or,  to the  knowledge  of  the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries,
threatened by any authority  regarding any taxes relating to the Borrower or any
of its  Subsidiaries.  Neither  the  Borrower  nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has
entered into an agreement or waiver or been requested to enter into an agreement
or waiver  extending  any  statute of  limitations  relating  to the  payment or
collection of taxes of the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or is aware of
any circumstances that would cause the taxable years or other taxable periods of
the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  not to be  subject  to the  normally
applicable statute of limitations.

     6.13  Compliance  with  ERISA.  (a)  Annex  IV sets  forth  each  Plan  and
each  Multiemployer  Plan as of the Effective  Date; each Plan (and each related
trust,  insurance contract or fund) is in substantial  compliance with its terms
and with all applicable laws,  including without  limitation ERISA and the Code,
except to the extent that any such non-compliance could not result in a material
liability;  each Plan (and each related  trust,  if any) which is intended to be
qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a  determination  letter
from the Internal  Revenue Service to the effect that it meets the  requirements
of Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code; no Reportable Event has occurred;  no
Multi-employer  Plan is insolvent or in reorganization;  no Plan has an Unfunded
Current  Liability;  no Plan  which is  subject  to  Section  412 of the Code or
Section 302 of ERISA has an accumulated funding  deficiency,  within the meaning
of such  sections of the Code or ERISA,  or has applied for or received a waiver
of an accumulated funding deficiency or an extension of any amortization period,
within the  meaning of Section  412 of the Code or Section  303 or 304 of ERISA;
except as would not result in any material liability, all contributions required
to be made with respect to a Plan and each  Multiemployer  Plan have been timely
made;  neither the  Borrower  nor any  Subsidiary  of the Borrower nor any ERISA
Affiliate  has  incurred  any  material   liability   (including  any  indirect,
contingent  or  secondary  liability)  to or on  account of a Plan  pursuant  to
Section 409,  502(i),  502(1),  4062,  4063,  4064,  or 4069 of ERISA or Section
401(a)(29), 4971 or 4975 of the Code or to or on account of a Multiemployer Plan
pursuant to Section 515,  4201,  4204 or 4212 of ERISA or reasonably  expects to
incur any of such liability under any of the foregoing  sections with respect to
any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; to the Borrower's  knowledge no condition exists
which presents a material risk to the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower
or any ERISA  Affiliate of incurring a material  liability to or on account of a
Plan or Multiemployer Plan pursuant to the foregoing provisions of ERISA and the
Code; no proceedings  have been  instituted to terminate or appoint a trustee to
administer  any Plan which is subject to Title IV of ERISA;  except as would not
result in any material liability, no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, audit or
investigation with respect to the administration, operation or the investment of
assets  of any Plan  (other  than  routine  claims  for  benefits)  is  pending,
reasonably expected or to the Borrower's knowledge  threatened;  using actuarial
assumptions  and  computation  methods  consistent  with Part 1 of subtitle E of


                                       28

<PAGE>

Title  IV  of  ERISA,  the  aggregate   liabilities  of  the  Borrower  and  its
Subsidiaries and its ERISA Affiliates to each Multiemployer Plan in the event of
a complete withdrawal therefrom,  as of the close of the most recent fiscal year
of each  such  Multiemployer  Plan  ended  prior to the date of the most  recent
Credit Event, would not exceed  $10,000,000;  each group health plan (as defined
in Section  607(1) of ERISA or  Section  4980B(g)(2)  of the Code)  other than a
multiemployer plan described in Section 3(37) of ERISA maintained or contributed
to by the  Borrower,  a Subsidiary of the Borrower or an ERISA  Affiliate  which
covers  or has  covered  employees  or former  employees  of the  Borrower,  any
Subsidiary of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate has at all times been operated
in compliance  with the  provisions of Part 6 of sub-title B of Title I of ERISA
and  Section  4980B of the Code  except  as would  not  result  in any  material
liability; no lien imposed under the Code or ERISA on the assets of the Borrower
or any  Subsidiary  of the  Borrower  or any ERISA  Affiliate  exists or, to the
Borrower's knowledge, is likely to arise on account of any Plan or Multiemployer
Plan; and the Borrower and its Subsidiaries do not maintain or contribute to any
employee  welfare  benefit  plan (as  defined  in Section  3(1) of ERISA)  which
provides  benefits to retired employees or other former employees (other than as
required by Section 601 of ERISA) or any Plan  obligations with respect to which
could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of
the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

     (b)  Except as  would not result  in a  material  liability,  each  Foreign
Pension Plan has been  maintained in substantial  compliance  with its terms and
with  the  requirements  of  any  and  all  applicable  laws,  statutes,  rules,
regulations and orders and has been maintained, where required, in good standing
with applicable regulatory authorities. Except as would not result in a material
liability,  all  contributions  required  to be made with  respect  to a Foreign
Pension  Plan  have  been  timely  made.  Neither  the  Borrower  nor any of its
Subsidiaries  has  incurred  any  material  obligation  in  connection  with the
termination of or withdrawal from any Foreign Pension Plan.  Except as set forth
in Annex IV, the present value of the accrued  benefit  liabilities  (whether or
not vested)  under each Foreign  Pension  Plan,  determined as of the end of the
Borrower's   most  recently   ended  fiscal  year  on  the  basis  of  actuarial
assumptions,  each of which is  reasonable,  did not exceed the current value of
the assets of such Foreign Pension Plan allocable to such benefit liabilities.


                                       29

<PAGE>

     6.14 Subsidiaries. (a) Annex V hereto lists each Subsidiary of the Borrower
(and the direct and indirect  ownership  interest of the  Borrower  therein) and
also  identifies  the owner thereof in each case existing on the Effective  Date
(after  giving effect to the  Transaction).  Except as set forth on Annex V, all
such  Subsidiaries  are  direct or  indirect  Wholly-Owned  Subsidiaries  of the
Borrower.

     (b)  There are no restrictions on the  Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries
which  prohibit or otherwise  restrict the transfer of cash or other assets from
any  Subsidiary  of the Borrower to the  Borrower,  other than  prohibitions  or
restrictions existing under or by reason of (i) this Agreement, the other Credit
Documents,  the Chartwell Senior Notes or the Trenwick Senior Notes,  (ii) Legal
Requirements,  (iii) customary  non-assignment  provisions in contracts  entered
into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices,  and
(iv) purchase money  obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of
business, so long as such obligations are permitted under this Agreement.

     6.15  Intellectual Property, etc. The Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
own or possess the right to use all material patents, trademarks,  servicemarks,
trade  names,  copyrights,  licenses  and other  rights,  free  from  burdensome
restrictions,   that  are  necessary  for  the  operation  of  their  respective
businesses as presently conducted and as proposed to be conducted.

     6.16  Pollution  and  Other  Regulations.  The  Borrower and  each  of  its
Subsidiaries  are in  compliance  with  all  laws and  regulations  relating  to
pollution and environmental  control,  equal employment opportunity and employee
safety in all domestic and foreign  jurisdictions in which the Borrower and each
of its  Subsidiaries is presently  doing business,  and the Borrower will comply
and cause each of its  Subsidiaries to comply with all such laws and regulations
which may be imposed in the future in  jurisdictions  in which the  Borrower  or
such  Subsidiary may then be doing  business;  in each case other than those the
non-compliance  with which is not reasonably  likely to have a Material  Adverse
Effect.

     6.17  Labor Relations;  Collective Bargaining Agreements.  (a) Set forth on
Annex VI is a list and  description  (including  dates  of  termination)  of all
collective  bargaining  and  similar  agreements  between or  applicable  to the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and any union,  labor  organization or other
bargaining  agent  in  respect  of the  employees  of the  Borrower  and/or  any
Subsidiary on the Effective Date.

     (b) Neither  the  Borrower nor any of  its  Subsidiaries  is engaged in any
unfair  labor  practice  that is  reasonably  likely to have a Material  Adverse
Effect.  (i) There is no  significant  unfair labor practice  complaint  pending
against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or threatened in writing against
any of them,  before the National  Labor  Relations  Board,  and no  significant
grievance  or  significant  arbitration  proceeding  arising out of or under any
collective  bargaining  agreement is now pending  against the Borrower or any of
its  Subsidiaries or threatened in writing against any of them, (ii) there is no
significant  strike,  labor dispute,  slowdown or stoppage  pending  against the
Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  or  threatened  in  writing  against  the
Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  and  (iii) to the best  knowledge  of the
Borrower, no union representation  question exists with respect to the employees
of the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries,  except (with respect to any matter
specified in clause (i),  (ii) or (iii)  above,  either  individually  or in the
aggregate)  such as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material  Adverse
Effect.

                                       30

<PAGE>

     6.18  Capitalization.  On the  Effective Date,  and after giving  effect to
the Transaction and the other transactions  contemplated  hereby, the authorized
capital stock of the Borrower consists of (i) 30,000,000 shares of common stock,
$.10 par value  per  share,  17,747,808  shares  of which  shall be  issued  and
outstanding  and (ii) 2,000,000  shares of preferred  stock,  $.10 par value per
share, of which none shall be issued and outstanding.  As of the Effective Date,
all such  outstanding  shares of the Borrower have been duly and validly  issued
and are fully paid and  nonassessable.  On the  Effective  Date and after giving
effect to the Transaction and the other  transactions  contemplated  hereby, the
Borrower  does  not  have   outstanding  any  securities   convertible  into  or
exchangeable for its capital stock or outstanding any rights to subscribe for or
to purchase, or any options for the purchase of, or any agreements providing for
the issuance  (contingent or otherwise) of, or any calls,  commitments or claims
of any character  relating to, its capital stock,  except for options,  warrants
and grants outstanding in the aggregate amounts set forth on Annex IX.

     6.19  Indebtedness.  Annex  III sets forth a true and complete  list of all
Indebtedness  outstanding under Sections 8.04(c) and (i) of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date (after giving effect to the  Transaction),
in each case showing the aggregate  principal  amount  thereof,  the name of the
lender in respect thereof and the name of the respective  borrower and any other
entity which has directly or indirectly guaranteed such Indebtedness.

     6.20   Compliance  with  Statutes, etc. The   Borrower  and  each  of   its
Subsidiaries  is in compliance  with all applicable  statutes,  regulations  and
orders  of,  and  all  applicable  restrictions  imposed  by,  all  Governmental
Authorities  in respect of the conduct of its business and the  ownership of its
property (including  compliance with all applicable  environmental laws), except
those the noncompliance  with which, in the aggregate,  is not reasonably likely
to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.21  Insurance  Licenses.  Each Regulated  Insurance Company  has obtained
and  maintains  in full force and  effect  all  licenses  and  permits  from all
regulatory  authorities  necessary to operate in the jurisdictions in which such
Regulated Insurance Company operates,  in each case other than such licenses and
permits  the  failure  of which to obtain or  maintain,  individually  or in the
aggregate, is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     6.22  Year 2000  Compliance.  Any  reprogramming  required   to permit  the
proper  functioning,  in and following the year 2000, of (i) the  Borrower's and
its  Subsidiaries'  computer  systems  and (ii)  equipment  containing  embedded
microchips  (including  systems and equipment supplied by others and used by the
Borrower and one or more of its  Subsidiaries  or with which  Borrower's  or its
Subsidiaries'  systems  interface)  and the  testing  of all  such  systems  and
equipment, as so reprogrammed, have been completed. The cost to the Borrower and
its  Subsidiaries  of  such  reprogramming  and  testing  and of the  reasonably
foreseeable  consequences  of year  2000 to the  Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries
(including, without limitation,  reprogramming errors and the failure of others'
systems or equipment) will not result in a Default or a Material Adverse Effect.
Except for such of the  reprogramming  referred to in the preceding  sentence as
may be  necessary,  the  computer  and  management  information  systems  of the
Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  are and,  with  ordinary  course  upgrading  and
maintenance,  will continue for the term of this Agreement to be,  sufficient to
permit the Borrower to conduct its business without a Material Adverse Effect.


                                       31
<PAGE>

     SECTION 7.  Affirmative Covenants. The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees
that on the Effective Date and  thereafter,  for so long as this Agreement is in
effect and until the Total  Commitment  and the Letter of Credit are  terminated
and all the Loans and Unpaid  Drawings,  together  with  interest,  Fees and all
other Obligations incurred hereunder, are paid in full:

     7.01  Information  Covenants.   The  Borrower will  furnish  or cause to be
furnished to each Bank:

     (a)  Annual  Financial  Statements.  (i) As soon as  available  and in any
event  within 90 days after the close of each  fiscal  year of the Borrower, (x)
the  consolidated  balance sheet of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries,  in each
case, as at the end of such fiscal year and the related consolidated  statements
of income,  of  stockholders'  equity and of cash flows for such fiscal year and
(y) the consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries
as at the end of the fiscal year and the  related  consolidating  statements  of
income, of stockholders'  equity and of cash flows for such fiscal year; in each
case prepared in accordance with GAAP and setting forth comparative  figures for
the preceding  fiscal year,  and, in the case of such  consolidated  statements,
examined by independent  certified  public  accountants  of recognized  national
standing  whose opinion shall not be qualified as to the scope of audit or as to
the status of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  as a going  concern,  together
with a  certificate  of such  accounting  firm stating that in the course of its
regular audit of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries,  which audit
was  conducted in accordance  with GAAP,  such  accounting  firm has obtained no
knowledge  of any  Default  or  Event  of  Default  which  has  occurred  and is
continuing or, if in the opinion of such accounting firm such a Default or Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing, a statement as to the nature thereof.

     (ii)  As soon as  available and in any event within 90 days after the close
of each  fiscal year of each  Regulated  Insurance  Company  which is a Material
Subsidiary,  the Annual  Statement  (prepared in  accordance  with SAP) for such
fiscal year of such Regulated  Insurance  Company,  as filed with the Applicable
Insurance Regulatory Authority in compliance with the requirements thereof (or a
report containing equivalent information for any Regulated Insurance Company not
so required  to file the  foregoing  with the  Applicable  Insurance  Regulatory
Authority)  together with the opinion thereon of the Chief Financial  Officer or
other Authorized  Officer of such Regulated  Insurance Company stating that such
Annual  Statement  presents  fairly  in  all  material  respects  the  financial
condition  and results of  operations  of such  Regulated  Insurance  Company in
accordance with SAP.

     (iii)  As soon as available and in any event within 90 days after the close
of each fiscal  year of the  Borrower,  a copy of the  "Statement  of  Actuarial
Opinion" and "Management  Discussion and Analysis" for each Regulated  Insurance
Company  which is a Material  Subsidiary  and Domestic  Subsidiary  (prepared in
accordance  with  SAP) for such  fiscal  year and as filed  with the  Applicable
Regulatory Insurance Authority in compliance with the requirements thereof (or a
report containing equivalent information for any Regulated Insurance Company not
so required  to file the  foregoing  with the  Applicable  Regulatory  Insurance
Authority).

                                       32
<PAGE>

     (b) Quarterly  Financial  Statements.  (i) As soon as available and in any
event  within  45 days  after the  close of each of the  first  three  quarterly
accounting  periods in each fiscal year of the  Borrower,  (x) the  consolidated
balance  sheet of the  Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  at the end of such fiscal
quarter and the related  consolidated  statements  of income,  of  stockholders'
equity and of cash flows for such quarterly  period and for the elapsed  portion
of the fiscal year ended with the last day of such quarterly  period and (y) the
consolidating  balance sheet of the Borrower and each of its  Subsidiaries as at
the end of such  fiscal  quarter  and the related  consolidating  statements  of
income, of stockholders'  equity and of cash flows for such quarterly period and
for the  elapsed  portion  of the  fiscal  year  ended with the last day of such
quarterly period; in each case setting forth comparative figures for the related
periods  in the  prior  fiscal  year,  and all of  which  shall be  prepared  in
accordance  with GAAP and  certified  by the Chief  Financial  Officer  or other
Authorized  Officer  of the  Borrower,  as the case may be,  subject  to changes
resulting from normal year-end audit adjustments.

     (ii)  As soon as available and in any event within 45 days  after the close
of each of the first three quarterly  accounting  periods in each fiscal year of
each  Regulated  Insurance  Company  which is a Material  Subsidiary,  quarterly
financial statements (prepared in accordance with SAP) for such fiscal period of
such  Regulated  Insurance  Company,  as  filed  with the  Applicable  Insurance
Regulatory  Authority,  together with the opinion thereon of the Chief Financial
Officer or other Authorized Officer of such Regulated  Insurance Company stating
that such  financial  statements  present  fairly in all  material  respects the
financial  condition  and  results of  operations  of such  Regulated  Insurance
Company in accordance with SAP.

     (c) Financial Plans, etc.  No later than 45 days following the first day of
each fiscal year of the Borrower,  copies of the annual financial plan or budget
for such fiscal year prepared by management of the Borrower for its internal use
and  distributed  to the Board of Directors of the Borrower.  Together with each
delivery of financial  statements pursuant to Section 7.01(a)(ii) and (b)(ii), a
comparison of the current year to date financial  results (other than in respect
of the  balance  sheets  included  therein)  against  the plans  required  to be
submitted pursuant to this clause (c) shall be presented.

     (d)  Officer's  Certificates.  At the time of the delivery of the financial
statements  provided for in Sections  7.01(a)(i) and (ii) and (b)(i) and (ii), a
certificate of the Chief Financial  Officer or other Authorized  Officer of the
Borrower  to the effect  that no  Default or Event of Default  exists or, if any
Default  or Event of  Default  does  exist,  specifying  the  nature  and extent
thereof,  which  certificate  shall  set  forth  the  calculations  required  to
establish  whether the Borrower and its Subsidiaries were in compliance with the
provisions  of Sections  8.12  through  8.16,  inclusive,  as at the end of such
fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be.

     (e) Notice of Default or  Litigation.  Promptly,  and in any event  within
five  Business  Days  after  the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  obtains
knowledge thereof, (x) notice of the occurrence of any event which constitutes a
Default or Event of Default,  which notice shall specify the nature thereof, the
period of existence  thereof and what action the Borrower  proposes to take with
respect  thereto and (y) promptly after the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries
obtains knowledge thereof,  notice of any outstanding litigation or governmental
or regulatory proceeding pending against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
which is  reasonably  likely to have a Material  Adverse  Effect,  or a material
adverse  effect on the  ability of any Credit  Party to perform  its  respective
obligations hereunder or under any other Credit Document.


                                       33
<PAGE>

     (f)  Reserve  Reports.  Promptly  upon  receipt  thereof,  a copy of each
report  submitted to the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries by any independent
actuary with respect to reserve adequacy.

     (g)  Reserve  Adequacy  Report.  Promptly  following  a  request  from  the
Administrative  Agent or the Required Banks (which request may only be made when
an Event of Default has occurred  and is  continuing),  a report  prepared by an
independent  actuarial  consulting  firm  of  recognized  professional  standing
reasonably  satisfactory to the  Administrative  Agent or the Required Banks, as
the case may be, reviewing the adequacy of reserves of each Regulated  Insurance
Company  determined in accordance  with SAP, which firm shall be provided access
to or copies of all reserve  analyses and  valuations  relating to the insurance
business of each Regulated  Insurance  Company in the possession of or available
to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

     (h)  Annual Report for  Managed Syndicate.  As  soon  as  the  same becomes
available, but in any event within 90 days after the end of each year of account
of the Managed Syndicate, the annual report in respect thereof.

     (i)  Business Plan and Realistic Disaster Scenarios for Managed  Syndicate.
As soon as the same becomes available, the business plan prepared in relation to
the  Managed  Syndicate  and (if  separate)  the  Realistic  Disaster  Scenarios
relating thereto.

     (j)  Syndicate  Quarterly  Report.  As soon as the same becomes  available,
the Syndicate Quarterly Report for the Managed Syndicate.

     (k)  Other  Regulatory  Statements and Reports. Promptly (A)  after receipt
thereof,  copies of all triennial examinations and risk adjusted capital reports
of any Regulated  Insurance Company,  delivered to such Person by any Applicable
Insurance  Regulatory  Authority,  insurance  commission  or similar  regulatory
authority,  (B) after receipt  thereof,  written  notice of any assertion by any
Applicable Insurance Regulatory Authority or any governmental agency or agencies
substituted  therefor,  as to a  violation  of  any  Legal  Requirement  by  any
Regulated  Insurance  Company  which is  reasonably  likely  to have a  Material
Adverse Effect,  (C) after receipt  thereof,  a copy of the final report to each
Regulated  Insurance  Company  from the NAIC for each  fiscal  year,  as to such
Regulated Insurance Company's  compliance or noncompliance with each of the NAIC
Tests,  (D)  after  receipt  thereof,  a copy  of  any  notice  of  termination,
cancellation or recapture of any Reinsurance Agreement or Retrocession Agreement
to which a Regulated Insurance Company is a party to the extent such termination
or cancellation is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect,  (E) and
in any event  within ten  Business  Days after  receipt  thereof,  copies of any
notice of actual  suspension,  termination  or  revocation of any license of any
Regulated Insurance Company by any Applicable  Insurance  Regulatory  Authority,
including  any request by an Applicable  Insurance  Regulatory  Authority  which
commits a Regulated  Insurance Company to take or refrain from taking any action
or which otherwise affects the authority of such Regulated  Insurance Company to
conduct its business, except where such suspension, termination or revocation is
not reasonably  likely to have a Material  Adverse Effect,  and (F) in any event
within ten Business Days after the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  obtains
knowledge thereof, notice of any actual changes in the insurance laws enacted in
any  state in which  any  Regulated  Insurance  Company  is  domiciled  which is
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.


                                       34
<PAGE>

     (l) Other  Information.  Promptly  upon  filing thereof  with  the  SEC  or
transmission  thereof, as the case may be, copies of any final registrations and
documents,  and other reports  specified in Section 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange
Act  filed  by  the  Borrower  or  any  of  its  Subsidiaries  (other  than  any
registration  statement on Form S-8) and copies of all financial  statements and
proxy  statements,  and material notices and reports,  as the Borrower or any of
its  Subsidiaries  shall  send to  analysts  generally  or the  holders of their
capital stock in their  capacity as such holders (in each case to the extent not
theretofore  delivered  to the  Banks  pursuant  to this  Agreement)  and,  with
reasonable  promptness,  such other information or existing documents (financial
or otherwise) as the  Administrative  Agent or any Bank may  reasonably  request
from time to time.

     7.02 Books,  Records and Inspections.  The  Borrower will, and  will  cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, permit officers and designated  representatives  of
the Administrative  Agent or any Bank to visit and inspect any of the properties
or assets of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries in whomsoever's possession
(but only to the extent the Borrower or such  Subsidiary  has the right to do so
to the extent in the possession of another Person),  and to examine the books of
account of the  Borrower  and any of its  Subsidiaries  and discuss the affairs,
finances and accounts of the Borrower and of any of its  Subsidiaries  with, and
be advised as to the same by, its and their officers and independent accountants
and independent  actuaries,  if any, all at such reasonable intervals and during
business hours,  upon reasonable  prior notice and to such reasonable  extent as
the  Administrative  Agent or any Bank may request.  All such visits shall be at
the expense of the Administrative  Agent or the respective Bank unless and until
a Default or Event of Default exists.

     7.03 Insurance.  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries
to, at all times  maintain in full force and effect  insurance in such  amounts,
covering such risks and  liabilities  and with such  deductibles or self-insured
retentions as are in accordance with normal industry practice.


                                       35
<PAGE>

     7.04  Payment of Taxes. The Borrower will pay and discharge, and will cause
each of its  Subsidiaries  to pay and  discharge,  all  taxes,  assessments  and
governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits, or
upon any properties belonging to it, prior to the date on which penalties attach
thereto,  and all lawful claims for sums that have become due and payable which,
if unpaid,  might become a Lien not otherwise  permitted under Section  8.03(a);
provided that neither the Borrower nor any  Subsidiary  shall be required to pay
any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim which is being contested in good
faith and by proper  proceedings  if it has  maintained  adequate  reserves with
respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.

     7.05  Corporate Franchises.  The  Borrower  will  do, and  will  cause each
Subsidiary  to do,  or cause to be done,  all  things  reasonably  necessary  to
preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate  existence,  rights and
authority,  except where the failure to do so is not reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect; provided that any transaction permitted by Section 8.02
will not constitute a breach of this Section 7.05.

     7.06  Compliance  with  Statutes,  etc. The Borrower  will, and will cause
each Subsidiary to, comply with all applicable statutes,  regulations and orders
of, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all Government  Authorities,  in
respect  of the  conduct  of its  business  and the  ownership  of its  property
(including applicable statutes, regulations, orders and restrictions relating to
environmental  standards and controls) other than those the non-compliance  with
which is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     7.07  ERISA.  As soon as possible  and, in any event,  within 15 days after
the Borrower, any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate knows or has
reason to know of the  occurrence  of any of the  following,  the Borrower  will
deliver to each of the Banks a certificate of the chief financial officer of the
Borrower setting forth the full details as to such occurrence and the action, if
any, that the Borrower,  such  Subsidiary or such ERISA Affiliate is required or
proposes to take,  together with any notices required or proposed to be given or
filed by such Borrower,  such Subsidiary,  the Plan  administrator or such ERISA
Affiliate,  to or with the PBGC or any  other  government  agency,  or a Plan or
Multiemployer  Plan participant and any notices received by such Borrower,  such
Subsidiary or ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or any other government agency, or a
Plan or Multiemployer  Plan participant with respect thereto:  that a Reportable
Event has  occurred  (except  to the extent  that the  Borrower  has  previously
delivered to the Banks a certificate  and notices (if any) concerning such event
pursuant to the next clause hereof);  that a contributing sponsor (as defined in
Section  4001(a)(13) of ERISA) of a Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA is subject
to the advance reporting requirement of PBGC Regulation Section 4043.61 (without
regard to  subparagraph  (b)(1)  thereof),  and an event described in subsection
 .62,  .63,  .64,  .65,  .66,  .67 or .68 of  PBGC  Regulation  Section  4043  is
reasonably  expected to occur with respect to such Plan within the  following 30
days; that an accumulated funding deficiency,  within the meaning of Section 412
of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA,  has been  incurred or an  application  may
reasonably  expected to be or has been made for a waiver or  modification of the
minimum funding  standard  (including any required  installment  payments) or an
extension of any  amortization  period under  Section 412 of the Code or Section
303 or 304 of ERISA  with  respect  to a Plan;  except as would not  result in a
material  liability that any contribution  required to be made with respect to a
Plan,  Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Pension Plan has not been timely made; that
a Plan has  been or may be  terminated,  reorganized,  partitioned  or  declared
insolvent  under  Title  IV of  ERISA;  that a  Plan  has  an  Unfunded  Current

                                       36
<PAGE>

Liability;  that  proceedings  are  reasonably  expected  to  be  or  have  been
instituted  to  terminate  or  appoint a trustee to  administer  a Plan which is
subject to Title IV of ERISA; that a proceeding has been instituted  pursuant to
Section 515 of ERISA to collect a  delinquent  contribution  to a  Multiemployer
Plan;  that the Borrower,  any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
will or are reasonably  expected to incur any material liability  (including any
indirect,   contingent,  or  secondary  liability)  to  or  on  account  of  the
termination of a Plan under Section 4062,  4063,  4064, or 4069 of ERISA or with
respect to the withdrawal from a Multiemployer  Plan under Section 4201, 4204 or
4212 of ERISA or with respect to a Plan under Section 401(a)(29),  4971, 4975 or
4980 of the Code or Section 409,  502(i) or 502(l) of ERISA or with respect to a
group health plan (as defined in Section 607(1) of ERISA or Section  4980B(g)(2)
of the Code)  under  Section  4980B of the  Code;  or that the  Borrower  or any
Subsidiary  of the  Borrower may incur any  material  liability  pursuant to any
employee  welfare  benefit  plan (as  defined  in  Section  3(1) of ERISA)  that
provides  benefits to retired employees or other former employees (other than as
required by Section 601 of ERISA) or any Plan or any Foreign  Pension Plan.  The
Borrower  will deliver to each of the Banks copies of any records,  documents or
other  information  that must be  furnished to the PBGC with respect to any Plan
pursuant to Section 4010 of ERISA. The Borrower will also deliver to each of the
Banks a complete  copy of the annual  report (on Internal  Revenue  Service Form
5500-series)  of each Plan  (including,  to the  extent  required,  the  related
financial and actuarial statements and opinions and other supporting statements,
certifications,  schedules  and  information)  required  to be  filed  with  the
Internal Revenue Service.  In addition to any certificates or notices  delivered
to the Banks pursuant to the first sentence hereof, copies of annual reports and
any records, documents or other information required to be furnished to the PBGC
or any  other  government  agency,  and any  material  notices  received  by the
Borrower,  any  Subsidiary  of the  Borrower  or any  ERISA  Affiliate  from any
relevant  government agency with respect to any Plan or any Foreign Pension Plan
or  received  from any  government  agency or plan  administrator  or sponsor or
trustee with respect to any  Multiemployer  Plan shall be delivered to the Banks
no later than 15 days after the date such annual  report has been filed with the
Internal Revenue Service or such records,  documents and/or information has been
furnished  to the PBGC or any other  government  agency or such  notice has been
received by the Borrower, the Subsidiary or the ERISA Affiliate,  as applicable.
The  Borrower  and each of its  applicable  Subsidiaries  shall  ensure that all
Foreign Pension Plans administered by it or into which it makes payments obtains
or retains (as applicable) registered status under and as required by applicable
law and is  administered  in a timely manner in all respects in compliance  with
all  applicable  laws except where the failure to do any of the foregoing  would
not be  reasonably  likely to  result  in a  material  adverse  effect  upon the
business,  operations,  condition  (financial  or otherwise) or prospects of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower.

     7.08  Performance of Obligations.  The Borrower will, and will  cause  each
of its Subsidiaries to, perform in all material  respects all of its obligations
under the terms of each  mortgage,  indenture,  security  agreement,  other debt
instrument and material contract by which it is bound or to which it is a party;
provided, that the failure to pay any Indebtedness shall not constitute a breach
of this  Section  7.08  unless it shall give rise to an Event of  Default  under
Section 9.04.

                                       37
<PAGE>

     7.09  Good  Repair.  The  Borrower  will, and  will cause  each  of  its
Subsidiaries  to,  ensure that its material  properties  and  equipment  used or
useful in its business in whomsoever's  possession they may be, are kept in good
repair,  working order and condition,  normal wear and tear  excepted,  and that
from time to time there are made in such  properties  and  equipment all needful
and proper repairs, renewals, replacements,  extensions,  additions, betterments
and  improvements  thereto,  to  the  extent  and in the  manner  customary  for
companies in similar businesses.

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

     7.11 Maintenance of Licenses and Permits. The Borrower will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain all permits,  licenses and consents as may
be  required  for the  conduct of its  business  by any state,  federal or local
government agency or  instrumentality  except where failure to maintain the same
is not reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     7.12 Chartwell  Senior Notes. The Borrower will cause Chartwell Re Holdings
to repay all  principal of and  interest  and premium (if any) on the  Chartwell
Senior Notes in full no later than March 1, 2000.

     7.13 Subsidiary Guaranties. Promptly, and in any event within ten Business
Days,  following the repayment of the Chartwell  Senior Notes in accordance with
Section  7.12,  the  Borrower  will cause  Chartwell Re Holdings and each of its
Domestic Subsidiaries which is a Material Subsidiary and a Non-Regulated Company
to (i)  become  party  to the  Subsidiary  Guaranty  as a  Subsidiary  Guarantor
pursuant  to   documentation   in  form  and  substance   satisfactory   to  the
Administrative Agent and (ii) deliver all legal opinions, officers' certificates
and corporate  documentation  as would have been  required  pursuant to Sections
5.04 and 5.05 if such  Persons  had been Credit  Parties on the  Initial  Credit
Event Date.

     SECTION 8.  Negative  Covenants.  The Borrower hereby covenants  and agrees
that on the Effective Date and  thereafter,  for so long as this Agreement is in
effect and until the Total  Commitment  and the Letter of Credit are  terminated
and all Loans and Unpaid  Drawings,  together with interest,  Fees and all other
Obligations incurred hereunder, are paid in full:

     8.01 Changes in Business. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries will not engage
in any business other than the property and casualty  insurance and  reinsurance
business  and  any  other  businesses   engaged  in  by  the  Borrower  and  its
Subsidiaries  as of the Effective Date (after giving effect to the  Transaction)
and activities related, ancillary or complimentary thereto.

     8.02  Fundamental  Changes;  Acquisitions.   (a) The Borrower will not, and
will not permit any of its  Material  Subsidiaries  to,  wind up,  liquidate  or
dissolve its affairs,  or enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation,
or sell or otherwise  dispose of all or  substantially  all of its assets to any
other Person,  provided  that (x) the Borrower may merge with another  Person if
(i) the Borrower is the corporation  surviving such merger and (ii)  immediately
after giving  effect to such merger,  no Default or Event of Default  shall have
occurred and is continuing;  (y) Subsidiaries of the Borrower may merge with one
another,  provided  that the  Borrower's  ownership  percentage of the surviving
entity  is at  least  equal  to  the  Borrower's  ownership  percentage  of  the
Subsidiary  party  to such  merger  in  which  the  Borrower  owns  the  greater
percentage  equity interest prior to such merger;  and (z) the Transaction shall
be permitted.

                                       38
<PAGE>

     (b) The  Borrower  will not,  and will  not permit any of its  Subsidiaries
to,  purchase,  lease or otherwise  acquire (in one  transaction  or a series of
related  transactions)  all or any part of the  property or assets of any Person
(excluding any purchases, leases or other acquisitions of property or assets in,
and for use in,  the  ordinary  course  of  business)  or agree to do any of the
foregoing at any future time, except that the following shall be permitted:

        (i) The  investments, acquisitions  and  transfers  or  dispositions  of
property permitted pursuant to Section 8.05;
       (ii) Any  Regulated  Insurance  Company  may  enter  into  any  Insurance
Contract, Reinsurance Agreement or Retrocession Agreement in the ordinary course
of business in accordance with its normal underwriting,  indemnity and retention
policies,  provided  that no Regulated  Insurance  Company  shall enter into any
Financial  Reinsurance  Agreements  unless the  Indebtedness  arising under such
Financial Reinsurance Agreements is permitted under Section 8.04(i); and

     (iii) so long as no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result
therefrom,  the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries may acquire assets or the capital
stock of any Person (any such  acquisitions  permitted by this clause  (iii),  a
"Permitted  Acquisition"),  provided,  that (A) such  Person  (or the  assets so
acquired)  was,  immediately  prior  to  such  acquisition,  engaged  (or  used)
primarily in the  businesses  permitted  pursuant to Section 8.01, (B) each such
acquisition  shall be for an  amount  not  greater  than the fair  market  value
thereof (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Borrower),
(C) the aggregate amount (both cash and non-cash, including capital stock of the
Borrower)   expended  by  the  Borrower  and  its   Subsidiaries  for  Permitted
Acquisitions  after the Effective Date shall not exceed  $400,000,000,  (D) on a
pro forma basis  determined as if such  acquisition had been  consummated on the
date  occurring  twelve months prior to the last day of the most recently  ended
fiscal  quarter of the Borrower,  the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  would have
been in compliance  with Sections 8.12 through 8.16 of this  Agreement as of, or
for the relevant period ended on, the last day of such fiscal  quarter,  and (E)
on a pro forma basis determined as if such acquisition had been consummated, the
covenants  contained in Sections  8.12 through 8.16 will  continue to be met for
the twelve-month period following the last day of the fiscal quarter ended after
the date of the consummation of such acquisition.

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

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

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

                                       39

<PAGE>

     (c) Cash  collateral  requirements  in  respect of  outstanding  Letters of
Credit pursuant to this Agreement and the other Credit Documents;

     (d) Liens in existence on  the Effective  Date  which are  listed,  and the
property subject thereto on the Effective Date described, in Annex VII, together
with any extensions or renewals  thereof so long as the obligations  secured and
assets  encumbered  by such  Liens are not  increased  in  connection  with such
extension  or  renewal by more than  $5,000,000  (provided  that the  securities
subject  to any such Lien may be  replaced  by other  securities  of no  greater
principal amount);

     (e) Liens arising  from judgments,  decrees or attachments in circumstances
not constituting an Event of Default under Section 9.08;

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

     (g)  Leases or subleases granted to others not interfering in any  material
respect  with the business of the  Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  and any
interest  or  title  of a  lessor  under  any  lease  not in  violation  of this
Agreement;

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

     (i) Liens  arising from UCC  financing  statements  regarding leases not in
violation of this Agreement;

     (j) Liens  on  pledges  or  deposits   of  cash or  securities  made by any
Regulated  Insurance  Company as a condition  to obtaining  or  maintaining  any
licenses issued to it by any Applicable Insurance Regulatory Authority;

     (k) Liens  arising  pursuant  to purchase  money  mortgages, Capital Leases
or security interests securing Indebtedness  representing the purchase price (or
financing of the purchase price within 90 days after the respective purchase) of
assets acquired after the Initial Credit Event Date,  provided that (i) any such
Liens attach only to the assets so purchased,  (ii) the Indebtedness  secured by
any such Lien does not exceed  100%,  nor is less than 80%, of the lesser of the
fair market value or the purchase price of the property  being  purchased at the
time of the incurrence of such  Indebtedness and (iii) the Indebtedness  secured
thereby is permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 8.04(b);

     (l) Liens  on  property or assets  acquired  pursuant  to  an  acquisition,
or on property or assets of a  Subsidiary  of the  Borrower in  existence at the
time such Subsidiary is acquired  pursuant to an acquisition,  provided that (i)
any  Indebtedness  that is  secured by such Liens is  permitted  to exist  under
Section  8.04(f) and (ii) such Liens are not incurred in  connection  with or in
contemplation or anticipation of such acquisition and do not attach to any other
asset of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; and

     (m) Liens  consisting  of customary  set-off  rights or  bankers' liens  on
amounts on deposit and securing reimbursement  obligations in respect of letters
of credit  issued for the account of the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries,
whether  arising by contract or operation of law, to the extent  incurred in the
ordinary course of business.

                                       40
<PAGE>

     8.04  Indebtedness.  The  Borrower will  not,  and will not  permit  any of
its  Subsidiaries  to, contract,  create,  incur,  assume or suffer to exist any
Indebtedness, except:

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

     (b)  Capitalized  Lease  Obligations and Indebtedness  of the Borrower and
its  Subsidiaries  incurred  pursuant to purchase  money Liens  permitted  under
Section 8.03(k);

     (c)  Indebtedness  in existence on the  Effective  Date which is listed in
Annex III,  together with extension,  renewal or refinancing  thereof so long as
the principal  amount of any such  Indebtedness  is not increased as a result of
any such extension, renewal or refinancing;

     (d) Obligations  of any  Regulated  Insurance  Company with  respect to (i)
letters of credit securing obligations (A) under Reinsurance  Agreements and (B)
required by Lloyds  entered into in the ordinary  course of business of any such
Regulated  Insurance Company,  (ii) letters of credit issued in lieu of deposits
to satisfy Legal  Requirements or (iii) letters of credit or surety bonds issued
in lieu of  depositing  securities  with  any  Applicable  Insurance  Regulatory
Authority  to satisfy  regulatory  requirements;  in any case to the extent such
letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent  drawn upon,  such
drawing is reimbursed no later than 10 days following receipt by the Borrower or
such Subsidiary of notice of payment on such letter of credit;

     (e) Indebtedness under Interest Rate Agreements or Other Hedging Agreements
entered  into in respect of the  Obligations  or otherwise in the conduct of its
business and not for speculative purposes;

     (f) Indebtedness  of  the  Borrower  or a Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary  of  the
Borrower  acquired  pursuant to an acquisition (or  Indebtedness  assumed at the
time of a permitted acquisition of an asset securing such Indebtedness), and any
refinancing of such  Indebtedness so long as the principal amount thereof is not
increased,  provided that (i) such  Indebtedness  was not incurred in connection
with or in contemplation of such  acquisition,  (ii) such  Indebtedness does not
constitute  Indebtedness for borrowed money, it being understood and agreed that
Capitalized  Lease  Obligations  and  purchase  money   Indebtedness  shall  not
constitute  Indebtedness for borrowed money for purposes of this clause (i), and
(iii) at the time of such acquisition,  such Indebtedness does not exceed 10% of
the total value of the assets of the Subsidiary so acquired, or of the assets so
acquired, as the case may be;

     (g)  Indebtedness  constituting  a loan from the  Borrower  or any  Wholly-
Owned Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;


                                       41
<PAGE>

     (h)  Indebtedness  consisting  of  senior  notes  issued by  the   Borrower
in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed $200,000,000, so long
as the maturity date of any such senior notes is no earlier than March 31, 2005;
and

     (i) Other Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate
outstanding principal amount not to exceed $50,000,000 at any time.

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

     (a) The Transaction shall be permitted;

     (b) The  Borrower  and  its  Subsidiaries  may  make  investments  (i)  in
accordance  with the Borrower's and  Subsidiaries'  investment  guidelines as in
effect on the Effective  Date (in the form delivered to the Banks on or prior to
such date) or (ii) in accordance with modified  investment  guidelines from time
to time so long as such modified  guidelines are not materially less restrictive
on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries than those referred to in clause (i) above;

     (c) The  Borrower  and its Subsidiaries  may  acquire  and hold receivables
owing to them in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in
accordance with customary trade terms;

     (d) Loans and advances to  employees for  business-related travel expenses,
moving  expenses  and  other  similar  expenses,  in each case  incurred  in the
ordinary course of business;

     (e) The transactions described in Section 8.02 shall be permitted;

     (f) Any Regulated Insurance Company may make investments in companies which
are  Wholly-Owned  Subsidiaries of such Person (or any other  Subsidiary of such
Person  created or acquired in  accordance  with  Section  8.09) but only to the
extent that any such  investment,  at the time made,  does not reduce  Statutory
Surplus of such Regulated Insurance Company;

     (g)  Investments pursuant to commitments in effect as of the Effective Date
and described (as to matter and amount) on Annex VIII;

                                       42
<PAGE>

     (h)  Investments  acquired  by the  Borrower  or any  of  its  Subsidiaries
(x) in  exchange  for any  other  investment  held by the  Borrower  or any such
Subsidiary  in  connection  with  or  as  a  result  of a  bankruptcy,  workout,
reorganization or recapitalization  of the issuer of such other investment,  (y)
as a result of a  foreclosure  by the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  with
respect to any secured investment or other transfer of title with respect to any
secured investment in default or (z) in settlement of delinquent obligations of,
and other disputes with,  customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course
of business;

     (i)  Investments  existing on the  Effective  Date which  are identified on
Annex VIII;

     (j) the Borrower may acquire and hold  obligations of one or more  officers
or  employees  of the  Borrower  or its  Subsidiaries  in  connection  with such
officers' or employees'  acquisition  of shares of capital stock of the Borrower
or options to  purchase  shares of capital  stock of the  Borrower so long as no
cash is paid by the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  in connection with the
acquisition of any such obligations and such obligations;

     (k) Investments  consisting of  intercompany  loans to the extent permitted
under Section 8.04(g);

     (l) Investments  by  the   Borrower  in  Wholly-Owned   Subsidiaries,   and
investments by Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries in other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries;

     (m) Investments consisting of prepaid expenses;

     (n) Investments consisting of non-cash consideration received in connection
with a sale of assets  permitted  under  Section 8.02 (it being  understood  and
agreed that the  consideration  received in respect of any such asset sale shall
be at least 75% cash); and

     (o) additional  investments   (including   such   additional    investments
identified  pursuant  to this  Section  8.05(o) in Annex  VIII) in an  aggregate
outstanding  amount not to exceed,  at the time any such  investment is made, an
amount equal to 5% of the invested  assets of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries
at such time.


                                       43
<PAGE>

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

        (i) Any Subsidiary of the Borrower may pay cash dividends to its parent
if such parent is the Borrower or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower;

       (ii) The Borrower may redeem or purchase its capital stock at any time so
long as no  Default  or Event of  Default  exists  at such  time or would  exist
immediately after giving effect to such redemption or purchase; and

     (iii) The  Borrower  may pay cash  dividends  on its  capital  stock in any
fiscal  quarter,  provided  that the aggregate  amount of dividends  paid in any
fiscal  quarter  shall not  exceed an amount  equal to the  greater of (A) $0.26
multiplied by the number of shares of the Borrower's common stock outstanding as
of the record date declared by the Borrower's Board of Directors for such fiscal
quarter; provided that to the extent there is more than one record date for such
fiscal  quarter,  the first record date for such fiscal quarter shall be used in
determining the numbers of shares of the Borrower's common stock outstanding for
such  period  and (B) an amount,  if  positive,  equal to 50% of the  Borrower's
Consolidated Net Income for the four most recently completed  consecutive fiscal
quarters of the Borrower ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter (taken as
one accounting  period) divided by four;  provided that no dividends may be paid
pursuant to this Section  8.06(a)(iii) if any Default or Event of Default exists
at the time of the payment of such cash  dividends  or would  exist  immediately
after giving effect thereto.

                                       44
<PAGE>

     (b)  The  Borrower will not,  and will not  permit any of its  Subsidiaries
to, create or otherwise  cause or suffer to exist any encumbrance or restriction
which prohibits or otherwise  restricts (i) the ability of any Subsidiary to (A)
pay dividends or make other  distributions or pay any  Indebtedness  owed to the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,  as applicable,  (B) make loans or advances
to the  Borrower or any  Subsidiary,  as  applicable,  (C)  transfer  any of its
properties or assets to the Borrower or any  Subsidiary,  as applicable,  or (D)
guarantee the  Obligations or (ii) the ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary
of the  Borrower to create,  incur,  assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon its
property  or  assets to secure  the  Obligations,  other  than  prohibitions  or
restrictions  existing  under or by reason of (I) this  Agreement  and the other
Credit  Documents,  (II) the Chartwell  Senior Notes,  (III) the Trenwick Senior
Notes and (IV) Legal Requirements.

     8.07  Transactions  with Affiliates.   The Borrower  will not, and will not
permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any  transaction or series of  transactions
with any Affiliate (excluding the Borrower or any Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the
Borrower) other than on terms and conditions  substantially  as favorable to the
Borrower  or such  Subsidiary  as would be  obtainable  by the  Borrower or such
Subsidiary at the time in a comparable  arm's-length  transaction  with a Person
other than an Affiliate.

     8.08  Issuance of Stock.  (a) The Borrower  will not directly or indirectly
issue, sell,  assign,  pledge, or otherwise encumber or dispose of any shares of
its capital stock or other equity securities (or warrants,  rights or options to
acquire  shares or other equity  securities),  except (i) the issuance of common
stock (and warrants,  options and other rights to acquire common stock), so long
as no Event of Default  occurs  under  Section  9.09,  and (ii) the  issuance of
preferred  stock,  so long as (x) no part of such preferred stock is mandatorily
redeemable (whether on a scheduled basis or as a result of the occurrence of any
event or  circumstance)  and (y) any dividends  associated  with such  preferred
stock are solely payable in kind.

     (b) The  Borrower  will  not permit any  of  its  Subsidiaries  directly or
indirectly to issue, sell,  assign,  pledge, or otherwise encumber or dispose of
any shares of its capital stock or other equity securities (or warrants,  rights
or options to acquire  shares or other equity  securities)  of such  Subsidiary,
except (i) to the Borrower or to a Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary of the Borrower, and
(ii) to qualify directors if required by applicable law.

     8.09  Creation of  Subsidiaries. The  Borrower  shall not create or acquire
any Subsidiary other than (i) Regulated  Insurance Companies which are direct or
indirect  Wholly-Owned  Subsidiaries  of the  Borrower;  and (ii)  Non-Regulated
Companies which are not Subsidiaries of any Regulated Insurance Company, so long
as such new Subsidiary executes a counterpart of the Subsidiary Guaranty (to the
extent such Subsidiary is a Domestic Subsidiary and a Material  Subsidiary).  In
addition,  at the request of the Administrative  Agent, each new Subsidiary that
is required to execute any Credit  Document shall execute and deliver,  or cause
to be executed  and  delivered,  all other  relevant  documentation  of the type
described in Section 5 as such new Subsidiary  would have had to deliver if such
new Subsidiary were a Credit Party on the Initial Credit Event Date.

     8.10  Partnership Agreements.   The  Borrower  will  not   enter  into  any
partnership agreement as a general partner.

     8.11  Prepayments of Indebtedness,  Modifications of Agreements, etc.   The
Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:

                                       45
<PAGE>

     (a) make (or give any notice in respect thereof) any voluntary or  optional
payment or prepayment or redemption  or  acquisition  for value of  (including,
without limitation,  by way of depositing with the trustee with respect thereto
money or securities  before due for the purpose of payment when due) or exchange
of, any Contingent Interest Notes or Trust Preferred Notes; and/or

     (b) amend or modify (or permit the amendment or modification of) any of the
terms or provisions  of the documents or agreements  evidencing or governing the
Contingent Interest Notes or the Trust Preferred Notes.

     8.12  Leverage Ratio.  The  Borrower  will  not  permit  the  ratio  of (i)
Consolidated  Indebtedness of the Borrower to (ii) Consolidated Total Capital of
the Borrower at any time to be greater than 0.325:1.00.

     8.13  Interest Coverage Ratio.  The Borrowe  will  not  permit the Interest
Coverage  Ratio for any Test Period ending during a period set forth below to be
less than the ratio set forth opposite such period below:

                  Period                             Ratio
                  ------                             -----
            Fiscal Year ending 12/31/00              2.25:1.00

            Fiscal Year ending 12/31/01              2.50:1.00

            Fiscal Year ending 12/31/02              2.75:1.00

            Thereafter                               3.00:1.00


     8.14 Minimum Risk Based Capital.  (a) The Borrower will not permit the Risk
Based Capital Ratio for Trenwick America Reinsurance Corporation to be less than
325%.

     (b) The  Borrower  will not  permit  the Risk Based Capital  Ratio  for any
Regulated  Insurance Company which is a Domestic Subsidiary (other than Trenwick
America Reinsurance Corporation) to be less than 275%.

     8.15  Minimum  Combined  Statutory  Surplus. The  Borrower  will not permit
the Regulated Insurance  Companies,  collectively,  on a Combined basis, to have
Statutory Surplus at any time of less than $400,000,000.

     8.16  Minimum Consolidated Tangible Net Worth. The Borrower will not permit
its Consolidated Tangible Net Worth to be less than $325,000,000 at any time.

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

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

                                       46
<PAGE>

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

     9.03  Covenants.  Any Credit Party shall (a) default in the due performance
or observance by it of any term, covenant or agreement contained in Section 7.10
or 8 (except  for  Sections  8.01,  8.07 and  8.09),  or (b)  default in the due
performance or observance by it of any term,  covenant or agreement  (other than
those referred to in Section 9.01 or clause (a) of this Section 9.03)  contained
in this Agreement and such default shall continue  unremedied for a period of at
least 30 days; or

     9.04  Default  Under  Other  Agreements.   (a) The  Borrower or any of  its
Subsidiaries  shall (i)  default in any  payment  with  respect to  Indebtedness
(other than the  Obligations),  in excess of $10,000,000  individually or in the
aggregate,  for the  Borrower  and  its  Subsidiaries  (collectively,  "Material
Indebtedness"),  beyond the period of grace, if any,  provided in the instrument
or agreement  under which such  Indebtedness  was created or (ii) default in the
observance or  performance  of any  agreement or condition  relating to any such
Material  Indebtedness  or contained in any instrument or agreement  evidencing,
securing or relating thereto, or any other event shall occur or condition exist,
the  effect of which  default or other  event or  condition  is to cause,  or to
permit  the holder or holders  of such  Material  Indebtedness  (or a trustee or
agent  on  behalf  of such  holder  or  holders)  to  cause  any  such  Material
Indebtedness  to  become  due  prior  to its  stated  maturity;  or (b) any such
Material  Indebtedness  of the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  shall  be
declared  to be due and  payable,  or  required  to be  prepaid  other than by a
regularly  scheduled  required  prepayment or as a mandatory  prepayment (unless
such  required  pre-payment  or  mandatory  prepayment  results  from a  default
thereunder or an event of the type that constitutes an Event of Default),  prior
to the stated maturity thereof; or

     9.05  Bankruptcy,  etc.   The  Borrower  or  any  of its Subsidiaries shall
commence a voluntary case concerning  itself under Title 11 of the United States
Code  entitled  "Bankruptcy,"  as now or hereafter in effect,  or any  successor
thereto (the "Bankruptcy Code"); or an involuntary case is commenced against the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and the petition is not controverted  within
10 days, or is not dismissed within 60 days, after  commencement of the case; or
a  custodian  (as defined in the  Bankruptcy  Code) is  appointed  for, or takes
charge of, all or  substantially  all of the  property of the Borrower or any of
its  Subsidiaries;  or  the  Borrower  or  any  of  its  Subsidiaries  commences
(including by way of applying for or consenting  to the  appointment  of, or the
taking  of  possession  by,  a  rehabilitator,   receiver,  custodian,  trustee,
conservator or liquidator  (collectively,  a "conservator")  of itself or all or
any  substantial  portion  of its  property)  any  other  proceeding  under  any
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution,
insolvency, liquidation,  rehabilitation,  conservatorship or similar law of any
jurisdiction  whether now or hereafter in effect relating to the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries; or any such proceeding is commenced against the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries and remains  undismissed for a period of 60 days; or the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any
order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered;
or (a) any  Regulated  Insurance  Company  which is engaged in the  business  of
underwriting  insurance  and/or  reinsurance  in the United  States  suffers any
appointment of any conservator or the like for it or any substantial part of its
property,  or (b)  the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  (other  than  any
Regulated  Insurance Company described in the immediately  preceding clause (a))
suffers any appointment of any conservator or the like for it or any substantial
part of its property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60
days; or the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries  makes a general assignment for
the benefit of creditors;  or any  corporate  action is taken by the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; or

                                       47
<PAGE>

     9.06  ERISA.  (a)  Any  Plan  shall  fail  to satisfy the  minimum  funding
standard  required  for any plan year or part thereof  under  Section 412 of the
Code or Section 302 of ERISA or a waiver of such  standard or  extension  of any
amortization  period is  sought  or  granted  under  Section  412 of the Code or
Section  303 or 304  of  ERISA,  a  Reportable  Event  shall  have  occurred,  a
contributing  sponsor  (as  defined in Section  4001(a)(13)  of ERISA) of a Plan
subject  to  Title  IV of  ERISA  shall  be  subject  to the  advance  reporting
requirement of PBGC Regulation  Section 4043.61  (without regard to subparagraph
(b)(1)  thereof) and an event  described in subsection  .62, .63, .64, .65, .66,
 .67 or .68 of PBGC Regulation Section 4043 shall be reasonably expected to occur
with  respect  to such Plan  within  the  following  30 days,  any Plan which is
subject  to Title IV of ERISA  shall  have had or is  likely  to have a  trustee
appointed by the PBGC to administer  such Plan, any Plan or  Multiemployer  Plan
which is  subject  to Title IV of ERISA is,  shall  have been or is likely to be
terminated or to be the subject of termination proceedings under ERISA, any Plan
shall have an Unfunded  Current  Liability,  a contribution  required to be made
with respect to a Plan,  Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Pension Plan has not been
timely  made,  the  Borrower  or any  Subsidiary  of the  Borrower  or any ERISA
Affiliate has incurred or is likely to incur any liability to or on account of a
Plan or Multiemployer Plan under Section 409, 502(i),  502(l),  515, 4062, 4063,
4064, 4069, 4201, 4204 or 4212 of ERISA or Section  401(a)(29),  4971 or 4975 of
the Code or on account of a group  health plan (as defined in Section  607(1) of
ERISA or Section  4980B(g)(2)  of the Code) under  Section 4980B of the Code, or
the  Borrower or any  Subsidiary  of the  Borrower  has incurred or is likely to
incur  liabilities  pursuant to one or more employee  welfare  benefit plans (as
defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) that provide benefits to retired  employees or
other former employees (other than as required by Section 601 of ERISA) or Plans
or Foreign Pension Plans, a "default," within the meaning of Section  4219(c)(5)
of ERISA,  shall occur with respect to any  Multiemployer  Plan;  any applicable
law,   rule  or  regulation  is  adopted,   changed  or   interpreted,   or  the
interpretation or administration thereof is changed, in each case after the date
hereof,  by any  governmental  authority or agency or by any court (a "Change in
Law"), or, as a result of a Change in Law, an event occurs following a Change in
Law, with respect to or otherwise  affecting any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (b)
there shall result from any such event or events the  imposition of a lien,  the
granting of a security interest,  or a liability or a material risk of incurring
a liability;  and (c) such lien,  security  interest or liability,  individually
and/or in the aggregate,  in the opinion of the Required Banks has had, or could
reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect; or

     9.07  Subsidiary Guaranty. The Subsidiary Guaranty or any provision thereof
shall cease to be in full force and effect,  or any Subsidiary  Guarantor or any
Person  acting  by or on  behalf  of such  Subsidiary  Guarantor  shall  deny or
disaffirm such Subsidiary Guarantor's  obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty
or any Subsidiary  Guarantor  shall default in the due performance or observance
of any term,  covenant  or  agreement  on its part to be  performed  or observed
pursuant to the Subsidiary Guaranty; or

                                       48
<PAGE>

     9.08  Judgments.  One or more judgments or decrees shall be entered against
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries involving a liability, net of undisputed
reinsurance,  of  $10,000,000  or more in the case of any one such  judgment  or
decree or in the aggregate  for all such  judgments and decrees for the Borrower
and its  Subsidiaries  and any such  judgments  or  decrees  shall not have been
vacated,  discharged,  stayed or bonded  pending  appeal within 60 days from the
entry thereof; or

     9.09  Change of Control.  A Change of Control shall occur; or

     9.10 Senior Unsecured Debt Ratings. By the 90th day following the Effective
Date, the Borrower shall not have received a confirmed S&P Credit Rating (taking
into account the  Acquisition)  of at least BBB- and a confirmed  Moody's Credit
Rating (taking into account the Acquisition) of at least Baa3; or

     9.11   A.M. Best Ratings. Any Rated Ongoing Regulated Subsidiary shall fail
to have an A.M. Best claims paying rating of at least A-;

then, and in any such event, and at any time thereafter, if any Event of Default
shall then be  continuing,  the  Administrative  Agent  shall,  upon the written
request of the Required  Banks,  by written notice to the Borrower,  take any or
all  of  the  following  actions,   without  prejudice  to  the  rights  of  the
Administrative  Agent or any Bank to enforce its claims  against the Borrower or
any other Credit Party,  except as otherwise  specifically  provided for in this
Agreement  (provided that if an Event of Default specified in Section 9.05 shall
occur with respect to the Borrower, the result which would occur upon the giving
of written notice by the Administrative Agent as specified in clauses (i), (ii),
(iii) and (v) below  shall  occur  automatically  without the giving of any such
notice): (i) declare the Total Revolving Loan Commitment  terminated,  whereupon
the  Revolving  Loan   Commitment  of  each  Bank  shall   forthwith   terminate
immediately,  (ii)  declare  the Total  Unutilized  L/C  Commitment  terminated,
whereupon the Unutilized L/C Commitment of each Bank shall  forthwith  terminate
immediately,  (iii) declare the principal of and any accrued interest in respect
of all Loans  and all  other  Obligations  owing  hereunder  and under the other
Credit  Documents to be,  whereupon  the same shall  become,  forthwith  due and
payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of
which are hereby waived by the Borrower,  (iv) terminate any Letter of Credit if
permitted in accordance with its terms,  and (v) direct the Borrower to pay (and
the Borrower  hereby agrees upon receipt of such notice,  or upon the occurrence
of any Event of Default specified in Section 9.05, to pay) to the Administrative
Agent at the  Payment  Office an amount of cash to be held as  security  for the
Borrower's  reimbursement  obligations  in respect of all Letters of Credit then
outstanding,  equal to the  aggregate  Stated Amount of all Letters of Credit at
such time.

                                       49

<PAGE>

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

     "Acquisition" shall mean the merger of Chartwell with and into the Borrower
on October 27, 1999 pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement.

     "Acquisition  Agreement"  shall mean the Agreement of Merger dated June 21,
1999 between the Borrower and Chartwell.

     "Acquisition  Documents" shall mean the Acquisition Agreement and the Stock
Option  Agreement  dated June 21,  1999  between  the  Borrower  and  Chartwell,
including  the  Annexes  and  Exhibits  thereto,  as the same may be  amended or
modified pursuant to the terms thereof.

     "Administrative  Agent"  shall  have  the  meaning  provided  in the  first
paragraph  of  this   Agreement   and  shall   include  any   successor  to  the
Administrative Agent appointed pursuant to Section 11.09.

     "Affected  Eurodollar  Loans"  shall have the  meaning  provided in Section
4.02(ii)(b).

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

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

     "Alternate  Currency" shall mean each Primary  Alternate  Currency and each
Other Alternate Currency.

     "Alternate  Currency  Letter of Credit"  shall mean the Letter of Credit to
the extent denominated in an Alternate Currency.

     "Alternate  Currency Loan" shall mean any Revolving Loan  denominated in an
Alternate Currency.

     "Annual Statement" shall mean the annual financial statement required to be
filed  by  any  Regulated  Insurance  Company  with  the  Applicable   Insurance
Regulatory Authority.

                                       50
<PAGE>
     "Applicable  Commitment  Fee  Percentage"  shall  mean,  for any  day,  the
percentage set forth below opposite the Applicable Period then in effect:

          Applicable Period              Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage
          -----------------              ------------------------------------
            Category A Period              0.200%

            Category B Period              0.250%

            Category C Period              0.300%

            Category D Period              0.375%

            Category E Period              0.500%

     "Applicable Credit Rating" shall mean (i) the Moody's Credit Rating and the
S&P Credit  Rating,  if the same;  (ii) if the Moody's Credit Rating and the S&P
Credit Rating differ by one rating level, the higher of such Ratings;  and (iii)
if the Moody's  Credit  Rating and the S&P Credit  Rating  differ by two or more
rating levels,  the Applicable Credit Rating shall be one rating level below the
higher of such  Ratings.  If only one Rating  Agency rates the senior  unsecured
debt of the Borrower,  such rating shall be the Applicable  Credit Rating unless
the other Rating Agency ceased rating such senior  unsecured debt at the request
of the Borrower,  in which case the Applicable  Credit Rating shall be deemed to
be below BBB-/Baa3.

     "Applicable  Insurance  Regulatory  Authority"  shall mean,  when used with
respect to any Regulated  Insurance  Company,  (x) the  insurance  department or
similar  administrative  authority  or  agency  located  in each  state or other
jurisdiction  (foreign or domestic) in which such Regulated Insurance Company is
domiciled,  (y) the insurance  department,  authority or agency in each state or
other  jurisdiction  (foreign or  domestic)  in which such  Regulated  Insurance
Company is  licensed,  to the extent it has  regulatory  jurisdiction  over such
Regulated  Insurance  Company,   and  (z)  any  Federal  or  national  insurance
regulatory  department,  authority  or agency  that may be created  and that has
regulatory jurisdiction over such Regulated Insurance Company.

     "Applicable  Lloyds  Coming in Line Date"  shall mean the Lloyds  Coming in
Line Date occurring in November, 2000; provided that if in any year in which the
Applicable Lloyds Coming in Line Date is scheduled to occur, the expiration date
of any Letter of Credit is  extended  in  accordance  with the terms  thereof as
provided in Section  2.05(a),  then the  Applicable  Lloyds  Coming in Line Date
shall be extended to the Lloyds Coming in Line Date occurring in the immediately
succeeding  year (e.g.,  if in 2000, the expiration date of any Letter of Credit
is extended  from  December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2005 as provided in Section
2.05(a),  the  Applicable  Lloyds Coming in Line Date shall be extended from the
Lloyds Coming in Line Date  occurring in November,  2000 to the Lloyds Coming in
Line Date occurring in November, 2001).

     "Applicable  Margin" shall mean,  for any day, the rate per annum set forth
below opposite the Applicable Period then in effect:

                                         Applicable Margin
                                         -----------------
    Applicable Period           Eurodollar Loans     Base Rate Loans
    -----------------           ----------------     -----------------
    Category A Period                1.10%                 0.00%
    Category B Period                1.30%                 0.05%
    Category C Period                1.50%                 0.25%
    Category D Period                1.75%                 0.50%
    Category E Period                2.00%                 0.75%

     "Applicable  Period"  shall mean,  at any time,  the period set forth below
then in effect:
     Applicable Period                            Criteria
     -----------------                            --------
     Category A Period          The Applicable Credit Rating is A-/A3 or above.

     Category B Period          The Applicable Credit Rating is BBB+/Baa1.

     Category C Period          The Applicable Credit Rating is BBB/Baa2.

     Category D Period          The Applicable Credit Rating is BBB-/Baa3.

     Category E Period          None of a Category A Period, a Category B
                                Period  a Category C Period nor a Category D
                                Period is in effect at such time.

Notwithstanding  anything  to the  contrary  set forth  above,  (i) at all times
during the first three  months  following  the Initial  Credit  Event Date,  the
Applicable  Period  shall be a  Category C Period,  and (ii) if  neither  Rating
Agency rates the  unsecured  senior debt of the  Borrower,  then the  Applicable
Period shall be a Category E Period.

                                       51
<PAGE>

     "Approved Bank" shall have the meaning  provided in the definition of "Cash
Equivalents."

     "Approved  Company"  shall have the meaning  provided in the  definition of
"Cash Equivalents."

     "Approved Credit  Institution"  shall mean a credit  institution within the
meaning of the First Council Directive on the coordination of laws,  regulations
and  administrative  provisions  relating  to the  taking up and  pursuit of the
business of credit institutions (No.  77/780/EEC) which has been approved by the
Council of  Lloyd's  for the  purpose of  providing  guarantees  and  issuing or
confirming letters of credit comprising a Member's Funds at Lloyd's.

     "Approved  Currency"  shall mean each of Dollars,  each  Primary  Alternate
Currency and each Other Alternate Currency.

     "Asset Sale" shall mean any sale, transfer or other disposition effected on
or after the Effective  Date by the Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  of (i)
any capital  stock or equity  securities of a Subsidiary of the Borrower or (ii)
any other  asset,  in each case to any Person  other than the Borrower or any of
its  Wholly-Owned  Subsidiaries  (other  than  (a)  sales,  transfers  or  other
dispositions in the ordinary course of business,  (b) sales,  transfers or other
dispositions of investments made or maintained pursuant to Section 8.05(b), (g),
(i) and (o), and (c) other sales,  transfers and  dispositions the Net Available
Proceeds from which do not exceed $1,000,000).

     "Assignment and Assumption  Agreement"  shall have the meaning  provided in
Section 12.04(b).

     "Associated Cost Rate" shall mean, with respect to each Interest Period for
Pounds  Sterling-denominated Loans, the costs (expressed as a percentage rounded
up to the nearest four decimal places and as determined on the first day of such
Interest Period and any three month  anniversary  thereof by the  Administrative
Agent) of compliance  with then existing  requirements of the Bank of England in
respect of Loans denominated in Pounds Sterling.

     "Authorized Control Level" shall mean "Authorized Control Level" as defined
by the NAIC from time to time and as  applied  in the  context of the Risk Based
Capital Guidelines  promulgated by the NAIC (or any term substituted therefor by
the NAIC).

     "Authorized  Officer"  shall mean, as to any Person,  any senior officer of
such  Person  designated  as such  in  writing  by such  Person  to,  and  found
acceptable by, the Administrative Agent.

     "Available  Total  Revolving Loan  Commitment"  shall mean (i) prior to the
date on which all principal of and accrued  interest and premium (if any) on the
Chartwell  Senior  Notes  have been paid in full,  an amount  equal to the Total
Revolving Loan Commitment at such time minus $48,750,000,  and (ii) on and after
the date on which all principal of and accrued  interest and premium (if any) on
the  Chartwell  Senior Notes have been paid in full,  the Total  Revolving  Loan
Commitment at such time.

     "Bank"  shall have the  meaning  provided  in the first  paragraph  of this
Agreement.

     "Bank Default" shall mean (i) the refusal (which has not been retracted) of
a Bank to make  available  its portion of any  Borrowing or any Letter of Credit
drawing or (ii) a Bank  having  notified  the  Administrative  Agent  and/or the
Borrower  that it does not  intend to comply  with its  obligations  under  this
Agreement with respect to its Revolving Loan  Commitment or L/C  Commitment,  in
the case of either clause (i) or (ii) above, as a result of the appointment of a
receiver or conservator with respect to such Bank at the direction or request of
any regulatory agency or authority.


                                       52
<PAGE>

     "Bankruptcy Code" shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.05.

     "Base  Rate" at any time shall mean the higher of (x) the rate which is 1/2
of 1% in excess of the Federal  Funds  Effective  Rate as in effect at such time
and (y) the Prime Lending Rate as in effect at such time.

     "Base  Rate  Loan"  shall  mean each  Loan  bearing  interest  at the rates
provided in Section 1.08(a).

     "Benchmark  Statement"  shall  mean,  as of any date,  an annual  financial
statement of the Regulated  Insurance  Companies as would be prepared as of such
date utilizing the identical  format  utilized by Trenwick  America  Reinsurance
Corporation in preparing its December 31, 1998 Annual  Statement  filed with the
Insurance Department of the State of Connecticut,  with each page, line item and
column  of a  Benchmark  Statement  to  contain  the same  type of  information,
computed in the same manner, as contained in the identically numbered page, line
item and column of such Annual Statement.

     "Borrower"  shall have the meaning  provided in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

     "Borrower Cash Flow" shall mean,  for any period,  the sum of (i) dividends
paid by direct  Subsidiaries of the Borrower to the Borrower  (determined as if,
during such period,  each direct and indirect  Subsidiary of the Borrower paid a
dividend to its parent  corporation in an amount equal to (x) for each Regulated
Insurance  Company  which is a  Domestic  Subsidiary,  the  aggregate  amount of
dividends  which  such  Regulated  Insurance  Company  could  pay to its  parent
corporation  under Legal  Requirements  during such  period  (without  obtaining
extraordinary   dividend  approval  from  any  Applicable  Insurance  Regulatory
Authority), in each case whether or not such dividends are actually paid and (y)
for each  Regulated  Insurance  Company which is a Foreign  Subsidiary  and each
Non-Regulated  Company, the net income of such Company for such period, (ii) tax
sharing payments made by Regulated  Insurance Companies directly to the Borrower
during such period  (less cash taxes paid by the Borrower  during such  period),
and (iii) payments during such period of principal and interest on surplus notes
issued by Regulated Insurance Companies to the Borrower.

     "Borrowing"  shall mean the  incurrence by the Borrower of one Type of Loan
(A) denominated in Dollars that are Base Rate Loans on a pro rata basis from all
of the Banks and (B) of a single Approved  Currency that are Eurodollar Loans on
a pro rata  basis  from  all of the  Banks on a given  date (or  resulting  from
conversions  on a given date),  having in the case of Eurodollar  Loans the same
Interest  Period,  provided  that Base Rate Loans  incurred  pursuant to Section
1.10(b) shall be considered part of any related Borrowing of Eurodollar Loans.

     "Business  Day"  shall mean (i) for all  purposes  other than as covered by
clause (ii) below, any day, excluding  Saturday,  Sunday and any day which shall
be in  the  City  of  New  York  a  legal  holiday  or a day  on  which  banking
institutions are authorized by law or other  governmental  actions to close, and
(ii) with respect to all notices and  determinations  in  connection  with,  and
payments of principal, interest on Unpaid Drawings and other amounts, Eurodollar
Loans and Alternate  Currency Letters of Credit, any day which is a Business Day
described in clause (i) and which is also a day for trading by and between banks
in the London interbank market and with respect to any notices or determinations
in respect of Euros,  which is customarily a "Business Day" for such notices and
determinations.

                                       53
<PAGE>

     "Capital  Lease" as  applied  to any  Person,  shall  mean any lease of any
property  (whether real,  personal or mixed) by that Person as lessee which,  in
conformity with GAAP, is, or is required to be, accounted for as a capital lease
on the balance sheet of that Person.

     "Capitalized  Lease  Obligations"  shall mean all obligations under Capital
Leases of the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries  in each case  taken at the
amount thereof accounted for as liabilities in accordance with GAAP.

     "Cash  Equivalents"  shall mean (i) securities issued or directly and fully
guaranteed  or  insured  by the  United  States  of  America  or any  agency  or
instrumentality  thereof  (provided that the full faith and credit of the United
States of America is pledged in support  thereof) having  maturities of not more
than one year from the date of acquisition,  (ii) U.S. dollar  denominated  time
deposits,  certificates  of  deposit  and  bankers  acceptances  of (x) any FDIC
insured  bank,  in amounts up to the FDIC  insured  limit,  (y) any Bank  having
capital  and surplus in excess of  $500,000,000  or the U.S.  dollar  equivalent
thereof or (z) any bank whose short-term  commercial paper rating from S&P is at
least  A-1 or the  equivalent  thereof  or from  Moody's  is at least P-1 or the
equivalent  thereof  (any such  bank,  an  "Approved  Bank"),  in each case with
maturities  of not  more  than one year  from  the  date of  acquisition,  (iii)
commercial paper issued by any Bank or Approved Bank or by the parent company of
any Bank or Approved Bank and commercial  paper issued by, or guaranteed by, any
industrial or financial company with a short-term  commercial paper rating of at
least A-1 or the  equivalent  thereof  by S&P or at least P-1 or the  equivalent
thereof by Moody's (any such company, an "Approved  Company"),  or guaranteed by
any  industrial  company with a long term unsecured debt rating of at least A or
A2, or the equivalent of each thereof,  from S&P or Moody's, as the case may be,
and in each case maturing within six months after the date of acquisition,  (iv)
commercial paper of any United States municipal, state or local government rated
at least A-1 or the equivalent  thereof by S&P or at least P-1 or the equivalent
thereof by Moody's and maturing  within one year after the date of  acquisition,
(v) any fund or funds  investing  solely in investments of the type described in
clauses  (i) through  (iv) above,  and (vi)  agreements  to sell and  repurchase
direct  obligations of, or obligations that are fully guaranteed as to principal
and interest by, the U.S. Treasury,  such agreements to be with primary treasury
dealers,  to be evidenced by standard  industry forms and to have  maturities of
not  more  than six  months  from the  date of  commencement  of the  repurchase
transaction.

     "Cash  Proceeds"  shall mean, with respect to any Asset Sale, the aggregate
cash payments  (including any cash received by way of deferred  payment pursuant
to a note receivable  issued in connection with such Asset Sale,  other than the
portion of such deferred  payment  constituting  interest,  but only as and when
received)  received by the Borrower  and/or any Subsidiary from such Asset Sale,
provided that any such proceeds received in currency other than Dollars shall be
converted into Dollars at the spot exchange rate for the currency in question on
the date of receipt by the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries of such proceeds.

     "Change in Law" shall have the meaning provided in Section 9.06.

     "Change  of  Control"  shall mean (i) any  Person or  "group"  (within  the
meaning of Rule 13d-5 of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,  as in effect on
the date hereof), shall (A) have acquired beneficial ownership of 30% or more on
a fully  diluted  basis of the  economic and voting  interest in the  Borrower's
capital stock or (B) have obtained the power (whether or not exercised) to elect
a majority of the  Borrower's  directors  or (ii) the Board of  Directors of the
Borrower shall not consist of a majority of Continuing Directors.

     "Chartwell" shall mean Chartwell Re Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

     "Chartwell Re Holdings"  shall  mean   Chartwell  Re  Holdings Corporation,
a Delaware corporation.

     "Chartwell Senior Notes"  shall  mean  the  10-1/4%  Senior  Notes Due 2004
originally  issued  by  Chartwell  and  subsequently  assumed  by  Chartwell  Re
Holdings.

     "Chase" shall mean The Chase Manhattan  Bank,  together with its successors
by merger.

                                       54
<PAGE>

     "Code" shall mean the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended from time
to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder.  Section
references  to the  Code  are to the  Code,  as in  effect  at the  date of this
Agreement  and  any  subsequent  provisions  of the  Code,  amendatory  thereof,
supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.

     "Combined"  shall mean, when used with reference to any amount or financial
statement,  such amount as determined,  or financial statement as prepared, on a
combined  basis  for  all  of  the  specified   Persons  and  their   respective
Subsidiaries; provided that any such amount or financial statement determined or
prepared  for any  specified  Person and its  Subsidiaries  separately  shall be
determined or prepared on a consolidated  basis in accordance  with GAAP or SAP,
as the case may be.

     "Commitment"  shall mean, with respect to each Bank, such Bank's  Revolving
Loan Commitment (if any) and such Bank's L/C Commitment (if any).

     "Confidential Bank Memorandum" shall mean the Confidential Bank Memorandum,
dated October,  1999,  distributed to Banks and prospective  Banks in connection
with this Agreement.

     "Confidential  Information"  shall  have the  meaning  provided  in Section
12.15.

     "Consolidated   Indebtedness"  shall  mean,  at  any  time,  the  aggregate
outstanding  principal  amount  of all  Indebtedness  of the  Borrower  and  its
Subsidiaries at such time determined on a consolidated  basis in accordance with
GAAP, but excluding  therefrom (i) the Contingent Interest Notes, (ii) the Trust
Preferred  Securities (but including  therein the portion,  if any, of the Trust
Preferred  Securities which exceeds 15% of Consolidated Total Capital) and (iii)
the Letter of Credit and all letters of credit issued under Section  8.04(d) (so
long as no drawing has occurred thereunder) .

     "Consolidated  Interest  Expense"  shall mean, for any period and as to any
Person,  the sum,  without  duplication,  of (i)  total  cash  interest  expense
(including  interest paid in connection with the Trust Preferred  Securities and
the interest  component in respect of Capital  Lease  Obligations  in accordance
with GAAP) of such Person and its Subsidiaries  during such period determined on
a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, including, without limitation, all
commissions,  discounts  and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters
of credit and bankers'  acceptance  financing and net costs under  Interest Rate
Agreements,  but excluding however, any amortization of deferred financing costs
plus (ii) all  dividends  on  preferred  stock paid by such  Person  during such
period.

     "Consolidated Net Income" shall mean, for any period,  the consolidated net
after tax income (or loss) of the Borrower and its  Subsidiaries  determined  in
accordance with GAAP.

     "Consolidated  Net Worth" shall mean,  with respect to any Person,  the Net
Worth of such Person and its Subsidiaries  determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP after appropriate  deduction for any minority  interests in
Subsidiaries.

                                       55
<PAGE>

     "Consolidated  Tangible  Net  Worth"  shall  mean,  as of the  date  of any
determination thereof,  Consolidated Net Worth of the Borrower at such time less
the amount of all intangible items,  including,  without  limitation,  goodwill,
franchises,  licenses,  patents,  trademarks,  trade names, copyrights,  service
marks,  brand  names,  write-ups of assets and any  unallocated  excess costs of
investments  in  Subsidiaries  over equity in underlying  net assets at dates of
acquisition.

     "Consolidated  Total  Capital"  shall  mean,  at any  time,  the sum of (i)
Consolidated  Indebtedness  (determined  without giving effect to the enumerated
exclusions  set forth in  clauses  (i) and (ii)  therein)  at such time and (ii)
Consolidated Net Worth of the Borrower at such time.

     "Contingent  Interest  Notes" shall mean the Contingent  Interest Notes Due
2006  originally  issued by Piedmont  Management  Company Inc. and in respect of
which the Borrower is the obligor as of the Effective Date.

     "Contingent  Obligations"  shall mean, as to any Person,  any obligation of
such Person  guaranteeing  or intended to guarantee  any  Indebtedness,  leases,
dividends or other obligations ("primary  obligations") of any other Person (the
"primary  obligor") in any manner,  whether  directly or indirectly,  including,
without  limitation,  any obligation of such Person,  whether or not contingent,
(a) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property  constituting direct
or  indirect  security  therefor,  (b) to  advance  or supply  funds (i) for the
purchase or payment of any such primary  obligation or (ii) to maintain  working
capital or equity  capital of the primary  obligor or  otherwise to maintain the
net  worth  or  solvency  of the  primary  obligor,  (c) to  purchase  property,
securities  or services  primarily  for the purpose of assuring the owner of any
such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of
such primary obligation or (d) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of
such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof; provided, however, that
the term Contingent Obligation shall not include (x) endorsements of instruments
for  deposit  or  collection  in the  ordinary  course  of  business  or (y) any
obligations  of any  Regulated  Insurance  Company  under  Insurance  Contracts,
Reinsurance  Agreements or  Retrocession  Agreements  (including  any Liens with
respect thereto).  The amount of any Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be
an amount equal to the stated or determinable  amount of the primary  obligation
in  respect  of which such  Contingent  Obligation  is made or, if not stated or
determinable,  the maximum reasonably  anticipated  liability in respect thereof
(assuming  such Person is required to perform  thereunder) as determined by such
Person in good faith.

     "Continuing  Directors"  shall mean the  directors  of the  Borrower on the
Initial Credit Event Date and each other director if such director's  nomination
for the election to the Board of Directors of the Borrower is  recommended  by a
majority of the then Continuing Directors.

     "Conversion Date" shall mean the 364th day following the Effective Date.

     "Credit Documents" shall mean this Agreement,  the Notes and the Subsidiary
Guaranty.

     "Credit Event" shall mean the making of any Revolving Loan, the issuance of
any  Letter of Credit  or an  increase  in the  Stated  Amount of any  Letter of
Credit.

                                       56
<PAGE>

     "Credit Party" shall mean the Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor.

     "Default" shall mean any event, act or condition which with notice or lapse
of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

     "Defaulting  Bank" shall mean any Bank with respect to which a Bank Default
is in effect.

     "Dividends" shall have the meaning provided in Section 8.06.

     "Documentation  Agent"  shall  have  the  meaning  provided  in  the  first
paragraph of this Agreement.

     "Dollar Equivalent" shall mean, at any time for the determination  thereof,
the amount of Dollars  which could be purchased  with the amount of the relevant
Alternate  Currency  involved  in such  computation  at the spot  exchange  rate
therefor as quoted by the Administrative Agent as of 11:00 A.M. (London time) on
the date three Business Days prior to the date of any determination  thereof for
purchase on such date.

     "Dollars"  and the "$" shall mean freely  transferable  lawful money of the
United States.

     "Domestic  Subsidiary"  shall mean each Subsidiary of the Borrower which is
not a Foreign Subsidiary.

     "Effective Date" shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.10.

     "EMU  Legislation"  shall mean the  legislative  measures  of the  European
Council for the  introduction  of,  changeover  to or  operation  of a single or
unified European currency.

     "ERISA" shall mean the Employee  Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time and the  regulations  promulgated  and rulings  issued
thereunder.  Section  references to ERISA are to ERISA, as in effect at the date
of this Agreement and any subsequent  provisions of ERISA,  amendatory  thereof,
supplemental thereto or substituted therefor.

       "ERISA  Affiliate" shall mean each person (as defined in Section 3(9)  of
ERISA) which together with the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower would be
deemed to be a "single employer" (i) within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c)
of the Code,  and for the purpose of Section 302 of ERISA  and/or  Section  412,
4971, 4977 and/or each "applicable section" under Section 414(t)(z) of the code,
within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code.

     "Euro Equivalent"  shall mean, at any time for the  determination  thereof,
the amount of Euros which could be purchased with the amount of Dollars involved
in such  computation  at the  spot  exchange  rate  therefor  as  quoted  by the
Administrative  Agent as of 11:00 A.M.  (London time) on the date three Business
Days prior to the date of any determination thereof for purchase on such date.

                                       57
<PAGE>

     "Euro LIBOR" shall mean,  for each Interest  Period  applicable to any Loan
denominated  in Euros,  the rate per annum  that  appears on page 3750 (or other
appropriate page if such currency does not appear on such page) of the Dow Jones
Telerate  Screen  (or any  successor  page) for Euro  deposits  with  maturities
comparable  to such Interest  Period as of 11:00 A.M.  (London time) on the date
which is three Business Days prior to the  commencement  of such Interest Period
or, if such a rate does not  appear on the Dow  Jones  Telerate  Screen  (or any
successor  page),  the offered  quotations  to  first-class  banks in the London
interbank  market  by Chase  for Euro  deposits  of  amounts  in same day  funds
comparable  to the  outstanding  principal  amount of such Loan with  maturities
comparable to such Interest Period  determined as of 11:00 A.M. (London time) on
the date which is three Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest
Period.

     "Eurodollar Loan" shall mean each Loan that at the election of any Borrower
is bearing interest at the rate provided in Section 1.08(b).

     "Euros" shall mean the single  currency of  participating  member states of
the European Union.

     "Event of Default" shall have the meaning provided in Section 8.

     "Federal Funds Effective Rate" shall mean for any period, a fluctuating per
annum  interest  rate  equal for each day  during  such  period to the  weighted
average of the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of the
Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal Funds brokers,  as published for such
day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day)
by the Federal  Reserve  Bank of New York,  or, if such rate is not so published
for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the  quotations for such day
on such  transactions  received by the  Administrative  Agent from three Federal
Funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the Administrative Agent.

     "Fees"  shall mean all  amounts  payable  pursuant  to, or  referred to in,
Section 3.01.

     "Financial  Reinsurance  Agreement"  shall  mean  a  reinsurance  agreement
covering any transaction in which any Regulated Insurance Company cedes business
that does not meet the conditions for reinsurance  accounting as provided by the
Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board in  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standards No. 113, as the same may be revised,  replaced,  or supplemented  from
time to time.

     "Foreign  Pension  Plan"  shall  mean any plan,  fund  (including,  without
limitation, any superannuation fund) or other similar program, other than social
security  or social  insurance,  established  or  maintained  outside the United
States  of  America  by the  Borrower  or any one or  more  of its  Subsidiaries
primarily  for the benefit of  employees  of the  Borrower or such  Subsidiaries
residing outside the United States of America, which plan, fund or other similar
program  provides,  or results in,  retirement  income,  a deferral of income in
contemplation of retirement or severance or termination payments to be made upon
termination of employment, and which plan is not subject to ERISA or the Code.

     "Foreign  Subsidiary"  shall mean each  Subsidiary  of the Borrower that is
incorporated  under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of
America, any State thereof or any territory thereof.

                                       58
<PAGE>

     "Funds at Lloyds"  shall have the meaning  provided  in  paragraph 4 of the
Membership Byelaw (No. 17 of 1993).

     "GAAP" shall mean generally  accepted  accounting  principles in the United
States of  America;  it being  understood  and  agreed  that  determinations  in
accordance with GAAP for purposes of Section 8, including  defined terms as used
therein, are subject (to the extent provided therein) to Section 12.07(a).

     "Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government,  any state or
other  political  subdivision  thereof  and  any  entity  exercising  executive,
legislative,  judicial,  regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining
to government.

     "Indebtedness"  of any Person  shall  mean  (without  duplication)  (i) all
indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) the deferred purchase price
of assets  or  services  which in  accordance  with  GAAP  would be shown on the
liability side of the balance sheet of such Person, (iii) the face amount of all
letters  of  credit  issued  for  the  account  of  such  Person  and,   without
duplication,  all drafts drawn  thereunder,  (iv) all  Indebtedness  of a second
Person secured by any Lien on any property  owned by such first Person,  whether
or not such  Indebtedness  has been assumed,  (v) the  principal  portion of all
Capitalized  Lease  Obligations  of such Person,  (vi) all  obligations  of such
Person to pay a specified  purchase  price for goods or services  whether or not
delivered or accepted, i.e., take-or-pay and similar obligations,  (vii) the net
termination  obligations of such Person under Interest Rate Agreements and Other
Hedging  Agreements,  calculated  as of  any  date  as if  such  agreement  were
terminated  as of  such  date,  (viii)  all  obligations  of such  Person  under
Financial  Reinsurance  Agreements and (ix) all  Contingent  Obligations of such
Person;  provided that Indebtedness shall not include trade payables  (including
obligations  under  insurance  contracts and  reinsurance  payables) and accrued
expenses, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business.

     "Initial  Credit Event Date" shall mean the date of the  occurrence  of the
initial Credit Event.

     "Insurance  Business"  shall mean one or more  aspects of the  business  of
selling, issuing or underwriting insurance or reinsurance.

     "Insurance  Contract" shall mean any insurance contract or policy issued by
a Regulated Insurance Company but shall not include any Reinsurance Agreement or
Retrocession Agreement.

     "Interest Coverage Ratio" shall mean, for any Test Period, the ratio of (a)
Borrower Cash Flow for such Test Period to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for
such Test Period; provided that (i) for the Test Period ending on or about March
31, 2000,  Consolidated  Interest  Expense and the portion of Borrower Cash Flow
determined  by  reference  to net  income  shall  be  the  actual  such  amounts
calculated  for such Test Period  multiplied  by 4.00 (other than the portion of
Consolidated  Interest  Expense for such Test Period incurred in connection with
the Trust  Preferred  Securities  and  Chartwell  Senior  Notes  which  shall be
multiplied by 2.00),  (ii) for the Test Period ending on or about June 30, 2000,
Consolidated  Interest  Expense and the portion of Borrower Cash Flow determined
by reference to net income shall be the actual such amounts  calculated for such
Test Period  multiplied by 2.00 and (iii) for the Test Period ending on or about
September 30, 2000,  Consolidated  Interest  Expense and the portion of Borrower
Cash Flow determined by reference to net income shall be the actual such amounts
calculated  for such Test Period  multiplied  by 1.33 (other than the portion of
Consolidated  Interest  Expense for such Test Period incurred in connection with
the Trust  Preferred  Securities  and Chartwell  Senior Notes which shall be the
actual such amounts for such Test Period).

                                       59
<PAGE>

     "Interest  Period" shall mean,  with respect to any  Eurodollar  Loan,  the
interest period applicable thereto, as determined pursuant to Section 1.09.

     "Interest  Rate  Agreement"  shall mean any interest  rate swap  agreement,
interest  rate cap  agreement,  interest  rate collar  agreement,  interest rate
hedging agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement.

     "Issuing Agent" shall mean Chase Manhattan International Limited.

     "Issuing Country" shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.18.

     "Judgment Currency" shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.17(a).

     "Judgment  Currency  Conversion  Date" shall have the  meaning  provided in
Section 12.17(a).

     "L/C Bank" shall mean each Bank with an L/C Commitment.

     "L/C  Commitment"  shall mean,  with  respect to each Bank,  the amount set
forth  opposite such Bank's name on Annex I directly  below the column  entitled
"L/C  Commitment,"  as the same may be reduced  from time to time or  terminated
pursuant to Sections 3.02, 3.03 and/or 9.

     "L/C Commitment Fee" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.01(b).

     "L/C  Exposure"  of any L/C Bank at any time shall mean such L/C Bank's L/C
Percentage of the aggregate  Stated Amount of all outstanding  Letters of Credit
at such time.

     "L/C Issuance Expiration Date" shall mean the earlier of (i) the Applicable
Lloyds  Coming  in Line  Date  and  (ii) the  first  date on  which a Notice  of
Non-Extension is delivered to Lloyds in accordance with Section 2.05(a).

     "L/C Maturity  Date" shall mean, at any time, the later of (i) December 31,
2004 and (ii) the  latest  expiration  date of any  Letter of  Credit  issued in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

     "L/C  Percentage" of any Bank at any time shall mean a fraction  (expressed
as a percentage)  the  numerator of which is the L/C  Commitment of such Bank at
such time and the denominator of which is the Total L/C Commitment at such time,
provided that if the L/C  Percentage  of any Bank is to be determined  after the
Total L/C Commitment has been terminated,  then the L/C Percentages of the Banks
shall be  determined  immediately  prior  (and  without  giving  effect) to such
termination.

     "L/C Supportable Obligations" shall mean the obligations of the Borrower or
its Subsidiaries to Lloyds.

                                       60
<PAGE>

     "Legal  Requirements" shall mean all applicable laws, rules and regulations
made  by any  governmental  body or  regulatory  authority  (including,  without
limitation,  any Applicable Insurance Regulatory  Authority) having jurisdiction
over the Borrower or a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

     "Letter of Credit" shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.01(a).

     "Letter of Credit Fee" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.01(c).

     "Letter  of Credit  Outstandings"  shall  mean,  at any  time,  the sum of,
without duplication,  (i) the aggregate Stated Amount of all outstanding Letters
of Credit and (ii) the aggregate amount of all Unpaid Drawings in respect of all
Letters of Credit.

     "Letter of Credit  Request"  shall  have the  meaning  provided  in Section
2.02(a).

     "LIBOR" shall mean (i) with respect to any  Borrowing of Loans  denominated
in Dollars or a Primary  Alternate  Currency,  the relevant interest rate, i.e.,
U.S.  LIBOR,  Pounds  Sterling  LIBOR or Euro LIBOR and (ii) with respect to any
Borrowing of Loans  denominated in an Other  Alternate  Currency,  such rate per
annum as shall be  agreed  upon at the time such  Other  Alternate  Currency  is
approved.

     "Lien" shall mean any mortgage,  pledge,  security  interest,  encumbrance,
lien  or  charge  of any  kind  (including  any  agreement  to  give  any of the
foregoing,  any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or any lease
in the nature thereof).

     "Lloyds"  shall mean the  Society  incorporated  by Lloyd's Act 1871 by the
name of Lloyd's.

     "Lloyds Coming in Line Date" shall mean, for any year, the Lloyds coming in
line date for such year (which date shall occur between November 20 and November
30 of each year, and for purposes of this Agreement  shall be deemed to occur on
November 30 of any year if it has not otherwise occurred by such date).

     "Loan" shall mean (i) prior to the Conversion  Date,  Revolving  Loans, and
(ii) on or after the Conversion Date, Term Loans.

     "Managed  Syndicate"  shall mean each  underwriting  syndicate at Lloyds in
which either (i) any  Subsidiary of the Borrower is acting as the managing agent
for  such  syndicate  or (ii) the  Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  collectively
provide 50% or more of the underwriting capital for such syndicate.

     "Margin Stock" shall have the meaning provided in Regulation U.

     "Material  Adverse  Effect"  shall  mean a material  adverse  effect on the
business,  operations,  property or condition  (financial  or  otherwise) of the
Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  taken as a whole  after  giving  effect  to the
Transaction.

                                       61
<PAGE>

     "Material Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower whose total
assets  or total  revenues  exceed 1% of the  total  assets  or gross  revenues,
respectively, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of
the most recent fiscal quarter end and for the most recent four quarter  period,
respectively, determined in accordance with GAAP.

     "Member" shall mean an underwriting member of Lloyd's.

     "Minimum  Borrowing  Amount"  shall  mean (i) for any Loans that are Dollar
denominated,  $5,000,000,  and if in  excess  thereof,  shall be in an  integral
Dollar denominated multiple of $1,000,000, and (ii) for any Revolving Loans that
are Alternate  Currency  Loans,  an amount in the respective  Approved  Currency
having a Dollar  Equivalent  (determined  at the time a Notice of  Borrowing  is
received or a prepayment made) of $5,000,000, and if in excess thereof, shall be
in a  Dollar  Equivalent  multiple  of  $1,000,000  in the  respective  Approved
Currency.

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

     "Moody's  Credit  Rating" shall mean the rating level (it being  understood
that a rating level shall include numerical modifiers and (+) and (-) modifiers)
assigned by Moody's to the senior unsecured  long-term debt of the Borrower.  If
the foregoing rating shall be changed by Moody's, such change shall be effective
for purposes of this  definition  on the Business Day following the day on which
Moody's announces such change.

     "Multiemployer  Plan"  shall  mean any  multiemployer  plan as  defined  in
Section  4001(a)(3) of ERISA, which is a pension plan as defined in Section 3(2)
of ERISA  and which the  Borrower,  a  Subsidiary  of the  Borrower  or an ERISA
Affiliate  maintains,  contributes  to or has an obligation  to  contribute  (or
maintained,  contributed  to or had an  obligation  to contribute to in the last
five years).

     "NAIC" shall mean the National  Association of Insurance  Commissioners  or
any successor organization thereto.

     "NAIC  Tests"  shall  mean the  ratios  and  other  financial  measurements
developed by the NAIC under its Insurance  Regulatory  Information System, as in
effect from time to time.

     "Net  Available  Proceeds"  shall  mean (i) with  respect to any Asset Sale
consummated by a Regulated Insurance Company,  the Surplus Increase with respect
to such Regulated  Insurance  Company as a result of such Asset Sale,  (ii) with
respect to any Asset  Sale  consummated  by the  Borrower  or any  Non-Regulated
Company which is not a Subsidiary of a Regulated Insurance Company, the Net Cash
Proceeds  resulting   therefrom  and  (iii)  with  respect  to  any  Asset  Sale
consummated  by a  Non-Regulated  Company  which is a Subsidiary  of a Regulated
Insurance Company, an amount equal to the dividend that such Regulated Insurance
Company  would be permitted  to pay in  accordance  with the Legal  Requirements
applicable to it as a result of the receipt by such Regulated  Insurance Company
of a dividend from such  Non-Regulated  Insurance  Company in an amount equal to
the Net Cash Proceeds resulting from such Asset Sale; in each case as determined
in good faith by the  Borrower  and  certified in writing by the Borrower to the
Administrative   Agent   (showing  the   calculation   thereof  and   supporting
assumptions)  on or prior to the date on which the Borrower or any Subsidiary is
to receive the initial proceeds from such Asset Sale.

                                       62
<PAGE>

     "Net Cash  Proceeds"  shall mean,  with respect to any Asset Sale, the Cash
Proceeds resulting therefrom net of (a) cash expenses of sale (including payment
of principal, premium and interest on Indebtedness other than the Loans required
to be repaid as a result of such  Asset  Sale),  (b)  incremental  taxes paid or
payable as a result thereof and (c) amounts provided as a reserve, in accordance
with  GAAP,  against  any  liabilities  under any  indemnification  obligations,
purchase price  adjustments or similar items associated with such Asset Sale, in
each case as  determined  in good faith by the Borrower and certified in writing
by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent (showing the calculation thereof and
supporting  assumptions)  on or prior to the date on which the  Borrower  or any
Subsidiary is to receive the initial proceeds from such Asset Sale.

     "Net Worth"  shall mean,  as to any  Person,  the sum of its capital  stock
(including,  without limitation,  its preferred stock), capital in excess of par
or stated value of shares of its capital stock (including,  without  limitation,
its  preferred  stock),  retained  earnings  and any  other  account  which,  in
accordance with GAAP,  constitutes  stockholders  equity,  but excluding (i) any
treasury stock and (ii) the effects of Financial Accounting Statement No. 115.

     "Non-Defaulting Bank" shall mean any Bank other than a Defaulting Bank.

     "Non-Regulated Company" shall mean each Subsidiary of the Borrower which is
not a Regulated Insurance Company.

     "Note" shall mean and include each  promissory  note, in the form agreed by
the Borrower and the  Administrative  Agent prior to the Effective  Date, to the
extent issued pursuant to Section 1.05(b) hereof.

     "Notice of Borrowing" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.03.

     "Notice of Conversion" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.06.

     "Notice of Non-Extension" shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.05.

     "Notice  Office" shall mean the office of the  Administrative  Agent at One
Chase  Manhattan  Plaza,  New  York,  New York  10081,  Attention:  Linda  Hill,
Telephone (212) 552-7935, Facsimile: (212) 552-7490, or such other office as the
Administrative  Agent may  designate  to the Borrower and the Banks from time to
time.

     "Obligation Currency" shall have the meaning provided in Section 12.17(a).

     "Obligations"  shall mean all amounts,  direct or indirect,  contingent  or
absolute, of every type or description,  and at any time existing,  owing to the
Administrative  Agent or any Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any
other Credit Document.

     "Other  Alternate  Currency"  shall mean any freely  transferable  currency
other than any  Primary  Alternate  Currency,  to the extent  such  currency  is
approved by the Administrative Agent and each Bank.

     "Other  Hedging  Agreements"  shall mean any  foreign  exchange  contracts,
currency swap agreements or other similar agreements or arrangements designed to
protect against fluctuations in currency values.

                                       63
<PAGE>

     "Payment Office" shall mean the office of the Administrative  Agent c/o The
Loan and Agency Services Group,  One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 8th Floor, New York,
New York 10081, Attention: Linda Hill, Telephone No.: (212) 552-7935,  Facsimile
No.:  (212)  552-7490  or such  other  office  as the  Administrative  Agent may
designate to the Borrower and the Banks from time to time.

     "PBGC"  shall mean the Pension  Benefit  Guaranty  Corporation  established
pursuant to Section 4002 of ERISA, or any successor thereto.

     "Permitted Acquisition" shall have the meaning provided in Section 8.02(c).

     "Person"  shall mean any  individual,  partnership,  joint  venture,  firm,
corporation,  limited liability company, association,  trust or other enterprise
or any  government  or  political  sub-division  or any  agency,  department  or
instrumentality thereof.

     "Plan"  shall mean any  pension  plan as  defined in Section  3(2) of ERISA
other than a Foreign Pension Plan or a Multiemployer  Plan,  which is maintained
or  contributed  to by (or to which there is an obligation to contribute of) the
Borrower or a Subsidiary  of the Borrower or an ERISA  Affiliate,  and each such
plan for the five year period immediately following the latest date on which the
Borrower,  or a  Subsidiary  of the Borrower or an ERISA  Affiliate  maintained,
contributed to or had an obligation to contribute to such plan.

     "Pounds Sterling" shall mean freely transferable lawful money of the United
Kingdom.

     "Pounds Sterling  Equivalent" shall mean, at any time for the determination
thereof,  the amount of Pounds Sterling which could be purchased with the amount
of Dollars  involved in such  computation  at the spot exchange rate therefor as
quoted by Chase as of 11:00 A.M.  (London time) on the date three  Business Days
prior to the date of any determination thereof for purchase on such date.

     "Pounds  Sterling  LIBOR" shall mean,  with respect to each Interest Period
for any Loan denominated in Pounds Sterling, (I) the rate per annum that appears
on page 3750 (or other appropriate page if such currency does not appear on such
page) of the Dow Jones Telerate Screen (or any successive  page) with maturities
comparable  to such Interest  Period as of 11:00 A.M.  (London time) on the date
which is the  commencement  date of such Interest Period or, if such a rate does
not  appear  on page  3750 (or such  other  appropriate  page) of the Dow  Jones
Telerate  Screen (or any successor  page) the offered  quotations to first-class
banks in the London  interbank  EuroDollar  market by Chase for Pounds  Sterling
deposits of amounts in same day funds  comparable to the  outstanding  principal
amount  of  such  Loans  with  maturities  comparable  to such  Interest  Period
determined as of 11:00 A.M.  (London time) on the date which is the commencement
of such Interest  Period plus (II) the  Associated  Cost Rate for such Loans for
such Interest Period.

     "Primary Alternate Currency" shall mean each of Pounds Sterling and Euros.

     "Prime  Lending Rate" shall mean the rate of interest per annum which Chase
announces  from time to time as its prime  commercial  lending rate in effect at
its principal office in New York City, the Prime Lending Rate to change when and
as such prime  commercial  lending  rate  changes.  The Prime  Lending Rate is a
reference  rate and does not  necessarily  represent  the  lowest  or best  rate
actually charged to any customer. Chase may make commercial loans or other loans
at rates of interest at, above or below the Prime Lending Rate.

     "Principal  Amount" shall mean (i) the stated principal amount of each Loan
denominated in Dollars and/or (ii) the Dollar Equivalent of the stated principal
amount of each Alternate Currency Loan, as the context may require.

     "Projections"  shall  mean  the  financial  projections  contained  in  the
Confidential Bank Memorandum.

                                       64
<PAGE>

     "Quarterly Statement" shall mean the quarterly financial statement required
to be filed by any Regulated  Insurance  Company with the Applicable  Regulatory
Insurance Authority.

     "Rated Ongoing Regulated  Subsidiary"  shall mean each Regulated  Insurance
Company  which  has an  A.M.  Best  claims  paying  rating  (including,  without
limitation,  Trenwick America Reinsurance  Corporation,  Trenwick  International
Limited,  The Insurance  Corporation  of New York,  Dakota  Specialty  Insurance
Company and Chartwell Reinsurance Company, but excluding any Regulated Insurance
Company (including any of the  aforementioned  companies) if such Company is not
being employed in the writing of new insurance or reinsurance business following
the consummation of the Acquisition).

     "Rating Agency" shall mean S&P or Moody's as the case may be.

     "Realistic  Disaster  Scenario" shall mean any realistic  disaster scenario
presented in a business plan prepared in relation to the Managed Syndicate under
paragraph  57A(a) of the  Underwriting  Agents Bylaw (No. 4 of 1984) which shows
the potential impact upon the Managed Syndicate of a catastrophic event.

     "Refinancing"  shall mean the  refinancing of not less than  $50,000,000 of
existing Indebtedness for borrowed money of Chartwell and its Subsidiaries.

     "Refinancing   Documents"   shall  mean  the   documents   related  to  the
Refinancing.

     "Register" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.05.

     "Regulated  Insurance  Company"  shall mean any  Subsidiary of the Borrower
(including,  without limitation,  Subsidiaries acquired or created in connection
with  the  Acquisition),  whether  now  owned  or  hereafter  acquired,  that is
authorized  or  admitted  to  carry on or  transact  Insurance  Business  in any
jurisdiction  (domestic or foreign) and is regulated by any Applicable Insurance
Regulatory Authority.

     "Regulation  D" shall mean  Regulation  D of the Board of  Governors of the
Federal  Reserve  System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all
or a portion thereof establishing reserve requirements.

     "Regulation  T" shall mean  Regulation  T of the Board of  Governors of the
Federal Reserve System from time to time in effect and any successor to all or a
portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

     "Regulation  U" shall mean  Regulation  U of the Board of  Governors of the
Federal Reserve System from time to time in effect and any successor to all or a
portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

                                       65
<PAGE>

     "Regulation  X" shall mean  Regulation  X of the Board of  Governors of the
Federal Reserve System from time to time in effect and any successor to all or a
portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

     "Reinsurance Agreement" shall mean any agreement, contract, treaty or other
arrangement  whereby one or more  insurers,  as reinsurers,  assume  liabilities
under  insurance   policies  or  agreements   issued  by  another  insurance  or
reinsurance company or companies.

     "Relevant Currency  Equivalent" shall mean the Dollar Equivalent,  the Euro
Equivalent or the Pounds Sterling Equivalent.

     "Replaced Bank" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.13.

     "Replacement Bank" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.13.

     "Reportable  Event"  shall mean an event  described  in Section  4043(c) of
ERISA with  respect  to a Plan that is  subject to Title IV of ERISA  other than
those events as to which the 30-day  notice  period is waived  under  subsection
 .22, .23, .25, .27, or .28 of PBGC Regulation Section 4043.

     "Required Banks" shall mean Non-Defaulting Banks the sum of whose Revolving
Loan  Commitment  (or,  after  the  Total  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  has been
terminated,  outstanding  Revolving Loans or Term Loans) and L/C Commitment (or,
after the Total L/C  Commitment  has been  terminated,  the amount of any Unpaid
Drawings owing to such Non-Defaulting Banks) constitute a majority of the sum of
(i) the Total  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  less the  aggregate  Revolving  Loan
Commitments  of Defaulting  Banks,  if any, or, after the Total  Revolving  Loan
Commitment has been terminated,  the total  outstanding  Revolving Loans or Term
Loans of  Non-Defaulting  Banks) and (ii) the Total L/C Commitment or, after the
Total L/C Commitment has been terminated, the aggregate Unpaid Drawings.

     "Retrocession  Agreement"  shall mean any  agreement,  contract,  treaty or
other   arrangement   whereby   one  or  more   insurers   or   reinsurers,   as
retrocessionaires,   assume   liabilities  of  reinsurers  under  a  Reinsurance
Agreement or other retrocessionaires under another Retrocession Agreement.

     "Revolving Loan" shall have the meaning provided in Section 1.01(a).

     "Revolving  Loan  Commitment"  shall mean,  with respect to each Bank,  the
amount set forth  opposite such Bank's name in Annex I directly below the column
entitled  "Revolving  Loan  Commitment," as the same may be reduced from time to
time or terminated pursuant to Sections 3.02, 3.03 and/or 9.

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<PAGE>

     "Risk Based Capital Ratio" shall mean, for any Regulated Insurance Company,
the  ratio  (expressed  as a  percentage),  at any time,  of the Total  Adjusted
Capital of such Regulated  Insurance Company to the Authorized  Control Level of
such Regulated Insurance Company.

     "RL Commitment Fee" shall have the meaning provided in Section 3.01(a).

     "RL Percentage" of any Bank at any time shall mean a fraction (expressed as
a percentage)  the numerator of which is the Revolving  Loan  Commitment of such
Bank at such  time and the  denominator  of which is the  Total  Revolving  Loan
Commitment at such time, provided that if the RL Percentage of any Bank is to be
determined after the Total Revolving Loan Commitment has been  terminated,  then
the RL  Percentages  of the Banks  shall be  determined  immediately  prior (and
without giving effect) to such termination.

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

"S&P Credit  Rating"  shall mean the rating  level (it being  understood  that a
rating  level  shall  include  numerical  modifiers  and (+) and (-)  modifiers)
assigned by S&P to the senior unsecured  long-term debt of the Borrower.  If the
foregoing  rating shall be changed by S&P,  such change  shall be effective  for
purposes of this  definition  on the Business Day following the day on which S&P
announces such change.

     "SAP" shall mean,  with respect to any  Regulated  Insurance  Company,  the
accounting  procedures  and practices  prescribed or permitted by the Applicable
Insurance Regulatory  Authority of the state or other jurisdiction  (domestic or
foreign)  in which  such  Regulated  Insurance  Company is  domiciled;  it being
understood and agreed that determinations in accordance with SAP for purposes of
Section 8, including  defined terms as used therein,  are subject (to the extent
provided therein) to Section 12.07(a).

     "Scheduled   Repayments"   shall  have  the  meaning  provided  in  Section
4.02(i)(a).

     "SEC" shall mean the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission or any successor
thereto.

     "SEC  Regulation  D" shall  mean  Regulation  D as  promulgated  under  the
Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended,  as the same may be in effect from time to
time.

     "Section  4.04(b)(ii)  Certificate"  shall  have the  meaning  provided  in
Section 4.04(b)(ii).

     "Stated  Amount"  shall mean,  at any time,  (i) if the Letter of Credit is
denominated  in Dollars,  the  maximum  amount  available  to be drawn under the
Letter of Credit (regardless of whether any conditions for drawing could then be
met) and (ii) if the  Letter  of  Credit is an  Alternative  Currency  Letter of
Credit,  the Dollar Equivalent of the maximum amount available to be drawn under
the Letter of Credit  (regardless  of whether any  conditions  for drawing could
then be met).

     "Statutory  Surplus"  shall mean, at any date for any  Regulated  Insurance
Company,  (a) the total amount as would be shown on line 27, page 3, column 1 of
a Benchmark  Statement for such Regulated  Insurance Company prepared as of such
date.

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<PAGE>

     "Subsidiary" of any Person shall mean and include (i) any corporation  more
than 50% of whose  stock of any class or  classes  having  by the terms  thereof
ordinary  voting power to elect a majority of the directors of such  corporation
(irrespective  of  whether  or not at the time  stock of any class or classes of
such  corporation  shall  have or  might  have  voting  power by  reason  of the
happening of any  contingency)  is at the time owned by such Person  directly or
indirectly through Subsidiaries and (ii) any partnership,  association,  limited
liability  company,  joint venture or other entity in which such Person directly
or indirectly through Subsidiaries has more than a 50% equity or voting interest
at the time.  Unless  otherwise  expressly  provided,  all references  herein to
"Subsidiary" shall mean a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

     "Subsidiary  Guarantor" shall mean each Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower
which is a  Non-Regulated  Company  and a  Material  Subsidiary;  provided  that
Chartwell  Re Holdings  and its Domestic  Subsidiaries  which are  Non-Regulated
Companies shall not be required to become Subsidiary  Guarantors until such time
as the Chartwell Senior Notes are paid in full.

     "Subsidiary Guaranty" shall have the meaning provided in Section 5.08.

"Surplus  Increase"  shall mean,  with respect to each Asset Sale  effected by a
Regulated Insurance Company, the increase in Statutory Surplus of such Regulated
Insurance Company as a result of such Asset Sale.

     "Syndication  Agent" shall have the meaning provided in the first paragraph
of this Agreement.

     "Taxes" shall have the meaning provided in Section 4.04(a).

     "Term Loan" shall mean each  Revolving  Loan that is converted  into a term
loan on the Conversion Date pursuant to 1.01(b).

     "Term Loan Maturity Date" shall mean the fifth anniversary of the Effective
Date.


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<PAGE>

     "Test  Period"  shall mean (i) for any  determination  made on and prior to
September  30,  2000,  the  period  from  January 1, 2000 to the last day of the
fiscal  quarter of the Borrower  then last ended,  provided  that the first Test
Period  shall  end on  March  31,  2000,  and (ii)  for any  determination  made
thereafter,  the four  consecutive  fiscal quarters of the Borrower ended on the
last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower (taken as one
accounting period).

     "Total Adjusted  Capital" shall mean "Total Adjusted Capital" as defined by
the NAIC as of December 31, 1997 and as applied in the context of the Risk Based
Capital Guidelines promulgated by the NAIC.

     "Total  Commitment"  shall  mean  the  sum  of  the  Total  Revolving  Loan
Commitment and Total L/C Commitment.

     "Total L/C Commitment" shall mean the sum of the L/C Commitments of each of
the L/C Banks.

     "Total Revolving Loan Commitment"  shall mean the sum of the Revolving Loan
Commitments of each of the Banks.

     "Total  Unutilized L/C Commitment"  shall mean, at any time, the sum of the
Unutilized L/C Commitments of the L/C Banks at such time.

     "Total  Unutilized  Revolving Loan Commitment" shall mean, at any time, (i)
the  Total  Revolving  Loan  Commitment  at such  time  less (ii) the sum of the
aggregate Principal Amount of all Revolving Loans outstanding at such time.

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<PAGE>

     "Trenwick Senior Notes" shall mean the 6.70% Senior Notes due April 1, 2003
issued by the Borrower.

     "Trust  Preferred  Securities"  shall  mean the 8.82%  Junior  Subordinated
Deferrable Interest Debentures issued by the Borrower pursuant to the Indenture,
dated as of January 31, 1997, between the Borrower and The Chase Manhattan Bank,
as Trustee,  and all securities  issued by Trenwick  Capital Trust I pursuant to
the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated as of January 31, 1997.

     "Type" shall mean any type of Loan  determined with respect to currency and
the interest option applicable thereto.

     "Unfunded Current  Liability" of any Plan shall mean the amount, if any, by
which the value of the accumulated  plan benefits under the Plan determined on a
plan  termination  basis in accordance  with actuarial  assumptions at such time
consistent  with those  prescribed  by the PBGC for  purposes of Section 4044 of
ERISA,  exceeds  the fair  market  value of all plan  assets  allocable  to such
liabilities   under  Title  IV  of  ERISA  (excluding  any  accrued  but  unpaid
contributions).

     "Unpaid Drawing" shall have the meaning provided in Section 2.03(a).

     "Unutilized L/C Commitment" with respect to any Bank at any time shall mean
such Bank's L/C  Commitment  at such time less such Bank's L/C  Exposure at such
time.

                                       70
<PAGE>

     "Unutilized Revolving Loan Commitment" with respect to any Bank at any time
shall mean such Bank's Revolving Loan Commitment at such time less the aggregate
outstanding  Principal  Amount of all Revolving  Loans made by such Bank at such
time.

     "U.S.  LIBOR"  shall mean for each  Interest  Period  applicable  to a Loan
denominated  in Dollars  (other than a Base Rate Loan),  the rate per annum that
appears on page 3750 of the Dow Jones  Telerate  Screen (or any successor  page)
for Dollar  deposits with  maturities  comparable to such Interest  Period as of
11:00 A.M.  (London  time) on the date which is two  Business  Days prior to the
commencement  of such Interest Period or, if such a rate does not appear on page
3750 of the Dow Jones  Telerate  Screen (or any  successor  page),  the  offered
quotations  to  first-class  banks in the London  interbank  market by Chase for
Dollar  deposits  of amounts  in same day funds  comparable  to the  outstanding
principal amount of such Dollar  denominated Loan with maturities  comparable to
such Interest Period determined as of 11:00 A.M. (London time) on the date which
is two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.

     "Wholly-Owned  Subsidiary"  of any Person shall mean any Subsidiary of such
Person to the extent all of the capital  stock or other  ownership  interests in
such Subsidiary,  other than directors' or nominees' qualifying shares, is owned
directly or indirectly by such Person.

     "Written" or "in writing" shall mean any form of written communication or a
communication by means of telex, facsimile device, telegraph or cable.

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<PAGE>

     SECTION 11.  The Administrative Agent.

     11.01  Appointment.  Each Bank hereby  irrevocably  designates and appoints
Chase as  Administrative  Agent (such term as used in this Section 11 to include
Chase Manhattan  International  Limited,  acting as the Issuing Agent under this
Agreement and the Letters of Credit) to act as specified herein and in the other
Credit Documents, and each such Bank hereby irrevocably authorizes Chase, as the
Administrative  Agent for such Bank, to take such action on its behalf under the
provisions of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents and to exercise such
powers and perform such duties as are expressly  delegated to the Administrative
Agent by the terms of this  Agreement and the other Credit  Documents,  together
with such other powers as are reasonably  incidental thereto. The Administrative
Agent  agrees  to act as such  upon the  express  conditions  contained  in this
Section 11.  Notwithstanding  any  provision to the  contrary  elsewhere in this
Agreement,   the   Administrative   Agent   shall   not  have  any   duties   or
responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or in the other Credit
Documents,  nor  any  fiduciary  relationship  with  any  Bank,  and no  implied
covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall
be read into this Agreement or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent.
The   provisions  of  this  Section  11  are  solely  for  the  benefit  of  the
Administrative Agent and the Banks, and no Credit Party shall have any rights as
a third party  beneficiary  of any of the provisions  hereof.  In performing its
functions and duties under this Agreement,  the  Administrative  Agent shall act
solely as agent of the Banks and does not assume and shall not be deemed to have
assumed any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with or for the Credit
Party.

     11.02 Delegation of Duties. The Administrative Agent may execute any of its
duties  under this  Agreement  or any other  Credit  Document  by or through its
affiliates,  agents or  attorneys-  in-fact  and shall be  entitled to advice of
counsel  concerning all matters  pertaining to such duties.  The  Administrative
Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or
attorneys-in-fact  selected  by it with  reasonable  care  except to the  extent
otherwise required by Section 11.03.

     11.03 Exculpatory  Provisions.  Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of
its officers,  directors,  employees,  agents,  attorneys-in-fact  or affiliates
shall be (i) liable for any action  lawfully  taken or omitted to be taken by it
or such Person under or in  connection  with this  Agreement  (except for its or
such Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct) or (ii) responsible in
any manner to any of the Banks for any recitals, statements,  representations or
warranties  made by the Borrower or any  Subsidiary  or any of their  respective
officers  contained  in this  Agreement,  any other  Credit  Document  or in any
certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in,
or  received  by the  Administrative  Agent under or in  connection  with,  this
Agreement or any other Credit Document or for any failure of the Borrower or any
of  its  Subsidiaries  or  any of  their  respective  officers  to  perform  its
obligations  here-under or  thereunder.  The  Administrative  Agent shall not be
under any obligation to any Bank to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance
or  performance  of any of the  agreements  contained in, or conditions of, this
Agreement, or to inspect the properties, books or records of the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries.  The  Administrative  Agent shall not be responsible to any
Bank   for   the   effectiveness,    genuineness,    validity,   enforceability,
collectibility  or sufficiency  of this Agreement or any Credit  Document or for
any representations,  warranties,  recitals or statements made herein or therein
or  made  in any  written  or  oral  statement  or in  any  financial  or  other
statements,  instruments,  reports,  certificates  or  any  other  documents  in
connection herewith or therewith  furnished or made by the Administrative  Agent
to the Banks or by or on behalf of the Borrower to the  Administrative  Agent or
any Bank or be  required  to  ascertain  or  inquire  as to the  performance  or
observance of any of the terms, conditions,  provisions, covenants or agreements
contained  herein or therein or as to the use of the proceeds of the Loans or of
the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of Default.

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<PAGE>

     11.04 Reliance by Administrative  Agent. The Administrative  Agent shall be
entitled  to rely,  and  shall be fully  protected  in  relying,  upon any note,
writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram,
telegram, facsimile transmission, telex or teletype message, statement, order or
other document or  conversation  believed by it to be genuine and correct and to
have been signed,  sent or made by the proper  Person or Persons and upon advice
and statements of legal counsel (including,  without limitation,  counsel to the
Borrower),   independent   accountants   and  other  experts   selected  by  the
Administrative  Agent.  The  Administrative  Agent shall be fully  justified  in
failing or refusing to take any action under this  Agreement or any other Credit
Document  unless  it shall  first  receive  such  advice or  concurrence  of the
Required  Banks as it deems  appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its
satisfaction by the Banks against any and all liability and expense which may be
incurred by it by reason of taking or  continuing  to take any such action.  The
Administrative  Agent  shall in all cases be fully  protected  in acting,  or in
refraining from acting,  under this Agreement and the other Credit  Documents in
accordance with a request of the Required Banks, and such request and any action
taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Banks.

     11.05 Notice of Default.  The  Administrative  Agent shall not be deemed to
have  knowledge or notice of the  occurrence  of any Default or Event of Default
hereunder unless the Administrative Agent has received notice from a Bank or any
Credit Party  referring to this  Agreement,  describing such Default or Event of
Default and stating that such notice is a "notice of default." In the event that
the Administrative  Agent receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall
give prompt notice  thereof to the Banks.  The  Administrative  Agent shall take
such  action  with  respect  to such  Default  or Event of  Default  as shall be
reasonably  directed by the Required  Banks,  provided that unless and until the
Administrative  Agent shall have received such  directions,  the  Administrative
Agent may (but shall not be  obligated  to) take such  action,  or refrain  from
taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall
deem advisable in the best interests of the Banks.

     11.06  Non-Reliance.  Each Bank  expressly  acknowledges  that  neither the
Administrative  Agent nor any of its  officers,  directors,  employees,  agents,
attorneys-in-fact  or affiliates have made any  representations or warranties to
it and that no act by the Administrative Agent hereinafter taken,  including any
review of the  affairs  of the  Borrower  or any of its  Subsidiaries,  shall be
deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by the Administrative  Agent
to any Bank.  Each Bank  represents  to the  Administrative  Agent  that it has,
independently  and without reliance upon the  Administrative  Agent or any other
Bank, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed  appropriate,
made  its  own  appraisal  of  and  investigation  into  the  business,  assets,
operations,   property,   financial   and  other   conditions,   prospects   and
credit-worthiness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and made its own decision
to make  its  Loans  hereunder,  participate  in the  Letter  of  Credit  issued
hereunder and enter into this Agreement. Each Bank also represents that it will,
independently  and without reliance upon the  Administrative  Agent or any other
Bank, and based on such documents and  information as it shall deem  appropriate
at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis,  appraisals and decisions
in  taking  or  not  taking  action  under  this  Agreement,  and to  make  such
investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, assets,
operations,   property,   financial   and  other   conditions,   prospects   and
creditworthiness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.  The Administrative Agent
shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Bank with any credit or
other  information  concerning  the  business,   operations,  assets,  property,
financial and other conditions, prospects or creditworthiness of the Borrower or
any Subsidiary which may come into the possession of the Administrative Agent or
any of  its  officers,  directors,  employees,  agents,  attorneys-  in-fact  or
affiliates.

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<PAGE>

     11.07  Indemnification.  Each Bank agrees to indemnify  the  Administrative
Agent in its capacity as such ratably  according to such Bank's  percentage used
in determining  Required  Banks from time to time,  from and against any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
costs,  reasonable expenses or disbursements of any kind whatsoever which may at
any time (including,  without  limitation,  at any time following the payment of
the   Obligations)  be  imposed  on,   incurred  by  or  asserted   against  the
Administrative  Agent in its  capacity as such in any way relating to or arising
out  of  this  Agreement  or  any  other  Credit  Document,   or  any  documents
contemplated by or referred to herein or the transactions contemplated hereby or
any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Administrative  Agent under or in
connection  with any of the  foregoing,  but only to the extent  that any of the
foregoing is not paid by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries,  provided that
no Bank  shall be liable to the  Administrative  Agent  for the  payment  of any
portion of such liabilities,  obligations,  losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments,   suits,  costs,   expenses  or  disbursements   resulting  from  the
Administrative Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct.  If any indemnity
furnished to the  Administrative  Agent for any purpose shall, in the opinion of
the Administrative Agent, be insufficient or become impaired, the Administrative
Agent may call for additional  indemnity and cease,  or not commence,  to do the
acts  indemnified  against until such  additional  indemnity is  furnished.  The
agreements in this Section 11.07 shall survive the payment of all Obligations.

     11.08 The Administrative  Agent in its Individual  Capacity.  Chase and its
affiliates may make loans to, accept  deposits from and generally  engage in any
kind of business with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as though Chase were not
acting as Administrative  Agent hereunder.  With respect to the Loans made by it
and all  Obligations  owing to it,  Chase  shall have the same rights and powers
under this Agreement as any Bank and may exercise the same as though it were not
the  Administrative  Agent,  and the terms "Bank" and "Banks"  shall include the
Administrative Agent in its individual capacity.


                                       74
<PAGE>

     11.09 Successor  Administrative  Agent. The Administrative Agent may resign
as the Administrative  Agent upon 20 days' notice to the Banks and the Borrower.
Upon such  resignation,  the  Required  Banks  shall,  with the  consent  of the
Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld),  appoint from among the
Banks a successor  Administrative Agent for the Banks,  whereupon such successor
agent  shall  succeed to the  rights,  powers  and duties of the  Administrative
Agent,  and the term  "Administrative  Agent" shall include such successor agent
effective upon its appointment, and the resigning Administrative Agent's rights,
powers and duties as the Administrative  Agent shall be terminated,  without any
other or further act or deed on the part of such former  Administrative Agent or
any of the parties to this Agreement.  After the retiring Administrative Agent's
resignation  hereunder  as the  Administrative  Agent,  the  provisions  of this
Section 11 shall inure to its  benefit as to any actions  taken or omitted to be
taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement.

     11.10 Other Agents.  Nothing in this Agreement or any other Credit Document
shall impose on the Documentation  Agent or the Syndication  Agent, in each case
in such capacity, any duties or obligations.






                                       75
<PAGE>

     SECTION 12.  Miscellaneous.

     12.01 Payment of Expenses,  etc. The Borrower  hereby agree to: (i) whether
or not the transactions herein contemplated are consummated,  pay all reasonable
out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative  Agent in connection with
the negotiation,  preparation, syndication, execution and delivery of the Credit
Documents  and  the  documents  and  instruments  referred  to  therein  and any
amendment,  waiver or consent relating thereto  (including,  without limitation,
the  reasonable  fees  and  disbursements  of  White & Case  LLP);  (ii) pay all
reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent and each
of the Banks in connection with the enforcement of the Credit  Documents and the
documents and instruments  referred to therein  (including,  without limitation,
the reasonable fees and  disbursements of counsel for the  Administrative  Agent
and for each of the Banks);  (iii) pay and hold each of the Banks  harmless from
and against any and all present and future  stamp and other  similar  taxes with
respect to the  foregoing  matters and save each of the Banks  harmless from and
against any and all  liabilities  with respect to or resulting from any delay or
omission to pay such taxes; and (iv) indemnify the Administrative Agent and each
Bank, and their respective officers, directors,  employees,  representatives and
agents  (each,  an  "indemnified  person")  from and hold each of them  harmless
against  any  and  all  losses,   liabilities,   claims,   damages  or  expenses
(collectively,  "Claims") incurred by any of them as a result of, or arising out
of, or in any way related to, or by reason of, any investigation,  litigation or
other proceeding (whether or not the Administrative Agent or any Bank is a party
thereto) related to the entering into and/or  performance of any Credit Document
or any other Transaction Document or the use of the proceeds of any Loans or the
Letter of Credit  here-under or the Transaction or the consummation of any other
transactions contemplated in any Credit Document, including, without limitation,
the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel incurred in connection with any
such  investigation,  litigation  or other  proceeding  (but  excluding any such
losses,  liabilities,  claims,  damages or  expenses  to the extent  incurred by
reason  of the  gross  negligence  or  willful  misconduct  of the  Person to be
indemnified).  No Bank shall be liable for any damages  arising  from the use by
others  of  information  or  other  materials   obtained   through   electronic,
telecommunications or other information transmission systems.

     12.02 Right of Setoff.  In addition to any rights now or hereafter  granted
under  applicable  law or  otherwise,  and not by way of  limitation of any such
rights, upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, each Bank is
hereby authorized at any time or from time to time, without presentment, demand,
protest or other notice of any kind to any Credit Party or to any other  Person,
any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and
apply any and all deposits  (general or special) and any other  Indebtedness  at
any time held or owing by such Bank (including,  without limitation, by branches
and agencies of such Bank wherever  located) to or for the credit or the account
of such Credit Party against and on account of the  Obligations  and liabilities
of such  Credit  Party to such Bank or any other Bank under  this  Agreement  or
under any of the other Credit  Documents,  including,  without  limitation,  all
interests  in  Obligations  of such Credit  Party  purchased by such Bank or any
other Bank pursuant to Section  12.06(b),  and all other claims of any nature or
description  arising out of or connected with this Agreement or any other Credit
Document,  irrespective  of  whether or not such Bank shall have made any demand
hereunder and although said Obligations,  liabilities or claims, or any of them,
shall be contingent or unmatured.  Each Bank is hereby  designated  the agent of
all other Banks for purposes of effecting set off pursuant to this Section 12.02
and each Credit Party hereby grants to each Bank for such Bank's own benefit and
as agent for all  other  Banks a  continuing  security  interest  in any and all
deposits,  accounts or moneys of such Credit Party  maintained from time to time
with such Bank.


                                       76
<PAGE>

     12.03 Notices.  Except as otherwise  expressly provided herein, all notices
and other  communications  provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including
facsimile  communication) and mailed,  telecopied or delivered, if to any Credit
Party, at the address specified opposite its signature below; if to any Bank, at
its  address  specified  for such Bank on Annex II  hereto;  or,  at such  other
address  as shall be  designated  by any party in a written  notice to the other
parties hereto. All such notices and communications shall be mailed, telecopied,
sent by overnight  courier or delivered by hand and shall be deemed to have been
given on the date of receipt if delivered  by hand or overnight  courier or sent
by telecopy, or the date that is five Business Days after being deposited in the
mail,  postage  prepaid,  in  each  case  delivered,  sent or  mailed  (properly
addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 12.03 or in accordance with
the last unrevoked  notice from such party given in accordance with this Section
12.03;  provided that notices and  communications  to the  Administrative  Agent
shall be effective when received by the Administrative Agent.

     12.04 Benefit of Agreement.  (a) This  Agreement  shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of and be  enforceable  by the  respective  successors  and
assigns of the parties hereto; provided, however, the Borrower may not assign or
transfer any of its rights or  obligations  hereunder  without the prior written
consent of the Banks.  Each Bank may at any time grant  participations in any of
its rights  hereunder  or under any of its Notes to any bank or other  financial
institution;  provided  that in the  case of any  such  participation,  (i) such
Bank's  obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged,  (ii) such Bank
shall remain solely  responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance
of such  obligations  (iii)  the  participant  shall  agree  to be  bound by the
confidentiality  provisions  contained in Section 12.15 and (iv) the participant
shall not have any  rights  under  this  Agreement  or any of the  other  Credit
Documents,  including rights of consent,  approval or waiver (the  participant's
rights against such Bank in respect of such  participation to be those set forth
in the  agreement  executed  by such Bank in favor of the  participant  relating
thereto) and all amounts  payable by the Borrower  hereunder shall be determined
as if such Bank had not sold such  participation,  except  that the  participant
shall be entitled to receive the additional  amounts under  Sections 1.10,  1.11
and 4.04 of this  Agreement to, and only to, the extent that,  and in no greater
amount than,  such Bank would be entitled to such benefits if the  participation
had not been entered  into or sold;  and  provided  further,  that no Bank shall
transfer,  grant or assign any  participation  under which the participant shall
have rights to approve any amendment to or waiver of this Agreement or any other
Credit  Document  except to the extent such amendment or waiver would (i) extend
any Scheduled  Repayment or the final  scheduled  maturity of any Loan,  Note or
Letter of Credit in which such participant is participating (it being understood
that  any  waiver  of  the  application  of any  prepayment  or  the  method  of
application  of any  prepayment  to the  amortization  of,  the Loans  shall not
constitute an extension of a Scheduled Repayment or the final scheduled maturity
date),  or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest  thereon or
Fees, or reduce the principal  amount  thereof,  or increase such  participant's
participating  interest  in any  Commitment,  Loan or Letter of Credit  over the
amount thereof then in effect (it being  understood that a waiver of any Default
or Event of Default or of a mandatory  reduction in the Total Commitment or of a
mandatory  repayment or prepayment shall not constitute a change in the terms of
any Commitment and that an increase in any Commitment shall be permitted without
the  consent  of any  participant  if such  participant's  participation  is not
increased as a result thereof), or (ii) consent to the assignment or transfer by
the Borrower of any of its rights and  obligations  under this  Agreement or any
other Credit Document except in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

                                       77
<PAGE>
     (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing,  any Bank may assign all or a portion of
its rights and obligations  hereunder to a bank or other  financial  institution
with the prior  written  consent of the  Administrative  Agent and the Borrower,
which consents shall not be unreasonably  withheld or delayed (provided that (i)
no such consents shall be required in connection  with an assignment to a Person
which is already a Bank hereunder and (ii) the consent of the Borrower shall not
be  required  at any  time  when a  Default  or  Event of  Default  exists).  No
assignment  of less  than  all of a  Bank's  rights  and  obligations  hereunder
pursuant  to the  immediately  preceding  sentence  shall,  to the  extent  such
transaction  represents an assignment to an  institution  other than one or more
Banks  hereunder,  be in an aggregate amount less than the minimum of $5,000,000
unless  otherwise  agreed to by the  Administrative  Agent and the  Borrower  in
writing. No assignment of all or any portion of a Bank's L/C Commitment shall be
made to an institution which is not an Approved Credit Institution,  and no such
assignment shall be effective until all then  outstanding  Letters of Credit are
returned by Lloyds to the Issuing Agent for  cancellation in exchange for new or
amended Letters of Credit having a Schedule 1 thereto which gives effect to such
assignment.  If any  Bank  so  sells  or  assigns  all or a part  of its  rights
hereunder or under the Notes,  any  reference in this  Agreement or the Notes to
such  assigning Bank shall  thereafter  refer to such Bank and to the respective
assignee to the extent of their respective interests and the respective assignee
shall  have,  to the  extent  of  such  assignment  (unless  otherwise  provided
therein), the same rights,  obligations and benefits as it would if it were such
assigning  Bank.  Each  assignment  pursuant to this Section  12.04(b)  shall be
effected by the assigning Bank and the assignee Bank executing an Assignment and
Assumption  Agreement  substantially  in the form of  Exhibit  H  (appropriately
completed) (the "Assignment and Assumption Agreement").  At the time of any such
assignment,  (i)  Annex  I  shall  be  deemed  to  be  amended  to  reflect  the
Commitments,  if any, and  outstanding  Loans of the respective  assignee (which
shall result in a direct reduction to the  Commitments,  if any, and outstanding
Loans of the assigning Bank) and of the other Banks, (ii) if any such assignment
occurs after the Initial  Credit  Event Date,  at the request of the assignor or
the assignee the Borrower will issue new Notes to the respective assignee and to
the assigning Bank in conformity with the  requirements  of Section 1.05,  (iii)
the  Administrative  Agent  shall  receive  from the  assigning  Bank and/or the
assignee  Bank or  financial  institution  at the  time of each  assignment  the
payment of a  nonrefundable  assignment fee of $3,500,  (iv) the  Administrative
Agent  shall  receive  from  the  assignee  Bank  the   Administrative   Agent's
administrative questionnaire completed by such assignee Bank and (v) if any such
assignment is of all or a portion of the assigning  Bank's L/C  Commitment,  all
then  outstanding  Letters of Credit shall be amended or returned to the Issuing
Agent for cancellation  and reissued to reflect such assignment.  At the time of
each  assignment  pursuant to this  Section  12.04(b)  to a Person  which is not
already a Bank  hereunder  and which is not a United States person (as such term
is defined in Section  7701(a)(30) of the Code) for Federal income tax purposes,
the   respective   assignee   Bank  shall   provide  to  the  Borrower  and  the
Administrative  Agent the  appropriate  Internal  Revenue Service forms (and, if
applicable a Section 4.04(b)(ii) Certificate) described in Section 4.04(b). Each
Bank and the  Borrower  agrees to execute  such  documents  (including,  without
limitation,  amendments  to this  Agreement  and the other Credit  Documents) as
shall be necessary to effect the  foregoing.  Promptly  following any assignment
pursuant to this Section 12.04(b),  the assigning Bank shall promptly notify the
Borrower and the  Administrative  Agent  thereof.  Nothing in this Section 12.04
shall prevent or prohibit any Bank from pledging its Loans or Notes hereunder to
a Federal  Reserve  Bank in  support of  borrowings  made by such Bank from such
Federal Reserve Bank.

     (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 12.04, no transfer
or assignment of the interests or obligations of any Bank hereunder or any grant
of  participations  therein shall be permitted if such  transfer,  assignment or
grant would require the Borrower to file a  registration  statement with the SEC
or to qualify the Loans under the "Blue Sky" laws of any state.

                                       78
<PAGE>

     (d) Each Bank initially party to this Agreement hereby represents, and each
Person that  becomes a Bank  pursuant to an  assignment  permitted by clause (b)
above will upon its becoming  party to this  Agreement  represent,  that it is a
commercial lender,  other financial  institution or other "accredited  investor"
(as defined in SEC Regulation D) which makes loans in the ordinary course of its
business or is acquiring the Loans without a view to  distribution  of the Loans
within the  meaning of the  federal  securities  laws,  and that it will make or
acquire  Loans for its own  account  in the  ordinary  course of such  business,
provided that, subject to the preceding clauses (a) through (c), the disposition
of any promissory notes or other evidences of or interests in Indebtedness  held
by such Bank shall at all times be within its exclusive control.

     12.05 No Waiver;  Remedies  Cumulative.  No failure or delay on the part of
the Administrative Agent or any Bank in exercising any right, power or privilege
hereunder  or under any other Credit  Document and no course of dealing  between
any Credit  Party and the  Administrative  Agent or any Bank shall  operate as a
waiver thereof;  nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege  hereunder  or under any other Credit  Document  preclude any other or
further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right,  power or privilege
hereunder or thereunder.  The rights and remedies herein expressly  provided are
cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the  Administrative
Agent or any Bank would  otherwise  have. No notice to or demand on the Borrower
in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other or further  notice or demand
in similar or other  circumstances  or  constitute a waiver of the rights of the
Administrative  Agent  or the  Banks  to any  other  or  further  action  in any
circumstances without notice or demand.

     12.06 Payments Pro Rata. (a) The Administrative  Agent agrees that promptly
after its receipt of each  payment  from or on behalf of the Borrower in respect
of any  Obligations  of the Borrower,  it shall  distribute  such payment to the
Banks  (other than any Bank that has  consented in writing to waive its pro rata
share of such payment) pro rata based upon their respective  shares,  if any, of
the Obligations with respect to which such payment was received.

     (b)  Each of the  Banks  agrees  that,  if it  should  receive  any  amount
hereunder  (whether by voluntary payment,  by realization upon security,  by the
exercise  of the right of setoff or  banker's  lien,  by  counterclaim  or cross
action,  by  the  enforcement  of any  right  under  the  Credit  Documents,  or
otherwise)  which is  applicable to the payment of the principal of, or interest
on, the  Loans,  Unpaid  Drawings  or Fees,  of a sum which with  respect to the
related sum or sums received by other Banks is in a greater  proportion than the
total of such  Obligation  then owed and due to such Bank  bears to the total of
such Obligation then owed and due to all of the Banks  immediately prior to such
receipt,  then such Bank  receiving  such excess payment shall purchase for cash
without recourse or warranty from the other Banks an interest in the Obligations
of the Borrower to such Banks in such amount as shall  result in a  proportional
participation  by all of the Banks in such amount,  provided  that if all or any
portion of such  excess  amount is  thereafter  recovered  from such Bank,  such
purchase  shall be rescinded  and the purchase  price  restored to the extent of
such recovery, but without interest.

     (c)  Notwithstanding   anything  to  the  contrary  contained  herein,  the
provisions  of the preceding  Sections  12.06(a) and (b) shall be subject to the
express  provisions  of this  Agreement  which  require,  or  permit,  differing
payments to be made to Non-Defaulting Banks as opposed to Defaulting Banks.

                                       79

<PAGE>

     12.07  Calculations;  Computations.  (a)  The  financial  statements  to be
furnished to the Banks pursuant  hereto shall be made and prepared in accordance
with  GAAP or SAP,  as the  case may be,  consistently  applied  throughout  the
periods  involved  (except  as set forth in the notes  thereto  or as  otherwise
disclosed  in writing by the  Borrower to the  Banks).  In  addition,  except as
otherwise specifically provided herein, all computations  determining compliance
with Section 8, including  definitions  used therein,  shall utilize  accounting
principles  and policies in effect from time to time;  provided  that (i) if any
such  accounting  principle or policy (whether GAAP or SAP or both) shall change
after the Effective Date, the Borrower shall give  reasonable  notice thereof to
the  Administrative  Agent and each of the Banks and if within 30 days following
such notice the Borrower,  the Administrative  Agent or the Required Banks shall
elect by giving  written  notice of such election to the other  parties  hereto,
such  computations  shall not give effect to such  change  unless and until this
Agreement  shall be amended  pursuant  to Section  12.12 to give  effect to such
change,  and (ii) if at any time the  computations  determining  compliance with
Section 8 utilize  accounting  principles  different  from those utilized in the
financial statements then being furnished to the Banks pursuant to Section 7.01,
such financial statements shall be accompanied by reconciliation work-sheets.

     (b) All  computations  of interest on Eurodollar  Loans and Fees  hereunder
shall be made on the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days.

     (c) All computations of interest on Base Rate Loans hereunder shall be made
on the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365/366 days.

     (d) For purposes of this Agreement, the Dollar Equivalent of each Loan that
is an Alternate  Currency Loan and the Dollar Equivalent of the stated amount of
each Letter of Credit that is an  Alternate  Currency  Letter of Credit shall be
calculated  on the date when any such  Loan is made or such  Letter of Credit is
issued,  on the first  Business  Day of each  month and at such  other  times as
designated by the Administrative Agent at any time when a Default or an Event of
Default exists.  Such Dollar Equivalent shall remain in effect until the same is
recalculated  by the  Administrative  Agent as provided above and notice of such
recalculation  is received by the Borrower,  it being understood that until such
notice is received,  the Dollar  Equivalent  shall be that Dollar  Equivalent as
last reported to the Borrower by the  Administrative  Agent. The  Administrative
Agent  shall   promptly   notify  the  Borrower  and  the  Banks  of  each  such
determination of the Dollar Equivalent.


                                       80
<PAGE>

     12.08 GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION;  VENUE. (a) THIS AGREEMENT
AND THE OTHER CREDIT  DOCUMENTS  AND THE RIGHTS AND  OBLIGATIONS  OF THE PARTIES
HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER  SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE  WITH AND BE GOVERNED
BY THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT
TO THIS  AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER CREDIT  DOCUMENT MAY BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF
THE STATE OF NEW YORK OR OF THE UNITED  STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN  DISTRICT OF NEW
YORK, AND, BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH CREDIT PARTY HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY  ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS  PROPERTY,  GENERALLY  AND
UNCONDITIONALLY,  THE NON-EXCLUSIVE  JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS.  EACH
CREDIT PARTY HEREBY  FURTHER  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES ANY CLAIM THAT ANY SUCH COURTS
LACK  JURISDICTION  OVER SUCH CREDIT PARTY, AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM, IN
ANY LEGAL  ACTION OR  PROCEEDING  WITH  RESPECT TO THIS  AGREEMENT  OR ANY OTHER
CREDIT  DOCUMENT  BROUGHT IN ANY OF THE  AFORESAID  COURTS,  THAT ANY SUCH COURT
LACKS JURISDICTION OVER SUCH CREDIT PARTY. EACH CREDIT PARTY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY
CONSENTS TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS OUT OF ANY OF THE  AFORE-MENTIONED  COURTS IN
ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY THE MAILING OF COPIES  THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR
CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO SUCH CREDIT PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS FOR NOTICES
PURSUANT TO SECTION 12.03,  SUCH SERVICE TO BECOME  EFFECTIVE 30 DAYS AFTER SUCH
MAILING.  EACH CREDIT  PARTY  HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES ANY  OBJECTION TO SUCH
SERVICE OF PROCESS  AND  FURTHER  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR
CLAIM IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING  HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY OTHER CREDIT  DOCUMENT
THAT SERVICE OF PROCESS WAS IN ANY WAY INVALID OR  INEFFECTIVE.  NOTHING  HEREIN
SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE  AGENT OR ANY BANK TO SERVE PROCESS
IN ANY  OTHER  MANNER  PERMITTED  BY LAW OR TO  COMMENCE  LEGAL  PROCEEDINGS  OR
OTHERWISE PROCEED AGAINST ANY CREDIT PARTY IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

     (b) EACH CREDIT PARTY HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION WHICH IT MAY
NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY OF THE AFORESAID  ACTIONS OR
PROCEEDINGS  ARISING OUT OF OR IN  CONNECTION  WITH THIS  AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER
CREDIT DOCUMENT BROUGHT IN THE COURTS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE AND HEREBY
FURTHER  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES  AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT
THAT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN
AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.


                                       81
<PAGE>

     12.09  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in any  number  of
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts,  each
of which when so executed and delivered  shall be an original,  but all of which
shall together  constitute one and the same  instrument.  A set of  counterparts
executed by all the parties  hereto  shall be lodged with the  Borrower  and the
Administrative Agent.

     12.10 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective on the date (the
"Effective  Date") on which the Borrower and each of the Banks shall have signed
a copy hereof  (whether the same or different  copies) and shall have  delivered
the same to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's Notice Office
or, in the case of the  Banks,  shall  have  given to the  Administrative  Agent
telephonic (confirmed in writing),  written,  telex or telecopy notice (actually
received)  at such  office  that the same has been  signed and mailed to it. The
Administrative  Agent will give the Borrower and each Bank prompt written notice
of the occurrence of the Effective Date.

     12.11  Headings  Descriptive.  The  headings  of the several  sections  and
subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not in
any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this Agreement.

     12.12  Amendment  or Waiver.  Neither this  Agreement  nor any other Credit
Document nor any terms hereof or thereof may be changed,  waived,  discharged or
terminated  unless such change,  waiver,  discharge or termination is in writing
signed by the respective  Credit  Parties party thereto and the Required  Banks,
provided that no such change,  waiver,  discharge or termination shall,  without
the consent of each Bank affected  thereby (other than a Defaulting  Bank),  (i)
extend any  Scheduled  Repayment or the  scheduled  final  maturity of any Loan,
Letter of Credit or Note (it being understood that any waiver of the application
of any  prepayment  or the  method  of  application  of  any  prepayment  to the
amortization  of the Loans shall not  constitute  an extension of any  Scheduled
Repayment or the  scheduled  final  maturity  thereof),  or reduce the rate,  or
extend the time of payment,  of interest thereon or Fees or reduce the principal
amount  thereof,  (ii)  increase  the  Commitments  of any Bank over the  amount
thereof  then in effect  (it being  understood  that a waiver of any  Default or
Event  of  Default  or of a  mandatory  reduction  in the  Total  Commitment  or
mandatory  repayment or prepayment shall not constitute a change in the terms of
any Commitment of any Bank), (iii) amend,  modify or waive any provision of this
Section 12.12, (iv) reduce any percentage specified in, or otherwise modify, the
definition of Required Banks or (v) consent to the assignment or transfer by the
Borrower of any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement. No provision
of Section 11 or any other provision  relating to the rights and/or  obligations
of  the  Administrative  Agent  may  be  amended  without  the  consent  of  the
Administrative Agent.

     12.13  Survival.  All  indemnities  set  forth  herein  including,  without
limitation,  in Section  1.10,  1.11,  4.04,  11.07 or 12.01  shall  survive the
execution  and  delivery  of this  Agreement  and the making of the  Loans,  the
repayment of the Obligations and the termination of the Total Commitment.

     12.14 Domicile of Loans.  Subject to Section 12.04,  each Bank may transfer
and carry its Loans at, to or for the account of any branch  office,  subsidiary
or affiliate of such Bank,  provided that the Borrower  shall not be responsible
for costs arising under Section 1.10 or 4.04 resulting from any such transfer to
the extent not otherwise applicable to such Bank prior to such transfer.


                                       82
<PAGE>

     12.15  Confidentiality.  The Administrative  Agent and each Bank shall hold
all  non-public  information  furnished  by or on  behalf  of  the  Borrower  in
connection with such Bank's  evaluation of whether to become a Bank hereunder or
obtained  by  such  Bank  pursuant  to  the   requirements   of  this  Agreement
("Confidential  Information")  in accordance  with its  customary  procedure for
handling confidential information of this nature and in accordance with safe and
sound banking or lending practices; provided that any Bank and/or its affiliates
may  disclose  any  such  Confidential   Information  (a)  to  their  respective
affiliates,  directors,  officers,  employees,  auditors or counsel for purposes
related to the  Credit  Documents  and the  transactions  contemplated  thereby,
provided that the Bank disclosing such confidential information pursuant to this
clause  (a)  shall  remain  liable  for  any  non-permitted  disclosure  of such
information  by any such  employee,  director,  agent,  attorney,  accountant or
professional  advisor, (b) as has become generally available to the public other
than as a result of  disclosure in violation of this Section  12.15,  (c) as has
become available to such Bank or any such affiliate on a non-confidential  basis
from a source  other than the  Borrower and its  affiliates,  provided  that the
source  is not  known  by such  Bank to be  prohibited  from  transmitting  such
information to such Bank by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation, (d) as
may be required or appropriate in any report,  statement or testimony  submitted
to any municipal,  state or Federal  regulatory  body having or claiming to have
jurisdiction  over such Bank  and/or its  affiliates,  (e) as may be required or
appropriate  in respect to any  summons or subpoena  or in  connection  with any
litigation or other judicial  process (it being  understood  that, to the extent
reasonably  practicable  and  legally  permitted  under the  circumstances,  the
Borrower  shall be given prior notice and an opportunity to contest any proposed
disclosure  pursuant to this clause  (e)),  (f) in order to comply with any law,
order,  regulation or ruling applicable to such Bank and/or its affiliates,  and
(g) to any permitted  prospective or actual  syndicate  member or participant in
the  Loans,  provided  that  such  prospective  or  actual  syndicate  member or
participant  agrees  with  the  respective  assigning  Bank to be  bound  by the
provisions  of this Section  12.15.  The  provisions of this Section 12.15 shall
survive any termination of this Agreement.

     12.16 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS  AGREEMENT  HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY  ACTION,  PROCEEDING  OR
COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT,  THE CREDIT DOCUMENTS
OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

     12.17 Judgment Currency. (a) The Borrowers' Obligations hereunder and under
the other Credit Documents to make payments in the applicable  Approved Currency
(the  "Obligation  Currency") shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender
or recovery pursuant to any judgment expressed in or converted into any currency
other than the  Obligation  Currency,  except to the extent  that such tender or
recovery  results in the effective  receipt by the  Administrative  Agent or the
respective  Bank of the full amount of the Obligation  Currency  expressed to be
payable to the  Administrative  Agent or such Bank under this  Agreement  or the
other Credit Documents.  If, for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing  judgment
against the Borrower in any court or in any  jurisdiction,  it becomes necessary
to convert into or from any currency  other than the  Obligation  Currency (such
other  currency  being  hereinafter  referred to as the "Judgment  Currency") an
amount  due in the  Obligation  Currency,  the  conversion  shall be made at the
Relevant Currency Equivalent,  and, in the case of other currencies, the rate of
exchange (as quoted by the Administrative  Agent or if the Administrative  Agent
does not quote a rate of exchange on such  currency,  by a known  dealer in such
currency designated by the Administrative Agent) determined, in each case, as of
the Business Day  immediately  preceding  the day on which the judgment is given
(such  Business  Day being  hereinafter  referred to as the  "Judgment  Currency
Conversion Date").

                                       83
<PAGE>

     (b) If there is a change in the rate of  exchange  prevailing  between  the
Judgment  Currency  Conversion Date and the date of actual payment of the amount
due,  the  Borrowers  covenant  and  agree to pay,  or  cause  to be paid,  such
additional  amounts,  if any (but in any  event not a lesser  amount)  as may be
necessary  to  ensure  that  the  amount  paid in the  Judgment  Currency,  when
converted  at the  rate of  exchange  prevailing  on the date of  payment,  will
produce the amount of the  Obligation  Currency  which could have been purchased
with the amount of  Judgment  Currency  stipulated  in the  judgment or judicial
award at the rate of exchange  prevailing  on the Judgment  Currency  Conversion
Date.

     (c) For purposes of  determining  the Relevant  Currency  Equivalent or any
other rate of exchange for this Section,  such amounts shall include any premium
and costs payable in connection with the purchase of the Obligation Currency.

     12.18  Euro.  (a) If at any  time  that an  Alternate  Currency  Loan or an
Alternate  Currency  Letter of Credit is  outstanding,  the  relevant  Alternate
Currency  is fully  replaced as the lawful  currency of the country  that issued
such Alternate Currency (the "Issuing Country") by the Euro so that all payments
are to be made in the Issuing Country in Euros and not in the Alternate Currency
previously the lawful  currency of such country,  then such  Alternate  Currency
Loan or Alternate  Currency  Letter of Credit shall be  automatically  converted
into a Loan or Letter of Credit  denominated  in Euros in a principal  amount or
stated  amount equal to the amount of Euros into which the  principal  amount or
stated  amount of such  Alternate  Currency  Loan or  Letter of Credit  would be
converted  pursuant to the EMU  Legislation and thereafter no further Loans will
be available in such Alternate Currency,  with the basis of accrual of interest,
notices requirements and payment offices with respect to such converted Loans or
Letters of Credit to be that consistent with the convention and practices in the
London interbank market for Euro denominated Loans or Letters of Credit.

     (b) The Borrower  shall from time to time, at the request of any Bank,  pay
to such Bank the amount of any losses, damages,  liabilities,  claims, reduction
in yield,  additional expense,  increased cost, reduction in any amount payable,
reduction in the effective  return of its capital,  the decrease or delay in the
payment of interest or any other return  forgone by such Bank or its  affiliates
as a result of the tax or currency  exchange  resulting  from the  introduction,
changeover to or operation of the Euro in any applicable  nation or Eurocurrency
market.


                                       84


<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of this
Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.

Address:

Trenwick Group Inc.                         TRENWICK GROUP INC.
One Canterbury Green
Stamford, Connecticut  06901
Tel:  (203) 353-5500
Fax:  (203) 353-5557                        By:  /s/ Alan L. Hunte
                                                --------------------------------

Attention:  Alan L. Hunte
Title:  Executive Vice President
& Chief Financial Officer


                                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                            Individually and as Administrative
                                            Agent


                                            By: /s/ Donald Rands
                                               ---------------------------------
                                            Title:  Vice President


                                           CHASE MANHATTAN INTERNATIONAL
                                           LIMITED, as Issuing Agent


                                           By: /s/ Stephen Hurford
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Vice President


                                           By: /s/Stephen Clark
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Second Vice President



                                           FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK,
                                           Individually and as Syndication Agent


                                           By: /s/ Thomas L. Stitchberry
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Senior Vice President



                                           FLEET NATIONAL BANK, Individually
                                           and as Documentation Agent


                                           By: /s/ Elizabeth Shelley
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Vice President


                                           CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH


                                           By: /s/ Peter Rasmussen
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Vice President


<PAGE>
                                           DRESDNER BANK AG, New York
                                           and Grand Cayman Branches


                                           By: /s/ Lloyd C. Stevens
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Vice President


                                           By: /s/ Anthony C. Valencourt
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Senior Vice President


                                           NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC


                                           By: /s/ Ian Grimsley
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title: Head of Lloyd's Insurance Team


                                           STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


                                           By: /s/ Edward M. Anderson
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Vice President

                                           THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

                                           By:  /s/ Todd S. Meller
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Senior Relationship Manager

                                           THE FUJI BANK, LIMITED

                                           By: /s/ Raymond Ventura
                                              ----------------------------------
                                           Title:   Vice President & Manager



                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                            FIRST AMENDMENT



         FIRST AMENDMENT (the "Amendment"), dated as of December 31, 1999, among
TRENWICK  GROUP  INC.,  a Delaware  corporation  (the  "Borrower"),  the lending
institutions  from time to time party to the Credit Agreement  referred to below
(each a "Bank" and,  collectively,  the "Banks"),  FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as
Syndication  Agent,  FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as  Documentation  Agent and THE CHASE
MANHATTAN  BANK, as  Administrative  Agent.  Unless  otherwise  defined  herein,
capitalized  terms used herein and defined in the Credit  Agreement  referred to
below are used herein as so defined.


                               W I T N E S E T H :


         WHEREAS,   the  Borrower,   the  Banks,  the  Syndication   Agent,  the
Documentation  Agent and the  Administrative  Agent have  entered  into a Credit
Agreement,  dated as of November 24, 1999 (as amended,  modified or supplemented
through, but not including, the date hereof, the "Credit Agreement"); and

         WHEREAS,  subject  to the terms and  conditions  set forth  below,  the
parties hereto wish to amend the Credit Agreement as provided herein;



         NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed;

  A.     Amendment

         1.       Section 8.16 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended to read
                  in its entirety as follows:

                  "8.16  Minimum Consolidated  Tangible Net Worth.  The Borrower
         will not permit its Consolidated  Tangible  Net Worth  to  be less than
         (i) at any time on or  prior to June 30, 2000, $290,000,000 and (ii) at
         any time thereafter $325,000,000."

  B.     Miscellaneous Provisions

         1. In order to induce  the  Banks to enter  into  this  Amendment,  the
Borrower  hereby  represents  and  warrants  that  (i) the  representations  and
warranties  contained in the Credit  Agreement and in the other Credit Documents
are  true  and  correct  in all  material  respects  on and as of the  Amendment
Effective Date (as defined  below)  (except with respect to any  representations
and warranties  limited by their terms to a specific  date,  which shall be true
and correct in all material  respects as of such date), and (ii) there exists no
Default  or Event  of  Default  under  the  Credit  Agreement  on the  Amendment
Effective Date, in each case after giving effect to this Waiver.


                                       1
<PAGE>

         2. This  Amendment is limited as specified and shall not  constitute an
amendment  modification,  acceptance  or waiver of any  other  provision  of the
Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document.

         3.  THIS  AMENDMENT  AND THE  RIGHTS  AND  OBLIGATIONS  OF THE  PARTIES
HEREUNDER  SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE  WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAW OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK.

         4. This Amendment  shall become  effective on the date (the  "Amendment
Effective  Date") when the Borrower  and the Required  Banks shall have signed a
counterpart  hereof (whether the same or different  counterparts) and shall have
delivered (including by way of telecopier) the same to the Administrative Agent.

         5. From and after the Amendment  Effective  Date, all references in the
Credit Agreement and in the other Credit Documents to the Credit Agreement shall
be deemed to be referenced to the Credit Agreement as modified hereby.



                                      * * *






                                       -2-

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the undersigned  have caused this Amendment to be
duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.



                                        TRENWICK GROUP INC.


                                        By:  /s/ Alan L. Hunte
                                             --------------------------------
                                        Title:  Executive Vice President and
                                                Chief Financial Officer


                                        THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                        Individually and as Administrative Agent


                                        By: /s/  Don Randa
                                            -----------------------------------
                                        Title:   Vice President


                                        CHASE MANHATTAN INTERNATIONAL LIMITED,
                                        as Issuing Agent


                                        By:  /s/ Stephen Hurford
                                             ----------------------------------
                                        Title:   Vice President


                                        By:  /s/ Steve Clarke
                                             ----------------------------------
                                        Title:   Vice President


                                        FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, Individually
                                        and as Syndication Agent


                                        By:  /s/  Thomas L. Stickberry
                                             ----------------------------------
                                        Title:   Senior Vice President




                                      -3-

<PAGE>
                                        FLEET NATIONAL BANK, Individually
                                        and as Documentation Agent


                                        By:  /s/ Jan-Gee McCollam
                                             ----------------------------------
                                        Title:   Senior Vice President


                                        CREDIT LYONNAIS NEW YORK BRANCH


                                        By:  /s/  Sebastian Rocco
                                             ----------------------------------
                                        Title:   Senior Vice President


                                        DRESDNER BANK AG, New York and Grand
                                        Cayman Branches


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


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


                                        NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC


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


                                        STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY


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


                                      -4-

<PAGE>

                                        THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA


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


                                        THE FUJI BANK, LIMITED


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


                                        BARCLAYS BANK PLC


                                        By: /s/ Melvin Bean
                                            -----------------------------------
                                        Title:  Relationship Director










                                      -5-




                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.25
                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

EMPLOYMENT  ASSUMPTION  AND AMENDMENT  AGREEMENT,  dated as of  October 25, 1999
(the  "Agreement"),  between  Trenwick Group Inc., a Delaware  corporation  (the
"Company"), and Steven J. Bensinger ("Executive").

WHEREAS,  Chartwell Re Corporation  ("Chartwell") and the Executive entered into
an Employment Agreement,  dated March 6, 1992, as amended from time to time (the
"Employment Agreement"),  a copy of which, including all amendments, is attached
hereto as Exhibit A; and

WHEREAS,  the  Company  has agreed to assume the  Employment  Agreement  and the
Company  and the  Executive  have  agreed  to  make  certain  amendments  to the
Employment Agreement, all as set forth herein.

NOW,  THEREFORE,  the Company and  Executive  hereby  agree that the  Employment
Agreement shall be amended to provide as follows:

1.       Assumption

The Company hereby assumes the  Employment  Agreement as if the Company,  rather
than Chartwell, had been the signatory thereto and the Company and the Executive
hereby consent to the assumption  thereto by the Company and the substitution of
the Company for Chartwell in each place it appears in the  Employment  Agreement
and the  deletion  of  Chartwell  as a party  thereto,  subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.

2.       Term and Non-Competition

The Company and the Executive hereby agree (i) to amend the Employment Agreement
to  extend  the Term  under  Section  2 of the  Employment  Agreement  to end on
December 31, 2000 and (ii) that, notwithstanding Section 10(b) of the Employment
Agreement,  the provisions of Section 10(b)(A) of the Employment Agreement shall
not apply to the Executive on or after the date of any  termination  pursuant to
Section 6 of the Employment Agreement.

3.       Position and Duties.

Section 3 of the Employment Agreement is hereby amendment to read as follows:

         "The  Executive  shall serve as Executive Vice President of the Company
         and shall have such  responsibilities  and duties  (consistent with his
         position  as  Executive  Vice  President)  as may from  time to time be
         assigned to the Executive by the Chief Executive  Officer and the Board
         and all of the  powers  and duties  usually  incident  to the office of
         Executive Vice President.  The Executive shall devote substantially all
         of his  working  time and  efforts to the  business  and affairs of the
         Company,  except for vacations,  illness or  incapacity.  The Executive
         also agrees to serve  without  additional  compensation,  if elected or
         appointed thereto, on the board of directors or as an executive officer
         of any  majority-owned  subsidiary  of the Company.  The  Executive may
         devote reasonable time to (i) insurance associations and charitable and
         civic  organizations,  (ii) managing  personal  investments,  and (iii)
         service  as a  director  or  member  of an  advisory  committee  of any
         corporation  not in  competition  with the Company,  provided  that the
         performance of his duties and responsibilities in such service does not
         interfere   substantially  with  the  performance  of  his  duties  and
         responsibilities under this Agreement."

                                       1
<PAGE>

4.       Compensation and Benefits:

The term "Base  Salary" set forth in Section  5(a) of the  Employment  Agreement
shall  refer to the Base  Salary  as most  recently  determined  by the Board of
Chartwell  prior to the Merger (as defined in Section  6(a) of this  Agreement).
Section 5(k) of the  Employment  Agreement  shall be deleted in its entirely for
tax years  beginning  after  December 31, 1999.  Section 5(d) of the  Employment
Agreement  shall be amended to read as follows for periods after the date of the
Merger (defined in Section 6(a) of this Agreement):

         "5(d) Automobile.  During the Term, the Company shall provide Executive
         with  an  automobile  appropriate  to  his  status  as  Executive  Vice
         President of the Company and shall reimburse the Executive for the cost
         of reasonable and proper  maintenance,  insurance and parking  expenses
         for such automobile."

5.       Termination for Good Reason:

The  Executive  hereby  agrees  that  any  right he may  have to  terminate  his
employment  for "Good Reason" shall be based on the terms and  conditions of the
Employment Agreement as amended by this Agreement. The Company and the Executive
hereby amend Section 6(d)(iii) to read as follows:

         "(iii)  failure to be elected to the Board of the Company or failure to
         be  elected  President  of  the  Company  (provided  that a  Notice  of
         Termination has not been provided under this Agreement at such time),"

The  following  sentence  shall  be  added  to the  end of  Section  6(d) of the
Employment Agreement:

         "For the purpose of this Section 6(d),  the Company shall be treated as
         curing any failure to elect the Executive  under Section  6(d)(iii) if,
         prior to the earlier of November 1, 2001 or the time that the Executive
         gives Notice of Termination for "Good Reason" under Section  6(c)(iii),
         the Company provides the Executive with a letter signed by the Chairman
         of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company agreeing to
         place the  Executive's  name before the Board of Directors for election
         as a Director  of the Company  and as  President  of the Company by the
         earlier of the next meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company or
         within thirty (30) days after such written  notice and he is so elected
         within such time period."


                                       2
<PAGE>

6.       Change of Control

        (a)    The  Company  and the  Executive  agree  that  (i) a  "Change  of
               Control" shall have occurred under the Employment  Agreement,  as
               amended  by  this  Agreement,   upon  the  merger  ("Merger")  of
               Chartwell into the Company ("Chartwell Change of Control"),  (ii)
               the  date  of  the  Chartwell  Change  of  Control  shall  be the
               effective  date  of the  Merger,  (iii)  for the  purpose  of the
               Chartwell  Change of  Control,  the two year  period set forth in
               Section 8(e) of the Employment Agreement shall be extended to end
               on December  31, 2001 and (iv) the term "Base  Salary" in Section
               8(e)(A) shall mean $ 375,000 and the term "highest  annual bonus"
               in Section 8(e)(B)(1) and (2) shall mean $187,500, subject to the
               provision for adjustment for Excise Tax.

        (b)    The  Company and the  Executive  hereby  agree that,  except with
               respect to the Chartwell  Change of Control,  the term "Change of
               Control" shall be amended to read as follows:

                   "For the Purposes of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" of
               the Company shall mean the first to occur of one of the following
               events:

               (i)         The  acquisition, in one  or  more transactions,  of
                           beneficial ownership(within the meaning of  Rule13d-3
                           under  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of  1934  (the
                           "Exchange Act") by any person or entity or any  group
                           of persons or entities who constitute a group (within
                           the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), other
                           than a trustee or other fiduciary holding  securities
                           under an employee  benefit plan of the  Company or  a
                           subsidiary, of any securities of the Company if, as a
                           result of such acquisition, such  person,  entity  or
                           group either(A) beneficially owns (within the meaning
                           of  Rule 13d-3  under the Exchange Act), directly  or
                           indirectly,   more   than   50%  of  the    Company's
                           outstanding voting securities entitled to vote  on  a
                           regular basis for  a majority of  the members of  the
                           Board or (B) otherwise  has  the  ability  to  elect,
                           directly or indirectly, a majority of the members  of
                           the Board;

               (ii)        A change in the  composition of the Board such that a
                           majority   of  the  members  of  the  Board  are  not
                           Continuing Directors.  A "Continuing Director" means,
                           as of any date of  determination,  any  member of the
                           Board  who (A) was a member  of the Board on the date
                           of this  Agreement,  or (B) was nominated and elected
                           to such Board with the affirmative vote of a majority
                           of the  Continuing  Directors who were members of the
                           Board at the time of such nomination or election; or


                                       3
<PAGE>

               (iii)       The stockholders  of the Company approve (A) a merger
                           or  consolidation  of  the  Company  with  any  other
                           corporation, othe   than a  merger  or  consolidation
                           which would result in the voting  securities  of  the
                           Company    outstanding   immediately   prior  thereto
                           continuing   to  represent   (either   by   remaining
                           outstanding or  by  being   converted   into   voting
                           securities of the surviving entity) at least  50%  of
                           the total voting  power  represented  by  the  voting
                           securities of the Company  or  such  surviving entity
                           outstanding  immediately   after   such   merger   or
                           consolidation, or (B) a plan of complete  liquidation
                           of the Company or an agreement   for   the  sale   or
                           disposition  by   the  Company    (in   one  or  more
                           transactions) of all  or  substantially  all  of  the
                           Company's assets."

(c)            The Company and the Executive  hereby agree that, other than with
               respect  to the  Chartwell  Change  of  Control  and any  amounts
               payable  under  the  Employment  Agreement  with  respect  to the
               Chartwell  Change  of  Control,  Section  8(f) of the  Employment
               Agreement shall be amended to read as follows:

                  "Notwithstanding  any other  provision of this Agreement or of
                  any  other  agreement,  understanding  or  compensation  plan,
                  Executive  shall not be entitled to receive any payment which,
                  taking into account all payments,  rights and benefits,  would
                  be deemed to be an "excess  parachute  payment"  under Section
                  280G (of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended),  and
                  the  amount of each  payment  shall be  reduced  to the extent
                  necessary to ensure that the Executive  receives no "parachute
                  payment" in connection with a Change of Control; provided that
                  no such  reduction  shall occur to the extent  that  Executive
                  shall have  elected to defer  receipt of  payments  beyond the
                  dates such payments were otherwise to be made to the Executive
                  ("Payment  Period") and such  deferral  shall have resulted in
                  the present value of such payment not  constituting an "excess
                  parachute  payment".  Any such  election by  Executive,  to be
                  effective  for  purposes  of this  Agreement:  (a)  must be in
                  irrevocable when made, (b) must be made in a writing delivered
                  to the Company prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control,
                  (c) must be for a period not be exceed  five  years  after the
                  date on which the Payment Period would  otherwise end, and (d)
                  must be  concurred  in by the  Company,  on the  basis  of the
                  advice  of its tax  advisors,  as  being  both  necessary  and
                  effective  to reduce the extent to which  payments  to be made
                  hereunder will constitute an "excess parachute  payment".  If,
                  at  any  future  date   following  the  making  of  a  payment
                  hereunder,  it shall have been determined by the IRS that such
                  payment was in excess of the limits set forth in Section 280G,
                  and such  excess  shall  not have been  caused by a  voluntary
                  action of the Executive not required by this  Agreement,  then
                  the  Executive  shall be entitled to receive from the Company,
                  and  the  Company   shall  pay  to  Executive   promptly  upon
                  notification to the Company of such  determination,  an Excise
                  Tax  Adjustment  Payment equal to the amount of all applicable
                  U.S.  federal,  state and local taxes (computed at the maximum
                  marginal rates and including  interest  penalties and any cost
                  of contest or defense and including any applicable Excise Tax)
                  imposed upon the Excise Tax Adjustment Payment."

                                       4
<PAGE>

(d)            In the  event  that  the  Company  provides  to its  most  senior
               executives,  other than its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
               with a Change of Control  Agreement with  provisions  that are in
               the aggregate more  beneficial for these senior  executives  that
               those set forth in the Employment  Agreement,  as amended by this
               Agreement,  then the Company will  immediately  offer the same to
               the  Executive,  in lieu of those  set  forth  in the  Employment
               Agreement, as amended by this Agreement .

7.       Notice:

Section 11 of the Employment shall be amended to read as follows:

"Notice.  For the  purposes of this  Agreement,  notices,  demands and all other
communications  provided for in this Agreement  shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when  delivered  to the  recipient,  addressed as
follows:"

                  If to the Executive:
                        Steven J. Bensinger
                        1049 Fifth Avenue, Apt. 11A
                        New York, NY 10028

                  If to the Company:
                        Trenwick Group Inc.
                        Second Floor
                        One Canterbury Green
                        Stamford, CT 06902
                        Attention:  James W. Billett, Jr.

8.       Termination and Miscellaneous:

This Agreement is conditioned  upon the Merger and, in the event the Merger does
not occur and the  Agreement  and Plan of Merger dated June 21, 1999 between the
Company and Chartwell is terminated for any reason, this Agreement shall be null
and void.  All  capitalized  terms  used in this  Agreement  shall have the same
meaning as called for by the Employment Agreement, unless otherwise indicated in
this  Agreement.  All of the  provisions  of  Sections  13-17 of the  Employment
Agreement shall apply to this Agreement as if set forth herein



                                       5

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Company and the Executive  have executed this
Agreement as of the date set forth above.

                                          TRENWICK GROUP INC.

                                          By: /s/ James F. Billett, Jr.
                                             ----------------------------
                                          Name:   James F. Billett, Jr.
                                          Title:  Chairman, Presisdent & Chief
                                                  Executive Officer


                                          EXECUTIVE

                                          By: /s/ Steven J. Bensinger
                                             ----------------------------
                                          Name:   Steven J. Bensinger
                                          Title:  President
Chartwell Re Corporation  hereby
consents to the  substitution of
Trenwick Group Inc. as a
party to the Employment Agreement
as of the date of the Merger.

Chartwell Re Corporation

By: /s/ John V. Del Col
   -----------------------------
Name:   John V. Del Col
Title:  Senior Vice President, General Counsel
        and Secetary











                                       6



                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.26

                            DATED: 26th October 1995



                            SOREMA (UK) UNDERWRITING
                             MANAGEMENT LIMITED                       (1)

                                      -and-

                       SOREMA (UK) REINSURANCE LIMITED                (2)

                                      -and-

                            RUSSELL JOHN ENGLISH                      (3)





                                SERVICE AGREEMENT



THIS AGREEMENT IS MADE BETWEEN:

(1)      SOREMA  UNDERWRITING  MANAGEMENT  LIMITED  (Registered  Number 2279272)
         whose  registered  office is at 16 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1BD (the
         "Company") and

(2)      SOREMA (UK) REINSURANCE  LIMITED  (Registered  Number 2494812) whose
         registered office is at 16 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1BD ("Reinsurance")

(3)      RUSSELL JOHN ENGLISH (the "Executive") of 16, Onslow Road, Richmond,
         Surrey TW10 6QF.

WHEREAS:

The  Executive  has been  employed by the  Company as  Managing  Director of the
Company.  Specialist  Risk  Underwriters  Limited and Reinsurance and as General
Manager of SOREMA (UK) Group Limited  (collectively "the Associated  Companies")
and the parties  wish his  employment  as such by the Company to continue on the
terms and conditions set out in this Agreement in substitution  for any previous
agreement or arrangement.

IT IS AGREED:

1.       Appointment and term

         The Company shall employ the  Executive  and the Executive  shall serve
         the  Associated   Companies  as  Managing   Director  of  the  Company,
         Specialist  Risk  Underwriters  Limited and  Reinsurance and as General
         Manager of SOREMA (UK) Group  Limited  with effect from 1st March 1995.
         The Company by its Chairman of its Board of Directors may terminate the
         employment  at any time by  giving  not less than 24  calendar  months'
         notice in writing to the  Executive and the Executive may terminate the
         employment  at any time by  giving  not less  than 6  calendar  months'
         notice in writing to the  Company.  Both the Company and the  Executive
         are entitled to elect for the  Executive's  employment to be terminated
         by payment by the  Company in lieu of notice for all or any part of the
         period of notice  given by the  Company.  For  avoidance  of doubt such
         payment  shall  include but is not limited to salary,  bonus,  pension,
         motor car allowance,  medical  insurance,  death in service  assurance,
         permanent health insurance and subscriptions.

2.       Duties

               2.1      During his employment hereunder the Executive shall:


<PAGE>
                     (a)            perform the duties and  exercise  the powers
                                    and  functions  which  from time to time may
                                    reasonably  be  assigned to or vested in him
                                    by the Chairman or Board of  Directors  (the
                                    "Board")  of the  Company in relation to the
                                    Company and any  Associated  Company at such
                                    place or places within the United Kingdom as
                                    the Board shall determine,

                    (b)             during working hours devote the whole of his
                                    time,  attention  and  ability to his duties
                                    hereunder and shall  faithfully  and loyally
                                    serve the Company to the best of his ability
                                    and use his utmost  endeavors to promote its
                                    interests in all reasonable respects;

                            in   accordance   with   English  law  and  relevant
                            recommended  practices  applicable  to insurance and
                            reinsurance companies.

3.       Remuneration

               3.1         As   remuneration  for  his  services  hereunder  the
                           Company shall pay to the  Executive a  salary at  the
                           rate  of  One  Hundred  and  Forty   Thousand  Pounds
                           ((pound)140,000)  per  annum  (which shall be  deemed
                           to accrue  from day to day) payable by equal  monthly
                           installments  on the 25th day of each calendar  month
                           such salary being inclusive of any fees to which  the
                           Executive  may  be  entitled  as  a  director  of the
                           Company  or  of any  Associated  Company.   The  said
                           salary shall be reviewed  by the  Board on or  before
                           the 1st March  each year and the rate thereof may  be
                           increased with effect from many such review date.

               3.2         The Executive shall be entitled to participate in the
                           SOREMA (UK) Bonus Scheme and any replacement  thereof
                           particulars of which may be obtained from the Company
                           Secretary.

               3.3         For the purposes of the Wages Act 1986 and  otherwise
                           the Executive hereby consents to the deduction of any
                           sums properly owing by him to the Company at any time
                           from his  salary or from any other  payment  due from
                           the Company to the Executive and the Executive hereby
                           also agrees to make any payment to the Company of any
                           sums properly owed by him to the Company.

4.       Pension and Insurance Benefits

              4.1          The Executive shall be entitled to be a member of the
                           SOREMA   (UK)   Pension   Scheme   (the    "Scheme"),
                           particulars of which may be obtained from the Company
                           Secretary.  In addition  to the normal  contributions
                           made by the  Company  to the Scheme in respect of the
                           Executive   the  Company  will  make  an   additional
                           contribution of (pound)25,000 per annum in respect of
                           the  Executive,  such  contribution  to  be  adjusted
                           annually in accordance with the Retail Price Index on
                           the 1st March of each year.

<PAGE>

              4.2          The Company shall provide the Executive  with medical
                           insurance,   permanent  health  insurance,  death  in
                           service and life assurance,  particulars of which may
                           be obtained from the Company Secretary.

5.       Expenses

         The Company shall reimburse to the Executive all worldwide  travelling,
         hotel,   entertainment  and  other  expenses  properly  and  reasonably
         incurred by him in the performance of his duties hereunder and properly
         claimed  and  vouched  for in  accordance  with the  Company's  expense
         reporting procedure in force from time to time.

6.       Motor Car Allowance

         The Company shall pay to the Executive an annual motor car allowance at
         the rate of 17.5%  of his  salary  from  time to time  prevailing.  The
         allowance  shall be paid to the  Executive  in 12 monthly  installments
         paid with his salary on the 25th day of each calendar month.

7.       Holidays and holiday pay

                  7.1      In addition  to the normal  Bank and public  holidays
                           the  Executive  shall be entitled to 30 working days'
                           paid holiday  during each holiday year  commencing on
                           1st  October  each  year to be taken at such  time or
                           times as may be agreed with the Board.  The Executive
                           may  not  without  the  consent  of the  Board  carry
                           forward any unused part of his holiday entitlement to
                           a subsequent calendar year.

                  7.2      For the holiday year  during  which  the  Executive's
                           employment  hereunder terminates he shall be entitled
                           to such proportion of his annual holiday entitlement
                           as the period of his employment in such  year  bears
                           to one  holiday  year.  Upon  termination  of his
                           employment for whatever reason he shall if
                           appropriate either be entitled  to salary in lieu of
                           any outstanding  holiday  entitlement or be required
                           to pay to the Company any salary received in respect
                           of  holiday taken  in excess  of  his  proportionate
                           holiday entitlement.

8.       Sickness/incapacity

                  8.1      If the  Executive  shall  be  prevented  by  illness,
                           accident or other incapacity from properly performing
                           his  duties  hereunder  he  shall  report  this  fact
                           forthwith to the Company Secretary's office and if he
                           is so prevented for more than seven  consecutive days
                           he shall provide an appropriate doctor's certificate.

                  8.2      If the  Executive  shall be  absent  from his  duties
                           hereunder   owing  to  illness,   accident  or  other
                           incapacity  duly  certified  in  accordance  with the
                           provisions  of  clause  8.1 he shall be paid his full
                           remuneration  until six consecutive months of absence
                           have elapsed and thereafter such  remuneration as the
                           Board shall in its  discretion  allow  PROVIDED  THAT
                           there shall be deducted  from such  remuneration  any
                           Statutory  Sick Pay or any social  security  or other
                           benefits payable to the Executive  including any sums
                           recoverable  from a third party and any sums  payable
                           to the Executive under the permanent health insurance
                           arrangement referred to in clause 4.2 above.

<PAGE>

9.       Confidential information

                  The Executive shall not during his employment  hereunder (save
                  in the  proper  course  thereof)  or at  any  time  after  its
                  termination for any reason  whatsoever  disclose to any person
                  whatsoever or otherwise make use of any confidential or secret
                  information  of which he has or may have in the  course of his
                  employment hereunder become possessed concerning the business,
                  affairs,  finance,  customers  or  trade  connections  of  the
                  Company  or any  Associated  Company  or  any of its or  their
                  suppliers, agents, distributors or customers and shall use his
                  best  endeavours to prevent the  unauthorised  publication  or
                  disclosure of any such confidential or secret information.

10.      Termination on the happening of certain events

         (a)                The Company without prejudice to any remedy which it
                           may have  against  the  Executive  for the  breach or
                           non-performance  of  any of the  provisions  of  this
                           Agreement  may by notice in writing to the  Executive
                           forthwith  terminate  this Agreement if the Executive
                           shall:

                           (i)      be convicted of any criminal  offence (other
                                    than   an   offence   under   road   traffic
                                    legislation   in  the   United   Kingdom  or
                                    elsewhere  for  which a penalty  other  than
                                    imprisonment  for  three  months  or more is
                                    imposed); or

                           (ii)     be prevented by illness or otherwise from
                                    performing his duties  hereunder for a
                                    consecutive period of 9 calendar months; or

                           (iii)    be guilty  of any  serious  misconduct,  any
                                    conduct  tending  to bring  the  Company  or
                                    himself  into  disrepute,  or  any  material
                                    breach  or  non-observance  of  any  of  the
                                    provisions   of  this   Agreement  or  shall
                                    neglect  fail or refuse to carry out  duties
                                    properly assigned to him hereunder.

         (b)               Subject to the  provisions of Clause 10(c) below,  in
                           the  event  of  the  sale  or  cessation  of  all  or
                           substantially   all  of  the   business,   assets  or
                           undertaking   of   Reinsurance   and/or   Societe  de
                           Reassurance des Assurances  Mutuelles  Agricoles S.A.
                           and/or  SOREMA   International   Holding  N.V.,   the
                           Executive  shall be  entitled  to treat  such sale or
                           cessation as repudiation by the Company and on giving
                           to the Company  written  notice of acceptance of such
                           repudiation  within 6 calendar months of such sale or
                           cessation  the  Executive  shall be  entitled  to the
                           compensation referred to at Clause 11(b).

         (c)               Notwithstanding the provisions of Clause 10(b) above,
                           the   Executive   shall  not  be  entitled  to  treat
                           intra-SOREMA   group   transactions  as  constituting
                           repudiation by the Company of this Agreement.

<PAGE>

11.      Obligations upon termination of employment

         (a)      Upon the termination of his employment hereunder for whatever
                  reason  the Executive shall:

                     (i)            forthwith  tender  his   resignation  as  a
                                    Director  of   the  Company   and   of   any
                                    Associated  Company  without compensation;

                     (ii)           deliver  up to  the  Company  all  vehicles,
                                    keys,    credit    cards,    correspondence,
                                    documents,  specifications,  report,  papers
                                    and   records    (including   any   computer
                                    materials  such as discs or  tapes)  and all
                                    copies   thereof  and  any  other   property
                                    (whether or not similar to the  foregoing or
                                    any of them) belonging to the Company or any
                                    Associated  Company  which  may  be  in  his
                                    possession or under his control; and

                     (iii)          not at any time  represent himself still  to
                                    be connected with the Company or any
                                    Associated Company.

         (b)                        In  the  event  of  this   Agreement   being
                                    terminated  under Clause  10(b)  above,  the
                                    Executive   shall  be  entitled  to  receive
                                    payment  in  lieu  of  24  calendar  months'
                                    notice.
<PAGE>

12.      Covenant by Reinsurance
         Reinsurance  hereby  covenants  with the Executive that in the event of
         any  default  by the  Company  in the  performance  of its  obligations
         hereunder Reinsurance will pay the salary,  benefits and all other sums
         howsoever due to the Executive hereunder including any increased salary
         or benefits payable under the provisions  hereof on the days and in the
         manner  mentioned  herein and will duly  perform  and  observe  all the
         Company's  covenants and  obligations  contained  herein and in case of
         default in any such payments or in the performance or observance of the
         Company's covenants and obligations  Reinsurance will pay and make good
         to the  Executive  on demand all losses,  damages,  costs and  expenses
         thereby  arising or incurred by the Executive  provided always that any
         variation of the terms of this Agreement or the Executive's  employment
         in any manner which is not material to this covenant and any neglect or
         forbearance  by the  Executive  in  endeavouring  to obtain or  enforce
         payment of any sums due or observance  of any of the  Company's  duties
         hereunder  and any  time  which  may be  given  to the  Company  by the
         Executive  shall not release or  exonerate  or affect the  liability of
         Reinsurance under this covenant.

13.      Other terms and conditions

                  13.1     The  provisions of the Company's  standard  terms and
                           conditions of employment  and handbook shall apply to
                           the Executive's employment hereunder except so far as
                           inconsistent herewith.

                  13.2     The  following  particulars  are given in  compliance
                           with the  requirements of section 1 of the Employment
                           Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978.

                           (a)      The  Executive's  normal place of work is 16
                                    Eastcheap  London  EC3M  1BD  but  he may be
                                    required  to work  at any  other  office  or
                                    location in London as may be directed by the
                                    Board from time to time.

                           (b)      The Executive's  continuous employment began
                                    on 1st January  1994.  No  employment of the
                                    Executive with a previous employer counts as
                                    part   of   the    Executive's    continuous
                                    employment with the Company.

                           (c)      If the  Executive's  hours of work  shall be
                                    the  normal  hours  of work  of the  Company
                                    which  are from 9am to 5pm  Monday to Friday
                                    together with such  additional  hours as may
                                    be  reasonably   necessary  for  the  proper
                                    discharge of his duties hereunder.

                           (d)      If the  Executive is  dissatisfied  with any
                                    disciplinary  decision  or  if  he  has  any
                                    grievance   relating   to   his   employment
                                    hereunder he should refer such  disciplinary
                                    decision or  grievance  to the Board and the
                                    reference  will be dealt with by  discussion
                                    at and decision of a Board Meeting.


<PAGE>

                           (e)      Save as otherwise  herein provided there are
                                    no  terms  or   conditions   of   employment
                                    relating  to  hours  of  work  or to  normal
                                    working hours or to  entitlement  to holiday
                                    (including  public  holidays) or holiday pay
                                    or to incapacity for work due to sickness or
                                    injury or to pensions or pension schemes.

14.      Applicable law

         English law shall apply to this Agreement and the parties submit to the
         jurisdiction of the English Courts.

         IN WITNESS  whereof this deed has been duly  executed and  delivered on
         the 26th day of October 1995.

         Executed as a deed by      )
         the Company                )
         acting by                  )


         ----------------------------                  -------------------------
         Director                                         Director/Secretary


         Executed as a deed by Reinsurance  )
                                            )
         acting by                          )


         ----------------------------                  -------------------------
         Director                                          Director/Secretary

         Signed as a deed by the Executive  )
                                            )
         in the presence of                 )


         /s/ Joanne Merrick                                   31 Alexandra Road
         -----------------------------                 -------------------------
         Witness's name and signature                         St. Albans,
                                                       -------------------------
                                                              Witness's address

<PAGE>

ADDENDUM TO SERVICE AGREEMENT - IT IS HEREBY NOTED AND AGREED that:

(1)      in consequence of Board resolutions approved by SOREMA (UK) Limited and
         SOREMA (UK) Group Limited on 9th July,  1996,  and with effect from 9th
         July 1996
               (a)         SOREMA (UK) GROUP LIMITED (Registered Number 2488310)
                           whose registered office is at 16,  Eastcheap,  London
                           EC3M  1BD  ("Group")  shall  become  a  party  to the
                           Service  Agreement  dated 26th  October  1995 between
                           SOREMA  (UK)  Underwriting   Management  Limited  and
                           SOREMA (UK)  Reinsurance  Limited  and  Russell  John
                           English ("the Executive")

               (b)         Group shall  covenant with the Executive in the terms
                           of  Clause  12 of the  said  Agreement,  in  place of
                           SOREMA  (UK)  Reinsurance  Limited  and  SOREMA  (UK)
                           reinsurance   Limited  shall  be  released  from  all
                           liability in respect of the said covenant

(2)      with effect from 1st March 1996 the Executive's salary at clause 3.1 of
         the said Agreement shall be amended from One Hundred and Forth Thousand
         Pounds  ((pound)140,000)  per  annum to One  Hundred  and  Forty  Seven
         Thousand Pounds ((pound)147,000) per annum
(3)      the terms and conditions of the said Agreement shall  otherwise  remain
         unchanged.
<PAGE>

IN WITNESS  whereof this deed has been duly  executed and  delivered on the 12th
day of July 1996.

         Executed as a deed by      )
         SOREMA (UK) Underwriting Management Limited
         acting by                  )

         /s/ David Leaper                                 /s/ Ginette Handfield
         ----------------------------                     ----------------------
         Director                                           Director/Secretary


         Executed  as a deed by  Reinsurance  )
         SOREMA  (UK)  Limited  (formerly
         SOREMA (UK) reinsurance Limited)
         acting by                            )

         /s/ Andrew Okell                                  /s/ Joanne Merrick
         -----------------------------                    ----------------------
         Director                                         Director/Secretary

         Executed as a deed by Group          )
         acting by                            )

         /s/ Andrew Okell                                   /s/ Joanne Merrick
         ----------------------------                     ----------------------
         Director                                           Director/Secretary


         Signed as a deed by the Executive     )
         in the presence of                    )


          /s/ Andrew Shirley                                /s/ Russell English
         -----------------------------                     ---------------------
         Andrew Shirley                                     20 Bowes Wood
         Witness's name and signature                       New Ash Green, Kent
                                                             DA3 8QJ
                                                           ---------------------
                                                            Witness's address


<PAGE>


ADDENDUM TO SERVICE AGREEMENT - IT IS HEREBY NOTED AND AGREED that:

(1)      with effect from 1st October  1996 clause 4.1 of the Service  Agreement
         between  various  SOREMA (UK)  companies and Russell John English ("the
         Executive")  dated  26th  October  1995  shall  be  amended  to read as
         follows:

4.1      "The  Executive  shall be  entitled  to be a member of the SOREMA  (UK)
         Pension  Scheme (the  "Scheme"),  particulars  of which may be obtained
         from the Company  Secretary.  In  addition to the normal  contributions
         made by the Company to the Scheme the Company will make such additional
         contribution  in respect of the Executive as is  equivalent,  after the
         deduction  of tax, to 21% of his salary  from time to time  prevailing.
         All contributions payable by the Company under the Scheme in respect of
         the  Executive  shall  be paid  free  of tax to the  extent  that  such
         payments do not exceed the earnings  limitation  approved by the Inland
         Revenue  for  tax  exempt  pension   schemes   according  to  statutory
         provisions  from time to time  prevailing.  All other payments  payable
         under the Scheme in  respect of the  Executive  into  pension  funds or
         similar investments approved by the Trustee of the Scheme shall be paid
         gross of any tax payable in consequence of the contributions  exceeding
         the earnings limitation approved by the Inland Revenue."

(2) the  terms and  conditions  of the said  Agreement  shall  otherwise  remain
unchanged.

IN WITNESS  whereof this deed has been duly  executed and  delivered on the 24th
day of September 1996.

         Executed as a deed by      )
         SOREMA (UK) Underwriting Management Limited
         acting by                  )


         /s/ Andrew Okell                              /s/ Ginette Handfield
         --------------------------                    -------------------------
         Director                                          Director/Secretary


         Executed as a deed by Reinsurance  )
         SOREMA (UK) Limited                )
         acting by                          )


          /s/ Andrew Okell                               /s/ Joanne Merrick
         --------------------------                      -----------------------
         Director                                         Director/Secretary

<PAGE>


         Executed as a deed by Group        )
         acting by                          )


         /s/ Andrew Okell                                  /s/ Joanne Merrick
         --------------------------                      -----------------------
         Director                                          Director/Secretary

         Signed as a deed by the Executive  )
         in the presence of                 )

                                                          /s/ Russell English
                                                         -----------------------
         /s/ Alison Moore                                     7 Tudor Close
         ---------------------------                     -----------------------
         Witness's name and signature                       Stienfield, Essex
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            Witness's address


<PAGE>


                                 DEED OF WAIVER

THIS DEED is made the 27th day of February 1998

BY:

(1)      RUSSELL JOHN ENGLISH of 16 Onslow Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6QS (the
         "Employee")

(2)      SOREMA (UK) UNDERWRITING  MANAGEMENT LIMITED a company  incorporated in
         the United  Kingdom with  registered  number  2279272 whose  registered
         office is at 16 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1BD (the "Company")

(3)      TRENWICK GROUP INC, a corporation organised under the laws of the State
         of Delaware,  United States of America,  whose  principal  office is at
         Metro Center, One Station Parade,  Stamford,  Connecticut 06902, United
         States of America ("Trenwick").

RECITALS:

(A)      Trenwick  has agreed to  purchase  all of the issued  share  capital of
         Sorema  (UK)  Group  Limited  (the   "Transaction")   from  Societe  de
         Reassurance des Assurances Mutuelles Agricoles SA ("Sorema SA") under a
         Share Purchase  Agreement  entered into between  Trenwick and Sorema SA
         (the "Share Purchase Agreement") on 16 January 1998.

(B)      Sorema (UK) Limited and the Company are both wholly-owned  subsidiaries
         of Sorema (UK) Group Limited.


(C)      The Employee entered into a Service Agreement dated  26  October  1995
         (the "Service Agreement") with the Company.

(D)      Clause  10(b) of the Service  Agreement  provides  that the Employee is
         entitled to treat a sale of all or  substantially  all of the  combined
         assets or undertaking of the Sorema SA and/or of Sorema (UK) Limited as
         a repudiatory breach by the Company of the Service Agreement.

(E)      The Employee  agrees to waive his right to treat the  transaction  as a
         repudiatory breach by the Company of the Service Agreement on the terms
         and conditions set out in this Deed.


<PAGE>


TERMS AGREED:

1.       In consideration  of the sum of one pound sterling  ((pound)1) from the
         Company and from  Trenwick,  the receipt of which the  Employee  hereby
         acknowledges, the Employee hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

1.1      waives his right under Clause  10(b) of the Service  Agreement to treat
         the  Transaction or any act done by Sorema SA,  Trenwick or Sorema (UK)
         Group Limited or any event occurring in connection with the Transaction
         under the terms and  conditions  of the Share  Purchase  Agreement as a
         repudiation by the Company of the Service Agreement; and

1.2      covenants not to claim from the Company as a result of the  Transaction
         the compensation referred to in Clause 11(b) of the Service Agreement.

Executed as a Deed on the date first mentioned above.

SIGNED and DELIVERED as a DEED      )
by RUSSELL JOHN ENGLISH             )
in the presence of:                 )        /s/ Russell J. English
                                             ------------------------------


Witness: /s/ L. I. Wade
         -------------------------
            Lauren Wade

EXECUTED as a DEED                  )
by SOREMA (UK) UNDERWRITING         )
MANAGEMENT LIMITED by the           )
signature of:                       )        /s/  D. Leaper
                                             ------------------------------
                                             Director: D. Leaper


                                             /s/ Joanne Merrick
                                             ------------------------------
                                             Secretary: J. Merrick

EXECUTED as a DEED                  )
for and on behalf of                )
TRENWICK GROUP INC                  )                /s/ J. F. Billett, Jr.
                                             ------------------------------
                                             President and Chief
                                             Executive Officer




                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.27

                                    AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 3rd day of November, 1999 (the "Agreement"), by
and between  Trenwick Group Inc., a Delaware  corporation with a principal place
of business in Stamford, Connecticut (the "Company"), and James F. Billett, Jr.,
of 14 John Applegate Road, Redding, Connecticut 06896 ("Executive").

WHEREAS,  the Executive is the Chairman,  President and Chief Executive  Officer
("Position")  of the Company,  a publicly  traded holding company with operating
subsidiaries  in the  insurance  and  reinsurance  business,  reporting  to, and
subject  only to the  direction  and control of, the Board of  Directors  of the
Company (the "Board") and is a key employee of the Company and its subsidiaries;

WHEREAS,  the Company  believes  that the  maintenance  of sound  management  is
essential to protecting and enhancing the business and operations of the Company
and is in the best interests of the Company and its  shareholders and recognizes
that the  possibility  of a change of control raises  uncertainty  and questions
among its key  employees  that could result in, or lead to, the loss of such key
employees or their  distraction  from their duties,  all to the detriment of the
Company and its shareholders;

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to assure that it will have the continued dedication
of the Executive as a key employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries and
the continued  availability  of the  Executive's  advice,  counsel and services,
notwithstanding  the  possibility,  threat or actual  occurrence  of a change of
control of the Company,  and to induce the Executive to remain as a key employee
of the Company or one of its subsidiaries; and

WHEREAS,  the Executive is willing to continue to be employed by the Company and
its  subsidiaries  in his  Position,  taking  into  consideration  the terms and
conditions of this  Agreement  and, to induce the Company to make the agreements
and undertakings set forth in this Agreement, hereby agrees to the provisions in
Section 5 of this  Agreement  concerning,  among other things,  confidentiality,
trade secrets, non-solicitation and non-competition.

NOW,  THEREFORE,  in consideration  of the mutual terms and covenants  contained
herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge and accept,
the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.       DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Agreement,

(a) A "Change in Control"  shall be deemed to have occurred upon the earliest to
happen of the following:

     (A)  The  acquisition,   in  one  or   more   transactions,  of  beneficial
          ownership  (within  the  meaning  of Rule 13d-3  under the  Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934 (the  "Exchange  Act") by any person or entity or
          any group of persons or entities who  constitute  a group  (within the
          meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the  Exchange  Act),  other than a trustee or
          other fiduciary  holding  securities under an employee benefit plan of
          the Company or a subsidiary, of any securities of the Company if, as a
          result of such  acquisition,  such person,  entity or group either (i)
          beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
          Act),  directly  or  indirectly,   more  than  20%  of  the  Company's
          outstanding voting securities  entitled to vote on a regular basis for
          a  majority  of the  members  of the Board or (ii)  otherwise  has the
          ability to elect, directly or indirectly, a majority of the members of
          the Board;


                                        1

<PAGE>

     (B)  A change in the composition of the  Board  such that a majority of the
          members of the  Board  are not  Continuing  Directors.  A  "Continuing
          Director" means, as  of any date of  determination, any  member of the
          Board who (i) was a member of the Board on the date of this Agreement,
          or (ii) was nominated and  elected to such Board with the  affirmative
          vote of a majority of the Continuing  Directors  who were   members of
          the  Board at the time of such nomination or election; or

     (C)  The  stockholders of the Company approve (i) a merger or consolidation
          of the  Company  with any other corporation, other than  a  merger  or
          consolidation  which  would  result in the  voting  securities  of the
          Company outstanding  immediately prior thereto continuing to represent
          (either by remaining  outstanding  or by being  converted  into voting
          securities of the  surviving  entity) at least 80% of the total voting
          power  represented  by the voting  securities  of the  Company or such
          surviving  entity   outstanding   immediately  after  such  merger  or
          consolidation,  or (ii) a plan of complete  liquidation of the Company
          or an agreement for the sale or  disposition by the Company (in one or
          more  transactions)  of all  or  substantially  all  of the  Company's
          assets.

          Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the events in Section  1(a)(A)(i) or
          Section  1(a)(C)(i)  shall not be deemed a Change in Control if, prior
          to   any  transactions  constituting  such  change,a  majority  of the
          Continuing Directors shall have voted not to treat such transaction or
          transactions as resulting in a Change in Control;  provided,  however,
          if   any such  transaction  would be a Change of  Control  if 50% were
          substituted  for  the  20% in Section  1(a)(A)(i)  or for  the  80% in
          Section   1(a)(C)(i),   then  the  written  consent of  the  Executive
          shall also be required.

(b)       Cause:  "Cause"  shall  mean:  (A) the  commission  by the  Executive
          of any  felonious act or any other  criminal act involving  moral
          turpitude,  dishonesty,  theft or unethical business conduct,  (B) the
          willful  and  continued  failure  of the  Executive  to  substantially
          perform  his  duties  (other  than as a result  of  incapacity  due to
          physical or mental  injury or illness)  which duties the Executive has
          been  directed  in  writing  to  perform  by the  Board;  (C)  willful
          misconduct or gross  negligence by the Executive in the performance of
          the Executive's  duties, or (D) the failure of the Executive to comply
          with the policies or procedures  of the Company.  No action or failure
          to  act  by the  Executive  shall  be  considered  "willful"  if it is
          determined  by the Board to have been  done by the  Executive  in good
          faith and with the reasonable  belief that the  Executive's  action or
          omission is in the best interest of the Company.







                                       2

<PAGE>

(c)       Good Reason: "Good  Reason"  shall mean any of the  following  events,
          provided  that it occurs within  the ninety  (90) day period  prior to
          the date the  Executive  gives   notice  pursuant  to Section  2(c) of
          this Agreement:


     (A)  The  position or responsibilities of  the Executive are  significantly
          reduced  (including,   without  limitation,  the  elimination  of  his
          Position, a change in the reporting  responsibilities of his Position,
          a  substantial  reduction  in  the   size of the  Company   or   other
          substantial  change  in  the  character  or  scope  of  the  Company's
          operations),  or the Executive is assigned without his written consent
          to  any  duties  inconsistent  with  his  Position  with  the  Company
          immediately  prior to such  assignment  or the status  and  stature of
          those  with  whom the  Executive  is  asked  to work or the  position,
          authority,  responsibility  or type of work or the working  conditions
          under  which the  Executive  is  assigned is  inconsistent  with,  not
          comparable  to, or reduced  in status or  altered  in nature  from the
          Executive's Position;

     (B)  The  annual  incentive  compensation   opportunity  provided  to   the
          Executive  is  eliminated or significantly  reduced,  the  Executive's
          participation  level is  reduced  or the  manner of  assessing  actual
          performance  is changed  in a manner  that  results  in the  Executive
          earning  significantly less annual incentive  compensation for a given
          period  than he or she  would  have for the same  period  absent  such
          change;

     (C)  The  Executive's  aggregate  level of benefits  under the Company's
          benefit plans is significantly reduced;

     (D)  The  Company fails  to  provide   the  Executive   with  benefits  and
          perquisites which are substantially  similar in the aggregate to those
          to which the Executive is entitled  under the Company's  benefit plans
          in which the  Executive  was  participating  immediately  prior to the
          Change in Control,  or fails to provide the Executive with  directors'
          or  officers'  insurance,  as  applicable,   at  least  at  the  level
          maintained immediately prior to the Change in Control;

     (E)  The  Executive is required to change his regular work location to a
          location  that  requires the  Executive to  commute  a  distance  more
          than  50  miles  further  from  the  Executive's  principal  place  of
          employment existing at the time of the Change in Control; or

     (F)  The Company fails to pay  the Executive  any  amount otherwise  vested
          and due hereunder or under  any plan or  policy  of  the  Company,  or
          fails to comply  with any other  provision  of or  perform  any of its
          other obligations under this Agreement.

(d)       Date of Termination:  "Date  of Termination" shall  mean  (A)  if  the
          Executive's employment is terminated by  the  Executive's  death,  the
          date  of  the  Executive's  death, or by  reason  of  the  Executive's
          Disability, the date all of the  conditions to constitute a Disability
          have occurred, (B) if the Executive's  active employment is terminated
          by the Company pursuant to Section 2(b), whether or not for Cause, the
          date  specified  in  the   Notice  of  Termination,  and  (C)  if  the
          Executive's active employment is terminated  by the Executive pursuant
          to Section 2(c) whether or not for Good  Reason, the date which is ten
          (10) business days after the date of receipt of the Executive's notice
          of   intention to  terminate or such other  date  as  may be agreed by
          Executive and the Board.  If Executive's  active employment  shall  be
          terminated pursuant to Section 2, Executive shall, following the  Date
          of Termination enter into a period of "Post Employment" to  the extent
          that he or she is entitled to benefits under this Agreement.





                                       3

<PAGE>

(e)       Protected  Period: "Protected  Period"  shall mean the two year period
          after the occurrence, during the term of this  Agreement, of a  Change
          in Control.

(f)       Disability:  "Disability" shall have the same  meaning as set forth in
          the  Company's   long-term  disability   insurance   policy  providing
          disability  insurance for the  Executive, as the same shall exist from
          time to time.

(g)       Notice of  Termination:  "Notice of  Termination"  shall  mean written
          notice of the termination of the Executive's  active  employment  with
          the Company  either delivered to the Executive by the Company pursuant
          to Section 2(b) or delivered to the Company by  the Executive pursuant
          to Section 2(c).


2.        TERMINATION.

(a)       Change in Control.  The Executive  shall be  entitled to the  benefits
          provided  in  Section 3 hereof  upon  any  termination  of his  active
          employment  with the Company and its  subsidiaries  within a Protected
          Period,  except a termination of active  employment (i) because of his
          death,  (ii) because  of a  Disability,  (iii) by the  Company  or its
          subsidiaries for Cause,  or (iv) by the Executive  other than for Good
          Reason.  No amounts  shall be  payable  under  this  Agreement  if the
          Executive's employment terminates outside of a Protected Period.

(b)       Termination by Company.Any termination by the Board of the Executive's
          active employment  must,  in order to be  effective,  be preceded by a
          written Notice of  Termination to the Executive indicating the Date of
          Termination  and the reasons  therefor and, if the  termination is for
          Cause,  the specific provision of Section 1(b) relied upon and setting
          forth in  reasonable  detail  the  facts and  circumstances supporting
          termination  for Cause.  Nothing  herein shall bar the  Executive from
          contesting the basis for his termination under this Section 2(b).

(c)       Termination  by  Executive.  Any  termination  by the Executive of his
          active  employment  for Good  Reason  must, in order to be  effective,
          be  preceded  by  a  written  Notice of  Termination  to  the  Company
          indicating the specific  provision of  Section  1(c)  relied  upon and
          setting  forth  in  reasonable  detail  the  facts  and  circumstances
          supporting the termination under the  provision  so  indicated.  After
          receipt of such Notice of Termination, the Company shall have ten (10)
          business days from the date of receipt of such Notice  of  Termination
          to cure the event described  therein, and  upon  cure  thereof  by the
          Company  to the  Executive's reasonable satisfaction, such event shall
          no longer  constitute  "Good  Reason" for  purposes of this Agreement.





                                       4

<PAGE>

3.        COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: POST EMPLOYMENT.

(a)       Change in Control.  If, within a  Protected  Period,  the  Executive's
          employment by the Company and its subsidiaries shall be terminated (i)
          by the Company and its subsidiaries other  than for  Cause  and  other
          than because of a Disability  or death,  or (ii) by the  Executive for
          Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to the benefits  provided
          for below:

          (A) Base  Salary  -  The  Executive   shall   continue,   during  Post
              Employment,  to receive  base salary for three (3) years after the
              Date of  Termination,  payable in  installments  on the  Company's
              normal payroll dates.  For this purpose,  base salary shall be the
              current base salary of the Executive at the Date of Termination or
              at the  base  salary  at any time in the last  twelve  months,  if
              higher.

          (B) Bonus - The Executive  shall continue to receive a Bonus for three
              (3) years after the Date of Termination  and for the period of the
              year elapsed prior to the Date of  Termination,  pro rated for the
              portion of the year elapsed. Such amount shall be determined based
              on the  greater of the last annual  performance  bonus paid or the
              average  of  the  last  two  annual   performance   bonuses   paid
              immediately preceding the Executive's Date of Termination.

          (C) Car  Allowance  - The  Executive  shall  continue to receive a car
              allowance  for the 3- year period  after the  Executive's  Date of
              Termination.  The amount of such allowance shall equal the amount,
              if any,  being  received  by the  Executive  as of the date of the
              Change in Control.

          (D) Medical & Dental,  401(k), Pension Plans and Supplemental Pension
              Plans  -  The  Executive   shall  continue  to  be  treated  as  a
              participant in all such plans in  which  the Executive  shall have
              been a participant on the date of the Notice of Termination, based
              on then applicable and  corresponding  elections and  contribution
              rates,  for the 3-year period  commencing on the  Executive's Date
              of   Termination.  If  such  plans do not  permit  the  Executives
              continued  participation,  the  tax-adjusted  value the  Executive
              would have received  shall be determined  and  paid by the Company
              (outside of the plans). The Executive  shall be allowed to  change
              the  Executive's  payment  election  under  the  terms  of    such
              Supplemental Benefit Plan at the Executive's Date of Termination.

          (E) Life & Disability  Insurance - The Company  shall  continue to pay
              the  premium  related  to  the  Executive's   life  insurance  and
              long-term disability insurance for the 3-year period commencing on
              the Executive's Date of Termination.






                                       5

<PAGE>

          (F) Benefits - The  Executive shall be paid or be provided  such other
              benefits for which the  Executive  is otherwise  eligible, if any,
              under the terms of any employee  benefit, incentive, option, stock
              award or other plans or programs of the Company in  which  he  may
              be, or may have  been,  a  participant  and  any  unused  vacation
              time.  All  awards made  to  the  Executive  under  such  employee
              benefit, incentive, option, stock award or other plans or programs
              shall immediately vest and be payable  and all  restrictions shall
              lapse.  If  such  plans  do not permit the  Executive's  continued
              participation  or immediate  vesting,  the tax-adjusted value  the
              Executive would have received shall be determined and paid by  the
              Company (outside of the plans).

(b)       Other This Agreement shall not be considered a "change of  control  or
          an employment  agreement" for the  purposes of the Trenwick Group Inc.
          Merger  Severance Policy adopted in connection  with the merger of the
          Company and Chartwell Re Corporation; provided, however, if there is a
          Change of Control under this Agreement and the  Executive is  entitled
          to benefits under Section 3(a) of this Agreement, then  the  Executive
          shall not be covered  by, or  entitled   to any  benefits  under, such
          Merger Severance Policy.


4.        EXCISE TAX.

It is the intention of this provision  that the Executive  receive a net amount,
after  payment of all Excise  Taxes  (including  Excise  Taxes on any Excise Tax
Adjustment)  equal to the  aggregate  compensation,  benefits and other  amounts
which gave rise to the Excise Tax.

     (a)  In the event that Executive receives or derives  from the Company or
          otherwise any  compensation,  benefit  or any amount  under any option
          plan, performance  plan, or incentive plan, which is determined  to be
          subject  to  the  excise tax imposed by Section  4999 of the  Internal
          Revenue  Code of 1986,  as  amended,  (the  "Excise  Tax"),  then  the
          Executive shall be entitled to receive from the  Company an Excise Tax
          Adjustment Payment equal to the amount of all applicable  U.S.federal,
          state and local taxes (computed at  the  maximum  marginal  rates  and
          including  interest  penalties  and any cost of  contest  or  defense)
          including Excise Tax imposed upon the Excise  Tax Adjustment  Payment.
          The amount of the any Excise Tax Adjustment Payment to be  made  shall
          be determined,  at the Company's expense, by a  nationally  recognized
          accounting firm acceptable to the Executive and the Company.


(b)       The  Executive  shall  notify the Company  in writing  promptly of any
          written claim by the IRS that would require the payment of  the Excise
          Tax  Adjustment Payment.  The Company  may  elect,  by  notifying  the
          Executive  in  writing  within  thirty  (30) days  of  its  receipt of
          Executive's  notice,  to contest  such  claim  and/or to  retain legal
          counsel selected by  the  Company  to  represent the  Executive.  Such
          contest will be at the Company's sole cost and expense and the Company
          shall advance any amounts required to be paid in respect of such
          Excise tax or the contest thereof. The Executive shall cooperate fully
          with the  Company in good  faith  including  permitting the Company to
          participate in any  proceedings relating to such claim or  contest and
          giving the Company any information reasonably requested by the Company
          relating to such claim or contest.







                                       6

<PAGE>


(c)       The Company shall be entitled to control all proceedings, conferences,
          and appeals it may elect to take, but only with  respect to the Excise
          Tax,  and may sue for a refund or contest the claim in any permissible
          manner  provided  that any  extension  of the  statute  of limitations
          relating to  payment  of taxes for the  taxable  year of the Executive
          with respect to which such contested amount is claimed to  be  due  is
          limited solely to such contested amount.  The Executive shall promptly
          pay to the  Company  the  amount of any refund  with  respect  to such
          claim (together with any interest paid or credited  thereon but  after
          payment by Executive of any taxes applicable thereto).

5.        CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: COMPETITION.

Except as necessary or appropriate to the proper  performance of the Executive's
duties,  or with the prior  written  consent of the Company,  or as ordered by a
court of  competent  jurisdiction,  the  Executive  shall not at any time either
during the  continuance of the  Executive's  employment or after its termination
disclose or communicate to any person or use for the  Executive's own benefit or
the benefit of any person other than the Company or any  subsidiary or affiliate
any  information  relating to the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate that is
not generally known to the public ("Confidential Information") which may come to
the Executive's knowledge in the course of the Executive's  employment,  and the
Executive  shall during the  continuance of the  Executive's  employment use the
Executive's best endeavors to prevent the unauthorized  publication or misuse of
any Confidential  Information,  provided that such  restrictions  shall cease to
apply to any  Confidential  Information  which may enter the public domain other
than through the fault of the  Executive.  During the term of this Agreement and
for a period of three (3) years  after the Date of  Termination,  the  Executive
agrees  not to carry on or set up or be  employed  or  engaged  by or  otherwise
assist in or be interested in any capacity  (including  without  limitation as a
shareholder)  in any State of the United  States of  America  or in any  foreign
country  in  which  the  Company  or any  subsidiary  or  affiliate  thereof  is
conducting business,  any business materially  competitive to that being carried
on by the Company or any  subsidiary or affiliate  thereof;  provided,  however,
that the ownership by the Executive for investment purposes (directly or through
nominees) of not more than 5% of the outstanding  stock of any corporation which
is  publicly  held and  traded  shall  not be  deemed  to be  violation  of this
Agreement.  The Executive will not solicit,  entice away, or otherwise encourage
any executive or other employee of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates
to leave his employment in order to join the Executive in any business endeavor,
nor shall the Executive aid,  promote,  encourage or be a party to any acts, the
effect of which would divert,  diminish or prejudice the goodwill or business of
the Company or any of its  subsidiaries  or  affiliates.  The  agreements by the
Executive  in this  Section 5 are  intended to be  separate  and  severable  and
enforceable as such.


6.       MERGER OR REORGANIZATION.

This  Agreement  shall  not  be  terminated  by  the  voluntary  or  involuntary
dissolution of the Company or by any merger or  consolidation  where the Company
is not the  surviving or resulting  corporation,  or upon any transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company.  In the event of any such merger
or consolidation  or transfer of assets,  the provisions of this Agreement shall
be binding and shall inure to the benefit of the  Executive and the surviving or
resulting  entity or the entity to which such assets shall be  transferred.  The
Company's  successor,  as the Executive's  employer  (whether such succession is
direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or a
substantial  portion of the business and/or assets of the Company),  assumes and
agrees to perform  this  Agreement  in the same manner and to the same extent as
the Company would be required to perform if no such  succession had taken place.
As used in this  Agreement,  the term  "Company"  shall mean the Company and any
successor to all or a substantial portion of the Company's business or assets.





                                       7

<PAGE>

7.       ARBITRATION; JURY WAIVER.

Any  controversy  or claim  arising out of or relating  to this  Agreement,  the
breach thereof or the coverage of this arbitration provision shall be settled by
arbitration  administered by the American Arbitration  Association in accordance
with its  Commercial  Arbitration  Rules in  effect on the date of  delivery  of
demand  for  arbitration.   The  arbitration  of  such  issues,   including  the
determination  of the amount of any damages  suffered by either  party hereto by
reason of the acts or omissions of the other,  shall be to the  exclusion of any
court. The decision of the arbitrators shall be final and binding on the parties
and their respective heirs, executors,  administrators,  successors and assigns.
Judgment upon the award rendered by the  arbitrators may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction. There shall be three arbitrators, one to be chosen directly
by each party and the third  arbitrator to be selected by the two arbitrators so
chosen.  The arbitration shall be conducted in Stamford,  Connecticut or at such
other location as agreed by the parties.  All decisions and awards shall be made
by a majority of the arbitrators.  Each party shall pay the fees and expenses of
that  party's  arbitrator  and any  representatives,  witnesses  and  all  other
expenses related to the presentation of that party's case. The cost of the third
arbitrator,  the record or any  transcripts,  any  administrative  fees, and all
other fees and costs shall be borne equally by the parties.

By agreeing to  arbitration  under this  Section,  the Company and the Executive
understand  that  they are each  waiving  any  right to a trial by jury and each
party makes that waiver knowingly and voluntarily with full consideration of the
ramifications of such waiver.

Nothing  contained  herein  shall be construed  or  interpreted  to preclude the
Company  prior  to,  or  pending  the  resolution  of,  any  matter  subject  to
arbitration  from  seeking  injunctive  relief in any  court  for any  breach or
threatened breach of any of the Executive's obligations in Section 5 hereof.

8.       NON-ASSIGNABILITY.

The  obligations  of  the  Executive  hereunder  are  personal  and  may  not be
delegated,  assigned or transferred  by the Executive in any manner  whatsoever,
nor are such  obligations  subject  to  involuntary  alienation,  assignment  or
transfer.

9.       AMENDMENT; TERMINATION.

This  Agreement  contains the entire  agreement  of the  parties.  It may not be
changed orally but only by a written agreement executed by the Executive and the
Board that expressly references this Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated
by the  Board at any time  upon one  year's  written  notice  to the  Executive,
setting forth the date of termination of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding such a
termination of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue with respect to any
Change of Control that occurs during the term of this  Agreement,  until the end
of its  Protected  Period,  but shall not apply to any  Change of  Control  that
occurs after the date of termination of this Agreement.





                                       8
<PAGE>


10.      NOTICES.

All  notices  which a party is required or may desire to give to the other party
under or in connection  with this Agreement shall be sufficient if given by hand
delivery or by addressing same to the other party as follows:

                  (a) if to the Executive, to:

                  James F. Billett Jr.
                  14 John Applegate Road
                  Redding CT  06896


                  (b) if to the Company, to:

                  Trenwick Group Inc.
                  One Canterbury Green
                  Stamford,   CT  06901
                  Attn: Secretary

or at such other place as may be designed in writing by like notice.  Any notice
shall be deemed to have been  delivered  when  addressed as required  herein and
deposited postage prepaid, in the United States Mail.

11.      WAIVER; MODIFICATION.

No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such
waiver,  modification  or  discharge  is agreed  to in  writing  that  expressly
references  this  Agreement and is signed by the Executive and the Company.  The
waiver by either party of any breach by the other party, or of compliance  with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party
shall not be deemed a waiver of the same  provisions  or conditions at any other
time,  nor shall it be deemed a waiver of any other  provisions or conditions at
any time.








                                       9

<PAGE>

12.      SEVERABILITY.

The various  Sections of this Agreement are severable,  and if any Section or an
identifiable part thereof is held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of
competent  jurisdiction,  then such  invalidity  or  unenforceability  shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining  Sections or identifiable
parts thereof in this  Agreement,  and the parties hereto agree that the portion
so held invalid,  unenforceable or void shall, if possible, be deemed amended or
reduced in scope,  or otherwise be stricken from this  Agreement,  to the extent
required for the purposes of the validity and enforcement hereof.

13.      CHOICE OF LAW.

The parties agree that  Connecticut,  as the place of contracting  and where the
Company has its principal place of business,  has a substantial  relationship to
this Agreement and so the parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by
the laws of the State of Connecticut,  without  reference to any conflict of law
rules.

14.      SURVIVAL AND CONTINUATION OF AGREEMENT PROVISIONS.

The termination of the Executive's  employment for any reason  whatsoever  shall
not operate to  terminate  this  Agreement  or  otherwise  adversely  affect the
respective  continuing  rights and  obligations of the parties,  including those
under  Sections  3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 18 of this  Agreement,  all of
which shall  survive the  effective  date of such  termination  of employment in
accordance with their respective terms.

15.      ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement  between the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior agreements between
the Company and the Executive,  whether written or oral,  relating to any or all
matters covered by, and contained or otherwise dealt with, in this Agreement. No
agreements or representations,  oral or otherwise, express or implied, have been
made by either  party with  respect  to the  subject  matter of this  Agreement,
unless set forth expressly in this Agreement.

16.      BENEFICIARIES; REFERENCES.

The  Executive  may  select  (and  change,  to the  extent  permitted  under any
applicable law) a beneficiary or  beneficiaries  to receive any  compensation or
benefit payable under this Agreement  following the Executive's  death,  and may
change such election by giving the Company written notice thereof.  In the event
of  the  Executive's  death,  Disability  or a  judicial  determination  of  the
Executive's  incompetence,  all  references  in this  Agreement to the Executive
shall  be  deemed,  where  appropriate,   to  refer  to  the  Executive's  named
beneficiary, estate or other legal representative.

17.      ACTION OF THE BOARD.

Except for the reference in Section 1(a), any reference in this Agreement to the
Board shall include the Compensation  Committee  thereof and any officers of the
Company  to  which  the  Board  or the  Compensation  Committee  thereof  has by
resolution delegated any explicit authority or responsibilities  with respect to
this Agreement.






                                       10

<PAGE>

18.      TAX WITHHOLDINGS.

All payments to the Executive  hereunder shall be subject to such withholding of
federal, state and local income and excise taxes and to such employment taxes as
may be reasonably determined by the Company to be required.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Company and the Executive  have executed this
Agreement as of the date set forth above.

                                          TRENWICK GROUP INC.



                                          By:  /s/ John V. Del Col
                                             ---------------------------------
                                          Name:    John V. Del Col
                                          Title:   Senior Vice President,
                                                   General Counsel & Secretary



                                          EXECUTIVE


                                           /s/ James F. Billett,Jr.
                                          ------------------------------------
                                          James F. Billett, Jr.













                                       11





                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.28

                                    AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 3rd day of November, 1999 (the "Agreement"), by
and between  Trenwick Group Inc., a Delaware  corporation with a principal place
of  business in Stamford, Connecticut (the "Company"), and [                   ]
of [                               ] ("Executive").

WHEREAS,  the  Executive  is a  key  employee  of  the  Company  or  one of  its
subsidiaries;

WHEREAS,  the Company  believes  that the  maintenance  of sound  management  is
essential to protecting and enhancing the business and operations of the Company
and is in the best interests of the Company and its  shareholders and recognizes
that the  possibility  of a change of control raises  uncertainty  and questions
among its key  employees  that could result in, or lead to, the loss of such key
employees or their  distraction  from their duties,  all to the detriment of the
Company and its shareholders;

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to assure that it will have the continued dedication
of the Executive as a key employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries and
the continued  availability  of the  Executive's  advice,  counsel and services,
notwithstanding  the  possibility,  threat or actual  occurrence  of a change of
control of the Company,  and to induce the Executive to remain as a key employee
of the Company or one of its subsidiaries; and

WHEREAS,  the  Executive is willing to continue to be employed by the Company or
one of its subsidiaries,  taking into  consideration the terms and conditions of
this   Agreement  and,  to  induce  the  Company  to  make  the  agreements  and
undertakings  set forth in this  Agreement,  hereby agrees to the  provisions in
Section 5 of this  Agreement  concerning,  among other things,  confidentiality,
trade secrets, non-solicitation and non-competition.

NOW,  THEREFORE,  in consideration  of the mutual terms and covenants  contained
herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties acknowledge and accept,
the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.       DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Agreement,

(a) A "Change in Control"  shall be deemed to have occurred upon the earliest to
happen of the following:

     (A)  The acquisition, in one or more transactions, of  beneficial ownership
          (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under  the Securities  Exchange  Act
          of 1934 (the "Exchange  Act") by any person or entity or any  group of
          persons or  entities  who  constitute  a group (within  the meaning of
          Rule 13d-3 of the  Exchange  Act),  other  than  a  trustee  or  other
          fiduciary  holding  securities under an employee benefit  plan of  the
          Company or a subsidiary,  of any  securities of the  Company if,  as a
          result of such  acquisition, such  person, entity or group either  (i)
          beneficially owns (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
          Act),  directly   or   indirectly,  more  than  50  of  the  Company's
          outstanding  voting securities  entitled  to vote on  a regular  basis
          for a majority  of the members of the Board or (ii) otherwise has  the
          ability to elect, directly or indirectly, a majority of the members of
          the Board;


                                       1
<PAGE>


(B)       A change in the  composition of the Board such that a majority of  the
          members of the Board  are not  Continuing  Directors.   A  "Continuing
          Director" means, as of any date of determination,  any  member  of the
          Board who (i) was a member of the Board on the date of this Agreement,
          or (ii) was nominated and elected to such Board with  the  affirmative
          vote  of  a  majority of  the Continuing Directors  who  were  members
          of the  Board  at the  time of such nomination or election; or

(C)       The  stockholders   of  the   Company   approve   (i)  a  merger    or
          consolidation  of the Company  with any other corporation, other  than
          a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting  securities
          of the Company  outstanding  immediately prior thereto  continuing  to
          represent (either by remaining outstanding  or by being converted into
          voting  securities of the surviving entity) at least 50% of the  total
          voting power  represented by the voting  securities of the Company  or
          such surviving entity outstanding  immediately  after  such  merger or
          consolidation, or (ii) a plan of complete liquidation of the  Company
          or an  agreement  for  the  sale  or  disposition  by the Company  (in
          one or more transactions) of all or substantially all of the Company's
          assets.

(b)      Cause:  "Cause" shall  mean: (A) the commission  by  the  Executive  of
         any felonious act or any other criminal act involving moral  turpitude,
         dishonesty,  theft or unethical business conduct, (B) the willful  and
         continued failure of the Executive to substantially  perform his duties
         (other than as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental  injury
         or illness) which duties the Executive has been directed in  writing to
         perform by the  Board; (C) willful  misconduct  or gross  negligence by
         the  Executive  in the performance  of  the  Executive's  duties, or (D
         the failure of the Executive to comply with the  policies o  procedures
         of the Company.  No action or failure to act by the Executive shall  be
         considered  "willful" if it is  determined  by the  Board to have  been
         done by the  Executive  in good  faith and  with the reasonable  belief
         that the Executive's action or omission is in the best interest  of the
         Company.

(c)      Good  Reason:  "Good  Reason"  shall mean any of the  following  events
         provided that it occurred within ninety (90) days prior to the date the
         Executive gives notice pursuant to Section 2(c) of this Agreement:

        (A)   The  position  or    responsibilities  of   the    Executive   are
              significantly    reduced   (including,  without   limitation,  the
              elimination   of  his   position,   a   change   in  the reporting
              responsibilities  of his  position,  a  substantial  reduction  in
              the size of the Company  or   other  substantial   change  in  the
              character or scope of the Company's operations), or the  Executive
              is assigned without his written consent to any duties inconsistent
              with his  position  with the Company  immediately  prior  to  such
              assignment  or the  status  and  stature  of those  with whom  the
              Executive  is   asked  to  work   or   the  position,   authority,
              responsibility  or type of work or the  working  conditions  under
              which  the Executive  is  assigned  is   inconsistent  with,   not
              comparable to, or reduced in status or altered in nature from  the
              Executive's position immediately preceding the Change in Control;

        (B)   The annual  incentive  compensation  opportunity  provided  to the
              Executive is eliminated or significantly  reduced, the Executive's
              participation  level is reduced or the manner of assessing  actual
              performance  is changed in a manner that results in the  Executive
              earning  significantly  less annual  incentive  compensation for a
              given period than he or she would have for the same period  absent
              such change;

        (C)   The  Executive's  aggregate level of benefits under the Company's
              benefit plans is significantly reduced;



                                       2

<PAGE>

        (D)   The  Company  fails to provide the  Executive  with  benefits  and
              perquisites  which are  substantially  similar in the aggregate to
              those to which the  Executive  is  entitled  under  the  Company's
              benefit plans in which the Executive was participating immediately
              prior to the Change in Control,  or fails to provide the Executive
              with directors' or officers' insurance, as applicable, at least at
              the level maintained immediately prior to the Change in Control;

        (E)   The Executive is required to change his regular work location to a
              location  that  requires the  Executive to commute a distance more
              than 50 miles  further  from the  Executive's  principal  place of
              employment existing at the time of the Change in Control; or

        (F)   The Company fails to pay the Executive any amount otherwise vested
              and due  hereunder or under any plan or policy of the Company,  or
              fails to comply with any other  provision of or perform any of its
              other obligations under this Agreement.

(d)      Date of  Termination:   "Date of  Termination"  shall  mean (A)  if the
         Executive's  employment is terminated  by the  Executive's  death,  the
         date of the  Executive's  death,  or by   reason  of  the   Executive's
         Disability, the date all of the conditions to constitute  a  Disability
         have occurred,  (B) if the Executive's active employment is  terminated
         by the Company  pursuant to Section  2(b),  whether or  not for  Cause,
         the date  specified  in the  Notice  of  Termination,  and (C)  if  the
         Executive's active employment is terminated by the  Executive  pursuant
         to  Section  2(c)  whether  or not for Good  Reason, the date which  is
         ten (10) business  days after the date of  receipt of  the  Executive's
         notice of  intention to terminate or such other  date as may be  agreed
         by  Executive and the  Board. If Executive's  active  employment  shall
         be terminated  pursuant to Section 2, Executive  shall,  following  the
         Date of Termination enter into a period  of "Post  Employment"  to  the
         extent that he or she is entitled to benefits under this Agreement.

(e)      Protected  Period:  "Protected  Period"  shall mean the two year period
         after the occurrence, during the term of this Agreement, of a Change in
         Control.


                                       3

<PAGE>


(f)      Disability:  "Disability"  shall have the same  meaning as set forth in
         the  Company's   long-term   disability   insurance   policy  providing
         disability  insurance for the  Executive,  as the same shall exist from
         time to time.

(g)      Notice of  Termination:  "Notice of  Termination"  shall  mean  written
         notice of the termination of the Executive's active employment with the
         Company  either  delivered to the Executive by the Company  pursuant to
         Section 2(b) or delivered to the Company by the  Executive  pursuant to
         Section 2(c).

2.       TERMINATION.

(a)      Change in Control.  The  Executive  shall be  entitled to the  benefits
         provided  in  Section  3 hereof  upon  any  termination  of his  active
         employment  with the  Company and its  subsidiaries  within a Protected
         Period,  except a termination  of active  employment (i) because of his
         death,  (ii)  because  of a  Disability,  (iii) by the  Company  or its
         subsidiaries  for Cause,  or (iv) by the Executive  other than for Good
         Reason.  No  amounts  shall be  payable  under  this  Agreement  if the
         Executive's employment terminates outside of a Protected Period.

(b)      Termination by Company. Any termination by the Board of the Executive's
         active  employment  must,  in order to be  effective,  be preceded by a
         written Notice of  Termination to the Executive  indicating the Date of
         Termination  and the reasons  therefor and, if the  termination  is for
         Cause,  the specific  provision of Section 1(b) relied upon and setting
         forth in  reasonable  detail  the  facts and  circumstances  supporting
         termination  for Cause.  Nothing  herein shall bar the  Executive  from
         contesting the basis for his termination under this Section 2(b).

(c)      Termination  by  Executive.  Any  termination  by the Executive of  his
         active  employment  for Good Reason must, in order to be  effective, be
         preceded by a written Notice of Termination to the  Company  indicating
         the specific provision of Section 1(c) relied upon and setting forth in
         reasonable detail   he   facts   and   circumstances   supporting   the
         termination  under the provision so indicated.  After  receipt of  such
         Notice of  Termination,  the Company shall  have ten (10) business days
         from  the  date of receipt of such Notice of Termination  to  cure  the
         event described  therein,  and upon cure thereof by the Company to  the
         Executive's  reasonable   satisfaction,   such event  shall  no  longer
         constitute  "Good  Reason"  for  purposes  of this  Agreement.

3.       COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: POST EMPLOYMENT.

(a)      Change  in  Control.  If,  within a  Protected  Period, the Executive's
         employment by the Company and its subsidiaries shall be  terminated (i)
         by the  Company and its  subsidiaries other  than for Cause  and  other
         than because of a Disability or  death,  or (ii) by  the  Executive for
         Good Reason, the Executive shall be entitled to the  benefits  provided
         for below:

         (A)  Base Salary -The Executive shall continue, during Post Employment,
              to  receive  base  salary  for two (2)  years  after  the  Date of
              Termination,  payable  in  installments  on the  Company's  normal
              payroll dates. For this purpose,  base salary shall be the current
              base salary of the Executive at the Date of  Termination or at the
              base salary at any time in the last twelve months, if higher.


                                       4

<PAGE>

         (B)  Bonus - The Executive shall receive a full year annual performance
              bonus for the calendar year in which severance occurs equal to the
              latest performance bonus paid or the average of last 2 performance
              bonuses paid,  whichever is greater.  Such payment will be made at
              the same time that  bonus  consideration  and  payments  for other
              senior executives for the same performance period are made.

         (C)  Car  Allowance  -  The  Executive  shall  continue,   during  Post
              Employment, to receive a car allowance for two (2) years after the
              Date of Termination.  The amount of such car allowance shall equal
              the amount,  if any, being  received by the Executive  immediately
              prior to the Date of Termination.

         (D)  Medical & Dental,  401(k), Pension Plans and Supplemental  Pension
              Plans  -  The  Executive   shall  continue  to  be  treated  as  a
              participant  in all such plans in which the  Executive shall  have
              been a participant on the date of the Notice of Termination, based
              on then applicable and  corresponding  elections and  contribution
              rates,  for the 2-year period  commencing on the Executive's  Date
              of  Termination.  If such  plans  do  not  permit  the  Executives
              continued  participation,  the  tax-adjusted  value the  Executive
              would have received  shall be determined  and paid by the  Company
              (outside of the plans). The Executive  shall be allowed to  change
              the   Executive's  payment  election   under  the   terms  of such
              Supplemental Benefit Plan at the Executive's Date of Termination.

         (E)  Life & Disability  Insurance - The Company  shall  continue to pay
              the  premium  related  to  the  Executive's   life  insurance  and
              long-term disability insurance for the 2-year period commencing on
              the Executive's Date of Termination.

         (F)  Benefits - The  Executive shall be paid or be provided such  other
              benefits  for which the  Executive is otherwise eligible, if  any,
              under the terms of any employee benefit, incentive, option,  stock
              award or other plans or programs of the  Company in which  he  may
              be, or may have been, a participant and any unused vacation  time.
              All awards made to the Executive  under  such  employee   benefit,
              incentive, option, stock award or other  plans or  programs  shall
              immediately vest and be payable and all restrictions  shall lapse.
              If  such   plans  do  not   permit   the   Executive's   continued
              participation  or immediate  vesting,  the tax-adjusted value  the
              Executive would have received shall be determined and paid by  the
              Company (outside of the plans).

(b)      Other:  This Agreement  shall not be considered a "change of control or
         an employment  agreement"  for the purposes of the Trenwick  Group Inc.
         Merger  Severance  Policy adopted in connection  with the merger of the
         Company and Chartwell Re Corporation (the "Merger  Severance  Policy");
         provided, however, if there is a Change of Control under this Agreement
         and the  Executive is entitled to benefits  under  Section 3(a) of this
         Agreement,  then the Executive  shall not be covered by, or entitled to
         any benefits under, the Merger Severance Policy.


                                       5

<PAGE>

4.       REDUCTION OF PAYMENT.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or of any other agreement,
understanding or compensation  plan,  Executive shall not be entitled to receive
any payment which, taking into account all payments,  rights and benefits, would
be  deemed  to be an  "excess  parachute  payment"  under  Section  280G (of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), and the amount of each payment shall
be reduced to the extent  necessary  to ensure  that the  Executive  receives no
"parachute  payment" in  connection  with a Change of Control;  provided that no
such reduction  shall occur to the extent that  Executive  shall have elected to
defer  receipt  of  payments  beyond  the end of the  Post  Employment  and such
deferral  shall  have  resulted  in  the  present  value  of  such  payment  not
constituting an "excess parachute payment".  Any such election by Executive,  to
be effective for purposes of this  Agreement:  (a) must be in  irrevocable  when
made,  (b)  must be made in a  writing  delivered  to the  Company  prior to the
occurrence  of a Change of Control,  (c) must be for a period not be exceed five
years  after  the date on which  Executive's  period  of Post  Employment  would
otherwise end, and (d) must be concurred in by the Company,  on the basis of the
advice of its tax advisors,  as being both necessary and effective to reduce the
extent  to which  payments  to be made  hereunder  will  constitute  an  "excess
parachute  payment".  If, at any future date  following  the making of a payment
hereunder,  it shall have been  determined  by the IRS that such  payment was in
excess of the limits set forth in Section  280G,  and such excess shall not have
been  caused  by a  voluntary  action  of the  Executive  not  required  by this
Agreement, then the Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Company, and
the Company shall pay to Executive  promptly upon notification to the Company of
such determination,  an Excise Tax Adjustment Payment equal to the amount of all
applicable U.S. federal, state and local taxes (computed at the maximum marginal
rates and  including  interest  penalties and any cost of contest or defense and
including  any  applicable  Excise Tax) imposed  upon the Excise Tax  Adjustment
Payment.

5.       PROTECTION OF THE COMPANY'S  BUSINESS;  CONFIDENTIAL  INFORMATION AND
         TRADE SECRETS; NON-SOLICITATION; AND NON-COMPETE.

This Section 5 sets forth rights of the Company and obligations of the Executive
which are mutually  acknowledged to be for the protection of the Company and its
successors  and assigns and to be reasonable  in scope and  duration.  Executive
acknowledges  that the provisions of this Section 5 are not intended to and will
not have  the  effect  of  preventing  Executive  from  earning  a  living.  The
provisions of this Section 5 shall be  enforceable  strictly in accordance  with
their terms,  notwithstanding any termination of this agreement,  whether by the
Company or by the Executive and whether  during the period of active  employment
or during post-employment.

     (a) Confidential  Information;  Trade Secrets.  During   Executive's active
         employment with the Company,  and thereafter  for  two (2)  years,  the
         Executive  shall   not  (1)  disclose,  directly   or  indirectly,  any
         Confidential  Information to anyone  outside of the Company  or to  any
         employees  of the  Company not authorized  to receive such  information
         or (2) use any Confidential Information other than as may be  necessary
         to perform the Executive's duties at the Company.  In  no  event  shall
         the Executive disclose any  Confidential   Information  to, or use  any
         Confidential  Information  for the  benefit  of, any current or  future
         competitor,  supplier or client of the Company,  whether on  behalf  of
         Executive, any  subsequent employer,  or any other  person  or  entity.



                                       6

<PAGE>


         The  Executive  is not,  however,  prohibited  from  using the  general
         skills,  knowledge and experience  that the Executive  has  learned  or
         developed in his  position  or  positions  with  the  Company  or  with
         others.  The  Executive  agrees that  his  position  with  the  Company
         creates a relationship  of high trust and confidence  with  respect  to
         Confidential Information owned or used by the Company, and its  clients
         or suppliers  that may be learned or developed by him while employed by
         the  Company. For purposes of this  Agreement, the term   "Confidential
         Information"  includes  all information  that the  Company  desires  to
         protect and keep confidential or that the Company is obligated to third
         parties to  keep  confidential,  including  but not limited  to  "Trade
         Secrets" to the full extent of  the  definition   of  that  term  under
         state  law.   It  does not   include  "general  skills,  knowledge  and
         experience"  as  those terms are defined under  applicable  state  law.
         Confidential  Information  includes,  but  is not  limited to:  product
         information  and  designs,  computer  programs, unpatented  inventions,
         discoveries  or   improvements;   marketing,   sales,   organizational,
         financial,   operating,   research,  development  and  business  plans;
         company  policies and manuals;  sales  forecasts; personnel information
         (including   the  identity  of  the   Company    employees,       their
         responsibilities,  competence,  abilities  and  compensation);  medical
         information  about  employees;  information  relating to the  Company's
         agents and  brokers;  pricing  and  nonpublic  financial   information;
         current  and prospective  client  lists  and information on clients  or
         their  employees;   information    concerning   planned    or   pending
         acquisitions  or divestitures; and information concerning purchases  of
         major equipment or property.

     (b) Non-Solicitation.  During  the   Executive's   active   employment, and
         thereafter  for two (2)  years,  the Executive  shall not  directly  or
         indirectly  solicit any customer or client of the Company or any person
         or entity who is a prospect of the Company on  the Date of  Termination
         or induce  or  encourage  any employee  of the  Company  to   terminate
         employment  with    the  Company  or  to  accept  employment  with  any
         competitor,  supplier,  agent or broker of the Company,  nor shall  the
         Executive cooperate with any others in  doing or attempting  to do  any
         of the  foregoing.  As used   herein,  the  term  "solicit,  induce  or
         encourage"  includes,  but is  not limited  to,  the   Executive's  (i)
         initiating  communications  with any employee of the  Company  relating
         to possible  employment or  independent contractor  relationship, (ii)
         offering bonuses or additional compensation to encourage the  Company's
         employees to terminate  their  employment  with the Company and  accept
         employment with a competitor, supplier, client, agent or broker  of the
         Company,  or  (iii) referring  the  Company's   employees  to personnel
         or  agents  employed   by competitors,  suppliers,  clients, agents  or
         brokers of the Company (iv) initiating communications with or  offering
         inducements  to any customer or  client (or  prospect) of  the  Company
         for the purpose  of  inducing  such  customer  or  client  to  transact
         business with a competitor of the Company.

(c)      Non-Compete.  Until the sixth month after the Date of  Termination, and
         thereafter  during Post  Employment and while Executive is  entitled to
         receive  payments  pursuant  to this  Agreement  or  under  any   other
         agreement  or an  agreement  he or  she  may  have  with  the   Company
         (including  the Merger  Severance  Policy),  the Executive  shall  not,
         directly or indirectly,  as  principal,  agent,  contractor,  employee,
         employer,  partner,  shareholder (other  than  solely as  an  owner  of



                                       7

<PAGE>


         2% or less of the   stock  of a  public  corporation)  or in any  other
         capacity engage in or perform any managerial or executive services  for
         any corporation, partnership, individual or entity, a primary  business
         of which is  competitive  with the Company in any of the places   where
         the Company is doing  business in the United  States,  Canada,   Puerto
         Rico,  or  Virgin  Islands  (the  "Territory").   Notwithstanding   the
         foregoing  provisions of this  subparagraph,  the Executive may  accept
         employment  with a person or entity whose business is diversified   and
         includes a line of business  competitive  with the  Company;   provided
         that,  prior to such  employment,  the  Company  is  given   reasonable
         assurance  in  writing  that the  Executive  shall  not,  during   such
         restricted period,  render managerial or executive services,   directly
         or indirectly, specifically for any line of business of such person  or
         entity  which  is   competitive   with  the  Company.   The   Executive
         understands  and  agrees  that the  Company  has sales and   operations
         facilities  throughout  the Territory and,  therefore,  to provide  the
         Company with reasonable protection,  the Executive's obligations  under
         this subparagraph shall extend throughout the Territory.

(d)      Return of Property. Immediately upon the termination of the Executive's
         employment with the Company and at any time upon the Company's request,
         the Executive shall deliver to the Company all the Company  property in
         the Executive's  possession,  custody or control  including  notebooks,
         reports, manuals, programming data, listings and materials, engineering
         or patent drawings, patent applications,  any other documents, files or
         materials which contain, mention or relate to Confidential Information,
         and all copies and  summaries  of such  materials  whether in  written,
         mechanical,  electromagnetic,  analog,  digital or any other  format or
         medium.

(e)      Consent to  Modifications  by the Court.  It is the  express  intention
         of the  parties  to  this  Agreement  that, if  it  should  appear that
         any of the terms or covenants of this section are in conflict with  any
         rule of law or statutory  provision of the State of Connecticut or  any
         other  jurisdiction  where this  Agreement  is being  enforced,   which
         conflict would ordinarily  render such terms or covenants   inoperative
         or null and void,  the parties  request  that the courts of  such state
         modify any such term or covenant so that the  intention of  the parties
         hereto is  carried  out to as great a degree  and  extent  as the court
         deems reasonable in order to conform with any rule of law  or statutory
         provision regarding  restrictive covenants of the State of  Connecticut
         or of such other jurisdiction.

6.       MERGER OR REORGANIZATION.

This  Agreement  shall  not  be  terminated  by  the  voluntary  or  involuntary
dissolution of the Company or by any merger or  consolidation  where the Company
is not the  surviving or resulting  corporation,  or upon any transfer of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company.  In the event of any such merger
or consolidation  or transfer of assets,  the provisions of this Agreement shall
be binding and shall inure to the benefit of the  Executive and the surviving or
resulting  entity or the entity to which such assets shall be  transferred.  The
Company's  successor,  as the Executive's  employer  (whether such succession is
direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, to all or a
substantial  portion of the business and/or assets of the Company),  assumes and
agrees to perform  this  Agreement  in the same manner and to the same extent as
the Company would be required to perform if no such  succession had taken place.
As used in this  Agreement,  the term  "Company"  shall mean the Company and any
successor to all or a substantial portion of the Company's business or assets.



                                       8

<PAGE>



7.       ARBITRATION; JURY WAIVER.

Any  controversy  or claim  arising out of or relating  to this  Agreement,  the
breach thereof or the coverage of this arbitration provision shall be settled by
arbitration  administered by the American Arbitration  Association in accordance
with its  Commercial  Arbitration  Rules in  effect on the date of  delivery  of
demand  for  arbitration.   The  arbitration  of  such  issues,   including  the
determination  of the amount of any damages  suffered by either  party hereto by
reason of the acts or omissions of the other,  shall be to the  exclusion of any
court. The decision of the arbitrators shall be final and binding on the parties
and their respective heirs, executors,  administrators,  successors and assigns.
Judgment upon the award rendered by the  arbitrators may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction. There shall be three arbitrators, one to be chosen directly
by each party and the third  arbitrator to be selected by the two arbitrators so
chosen.  The arbitration shall be conducted in Stamford,  Connecticut or at such
other location as agreed by the parties.  All decisions and awards shall be made
by a majority of the arbitrators.  Each party shall pay the fees and expenses of
that  party's  arbitrator  and any  representatives,  witnesses  and  all  other
expenses related to the presentation of that party's case. The cost of the third
arbitrator,  the record or any  transcripts,  any  administrative  fees, and all
other fees and costs shall be borne equally by the parties.

By agreeing to  arbitration  under this  Section,  the Company and the Executive
understand  that  they are each  waiving  any  right to a trial by jury and each
party makes that waiver knowingly and voluntarily with full consideration of the
ramifications of such waiver.

Nothing  contained  herein  shall be construed  or  interpreted  to preclude the
Company  prior  to,  or  pending  the  resolution  of,  any  matter  subject  to
arbitration  from  seeking  injunctive  relief in any  court  for any  breach or
threatened breach of any of the Executive's obligations in Section 5 hereof.

8.       NON-ASSIGNABILITY.

The  obligations  of  the  Executive  hereunder  are  personal  and  may  not be
delegated,  assigned or transferred  by the Executive in any manner  whatsoever,
nor are such  obligations  subject  to  involuntary  alienation,  assignment  or
transfer.


                                       9

<PAGE>

9.       AMENDMENT; TERMINATION.

This  Agreement  contains the entire  agreement  of the  parties.  It may not be
changed orally but only by a written agreement executed by the Executive and the
Board that expressly references this Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated
by the  Board at any time  upon one  year's  written  notice  to the  Executive,
setting forth the date of termination of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding such a
termination of this Agreement, this Agreement shall continue with respect to any
Change of Control that occurs during the term of this  Agreement,  until the end
of its  Protected  Period,  but shall not apply to any  Change of  Control  that
occurs after the date of termination of this Agreement.

10.      NOTICES.

All  notices  which a party is required or may desire to give to the other party
under or in connection  with this Agreement shall be sufficient if given by hand
delivery or by addressing same to the other party as follows:

                  (a) if to the Executive, to:

                  [
                                          ]


                  (b) if to the Company, to:

                  Trenwick Group Inc.
                  One Canterbury Green
                  Stamford, CT  06901
                  Attn: Secretary

or at such other place as may be designed in writing by like notice.  Any notice
shall be deemed to have been  delivered  when  addressed as required  herein and
deposited postage prepaid, in the United States Mail.

11.      WAIVER; MODIFICATION.

No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such
waiver,  modification  or  discharge  is agreed  to in  writing  that  expressly
references  this  Agreement and is signed by the Executive and the Company.  The
waiver by either party of any breach by the other party, or of compliance  with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party
shall not be deemed a waiver of the same  provisions  or conditions at any other
time,  nor shall it be deemed a waiver of any other  provisions or conditions at
any time.

12.      SEVERABILITY.

The various  Sections of this Agreement are severable,  and if any Section or an
identifiable part thereof is held to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of
competent  jurisdiction,  then such  invalidity  or  unenforceability  shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining  Sections or identifiable
parts thereof in this  Agreement,  and the parties hereto agree that the portion
so held invalid,  unenforceable or void shall, if possible, be deemed amended or
reduced in scope,  or otherwise be stricken from this  Agreement,  to the extent
required for the purposes of the validity and enforcement hereof.


                                       10

<PAGE>

13.      CHOICE OF LAW.

The parties agree that  Connecticut,  as the place of contracting  and where the
Company has its principal place of business,  has a substantial  relationship to
this Agreement and so the parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by
the laws of the State of Connecticut,  without  reference to any conflict of law
rules.

14.      SURVIVAL AND CONTINUATION OF AGREEMENT PROVISIONS.

The termination of the Executive's  employment for any reason  whatsoever  shall
not operate to  terminate  this  Agreement  or  otherwise  adversely  affect the
respective  continuing  rights and  obligations of the parties,  including those
under  Sections  3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 19 of this  Agreement,  all of
which shall  survive the  effective  date of such  termination  of employment in
accordance with their respective terms.

15.      RIGHT TO INJUNCTIVE AND OTHER RELIEF; CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.

(a)      The Executive  acknowledges  that the Company will suffer  irreparable
         harm,  not  readily  susceptible of  valuation  in  monetary   damages,
         if the Executive  breaches any of his obligations in Section 5 of  this
         Agreement. Accordingly, the Executive agrees that the Company shall  be
         entitled to injunctive relief against any breach or prospective  breach
         by the  Executive  of his  obligations  in Section 5 in any federal  or
         state  court  of  competent  jurisdiction,  and the  Executive   hereby
         submits to the  jurisdiction of any such federal or state court in  the
         State of  Connecticut  for the purposes of any actions or   proceedings
         instituted by the Company to obtain such  injunctive  relief.   Nothing
         herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing  any
         other remedies  available to the Company for such breach or  threatened
         breach, including the recovery of damages from the Executive,

(b)      In  addition  to the  rights  set  forth  in  subsection  (a),  above,
         if  Executive  breaches any  of  his  obligations  under  Section 5 the
         Company  shall be entitled (A) to the recovery of damages  arising  out
         of the breach or threatened  breach of his obligations under  Section 5
         and any expenses or attorney's fees incurred by the Company   resulting
         from the  enforcement of this  Agreement;  (B) to cease making  further
         payments to  Executive  pursuant to clauses (A) through (D) of  Section
         3(a);  (C) to  terminate  Executive's  rights of  participation   under
         clause (E) of Section 3(a); and (D) to the return of any such  payments
         previously  made to the  Executive  with respect to periods  after  the
         date that the Executive  first breached any of his  obligations   under
         this  Agreement.  This Section 15 shall survive the termination  of the
         Executive's active employment


                                       11

<PAGE>

16.      ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement  between the parties with respect
to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior agreements between
the Company and the Executive,  whether written or oral,  relating to any or all
matters covered by, and contained or otherwise dealt with, in this Agreement. No
agreements or representations,  oral or otherwise, express or implied, have been
made by either  party with  respect  to the  subject  matter of this  Agreement,
unless set forth expressly in this Agreement.

17.      BENEFICIARIES; REFERENCES.

The  Executive  may  select  (and  change,  to the  extent  permitted  under any
applicable law) a beneficiary or  beneficiaries  to receive any  compensation or
benefit payable under this Agreement  following the Executive's  death,  and may
change such election by giving the Company written notice thereof.  In the event
of  the  Executive's  death,  Disability  or a  judicial  determination  of  the
Executive's  incompetence,  all  references  in this  Agreement to the Executive
shall  be  deemed,  where  appropriate,   to  refer  to  the  Executive's  named
beneficiary, estate or other legal representative.

18.      ACTION OF THE BOARD.

Except for the reference in Section 1(a), any reference in this Agreement to the
Board shall include the Compensation  Committee  thereof and any officers of the
Company  to  which  the  Board  or the  Compensation  Committee  thereof  has by
resolution delegated any explicit authority or responsibilities  with respect to
this Agreement.

19.      TAX WITHHOLDINGS.

All payments to the Executive  hereunder shall be subject to such withholding of
federal, state and local income and excise taxes and to such employment taxes as
may be reasonably determined by the Company to be required.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Company and the Executive  have executed this
Agreement as of the date set forth above.

                                            TRENWICK GROUP INC.



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


                                            EXECUTIVE



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




                                       12





                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.31


                               FOUR STAMFORD PLAZA

                           STANDARD FORM OFFICE LEASE

                                     BETWEEN

                        ZML - FOUR STAMFORD PLAZA LIMITED
              PARTNERSHIP ("LANDLORD"), by its agent, Equity Office
             Holdings, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company

                                       AND

           CHARTWELL RE CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("TENANT")



<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.        Basic Lease Information; Definitions................................1
II.       Lease Grant.........................................................3
III.      Possession..........................................................4
IV.       Rent................................................................4
V.        Use................................................................12
VI.       Security Deposit...................................................13
VII.      Services to be Furnished by Landlord...............................13
VIII.     Leasehold Improvements.............................................15
IX.       Graphics...........................................................16
X.        Repairs and Alterations............................................16
XI.       Use of Electrical Services by Tenant...............................18
XII.      Entry by Landlord..................................................18
XIII.     Assignment and Subletting..........................................19
XIV.      Liens..............................................................22
XV.       Indemnity and Waiver of Claims.....................................22
XVI.      Tenant's Insurance.................................................23
XVII.     Subrogation........................................................25
XVIII.    Landlord's Insurance...............................................25
XIX.      Casualty Damage....................................................25
XX.       Demolition.........................................................28
XXI.      Condemnation.......................................................28
XXII.     Events of Default..................................................28
XXIII.    Remedies...........................................................30
XXIV.     LIMITATION OF LIABILITY............................................31
XXV.      No Waiver..........................................................32
XXVI.     Event of Bankruptcy................................................32
XXVII.    Waiver of Jury Trial...............................................33
XXVII.    Relocation.........................................................33
XXIX.     Holding Over.......................................................33
XXX.      Subordination to Mortgages; Estoppel Certificate...................34
XXXI.     Attorneys' Fees....................................................35
XXXII.    Notice.............................................................35
XXXIII.   Landlord's Lien....................................................35
XXXIV.    Excepted Rights....................................................35
XXXV.     Surrender of Premises..............................................36
XXXVI.    Miscellaneous......................................................36
XXXVII.   Entire Agreement...................................................39


                                      i

<PAGE>



                             OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT

This Office  Lease  Agreement  (the  "Lease") is made and entered into as of the
29th day of March,  1996,  by and  between  ZML - Four  Stamford  Plaza  Limited
Partnership,  an Illinois Limited Partnership  ("Landlord") by its agent, Equity
Office Holdings,  L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and Chartwell Re
Corporation, a Delaware Corporation ("Tenant").

I. Basic Lease Information; Definitions.

A. The following are some of the basic lease  information and defined terms used
in this Lease.

1.   "Additional  Base Rental" shall mean Tenant's Pro Rata Share of Basic Costs
     and any other sums  (exclusive of Base Rental) that are required to be paid
     by Tenant to  Landlord  hereunder,  which sums are deemed to be  additional
     rent under this Lease. Additional Base Rental and Base Rental are sometimes
     collectively referred to herein as "Rent."

2.   "Base  Rental"  shall  mean  the  sum  of  thirteen  million  nine  hundred
     eighty-two thousand four hundred sixty and 00/100 dollars ($13,982,460.00),
     payable  by  Tenant  to  Landlord  in  one  hundred  twenty  (120)  monthly
     installments as follows:

a.   twelve  (12) equal  installments  of  eighty-five  thousand  seven  hundred
     forty-one and 50/100  dollars  ($85,741.50),  each payable on or before the
     first day of each  month  during the  period  beginning  August 1, 1996 and
     ending July 31, 1997,  provided that the installment of Base Rental for the
     first full  calendar  month of the Lease  Term  shall be  payable  upon the
     execution of this Lease by Tenant.

b.   twelve  (12)  equal  installments  of  ninety-two  thousand  three  hundred
     thirty-seven and 00/100 dollars ($92,337.00), each payable on or before the
     first day of each  month  during the  period  beginning  August 1, 1997 and
     ending July 31, 1998.

c.   twelve  (12)  equal  installments  of  ninety-six  thousand  seven  hundred
     thirty-four and 00/100 dollars ($96,734.00),  each payable on or before the
     first day of each  month  during the  period  beginning  August 1, 1998 and
     ending July 31, 1999.

d.   twelve (12) equal  installments  of one hundred  one  thousand  one hundred
     thirty-one and 00/100 dollars ($101,131.00),  each payable on or before the
     first day of each  month  during the  period  beginning  August 1, 1999 and
     ending July 31,2000.

e.   twelve (12) equal  installments  of one hundred twelve thousand one hundred
     twenty-three  and 50/100 dollars  ($112,123.50),  each payable on or before
     the first day of each month during the period  beginning August 1, 2000 and
     ending July 31, 2001.

f.   twelve (12) equal  installments  of one  hundred  eighteen  thousand  seven
     hundred  nineteen  and 00/100  dollars  ($118,719.00),  each  payable on or
     before the first day of each month  during the period  beginning  August 1,
     2001 and ending July 31, 2002.

g.   twelve (12) equal  installments  of one hundred  twenty-three  thousand one
     hundred sixteen and 00/100 dollars ($123,116.00), each payable on or before
     the first day of each month during the period  beginning August 1, 2002 and
     ending July 31, 2003.

h.   twelve (12) equal  installments  of one hundred  thirty-six  thousand three
     hundred seven and 00/100 dollars  ($136,307.00),  each payable on or before
     the first day of each month during the period  beginning August 1, 2003 and
     ending July 31, 2004.

i.   twelve (12) equal  installments of  one  hundred  forty-five  thousand  one
     hundred one and 00/100 dollars ($145,101.00), each payable on or before the
     first day of each  month  during the  period  beginning  August 1, 2004 and
     ending July 31, 2005.

j.   twelve  (12) equal installments of one  hundred, fifty-three thousand eight
     hundred ninety-five and 00/100 dollars ($153,895.00),  each payable on or
     before the first day of each  month  during  the   period  beginning August
     1, 2005 and ending July 31, 2006.

                                       1
<PAGE>




3.   "Building" shall  mean  the  office  building  located  at 107 Elm  Street,
     Stamford,  Connecticut 06902, commonly known as Four Stamford Plaza.

4.   The "Lease Term" shall mean a period of ten (10) years commencing on August
     1, 1996,  (the  "Commencement  Date")  and,  unless  sooner  terminated  as
     provided herein, ending on July 31, 2006 (the "Termination Date").

5.   "Premises"  shall mean the area located on the floors which are numbered as
     the fourteenth  (14th) and fifteenth  (15th) floors of the Building  (being
     the two (2) uppermost or highest  floors of the  Building),  as outlined on
     Exhibits A and A-1  attached  hereto and  incorporated  herein and known as
     Suites #1400 and 1500.  Landlord and Tenant hereby stipulate and agree that
     the "Rentable  Area of the Premises"  shall mean 52,764 square feet and the
     "Rentable Area of the Building" shall mean 253,513 square feet.

6.   "Permitted Use" shall mean general office purposes

7.   "Security Deposit" shall mean $0.

8.   "Tenant's Pro Rata Share' shall mean twenty and  eighty-one  one hundredths
     percent  (20.61%),  which  is the  quotient  (expressed  as a  percentage),
     derived by dividing the Rentable  Area of the Premises by the Rentable Area
     of the Building.

9.   "Guarantor(s)" - None.

10.  "Notice  Addresses" shall mean  the  following  addresses  for  Tenant  and
     Landlord, respectively:

     Tenant:

     On and after the Commencement  Date, notices shall be sent to Tenant at the
     Premises.  Prior to the Commencement  Date, notices shall be sent to Tenant
     at the following address:

     300 Atlantic Street
     Suite 400
     Stamford, CT 06901
     Attention: Thomas M. Daly/Kathleen M. Carroll, Esq.

     Landlord:

     Equity Office Properties, L.L.C.
     Two Stamford Plaza
     281 Tresser Boulevard
     Stamford, Connecticut 06901
     Attention: Building Manager

     With a copy to:

     Equity Office Holdings, L.L.C.
     Two North Riverside Plaza
     Suite 2200
     Chicago, Illinois 60606
     Attention: General Counsel

                                       2
<PAGE>


     Payments of Rent only shall be made payable
     to the  order  of  ZML-Four  Stamford  Plaza  Limited  Partnership  at the
     following address:

         Equity Office Properties, L.L.C.
         Two Stamford Plaza
         281 Tresser Boulevard
         Stamford, Connecticut 06901
         Attention: Building Manager

B. The following are additional definitions of some of the defined terms used in
the Lease.

1.   "Base Year" shall mean the 1996 calendar year.

2.   "Basic Costs" as defined in Article IV hereof.

3.   "Broker" means Rostenberg - Doern Company, Inc.

4.   "Building  Standard"  shall mean the type,  grade,  brand,  quality  and/or
     quantity  of  materials  Landlord  designates  from  time to time to be the
     minimum quality and/or quantity to be used in the Building.

5.   "Business  Day(s)"  shall mean  Mondays  through  Fridays  exclusive of the
     normal  business  holidays  ("Holidays")  of New Year's Day,  Memorial Day,
     Independence Day, Labor Day,  Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Landlord,
     from time to time during the Lease Term,  shall have the right to designate
     additional  Holidays,  provided that such additional  Holidays are commonly
     recognized  by other  office  buildings  in the area where the  Building is
     located.

6.   "Common  Areas"  shall  mean  those  areas  provided  for the common use or
     benefit of all  tenants  generally  and/or the public,  such as  corridors,
     elevator foyers, common malt rooms,  restrooms,  vending areas, lobby areas
     (whether at ground level or otherwise),  other similar facilities and those
     portions of the Property that Landlord,  from time to time, makes available
     to the tenants of the Building in general.

7.   Intentionally Omitted.

8.   "Maximum Rate" shall mean the greatest per annum rate of interest permitted
     from time to time under applicable law.

9.   "Normal  Business Hours" for the Building shall mean 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
     Mondays through Fridays,  exclusive of Holidays.  In the event that, at any
     time during the Term of this Lease,  Landlord  modifies its Normal Business
     Hours to include any additional weekday or weekend hours, Tenant shall also
     be  entitled  to the  benefit of such  additional  hours.  Until such time,
     however,  the cost of furnishing HVAC service to any leased premises in the
     Building at times other than Normal  Business Hours (as currently  defined)
     shall not be included within Basic Costs.

1O.  "Prime Rate" shall mean the per annum interest rate publicly announced by
     The First  National Bank of Chicago or any successor  thereof from time to
     time (whether or not charged in each instance) as its prime or base rate in
     Chicago, Illinois.

11.  "Property"shall mean the Garage (hereinafter defined), the Building and the
     parcel(s) of land on which it is located and all other improvements located
     on such parcel(s) of land that serve the Building and the tenants thereof.

12.  "Garage"  shall mean the  motor-vehicle  parking  areas located on floors
     three (3), two (2), one (1) and the  Iower-level  of the Building.

II.  Lease Grant.

         Subject  to and upon the terms  herein set  forth,  Landlord  leases to
Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord the Premises, together with the right, in
common with others, to use the Common Areas.


                                            3


<PAGE>

III. Possession.

A.   Upon the full and final  execution of this Lease by Landlord and Tenant,
Tenant shall have the right to occupy the Premises  for the  performance  of the
Initial  Alterations (as defined in Exhibit C).  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,
Tenant  and its  contractors  shall  not  have  the  right  to  perform  Initial
Alterations in the Premises unless and until Tenant has complied with all of the
terms  and  conditions  of  Article  X.B.  of  this  Lease,  including,  without
limitation,  approval by Landlord of the final plans for the Initial Alterations
and  the   contractors  to  be  retained  by  Tenant  to  perform  such  Initial
Alterations.  Landlord  agrees to act reasonably in connection with its approval
of any contractor  proposed by Tenant,  provided that in no event shall Landlord
be required to grant its approval to any contractor that is not licensed, is not
capable of being  bonded for the amount of the Initial  Alterations  or does not
maintain  insurance  of the types and amounts  required by this Lease,  Tenant's
occupancy of the Premises for the period prior to the Commencement Date shall be
subject to all of the terms and  conditions  of the Lease,  provided that Tenant
shall not be required to pay Base Rental or Additional  Base Rental with respect
to the  period  of time  prior to the  Commencement  Date.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing, if Tenant begins to conduct its business in the Premises prior to the
Commencement  Date,  Tenant  shall pay Base  Rental to  Landlord  for the period
beginning  on the date Tenant first begins to conduct its business and ending on
the day prior to the Commencement Date at the rate of eighty-five thousand seven
hundred  forty-one  and  50/100  dollars  per month,  pro rated for any  partial
months.

B.  Tenant hereby accepts the Premises in its as-is condition and configuration,
except as provided in this Lease, including Exhibit C, with no representation or
warranty by  Landlord as to the  condition  of the  Premises or the  Building or
suitability thereof for Tenant's use, except as provided in this Lease.

C.   Landlord  shall  deliver  exclusive  possession of  the  entire Premises to
Tenant,  free from all tenancies and occupancies  (except under this Lease) upon
the date of the full  execution of this Lease.  Notwithstanding  anything to the
contrary  set forth  herein,  in the event  Landlord is unable for any reason to
deliver exclusive  possession of the Premises to Tenant, free from all tenancies
and  occupancies,  within thirty (30) days after the full and final execution of
this Lease,  Tenant,  prior to the date Landlord  provides Tenant with exclusive
possession of the Premises, may elect to terminate this Lease effective upon the
delivery of written notice thereof to Landlord.  In the event Tenant  terminates
this Lease,  Landlord  shall  return all prepaid Rent to Tenant and Tenant shall
return any Work Allowance of other sums paid by Landlord to Tenant.  Thereafter,
the parties hereto shall have no further obligations hereunder. In addition, the
assignment of the 300 Atlantic Lease to Landlord shall  immediately  become null
and void.

IV. Rent.

A.   During each calendar year subsequent to the Base Year, or portion  thereof,
falling within the Lease Term,  Tenant shall pay to Landlord as Additional  Base
Rental  hereunder the sum of (1) Tenant's Pro Rata Share of the amount,  if any,
by which Taxes  (hereinafter  defined) for the  applicable  calendar year exceed
Taxes for the Base Year plus (2) Tenant's Pro Rata Share of the amount,  if any,
by which Expenses  (hereinafter defined) for the applicable calendar year exceed
Expenses for the Base Year. For purposes hereof, "Expenses" shall mean all Basic
Costs with the exception of Taxes. Tenant's Pro Rata Share of increases in Taxes
and Tenant's Pro Rata Share of increases in Expenses shall be computed  separate
and  independent  of each other prior to being added  together to determine  the
"Excess."  In the event that Taxes and/or  Expenses,  as the case may be, in any
calendar year decrease  below the amount of Taxes or Expenses for the Base Year,
Tenant's Pro Rata Share of Taxes and/or  Expenses,  as the case may be, for such
calendar year shall be deemed to be $0, it being


                                       4

<PAGE>

understood  that  Tenant  shall not be entitled to any credit or offset if Taxes
and/or Expenses decrease below the corresponding amount for the Base Year. Prior
to January 1 of each calendar year after the Base Year during the Lease Term, or
as soon  thereafter as practical,  Landlord  shall make a good faith estimate of
the Excess for the applicable calendar year and Tenant's Pro Rata Share thereof.
Landlord  agrees to use good faith efforts to provide  Tenant with such estimate
by no later than April 30th of the  applicable  calendar  year. On or before the
first day of each month during such calendar year, Tenant shall pay to Landlord,
as  Additional  Base  Rental,  a monthly  installment  equal to  one-twelfth  of
Tenant's Pro Rata Share of  Landlord's  estimate of the Excess.  Landlord  shall
have the one time  right  during  each  calendar  year  during the Lease Term to
revise the  estimate  of Basic  Costs and the  Excess for such year and  provide
Tenant with a revised statement therefor, and thereafter the amount Tenant shall
pay each month shall be based upon such revised estimate.  Each revised estimate
shall be accompanied by an  explanation of the  differences  between the initial
estimate and revised  estimate,  including the particular  line items of expense
that are in addition to or of a materially  different  amount than those assumed
in the preparation of the initial estimate.  If Landlord does not provide Tenant
with an estimate of the Basic Costs and the Excess by January 1 of any  calendar
year,  Tenant shall continue to pay a monthly  installment based on the previous
years estimate until such time as Landlord  provides  Tenant with an estimate of
Basic Costs and the Excess for the current  year.  Upon  receipt of such current
year's  estimate,  an adjustment  shall be made for any month during the current
year with respect to which Tenant paid monthly  installments  of Additional Base
Rental based on the previous year's estimate.  Tenant shall pay Landlord for any
underpayment  within thirty (30) days after  demand.  Any  overpayment  shall be
credited  against the  installment of Base Rental and Additional Base Rental due
for the month  immediately  following the  furnishing of such  estimate.  If the
amount of such  overpayment  cannot be fully  credited  against the  immediately
following  installment of Base Rental and Additional Base Rental, any uncredited
amount shall be promptly refunded to Tenant. Any amounts paid by Tenant based on
any  estimate  shall  be  subject  to  adjustment  pursuant  to the  immediately
following  paragraph  when actual Basic Costs are  determined  for such calendar
year.

As soon as is practical following the end of each calendar year during the Lease
Term,  Landlord  shall furnish to Tenant a statement of Landlord's  actual Basic
Costs and the actual Excess for the previous  calendar year.  Landlord agrees to
use good faith  efforts to provide  Tenant  with such  estimate by no later than
April 30th of the  applicable  calendar year. If the estimated  Excess  actually
paid by Tenant for the prior year is in excess of Tenant's actual Pro Rata Share
of the Excess for such prior year,  then Landlord  shall apply such  overpayment
against  Base Rental and  Additional  Base Rental due for the month  immediately
following the furnishing of such  statement,  provided if the Lease Term expires
prior to the  determination  of such  overpayment,  Landlord  shall  refund such
overpayment  to  Tenant  after  first  deducting  the  amount  of any  Rent  due
hereunder.  In  addition,  If the  amount  of such  overpayment  cannot be fully
credited  against  the  immediately  following  installment  of Base  Rental and
Additional  Base Rental,  any  uncredited  amount shall be promptly  refunded to
Tenant.  Likewise,  Tenant shall pay to Landlord,  within thirty (30) days after
demand,  any  underpayment  with  respect to the prior year,  whether or not the
Lease  has  terminated  prior to  receipt  by  Tenant  of a  statement  for such
underpayment,  it being understood that this clause shall survive the expiration
of the Lease.

B.   Basic Costs shall mean Taxes and all  other  costs  and  expenses  that are
reasonably  paid or incurred in each calendar year in connection with operating,
maintaining,  repairing and managing the Building and the  Property,  including,
but not limited to, the following:

1.   All labor costs for all persons performing services required or utilized in
connection  with  the   operation   (excluding   leasing     functions), repair,
replacement and maintenance of and control of access to the Building


                                            5


<PAGE>

and the  Property,  including  but not  limited to amounts  incurred  for wages,
salaries  and  other  compensation  for  services,   payroll,  social  security,
unemployment and other similar taxes, workers' compensation insurance, uniforms,
training,  disability  benefits,  pensions,  hospitalization,  retirement plans,
group insurance or any other similar or like expenses or benefits.

2.   All  management fees, the cost  of  maintaining at management office at the
Building,  accounting  services,  legal fees not  attributable  to  leasing  and
collection activity,  and all other reasonable  administrative costs relating to
the  Building  and the  Property.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the cost of
"maintaining  a  management  office"  shall  not  include  the  initial  cost of
equipment  necessary to operate such  management  office  (e.g.  computers,  fax
machines,  etc.),  it being  agreed  that  only the cost of  replacing  existing
equipment  may be  included  in Basic  Costs.  If  management  services  are not
provided  by a third  party,  Landlord  shall be entitled  to a  management  fee
comparable  to that  due and  payable  to third  parties  provided  Landlord  or
management  companies  owned by, or management  divisions of,  Landlord  perform
actual management  services of a comparable nature and type as normally would be
performed by third parties.

3.   All  rental  and/or  purchase  costs  of  materials,  supplies,  tools  and
equipment used in the operation, repair, non-capital replacement and maintenance
and the control of access to the Building and the Property.

4.   All  amounts  charged to  Landlord  by  contractors  and/or  suppliers  for
services,  non-capital replacement parts, components,  materials,  equipment and
supplies  furnished  in  connection  with the  operation,  repair,  maintenance,
non-capital replacement of and control of access to any part of the Building, or
the Property generally,  including the heating,  air conditioning,  ventilating,
plumbing, electrical, elevator and other systems and equipment.

5.   All  premiums  and  deductibles  paid by  Landlord  for fire  and  extended
coverage insurance,  earthquake and extended coverage  insurance,  liability and
extended coverage insurance,  rental loss insurance,  elevator insurance, boiler
insurance and other insurance customarily carried from time to time by landlords
of  comparable  office  buildings  or  required  to  be  carried  by  Landlord's
Mortgagee.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if the cost of  earthquake  and/or
rental  loss  insurance  is not  included  within  the  Base  Year,  the cost of
earthquake  and/or  rental  insurance  shall not be included  in any  subsequent
years.

6.   Charges for all utilities  that are (i) provided to the Common Areas,  (ii)
used in connection with the operation of the Building systems, including but not
limited to, the HVAC,  security and fire/life  safety systems,  or (iii) used in
connection with any services provided in general to the tenants of the Building,
but  excluding  those  charges for which  Landlord is  otherwise  reimbursed  by
tenants (other than through Basic Costs).

7.   "Taxes," which for purposes  hereof, shall  mean: (a) all real estate taxes
and  assessments  on the Property,  the Building or the Premises,  and taxes and
assessments  levied in  substitution or  supplementation  in whole or in part of
such taxes, (b) all personal property taxes for the Building's personal property
used in the  operation of the  Building,  (c) all taxes imposed on services that
Landlord  is  required  to provide  under the terms of this  Lease,  and (d) all
reasonable  costs and fees incurred in connection with seeking  reductions in or
refunds in Taxes including,  without limitation,  any costs incurred by Landlord
to challenge the tax valuation of the Building.  For the purpose of  determining
real estate taxes and  assessments for any given calendar year, the amount to be
included  in Taxes for such year shall be as  follows:  (1) with  respect to any
special  assessment that is payable in installments  Landlord shall elect to pay
the same in the maximum  number of permissible  installments  and Taxes for such
year shall  include the amount of the  installment  (and any  interest)  due and
payable  during such year;  and (2) with respect to all other real estate taxes,
Taxes for such year shall


                                            6


<PAGE>

include  the amount due and payable  for such year.  If a reduction  in Taxes is
obtained  for any year of the Lease Term during  which  Tenant paid its Pre Rata
Share of Basic  Costs,  then  Basic  Costs for such  year will be  retroactively
adjusted and Landlord shall provide Tenant with a credit,  if any, based on such
adjustment.  If the amount of such credit cannot be fully  credited  against the
immediately following installment of Base Rental and Additional Base Rental, any
uncredited amount shall be promptly refunded to Tenant. Likewise, if a reduction
is subsequently obtained for Basic Costs for the Base Year (if Tenant's Pro Rata
Share is based upon increases in Basic Costs over a Base Year),  Basic Costs for
the  Base  Year  shall be  restated  and the  Excess  for all  subsequent  years
recomputed.  Tenant  shall pay to Landlord  Tenant's  Pro Rata Share of any such
increase  in the Excess  within  thirty  (30) days after  Tenant's  receipt of a
statement  therefor  from  Landlord.  Notwithstanding  anything  herein  to  the
contrary,  the term "Taxes" shall not mean or include,  (i) municipal,  state or
federal  income taxes assessed  against  Landlord;  municipal,  state or federal
estate,  succession,  corporate,  inheritance or transfer taxes of Landlord;  or
corporation  franchise  taxes imposed upon any corporate  owner of the Building;
(ii) taxes for which Landlord is reimbursed by Tenant or by other tenants of the
Building (except through clauses similar to this clause); and (iii) any interest
or penalties which may become due by reason of the failure to pay any taxes when
the same are due and payable.  Upon written  request by Tenant,  Landlord  shall
allow Tenant to review and copy the City's  Assessor's report or reports showing
the  assessment  for the  Building  and the  Property  and the report or reports
showing any increased assessments therefor and all applicable tax bills, or such
other evidence coming from the City's Assessor's  and/or Tax Collector's  office
which will show the assessments and amount of Tax payable by Landlord. Taxes for
the Base Year and each  subsequent  Lease Year shall be calculated  based upon a
fully assessed building.

8.   All landscape expenses and costs of maintaining, repairing and striping of
the parking areas of the Property and Garage. In the event that the parking area
and Garage  service  building(s)  other than the Building,  than only a pro rata
share of these  expenses  may be  included in Basic  Costs  which  reflects  the
percentage  of  total  usage  that  is  attributable  to the  Building  and  its
occupants,  employees  and  visitors.  Further,  all  costs of  maintaining  and
repairing  the parking  area and Garage  included in Basic Costs shall be net of
all parking revenue generated by the operation of the Garage,  including but not
limited to parking revenue from tenants of the Building.  All costs and expenses
incurred in  resurfacing of the parking area and Garage shall be deemed to be of
a capital nature, and amortized over the useful life of the resurfacing.

9.   Cost of all maintenance service agreements,  including those for equipment,
alarm service, window cleaning,  drapery or venetian blind cleaning,  janitorial
services, pest control, uniform supply, plant maintenance,  landscaping, and any
parking equipment.

10.  Cost of all other  repairs,  and general  maintenance  of the  Property and
Building neither specified above nor directly billed to tenants.

11.  The  amortized  cost of capital  improvements  made to the Building or the
Property which are: (a) primarily for the purpose of reducing  operating expense
costs or  otherwise  improving  the  operating  efficiency  of the  Property  or
Building;  or (b) required to comply with any laws,  rules or regulations of any
governmental  authority or a requirement of Landlord's  insurance  carrier,  (c)
performed for the purpose of upgrading the then existing  security system of the
Building so as to maintain such system at a level that is at comparable to other
first class office buildings in Stamford,  Connecticut. The cost of such capital
improvements  shall be amortized  over a period of ten (10) years and shall,  at
Landlord's option,  include interest at a rate that is reasonably  equivalent to
the interest rate that Landlord  would be required to pay to finance the cost of
the .capital improvement in question as of the date such capital improvement is


                                            7


<PAGE>

performed,  provided if the "payback period" for any capital improvement is less
than ten (10) years,  Landlord may amortize the cost of such capital improvement
over the payback period.  For purposes  hereof,  the term "payback period" shall
mean the period of time that it takes for the cost  savings  resulting  from any
capital improvement to equal to cost of such capital improvement,  including any
actual or imputed  interest that is included in Basic Costs with respect to such
capital  improvement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the portion of the annual
amortized  costs to be included in Basic Costs in any calendar year with respect
to a capital  improvement  which is intended  to reduce  expenses or improve the
operating  efficiency of the Property or Building  shall equal the lesser of: a)
such annual amortized costs; and b) the projected annual amortized  reduction in
expenses for that portion of the amortization  period of the capital improvement
which  falls  within the Lease Term  (based on the total cost  savings  for such
period, as reasonably estimated by Landlord).

Except  as  set  forth  above  in  section  IV.B.11  and as  distinguished  from
replacement parts or components  purchased and installed in the ordinary course,
Basic Costs shall not include the cost of capital  improvements,  whether in the
nature of replacements,  repairs, improvements,  alterations or additions. Basic
Costs shall also exclude  depreciation,  interest (except as provided above with
respect to the  amortization  of capital  improvements  under  IV.B.11.),  lease
commissions, and principal payments on mortgage and other non-operating debts of
Landlord.  In addition,  the following  costs,  expenses and items shall also be
deemed to be excluded from the calculation of Expenses:

a) amortization and  depreciation of Landlord's  acquisition  cost,  development
expenses  and  construction  costs for the Building  and,  except as provided in
IV.B.11 above, all future capital additions or improvements thereto;

b) except as provided in IV.B.11 above,  interest and principal  payments on any
debt of Landlord or debt which is secured with a lien on the Building, including
late fees,  default interest and other costs charged to Landlord with respect to
such indebtedness;

c) the cost of tenant  installations and decorations incurred in connection with
preparing,  altering or improving space for any tenant,  other than  maintenance
and repairs provided by Landlord to tenants of the Building in general;

d) overhead and profit  increment paid to  subsidiaries  or other  affiliates of
Landlord  for services on or to the  Property,  Building  and/or  Premises to me
extent only that the costs of such services exceed the competitive cost for such
services rendered by persons or entities of comparable skill and experience;

e) property  management fees in excess of the prevailing  market management fee,
from time to time, for comparable  first class buildings in the Fairfield County
area. In determining  whether the management fee payable  hereunder is in excess
of the prevailing  market  management fee, all forms of compensation and expense
reimbursement  (including  amounts  under  IV.B.2  above)  shall be  taken  into
consideration.  For example,  consideration  shall be given to the percentage of
gross  receipts  the  managing  agent is entitled to receive,  the amount of all
costs that are paid for by the managing agent out of the management fee, and the
amount of all costs of managing the  building  that are paid for directly by the
owner of the building in question;

f) any  repairs  or  other  work  resulting  from or  occasioned  by  damage  or
destruction due to fire or other major casualty, provided that the amount of any
reasonable insurance policy deductible may be included within Basic Costs;


                                            8


<PAGE>



g) the cost of any repairs or alterations directly resulting from a condemnation
or other taking by any governmental agency;

h) marketing expenses, advertising expenses and brokerage commissions;

i) legal fees incurred in connection with disputes with tenants, the enforcement
of leases of space in the  Building,  procuring new tenants or  prospective  new
tenants for the Building, including preparing leases, procuring, negotiation and
closing any financing, or any sale of Landlord's interest in the Building;

j) the cost of any  services  that are  provided  to one or more  tenants of the
Building, but not available to Tenant;

k) the cost of any specific  services that are of a benefit only to tenants that
are engaged in a specific  business or type of business  (e.g.  a shuttle bus to
the county court house that will only be of use to attorneys  occupying space in
the Building);

l) the cost of installation, operating  and  maintaining  any  specialty service
from which Tenant shall be excluded;

m) any fee for the  management  of the Building  other than the fee specified in
paragraph  IV.B.2 above,  provided that  Landlord  shall not be prohibited  from
including  any such  management  or  similar  fee in Basic  Costs so long as the
aggregate  amount of all such fees  (including  all  forms of  compensation  and
expense  reimbursement)  does not exceed the  prevailing  market  management fee
(determined as provided  above),  from time to time, for comparable  first class
buildings in the Fairfield County area;

n) costs properly  allocable to other properties owned or managed by Landlord or
any parties  affiliated with Landlord (or affiliated with Landlord's  partners),
provided if Landlord  incurs costs and expenses that benefit other  buildings in
addition to the Building,  Landlord  shall have the right to equitably  allocate
such costs and expenses  among any and all  buildings  (including  the Building)
receiving the benefit thereof;

o) the  cost of any  items  for  which  Landlord  is  reimbursed  by  insurance,
manufacturer's warranty,  judgment,  settlement, tax rebate or otherwise, net of
all reasonable costs of recovery of insurance or other proceeds;

p) insurance premiums to the extent Landlord is separately reimbursed therefor;

q) lease payments for rented  equipment,  the cost of which  equipment (i) would
constitute a capital  expenditure  if purchased,  and (ii) could not properly be
included in Basic Costs under the terms hereof,  provided that Landlord shall be
entitled  to include  the cost of any  equipment  that is rented on a  temporary
basis for the purpose of restoring any essential service to the Building;

r) costs  incurred by Landlord for trustee's  fees,  partnership  organizational
expenses  and  accounting  fees to the extent  relating  to  Landlord's  general
corporate overhead and general administrative expenses;

s) Landlord's general corporate overhead and administrative expenses,  including
but not limited to,  salaries of officers and  executives of Landlord  above the
level of general manager;

t) the incremental  cost of HVAC provided to specific tenant spaces during hours
other than Normal Business Hours;

u) legal costs and  expenses  and court costs and  expenses in  connection  with
default by any tenant of the Building;

v) ground rent, or any other  payments made by Landlord under any superior lease
of the Building;

                                            9


<PAGE>

w) expenses  incurred  in  connection  with the  financing,  refinancing,  sale,
transfer or other  disposition  of the Building or Property or of the Landlord's
interest therein;

x) repairs to the structure of the Building;

y) the cost of remediating any Hazardous  Substances (as such term is defined in
Exhibit C hereto),  and all costs of defending,  challenging  and complying with
any  Environmental  Laws (as such term is defined  in Exhibit C hereto)  enacted
after the date hereof.

z) travel and mileage reimbursements for Landlord's employees that are above and
beyond those  reimbursements  that are recognized as appropriate  Expenses under
commonly acceptable building management principles.

If a cost or expense may permissibly be included under more than one category of
Basis  Costs,  such cost or expense  shall be included  only once where to do so
more than once would cause a  duplication  of, and a similar  increase in, Basic
Costs. In no event shall the total amount of Expenses (prior to gross-up) exceed
Landlord's actual out-of-pocket costs for operating, maintaining,  repairing and
managing the Building in such calendar year.

If the Building is not at least  ninety-five  percent (95%) occupied  during any
calendar year of the Lease Term or if Landlord is not  supplying  services to at
least  ninety-five  percent (95%) of the total  Rentable Area of the Building at
any time  during any  calendar  year of the Lease Term,  actual  Basic Costs for
purposes  hereof shall be  determined  as if the  Building had been  ninety-five
percent (95%) occupied and Landlord had been  supplying  services to ninety-five
percent (95%) of the Rentable Area of the Building during such year. Basic Costs
for  such  Base  Year  shall  also be  determined  as if the  Building  had been
ninety-five  percent (95%) occupied and Landlord had been supplying  services to
ninety-five  percent (95%) of the Rentable  Area of the Building.  Any necessary
extrapolation  of Basic Costs under this Article shall be performed by adjusting
the cost of those  components of Basic Costs that are impacted by changes in the
occupancy  of the  Building  (including,  but not limited to,  management  fees,
utilities,  Taxes [if and to the extent the Building is not fully  assessed] and
janitorial  and cleaning  service) to the cost that would have been  incurred if
the Building had been  ninety-five  percent (95%) occupied and Landlord had been
supplying  services to  ninety-five  percent  (95%) of the Rentable  Area of the
Building.

C.  Tenant,  within  ninety (90) days after  receiving  Landlord's  statement of
actual  Basic  Costs for a  particular  calendar  year,  shall have the right to
provide  Landlord  with written  notice (the  "Review  Notice") of its intent to
review  Landlord's  books  and  records  relating  to the  Basic  Costs for such
calendar year.  Within a reasonable  time (not to exceed thirty [30] days) after
receipt of a timely Review  Notice,  Landlord  shall make such books and records
available  to Tenant or  Tenant's  agent for its  review  and  photocopying  (at
Tenant's  expense)  during Normal  Business Hours at the office of the Building.
Tenant  shall be solely  responsible  for any and all costs,  expenses  and fees
incurred by Tenant or Tenant's agent in connection  with such review.  If Tenant
elects to review Landlord's books and records, within sixty (60) days after such
books and records are made  available to Tenant,  Tenant shall have the right to
give  Landlord  written  notice  stating in  reasonable  detail any objection to
Landlord's  statement of actual Basic Costs for such  calendar  year.  If Tenant
fails to give Landlord  written  notice of objection  within such sixty (60) day
period or fails to provide  Landlord with a Review Notice within the ninety (90)
day period  provided above,  Tenant shall be deemed to have approved  Landlord's
statement  of Basic Costs in all respects  and shall  thereafter  be barred from
raising any claims with respect  thereto.  Upon  Landlord's  receipt of a timely
objection  notice from Tenant,  Landlord and Tenant shall work  together in good
faith for a period of up to ninety (90) days to resolve the discrepancy  between
Landlord's  statement and Tenant's review.  If Landlord and Tenant are unable to
resolve such dispute within ninety (90) days, the disagreement


                                       10


<PAGE>
may be referred  by either  party for prompt  decision by a mutually  acceptable
"big six"  codified  public  accounting  firm,  which firm shall be deemed to be
acting as an expert and not as an arbitrator,  and a determination signed by the
selected big six accounting firm shall be final and binding on both Landlord and
Tenant.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if Tenant  has  Landlord's  books and
records  reviewed  by  an  entity  that  will  be  compensated  by  Tenant  on a
contingency  basis, the results of such review shall not be available to the big
six accounting firm (and shall not be considered in such firms decision)  unless
such  results  are first  certified  to be correct by an  independent  certified
public accounting firm. If Landlord and Tenant determine (by mutual agreement or
by a third party "big six"  accounting  firm) that Basic Costs for the  calendar
year in question are less than reported,  Landlord shall promptly provide Tenant
with a refund in the amount of any  overpayment by Tenant.  In addition,  in the
event that it is determined  (by mutual  agreement or by a third party "big six"
accounting firm) that Landlord's  statement of Basic Costs for the Building with
respect to the period in question  are equal to or greater than one hundred five
percent  (105%) of the actual  Basic  Costs for the  Building  for such  period,
Landlord  shall  reimburse  Tenant for any  reasonable  and direct costs paid by
Tenant to third parties performing such audit.  Likewise, if Landlord and Tenant
determine  that Basic Costs for the  calendar  year in question are greater than
reported,  Tenant shall  forthwith pay to Landlord the amount of underpayment by
Tenant.  Any  information  obtained by Tenant pursuant to the provisions of this
Section shall be treated as confidential. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary,  Tenant shall not be permitted to examine Landlord's books and records
or to dispute any  statement of Basic Costs  unless  Tenant has paid to Landlord
the amount due as shown on  Landlord's  statement of actual  Basic  Costs,  said
payment  being a condition  precedent  to Tenant's  right to examine  Landlord's
books and records.

D.   Tenant  covenants and agrees to  pay to  Landlord  during  the  Lease Term,
without any setoff or deduction  whatsoever,  the full amount of all Base Rental
and Additional Base Rental due hereunder.  In addition,  Tenant shall pay and be
liable for, as additional  rent,  all tax levied or imposed by any city,  state,
county or other  governmental  body having  authority  upon any Rent  payable by
Tenant hereunder, such payments to be in addition to all other payments required
to be paid to Landlord by Tenant under the terms and  conditions  of this Lease.
Any such payments  shall be paid  concurrently  with the payments of the Rent on
which the tax is based.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Tenant  shall only be
liable for tax imposed  upon the Rent  hereunder  if the  applicable  statute or
ordinance  makes  Tenant  the party  responsible  for the  payment  of such tax,
regardless of whether the duty to collect such tax is imposed upon Landlord. The
Base Rental,  Tenant's Pro Rata Share of Basic Costs and any  recurring  monthly
charges  due  hereunder  shall be due and payable in advance on the first day of
each  calendar  month during the Lease Term without  demand,  provided  that the
installment  of Base Rental for the first full calendar  month of the Lease Term
shall be payable upon the execution of this Lease by Tenant.  All other items of
Rent  shall be due and  payable  by Tenant on or before  thirty  (30) days after
billing by Landlord,  If the Lease Term  commences on a day other than the first
day of a  calendar  month or  terminates  on a day other  than the last day of a
calendar  month,  then the monthly  Base Rental and  Tenant's  Pro Rata Share of
Basic  Costs for such  month  shall be  prorated  for the number of days in such
month occurring  within the Term based on a fraction,  the numerator of which is
the number of days of the Lease Term that fell  within such  calendar  month and
the  denominator  of which is thirty (30).  All such payments shall be by a good
and sufficient  check. No payment by Tenant or receipt or acceptance by Landlord
of a lesser amount than the correct amount of Rent due under this Lease shall be
deemed to be other than a payment on account of the earliest Rent due hereunder,
nor shall any  endorsement or statement on any check or any letter  accompanying
any check or payment  be deemed an accord and  satisfaction,  and  Landlord  may
accept such check or payment  without  prejudice to Landlord's  right to recover
the balance or pursue any other

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<PAGE>
available remedy. The acceptance by Landlord of any Rent on a date after the due
date of such payment shall not be construed to be a waiver of  Landlord's  right
to declare a default for any other late payment.  Tenant's  covenant to pay Rent
shall be independent of every other covenant set forth in this Lease

E.   All Rent not paid when due and  payable shall bear interest  from  the date
due until paid at the lesser of: (1) the Prime Rate plus five  percent  (5%) per
annum;  or (2) the Maximum  Rate,  provided  that Tenant  shall be entitled to a
grace period of five (5) days with respect to the first two (2) late payments in
any calendar year. In addition,  if Tenant fails to pay any  installment of Rent
when due and payable  hereunder  and such  failure  continues  for five (5) days
after written notice from Landlord,  a service fee equal to five percent (5%) of
such unpaid amount will be due and payable immediately by Tenant to Landlord.

V. Use.

A.   The Premises shall be used  for the Permitted Use and for no other purpose.
Tenant agrees not to use or permit the use of the Premises for any purpose which
is  illegal,  dangerous  to life,  limb or  property  or  which,  in  Landlord's
reasonable opinion, creates a nuisance. In addition, Tenant agrees not to use or
permit the use of the Premises for any purpose which would  increase the cost of
insurance  coverage  with respect to the  Building,  unless Tenant agrees to pay
such increase in insurance costs and such use is not (i) otherwise prohibited by
the Lease,  or (ii)  dangerous to persons or property.  Tenant shall conduct its
business and control its agents, servants,  contractors,  employees,  customers,
licensees,  and invitees in such a manner as not to unreasonably interfere with,
annoy or disturb other  tenants,  or in any way  interfere  with Landlord in the
management and operation of the Building. Tenant will maintain the Premises in a
clean and healthful  condition,  and comply with all laws,  ordinances,  orders,
rules and regulations of any governmental entity with reference to the operation
of Tenant's  business and to the use,  condition,  configuration or occupancy of
the Premises,  including without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities Act
(collectively referred to as "Laws"). Tenant, within ten (10) days after receipt
thereof,  shall  provide  Landlord  with copies of any notices it receives  with
respect to a violation or alleged  violation of any Laws.  Tenant shall have the
right, upon giving prior written notice thereof to Landlord,  to contest, at its
expense, any such laws and requirements with which Tenant must comply under this
Article V, and, to the extent  permitted  by such law or other  requirement,  to
defer  compliance  during the pendency of the contest,  provided that (a) Tenant
shall  diligently  prosecute such contest;  (b) Tenant's  failure to comply with
such law or requirement will not subject Landlord to any prosecution or criminal
penalty,  or  foreclosure  of a mortgage  covering the Building;  and (c) Tenant
shall defend and indemnify and hold harmless  Landlord against all liability for
any  damages  resulting  from or  incurred in  connection  with such  contest or
compliance.  Tenant will comply with the rules and  regulations  of the Building
attached  hereto as Exhibit B and such other  reasonable  rules and  regulations
adopted  and  altered  by  Landlord  from time to time and will cause all of its
agents, servants,  contractors,  employees, customers, licensees and invitees to
do so. All changes to such rules and regulations will be reasonable and shall be
sent by Landlord to Tenant in writing.

B.    Nothing herein shall require Tenant to perform any alterations,  additions
or improvements to comply with laws or requirements of public  authorities under
any of the following circumstances (i) such laws or requirements are applicable,
generally,  to other office space in the Building and are not  applicable to the
Premises  solely by  reason of the  Tenant's  unique  or  particular  use of the
Premises,  provided  that  subject  to (ii) and  (iii)  below,  Tenant  shall be
responsible  for  any  changes  with  respect  to the  Initial  Alterations  and
subsequent  alterations,  additions  and  improvements  performed  by Tenant and
Landlord shall be responsible for changes to those elements of the Premises that
are in place on the date  possession is delivered to Tenant and are not modified
by Tenant as part of the Initial

                                       12


<PAGE>

Alterations,  (ii) such laws or requirements  would require the  installation or
upgrading  of  new or  additional  mechanical,  electrical,  plumbing,  HVAC  or
fire/life  safety  systems on a  Building-wide  basis  without  reference to the
particular use of Tenant or any other tenant, or (iii) such laws or requirements
would affect the Building's structural  components,  foundation,  roof, exterior
windows or exterior  walls.  Landlord will, at Landlord's  expense,  perform all
acts  required to comply with such laws or  requirements  as the same affect the
Premises  and the  Building.  Landlord  shall have the right to contest any such
laws and requirements with which Landlord must comply under this Article V, and,
to the extent  permitted by such law or other  requirement,  to defer compliance
during the pendency of the contest,  provided that (a) Landlord shall diligently
prosecute such contest;  and (b)  Landlord's  failure to comply with such law or
requirement  will not subject Tenant to any  prosecution or criminal  penalty or
unsafe or unhealthful condition.

VI.  Security Deposit.

INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

VII. Services to be Furnished by Landlord.

     A.    Landlord,  as part of Basic  Costs  (except as  otherwise  provided),
agrees to furnish Tenant the following services:

     1.   Cold water for use in the existing (as of the date hereof) hallway
drinking  fountains  and hot and cold water for the  lavatories  and  janitorial
closets on the floors on which the Premises is located.  If Tenant desires water
in the Premises for any other reason,  including a private  lavatory or kitchen,
cold water shall be supplied  from the  Building  water main  through a line and
fixtures  installed at Tenant's sole cost and expense with the prior  reasonable
consent  of  Landlord.  If Tenant  desires  hot water (in  addition  to the base
building lavatories and janitorial closets) in the Premises, Tenant, at its sole
cost and expense and subject to the prior  reasonable  consent of Landlord,  may
install a hot water heater in the Premises.  Tenant shall be solely  responsible
for maintenance and repair of any such hot water heater.

     2.   Core and perimeter heat and air  conditioning to the Premises during
Normal  Business  Hours,  at such  temperatures  and in such  amounts  as are in
compliance with the following basic  performance  conditions  attached hereto as
Exhibit E, or as required by  governmental  authority,  provided  that  Landlord
shall not be liable for any failure to maintain the temperature ranges set forth
in Exhibit E to the extent that such failure  arises out of either (a) an excess
density or electrical load within the Premises beyond any density or load limits
specified in this Lease,  or (b)  modifications  performed to the HVAC system by
Tenant or any contractors  retained by Tenant,  or (c) Tenant's  failure to keep
the window  covering in the Premises closed during periods when the Premises are
exposed to direct  sunlight.  In the event that Tenant  requires  central  heat,
ventilation or air conditioning at hours other than Normal Business Hours,  such
central heat,  ventilation or air conditioning  shall be furnished only upon the
written  request of Tenant  delivered  to Landlord at the office of the Building
prior to 3:00 p.m. of the Business Day for which such usage is requested,  or if
such usage is requested for other than a Business Day, prior to 3:00 p.m. of the
Business  Day  immediately  preceding  the day for which  service is  requested.
Tenant  shall pay  Landlord,  as  Additional  Base  Rental,  the entire  cost of
additional  service as such costs are  determined by Landlord from time to time.
As of the date hereof,  the charge for after hours HVAC  service is:  $25.00 per
hour per quarter floor;  $35.00 per hour per half floor; and $45.00 per hour per
full  floor.  If Tenant  desires  after hour HVAC  service  for less than a full
floor,  Tenant's  written  notice to Landlord  shall  specify the portion of the
floor for which after hours service is required.  Landlord  shall have the right
to increase the rates of after hours HVAC service from time to time during

                                       13


<PAGE>


the term of this Lease,  provided in no event shall any such increase exceed the
corresponding increase to Landlord in the cost of electricity and labor expended
by Landlord in furnishing such after hours HVAC service.

     3.   Maintenance  and repair of all Common  Areas in the manner and to the
extent reasonably deemed by Landlord to be standard for Class A office buildings
in Fairfield, Connecticut.

     4.   Janitor and cleaning  service to the Premises on Business Days in
accordance  with  Exhibit F (Cleaning  Specifications);  provided,  however,  if
Tenant's use, floor covering or other  improvements  require  special  services,
Tenant  shall  pay  the  additional  cost  reasonably  attributable  thereto  as
Additional Base Rental.

     5.   Passenger and  freight elevator service to both floors of the Premises
in common with other tenants of the Building.  Subject to the  non-operation  of
certain passenger and freight elevators due to events of Force Majeure or during
periods of maintenance, repair, renovation or replacement,  Landlord, as part of
Basic Costs,  shall provide public elevator  service from the Building Lobby and
Garage to the  Premises by six  passenger  elevators  and one  freight  elevator
during Normal Business Hours,  provided that, subject to Force Majeure, at least
one passenger  elevator and one freight elevator shall be available for Tenant's
use at all other times. Use of the freight elevator,  however,  shall be subject
to advance scheduling, taking into consideration the scheduled usage of Landlord
and the other tenants and occupants of the Building.

6.   Electricity to the Premises for general office use, in accordance with and
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Article XI of this Lease.


7.   Landlord will maintain not less than one (1) roving security guard at the
Building  24-hours  per day for each and every day of the Lease  Term.  Provided
that such  security  guard is on call by radio,  walkie  talkie or other similar
means of communication and is available to provide service to the Building, such
security  guard may be stationed at the Building or the building  commonly known
as Three  Stamford  Plaza  and/or may rove between the Building and the building
known as  Three  Stamford  Plaza.  Landlord  shall  also  (i)  maintain  sign-in
procedures or another comparable method of keeping track of persons entering the
Building  after  Normal  Business  Hours,   and  (ii)  have  closed  circuit  TV
surveillance in selected portions of the Garage and Building lobby areas,  which
closed circuit cameras shall be monitored by security  personnel  located at the
Building or the building  known as Three  Stamford  Plaza.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing  to the  contrary,  the  means,  method or system of  security  may be
reasonably  changed and  replaced by  Landlord,  provided  that at all times the
security system shall be reasonably  comparable to the existing  security system
described  above.  In making any such  changes,  Landlord  shall use  reasonable
efforts to assure that the  Building's  security  system is  comparable to other
first-class office buildings of similar age in Stamford,  Connecticut,  provided
that any  decision as to whether the cost of a  particular  upgrade will justify
the anticipated benefit to be derived therefrom shall be made by Landlord in its
reasonable discretion.

B.   The failure by Landlord to any extent to furnish,  or the  interruption  or
termination  of, any services in whole or in part,  resulting  from adherence to
laws, regulations and administrative  orders, wear, use, repairs,  improvements,
alterations  or any causes beyond the  reasonable  control of Landlord shall not
render  Landlord  liable  in any  respect  nor be  construed  as a  constructive
eviction of Tenant,  nor give rise to an abatement of Rent,  nor relieve  Tenant
from the obligation to fulfill any covenant or agreement  hereof.  Should any of
the equipment or machinery  used in the provision of such services for any cause
cease to function properly, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to repair such
equipment or machinery as promptly as possible.  Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained in this Section VII.B. if: (i) Landlord ceases to furnish any
service in the Building or Premises  which  Landlord is required to supply under
Article VII.A.  above for a period in excess of three (3) consecutive days after

                                       14
<PAGE>

Tenant notifies Landlord of such cessation (the "Interruption  Notice")(provided
that such Interruption  Notice shall not be required if Landlord has independent
knowledge of the cessation of such service),  (ii) such cessation does not arise
as a result of an act or omission of Tenant,  (iii) such cessation is not caused
by a fire or other casualty (in which case Article XIX shall control),  (iv) the
restoration  of such service is reasonably  within the control of Landlord,  and
(v) as a result of such cessation,  the Premises or a material  portion thereof,
is rendered  untenantable  (meaning that Tenant is unable to use the Premises or
any portion  thereof in the normal  course of its  business)  and Tenant in fact
ceases to use the Premises,  or material  portion thereof,  then Tenant,  as its
sole  remedy,  shall be  entitled  to receive an  abatement  of Base  Rental and
Additional  Base Rental  payable  hereunder  during the period  beginning on the
first  (1st) day of such  cessation  and  ending on the day when the  service in
question has been restored.

C.   Landlord  shall  not  be deemed to have warranted  the  efficiency  of  any
security  personnel,  service,  procedures  or  equipment.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  Landlord's  failure to maintain  the  security  described in Section
VII.A.7 above shall be considered to be a default by Landlord.

VIII. Leasehold Improvements.

         Any trade fixtures, equipment, personal property,  furnishings, art and
furniture,  or other personalty  brought into the Premises by Tenant  ("Tenant's
Property") which can be removed without material damage to the Building shall be
owned and insured by Tenant. Tenant shall remove all such Tenant's Property from
the Premises in  accordance  with the terms of Article XXXV hereof.  Any and all
alterations,  additions and improvements to the Premises,  including the Initial
Alterations  (as defined in Exhibit C),  including any built-in  furniture other
than Tenant's Property (collectively,  "Leasehold  Improvements") shall be owned
and  insured  by  Landlord  and shall  remain  upon the  Premises,  all  without
compensation,  allowance or credit to Tenant. Except as provided below, Landlord
may,  nonetheless,  at any time within six (6) months  after the  expiration  or
earlier  termination  of this Lease or  Tenant's  right to  possession,  require
Tenant to remove any Leasehold  Improvements  performed by or for the benefit of
Tenant and all electronic,  phone and data cabling as are designated by Landlord
(the "Required Removables") at Tenant's sole cost. In the event that Landlord so
elects,  Tenant shalt remove such Required Removables within ten (10) days after
notice from  Landlord,  provided  that in no event  shall  Tenant be required to
remove such Required  Removables prior to the expiration or earlier  termination
of this Lease or Tenant's  right to possession  of the Premises.  In addition to
Tenant's obligation to remove the Required  Removables,  Tenant shall repair any
material damage caused by such removal.  If Tenant fails to remove any specified
Required  Removables or to perform any required  repairs and restoration  within
the time period  specified above,  Landlord,  at Tenant's sole cost and expense,
may remove,  store,  sell and/or dispose of the Required  Removables and perform
such required repairs and restoration work.  Tenant,  within ten (10) days after
demand from Landlord,  shall reimburse Landlord for any and all reasonable costs
incurred by Landlord in connection with the Required Removables. Notwithstanding
any provisions to the contrary,  the Tenant shall not be obligated to remove any
of its Initial Alterations unless Landlord,  within ten (10) days after the date
on which it approves Tenant's final plans for the Initial Alterations,  notifies
Tenant in writing that such Initial Alterations,  or applicable portion thereof,
must be removed at the end of the Lease Term.  In addition,  with respect to any
alterations,  additions  or  improvements  performed  by or on  behalf of Tenant
subsequent to the Initial Alterations, Tenant may request in writing at the time
it  submits  its plans  and  specifications  for such  alteration,  addition  or
improvement, that Landlord advise Tenant whether Landlord will require Tenant to
remove,  at tr~e  termination  of this  Lease or  Tenant's  right to  possession
hereunder, SUCh alteration,  addition or improvement,  or any particular portion
thereof and Landlord  shall advise Tenant in writing  within ten (10) days after
receipt of  Tenant's  request  as to  whether  Landlord  will  require  removal;
provided,  however, Landlord shall not require Tenant to remove any usual office
improvements  such  as  gypsum  board,  partitions,  ceiling  grids  and  tiles,
fluorescent  lighting panels,  building standard doors and carpeting that is not
glued down
                                       15

<PAGE>

IX. Graphics.

         Landlord shall provide and install, at Tenant's cost, any suite numbers
and Tenant  identification  on the exterior of the  Premises  using the standard
graphics for the Building Provided that Tenant has made any necessary selections
in a timely manner and the necessary  materials are  available,  Landlord  shall
coordinate  with Tenant and Tenant's  contractors to assure that such signage is
installed in a prompt and timely manner. With the exception of Building Standard
signs,   Tenant   shall  not  be   permitted  to  install  any  signs  or  other
identification  on any  multi-tenant  floors on which the  Premises  are located
without Landlord's prior written consent. Provided that the same are not visible
from the  exterior  of the  Building,  Tenant  shall  have the right to  install
additional  signs on any full  floor on which  the  Premises  are  located.  For
purposes  hereof,  Tenant shall be  considered  to be a "full floor" tenant with
respect to any floor  that  Tenant has  leased in its  entirety,  regardless  of
whether  Tenant may have sublet or assigned  all or any portion of such floor to
one or more  transferees.  Landlord,  as part of Basic Costs,  shall  maintain a
Building  directory  in the lobby of the  Building.  Tenant shall be entitled to
have its Pro Rata  Share of lines  on the  Building's  lobby  directory  for the
purpose of identifying  Tenant and its subsidiaries and their respective and its
officers. Landlord shall be responsible for the cost of the initial installation
of such  names  and  Tenant  shall be  responsible  for the cost of any  changes
thereto  or  replacements  thereof.  Landlord  shall use good  faith  efforts to
accomplish any such changes to the Building  directory  within a reasonable time
after written request from Tenant for such change.

X. Repairs and Alterations.

A.   Except to the extent such obligations are imposed upon Landlord  hereunder
and except as to damage caused by fire or other  casualty,  Tenant,  at its sole
cost and expense,  shall perform all  maintenance and repairs to the Premises as
are  necessary  to keep the same in good  condition  and repair  throughout  the
entire  Lease  Term,  reasonable  wear and tear  excepted.  Tenant's  repair and
maintenance  obligations  with respect to the Premises  shall  include,  without
limitation, any necessary repairs with respect to: (1) any carpet or other floor
covering,  (2) any interior partitions,  (3) any doors, (4) the interior side of
any demising walls,  (5) any telephone and computer cabling that serves Tenant's
equipment  exclusively,  (6) any supplemental air  conditioning  units,  private
showers and  kitchens,  including  any  plumbing in  connection  therewith,  and
similar  facilities  serving  Tenant  exclusively,   and  (7)  any  alterations,
additions or improvements performed by contractors retained by Tenant.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not be responsible for and Landlord,
at its sole cost and expense  (except to the extent  properly  included in Basic
Costs)  shall be  responsible  for  promptly  making any repairs to the Premises
which may be required  by reason of (1) the neglect or other fault of  Landlord,
its employees,  agents or  contractors,  (2) defects in workmanship or materials
with  respect to the  initial  construction  of the  Building,  (3) a default by
Landlord in the performance of its maintenance and repair obligations  hereunder
(including any  obligation to repair defects in the external  windows and window
seals)  after  notice and a reasonable  opportunity  to cure,  (4) any latent or
hidden defects in the Base Building construction; and (5) all structural repairs
to the Premises,  not  necessitated  by the acts of Tenant or any of its agents,
employees,  contractors,  transferees  or  invitees.  All  such  work  shall  be
performed  in  accordance  with  section X.B below and the rules,  policies  and
procedures  reasonably enacted by Landlord from time to time for the performance
of work in the Building.  If Tenant fails to make any  necessary  repairs to the
Premises  within  thirty (30) days after  written  notice from Landlord (or such
shorter period of time as is reasonable in the event of an emergency),  Landlord
may, at its option, make such repairs,  and Tenant shall pay the cost thereof to
the  Landlord  on  demand  as   Additional   Base  Rental,   together   with  an
administrative  charge in an amount  equal to ten  percent  (10%) of the cost of
such repairs.
                                       16


<PAGE>
Landlord  shall,  at its expense  (except as included in Basic Costs),  keep and
maintain in good  repair and  working  order and make all repairs to and perform
necessary  maintenance  upon: (a) the roof,  exterior walls,  exterior  windows,
foundations  and structural  elements of the Building;  and (b) all  mechanical,
electrical,  HVAC and  plumbing  systems  that serve the  Building in general or
which  connect to the  Premises;  (c) all  perimeter  and core HVAC  serving the
Premises and all plumbing and electrical  systems serving the perimeter and core
HVAC serving the  Premises,  provided that Tenant shall be  responsible  for the
cost  of  any  repairs  or  replacements  that  are  necessitated  by  any  work
(including,  without limitation, the Initial Alterations) performed by Tenant or
any contractors  retained by Tenant;  and (d) the Building  facilities common to
all  tenants  including,  but not  limited  to, the  Garage  and  Common  Areas.
Landlord,  as part of Basic Costs, shall also keep and maintain the public areas
and public facilities of the Building,  including the Garage,  clean and in good
order.  To the extent the same are owned or  controlled  by  Landlord,  Landlord
shall keep tho  oidcwalko  adjoining  the  Building in good repair and shall use
reasonable efforts to keep the same free of accumulation of trash, snow, ice and
any unlawful obstructions.

B.   Tenant shall not make or  allow  to be made  any alterations, additions  or
improvements  to the Premises  without first  obtaining  the written  consent of
Landlord  in each such  instance  which  shall not be  unreasonably  delayed  or
withheld.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Landlord's  consent  shall  not  be
required for any alteration,  addition or improvement  that satisfies all of the
following  criteria:  1) costs less than $50,000.00,  2) is not visible from the
exterior of the  Premises or Building,  and 3) will not affect the  structure of
the Building, could not adversely affect the systems (e.g. plumbing, electrical,
HVAC.  fire/life safety) of the Building outside of the Premisp.  s :~nd dn~ not
require  work to be  performed  inside  the  walls or above the  ceiling  of the
Premises;  provided  that even if consent is not  required,  Tenant  shall still
comply with alt the other  provisions  of this Section X.B.  Prior to commencing
any such work and as a condition to obtaining  Landlord's  consent.  Tenant must
furnish Landlord with plans and  specifications  or working drawings  reasonably
acceptable to Landlord; names and addresses of contractors reasonably acceptable
to Landlord; copies of contracts;  necessary permits and approvals;  evidence of
contractor's  and  subcontractor's  insurance  in  accordance  with  Article XVI
section B. hereof;  and payment bond or other  security,  ali in form and amount
satisfactory   to   Landlord   (not  to  exceed  100%  of  the  cost  of  work).
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  it is hereby  agreed that Tenant  shall not be
required to post a payment bond or other security in connection with the Initial
Alterations  (as defined in Exhibit C). All such  improvements,  alterations  er
additions shall be constructed in a good and  workmanlike  manner using Building
Standard materials or other new materials of equal or greater quality. Landlord,
to the extent reasonably  necessary to avoid any unreasonable  disruption to the
tenants and occupants of the Building (e.g.  excessive noise from core drilling,
fumes from  painting or staining,  etc.),  shall have the right to designate the
time when any such alterations,  additions and improvements may be performed and
to otherwise  designate  reasonable  rules,  regulations  and procedures for the
performance  of work in the  Building.  Upon  completion,  Tenant shall  furnish
"as-built" plans, contractor's affidavits and full and final waivers of lien and
receipted bills covering all labor and materials. All improvements,  alterations
and additions shall comply with all insurance requirements,  codes,  ordinances,
laws  and  regulations,   including  without  limitation,   the  Americans  with
Disabilities Act. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord upon demand as Additional Base
Rental for all reasonable,  out-of-pocket sums, if any, expended by Landlord for
third party examination of the architectural,  mechanical, electric and plumbing
plans for any alterations,  additions or improvements.  In addition, if Landlord
so  requests,  Landlord  shall be entitled to oversee  the  construction  of any
alterations,  additions  or  improvements  that may affect the  structure of the
Building or any of the mechanical,  electrical,  plumbing or lite safety systems
of  the  Building.  In  addition,  if,  due to the  nature  of the  alterations,
additions or  improvements,  work needs to be  performed  in the Premises  after
Normal Business Hours,
                                       17


<PAGE>
Tenant,  within thirty (30) days after demand,  shall reimburse Landlord for the
reasonable  cost  (on an  hourly  basis)  of  having  Landlord's  management  or
engineering  personnel oversee the performance of such work. Landlord's approval
of Tenant's plans and  specifications for any work performed for or on behalf of
Tenant shall not be deemed to be a  representation  by Landlord  that such plans
and  specifications  comply with  applicable  insurance  requirements,  building
codes,  ordinances,  laws or regulations or that the alterations,  additions and
improvements  constructed in accordance with such plans and specifications  will
be adequate for Tenant's use.

XI. Use of Electrical Services by Tenant.

A.   All  electricity used by Tenant in the Premises (except for electricity  to
perimeter  and core HVAC  units  serving  the  Premises)  shall be paid for by a
separate  charge billed  directly to Tenant by Landlord and payable by Tenant as
Additional  Base Rental.  Such billing shall be based upon the average bulk rate
per kilowatt hour per billing period paid by Landlord for electricity  furnished
to the Building for the period in question, plus a reasonable administrative fee
(not to exceed 5%) for the cost of reading the meter in the Premises and billing
Tenant for the cost of any such  electricity.  To the  extent  such work has not
already been  performed,  Tenant shall be required to install a demand watt hour
check meter in the  Premises as part of the Initial  Alterations  to measure the
amount of electricity that is consumed by Tenant in the Premises. Landlord shall
be  responsible  for  reading  such  meter and  billing  Tenant  for the cost of
electricity  consumed  as measured by such  meter.  Tenant's  use of  electrical
service in the Premises  shall not exceed seven (7) watts per usable square foot
for lighting and power. In the event Tenant shall consume (or request that it be
allowed to consume)  electrical  service in excess of seven (7) watts per usable
square foot, Landlord shall provide such excess usage (provided Tenant agrees to
pay for any required  installation of utility service upgrades,  submeters,  air
handlers  or  cooling  units),  and all such  additional  usage  (to the  extent
permitted by law),  installation  and maintenance of such service upgrades shall
be paid for by Tenant as Additional Base Rental. Notwithstanding anything herein
to the  contrary,  Landlord  hereby  represents  and  agrees  that  the core and
perimeter  HVAC  units  serving  the  Premises  shall  not be  connected  to the
electrical meter for the Premises.  Any supplemental  HVAC units installed by or
for Tenant shall,  however, be connected to Tenant's electrical meter and Tenant
shall be responsible for the cost of all electricity consumed in connection with
the operation of such supplemental HVAC unit(s).

B.   If Landlord generates or distributes  electric  current for  the  Building,
Tenant shall obtain all current from Landlord and pay as Additional  Base Rental
Landlord's separately metered charges therefor,  provided,  however, that if the
cost of providing electricity is not included in Base Rental or Basic Costs, the
charges to Tenant  shall not  exceed  the rate that  would be charged  Tenant if
billed  directly by the local utility for the same services.  Landlord may cease
to furnish  electricity  upon thirty (30) days' prior written  notice,  provided
that within  such thirty (30) day period  Landlord  connects  the  Building  and
Premises with another adequate source of electric supply at Landlord's sole cost
and expense.

Xll. Entry by Landlord,

         Landlord  and its  agents or  representatives  shall  have the right to
enter the Premises to inspect the same,  or to show the Premises to  prospective
purchasers,  mortgagees,  tenants  (during the last  twelve  months of the Lease
Term) or  insurers,  or to  clean  or make  repairs,  alterations  or  additions
thereto,  including  any work that  Landlord  deems  necessary  for the  safety,
protection  or  preservation  of the Building or any  occupants  thereof,  or to
facilitate  repairs,  alterations  or  additions  to the  Building  or any other
tenants' premises.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord, without the consent
of Tenant, shall not perform any alterations or additions to or in the Premises,
unless Landlord,  in its reasonable judgment, determines that such additions (i)
will increase the
                                       18


<PAGE>

safety and security of the Building, (ii) will be beneficial to the occupants of
the Building in general,  (iii) are necessary to comply with applicable laws, or
(iv) will improve the operating efficiency of the Building. Except for any entry
by  Landlord  in an  emergency  situation  or to  provide  normal  cleaning  and
janitorial  service,  Landlord shall provide Tenant with reasonable prior notice
of any  entry  into  the  Premises,  which  notice  may be  given  verbally.  If
reasonably  necessary for the protection and safety of Tenant and its employees,
Landlord  shall  have the  right  upon  reasonable  prior  notice  to  Tenant to
temporarily  close the Premises to perform repairs,  alterations or additions in
the Premises, provided that Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to perform alt
such work on weekends and after Normal  Business Hours and to complete such work
and  "reopen"  the  Premises  as quickly  as  possible.  Landlord  will also use
reasonable  efforts to perform work on weekends and after Normal  Business Hours
and to  complete  such work as  quickly as  possible  if such work will cause an
unreasonable  disruption to the operation of Tenant's  business in the Premises.
Entry by Landlord  hereunder  shall not  constitute a  constructive  eviction or
except  as  otherwise  provided  herein,  entitle  Tenant  to any  abatement  or
reduction of Rent by reason  thereof.  Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary
contained herein, Landlord shall perform any entry into the Premises in a manner
that is reasonably designed to minimize any interference with Tenant's access to
or use of the Premises. In the event the making of any such repair,  alteration,
improvement or addition shall cause the Premises to be  inaccessible or unusable
by Tenant, as determined in Tenant's reasonable judgment,  for a period of three
(3) days,  then Base Rental and  Additional  Base Rental payable under the Lease
shall  abate  during  the  period  beginning  on the  first  (1st)  day that the
Premises,  or portion  thereof,  are  inaccessible or unusable and ending on the
date on which the  Premises,  or  applicable  portion  thereof,  are once  again
accessible  and usable by  Tenant.  if less than then the  entire  Premises  are
inaccessible  or  unusable  by  Tenant,  any  abatement  hereunder  shall  be in
proportion to the percentage of the Premises that are  inaccessible or unusable.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Tenant  shall  not be  entitled  to a  partial
abatement of Base Rental and Additional  Base Rental  hereunder  unless at least
ten percent (10%) of the Premises are rendered inaccessible or unusable.

XIII. Assignment and Subletting,

A.   Except as otherwise provided  in  XIII.F.  below,  Tenant shall not assign,
sublease,  transfer or encumber this Lease or any interest  therein or grant any
license,  concession  or other right of occupancy of the Premises or any portion
thereof or otherwise  permit the use of the  Premises or any portion  thereof by
any  party  other  than  Tenant  (any of which  events is  hereinafter  called a
"Transfer")  without the prior written consent of Landlord,  which consent shall
not be unreasonably  withheld or delayed with respect to any proposed assignment
or subletting.  Landlord's consent shall not be considered unreasonably withheld
if: (1) the proposed  transferee's  financial  responsibility  does not meet the
same  criteria  Landlord  uses to  select  Building  tenants;  (2) the  proposed
transferee's  business is not suitable for a Class-A Building;  (3) the proposed
use is  different  than the  Permitted  Use; (4) the  proposed  transferee  is a
government  agency;  (5) the proposed  transferee is an occupant of the Building
and Landlord  has  comparable  space in the Building  suitable for Lease by such
occupant;  (6) Tenant is in  default  beyond the  expiration  of all  applicable
notice and cure periods;  (7) Landlord  would be subject to additional  material
obligations or would be required to incur additional  material costs as a result
of any portion of the Building or Premises  becoming  subject to  additional  or
different  governmental  laws or  regulations  as a consequence  of the proposed
Transfer  and/or the  proposed  transferee's  use and  occupancy of the Premises
(unless Tenant or such proposed  assignee or sublessee  agrees to be responsible
for payment of such additional costs and, in addition, agrees to place an amount
sufficient to perform any necessary  restoration in an escrow account reasonably
acceptable to Landlord);  (8) the proposed  transferee desires to use all or any
portion of the  Premises  for the  operation  of a  executive  suite or personal
agency and such use would  result in a violation  by  Landlord  of an  exclusive
right granted to another tenant in the Building; or (g) Cummings & Lockwood or a
successor thereof is a tenant in the Building and the transferee  desires to use
all or any  portion of the  Premises  for the  operation  of a law firm.  Tenant
acknowledges that Landlord is currently prohibited from allowing the Premises to
be used for
                                       19

<PAGE>
the  operation of a law firm  pursuant to the terms and  conditions of its lease
with Cummings & Lockwood. Tenant acknowledges that the foregoing is not intended
to be an  exclusive  list of the  reasons  for  which  Landlord  may  reasonably
withhold its consent to a proposed  Transfer;  provided that (7)  identifies all
"exclusive rights" which shall be binding upon Tenant. Any attempted Transfer in
violation of the terms of this Article  shall,  at Landlord's  option,  be void.
Consent by  Landlord to one or more  Transfers  shall not operate as a waiver of
Landlord's rights as to any subsequent Transfers. In addition, Tenant shall not,
without  Landlord's prior consent,  publicly  advertise the proposed rental rate
for any Transfer. Landlord acknowledges that direct broker mailings shall not be
considered to be public advertisements for purposes hereof.

B.   If Tenant requests Landlord's consent to a Transfer, Tenant,  together with
such consent,  shall provide  Landlord with the name of the proposed  transferee
and the nature of the business of the proposed transferee, the term, use, rental
rate and all other  material  terms and  conditions  of the  proposed  Transfer,
including,  without limitation,  a copy of the proposed assignment,  sublease or
other  contractual  documents and evidence  reasonably  satisfactory to Landlord
that  the  proposed  transferee  is  financially  responsible  in  light  of the
remaining  Tenant  obligations  under  this  Lease.  Notwithstanding  Landlord's
agreement to act reasonably  under Section XIII.A.  above,  Landlord may, within
thirty (30) days after its receipt of all information and documentation required
herein,  either, (1) consent to or reasonably refuse to consent to such Transfer
in writing;  or (2) if Tenant desires to assign this Lease or to sublet one full
floor or more of the Premises for  substantially all of the then remaining Lease
Term,  negotiate directly with the proposed transferee and in the event Landlord
is able to reach an agreement  with such  proposed  transferee,  terminate  this
Lease with respect to the portion of the Premises  being assigned or sublet upon
thirty (30) days'  notice;  or (3) if Tenant  desires to assign this Lease or to
sublet one full floor or more of the Premises for  substantially all of the then
remaining  Lease  Term,  cancel and  terminate  this  Lease with  respect to the
portion of the Premises  being assigned or sublet upon thirty (30) days' notice.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Landlord shall not have the right to terminate
this Lease in accordance  with (2) or (3) above in  connection  with a Corporate
Transfer  (defined  below) or with respect to a subletting of any portion of the
Premises  that had not  previously  been  occupied by Tenant.  In  addition,  if
Landlord  would be  entitled  to  terminate  this Lease  under (2) or (3) above,
Tenant, prior to entering into a sublease or assignment, shall have the right to
advise  Landlord (the "Prior  Notice") of its intention to sublet  substantially
all of the Premises or assign this Lease.  Such Prior Notice shall set forth the
proposed  effective  date of such  subletting or  assignment.  Landlord,  within
thirty  (30) days  after  receipt of the Prior  Notice,  shall have the right to
terminate  this  Lease with  respect  to any full floor or more of the  Premises
proposed to be assigned or sublet for  substantially  all of the remaining Lease
Term as of the effective  date set forth in the Prior Notice.  If Landlord fails
to  exercise  its right to  terminate  within  thirty  (30) days after the Prior
Notice,  Landlord  shall not have the right to cancel and  terminate  this Lease
under (2) or (3) above, in connection  with any proposed  sublease or assignment
that  Tenant  enters  into  within a period  of  twelve  (12)  months  after the
expiration of such thirty (30) day period. In the event Landlord consents to any
such Transfer,  the Transfer and consent  thereto shall be in a form  reasonably
approved by Landlord,  and Tenant shall bear all  reasonable  costs and expenses
incurred  by  Landlord  in  connection  with the  review  and  approval  of such
documentation. So long as Tenant or any proposed transferee does not request any
changes  to this  Lease or  Landlord's  standard  form of  consent  to  sublease
attached  hereto as  Exhibit  G-1 or  Landlord's  standard  form of  consent  to
assignment  attached  hereto as Exhibit G-2, as the case may be,  Landlord shall
not be entitled to recover more than Seven Hundred  Fifty  Dollars  ($750.00) in
connection with its review and approval of any subletting or assignment.

C.   If Landlord consents to any subletting, then one-half (1/2) of any rent or
other  consideration paid to Tenant by such subtenant in excess of the Rent paid
by Tenant which is allocable to the subleased space, less Tenant's

                                       2O


<PAGE>
marketing expenses, brokers' commissions, attorney's fees, Landlord's fees under
B. above, free-rent,  other concessions provided to such sublessee and the costs
of  alterations  to the  Premises to  accommodate  a sublease,  shall be paid by
Tenant to  Landlord  upon  receipt by Tenant from such  sublessee.  In the event
Landlord  consents to any  assignment of this Lease,  then one half (1/2) of any
rent paid by such  assignee  which is in excess of the Rent then  being  paid by
Tenant to Landlord pursuant to the terms of this Lease, less Tenant's  marketing
expenses, brokers' commissions, attorney's fees, Landlord's fees under B. above,
free-rent  and other  concessions  provided to such  assignee,  shall be paid by
Tenant to  Landlord.  In  addition  to any  other  rights  Landlord  may have in
connection with an uncured event of monetary  default by Tenant,  Landlord shall
have the right to contact any  transferee  and require  that all  payments  made
pursuant to the Transfer shall be made directly to Landlord.

D.   Except as  provided in F. below, if Tenant is a corporation, limited
liability  company or similar  entity,  and if at any time during the Lease Term
the person,  persons or entity or entities who own the voting shares at the time
of the execution of this Lease cease for any reason  (including  but not limited
to merger,  consolidation or other reorganization involving another corporation)
to own a majority of such shares,  or if Tenants is a partnership  and if at any
time during the Lease Term the general  partner or partners  who own the general
partnership  interests in the  partnership  at the time of the execution of this
Lease,  cease for any reason to own a majority of such interests  (except as the
result of transfers  by gift,  bequest or  inheritance  to or for the benefit of
members of the immediate family of such original  shareholder[s] or partner[s]),
such an event shall be deemed to be a Transfer. The preceding sentence shall not
apply whenever Tenant is a corporation, the outstanding stock of which is listed
on a recognized  security  exchange,  or if at least eighty percent (80%) of its
voting  stock is owned by another  corporation,  the voting stock of which is so
listed,  or transfers  resulting from the public offering of any voting stock of
Tenant.

E.   Any Transfer consented to by Landlord in accordance with this Article XIII
shall be only for the Permitted Use and for no other purpose.  In no event shall
any Transfer  release or relieve Tenant or any Guarantors  from any  obligations
under this Lease.

F.   Notwithstanding  any  provision of this Lease to the  contrary, the  Tenant
may, without the necessity of obtaining the Landlord's consent,  and without the
same being deemed an event of default hereunder:

(i) assign or sublet its interest in this Lease, in whole or in part, to (a) any
person, persons, entity or entities, then owning a majority of the capital stock
of Tenant,  (b) any entity in which the majority of the total  interest is owned
by Tenant or is owned by the  owner(s) of the  majority of the capital  stock of
the Tenant,  (c) any successor  corporation to Tenant by merger or consolidation
and  any  transferee  of  substantially  all of the  Tenant's  business  assets,
providing such transferee also assumes substantially all of Tenant's liabilities
(including  all of Tenant's  liabilities  under this Lease) and has a net worth,
immediately prior to such transfer, not less than that of the Tenant at the date
of this Lease or immediately prior to such transfer (any assignment  pursuant to
this subparagraph (i) shall be referred to as a "Permitted Assignment"), and

(ii)  transfer  a  majority,  or  all,  of the  capital  stock  of  the  Tenant,
voluntarily  or  involuntarily,  to  any  individual  or  entity  related  to or
affiliated with the holder of a majority of the outstanding capital stock of the
Tenant at the time of the execution of this Lease.

The transfers  described in Xll1.F.(i) and  Xl11.F.(ii)  above are  collectively
referred to as "Corporate Transfers".  Tenant shall provide Landlord with notice
of any Corporate  Transfer  within  fifteen (15) days after the  effective  date
thereof. On or before the effective date of any Corporate  Transfer,  Tenant and
any such corporate transferee shall execute and deliver to

                                       21


<PAGE>

Landlord  a fully  executed  copy of  Landlord's  standard  form of  consent  to
assignment or consent to sublease, as the case may be.

XIV. Liens.

         Tenant will not permit any mechanic's  liens or other liens,  resulting
from work performed at Tenant's  request or materials  furnished to the Premises
at  Tenant's  request,  to be placed upon the  Premises  or  Tenant's  leasehold
interest  therein,  the  Building,  or the  Property.  Landlord's  title  to the
Building  and  Property  is and always  shall be  paramount  to the  interest of
Tenant,  and nothing  herein  contained  shall empower Tenant to do any act that
can,  shall or may encumber  Landlord's  title.  In the event any such lien does
attach,  Tenant shall,  within  forty-five  (45) days of notice of the filing of
said  lien,  either  discharge  or bond over such  lien to the  satisfaction  of
Landlord and Landlord's Mortgagee (as hereinafter defined), and in such a manner
as to remove the lien as an  encumbrance  against  the  Building  and  Property.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,  if Landlord is then under contract for a sale of
the Building or receives  notice from its Mortgagee that the existence of a lien
of the nature described herein constitutes a default under Landlord's  Mortgage,
the  forty-five  (45) day period set forth above shall be  shortened to ten (10)
days after the date on which Landlord  provides  Tenant with notice of such sate
or default.  If Tenant  shall fail to se discharge or bond over such lien within
the  applicable  time period set forth  herein,  then,  in addition to any other
right or remedy of Landlord,  upon prior written notice to Tenant, Landlord may,
but shall not be obligated to bond over or discharge  the same.  Any amount paid
by Landlord for any of the aforesaid purposes,  including reasonable  attorneys'
fees (if and to the extent permitted by law) shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord
on demand as Additional  Base Rental.  Landlord shall have the right to post and
keep posted on the  Premises  any  notices  that may be provided by law or which
Landlord may deem to be proper for the protection of Landlord,  the Premises and
the Building from such liens.

XV. Indemnity and Waiver of Claims,

A.   Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold  Landlord, its members, principals,
beneficiaries,   partners,  officers,  directors,  employees,  Mortgagee(s)  and
agents,   and  the  respective   principals  and  members  of  any  such  agents
(collectively  the "Landlord  Related  Parties")  harmless  against and from air
liabilities,   obligations,  damages,  penalties,  claims,  costs,  charges  and
expenses,  including,  without limitation,  reasonable attorneys' fees and other
professional  fees (if and to the extent permitted by law), which may be imposed
upon,  incurred by, or asserted  against Landlord or any of the Landlord Related
Parties in connection with any third party claim arising out of or in connection
with the use,  occupancy or  maintenance  of the  Premises by,  through or under
Tenant  including,  without  limitation,  any of the following:  (1) any work or
thing done in, on or about the  Premises or any part thereof by Tenant or any of
its transferees, agents, servants, contractors, employees, or licensees; (2) any
use, non-use, possession, occupation, condition, operation or maintenance of the
Premises or any part thereof (except if due to Landlord's failure to perform any
required  obligation under this Lease, or if due to the negligence or misconduct
of Landlord or its agents or another Building  tenant);  (3) any act or omission
of Tenant or any of its transferees,  agents, servants, contractors,  employees,
or  licensees,  regardless of whether such act or omission  occurred  within the
Premises; (4) any injury or damage to any person or property occurring in, on or
about the Premises or any part thereof  (except if due to Landlord's  failure to
perform any required obligation under this Lease, or if due to the negligence or
misconduct  of Landlord or its agents or another  Building  tenant);  or (5) any
failure on the part of Tenant to perform  or comply  with any of the  covenants,
agreements,  terms or conditions  contained in this Lease with which Tenant must
comply or perform.  In case any action or proceeding is brought against Landlord
or any of the Landlord Related Parties by reason of any of the foregoing, Tenant
shall,  at  Tenant's  sole cost and  expense,  resist and defend  such action or
proceeding with counsel reasonably approved by Landlord.

                                       22


<PAGE>
Notwithstanding  Section  XV.A.  above  to the  contrary,  Tenant  shall  not be
required to indemnify, defend and hold harmless any Landlord Related Parties and
Landlord  shall  indemnify,  defend and hold Tenant,  its  members,  principals,
beneficiaries,  partners,  officers,  directors,  employees  and  agents and the
respective  principals  and  members of such agents  (collectively,  the "Tenant
Related  Parties")  harmless  from and  against  all  liabilities,  obligations,
damages,  penalties,  claims,  costs, charges and expenses,  including,  without
limitation,  reasonable  attorneys' fees and other  professional fees (if and to
the  extent  permitted  by law),  which may be  imposed  upon,  incurred  by, or
asserted  against Tenant or any of the Tenant Related Parties in connection with
any third party claim arising out of or in connection with (i) any negligence or
misconduct of Landlord or its agents, servants,  contractors,  and employees, or
(ii)  Landlord's  failure to perform  any  obligation  Landlord  is  required to
perform under this Lease within a reasonable period of time after written notice
from Tenant.

B.   Landlord and the Landlord  Related  Parties shall not be liable for, and,
except as provided in Vll.B. and Xll. herein,  Tenant hereby waives,  all claims
for loss or  damage to  Tenant's  business  or  damage  to  person  or  property
sustained  by Tenant (or any  sublessee  or licensee  claiming  through  Tenant)
resulting  from any accident or  occurrence  in, on or about the  Premises,  the
Building or the Property,  including, without limitation, claims far loss, theft
or damage  resulting  from:  (1) the  Premises,  Building,  or Property,  or any
equipment or appurtenances  becoming out of repair; (2) wind or weather; (3) any
defect in or failure to operate, for whatever reason, any sprinkler,  heating or
air-conditioning  equipment,  electric  wiring,  gas, water or steam pipes;  (4)
broken  glass;  (5) the  backing  up of any  sewer  pipe or  downspout;  (6) the
bursting, leaking or running of any tank, water closet, drain or other pipe; (7)
the  escape  of steam or water;  (8)  water,  snow or ice  being  upon or coming
through the roof, skylight, stairs, doorways,  windows, walks or any other place
upon or near to Building; (0) the falling of any fixture, plaster, tile or other
material;  (10) any act,  omission or negligence of other tenants,  licensees or
any other  persons or occupants  of the  Building or of adjoining or  contiguous
buildings,  or owners of adjacent or  contiguous  property or the public,  or by
construction  of any private,  public or  quasi-public  work;  or (11) any other
cause of any nature except, as to items 1-9, where such loss or damage is due to
Landlord's  negligence,  misconduct,  breach of this  Lease or  failure  to make
repairs  required to be made pursuant to other  provisions of this Lease,  after
the expiration of a reasonable time after written notice to Landlord of the need
for such  repairs  (provided  such  written  notice  shall not be  necessary  if
Landlord has independent knowledge of the need for such repair).

XVl. Tenant's Insurance.

A.   At all times commencing on and after the earlier of the  Commencement  Date
     and the date  Tenant or its agents,  employees  or  contractors  enters the
     Premises for any purpose, Tenant shall carry and maintain, at its sole cost
     and expense:

              1.  Commercial  General  Liability  Insurance  applicable  to  the
                  Premises and its  appurtenances  providing,  on an  occurrence
                  basis, a minimum  combined single limit of Two Million Dollars
                  ($2,000,000.00).

              2.  All Risks of Physical Loss  Insurance  written at  replacement
                  cost value and with a replacement  cost  endorsement  covering
                  all of Tenant's Property in the Premises.

              3.  Workers'  Compensation  Insurance  as required by the state in
                  which  the  Premises  is  located  and  in  amounts  as may be
                  required  by  applicable  statute,  and  Employers'  Liability
                  Coverage   of  One   Million   Dollars   ($1,000,000.00)   per
                  occurrence.

              4.  Tenant shall, upon request,  obtain such additional  insurance
                  as is  normally  and  customarily  maintained  by  tenants  at
                  Class-A  office  space in  Stamford,  Connecticut  at Tenant's
                  expense and provide Landlord with evidence thereof.


                                       23


<PAGE>





B.   Except for items for which  andlord is responsible  under Exhibit C  hereto
and the Work  Letter  Agreement,  before any  repairs,  alterations,  additions,
improvements,  or construction are undertaken by or on behalf of Tenant,  Tenant
shall carry and maintain, at its expense, or Tenant shall require any contractor
performing  work on the  Premises  to  carry  and  maintain,  at no  expense  to
Landlord,  in  addition to workers'  compensation  insurance  as required by the
jurisdiction in which the Building is located, All Risk Builder's Risk Insurance
in  the  amount  of  the  replacement  cost  of any  alterations,  additions  or
improvements  (or  such  other  amount  reasonably  required  by  Landlord)  and
Commercial  General  Liability   Insurance   (including,   without   limitation,
Contractor's  Liability coverage,  Contractual  Liability coverage and Completed
Operations  coverage,)  written on an occurrence  basis with a minimum  combined
single limit of Two Million Dollars  ($2,000,000.00) and adding the "owner(s) of
the Building and its (or their) respective members,  principals,  beneficiaries,
partners, officers, directors,  employees, agents ( and their respective members
and  principals) and  mortgagee(s)"  (and any other designees of Landlord as the
interest of such designees shall appear) as additional insureds.

C.   Any company  writing any insurance which Tenant is required to maintain or
cause to be maintained  pursuant to the terms of this Lease (all such  insurance
being  referred  to as  "Tenant's  Insurance"),  as  welt  as the  form  of such
insurance,  shall at all times be subject to Landlord's reasonable approval, and
each such insurance company shall have an A.M. Best rating of "A-" or better and
shall be  licensed  and  qualified  to do  business  in the  state in which  the
Premises is located.  All policies  evidencing  Tenant's  Insurance  (except for
Workers'  Compensation)  shall specify Tenant as named insured and the "owner(s)
of  the   Building   and  its  (or  their)   respective   members,   principals,
beneficiaries,  partners,  officers,  directors,  employees,  agents  (and their
respective members and principals) and mortgagee(s)" (and any other designees of
Landlord as the interest of such designees shall appear) as additional insureds.
Provided that the coverage afforded Landlord and any designees of Landlord shall
not be reduced or otherwise adversely affected, all of Tenant's Insurance may be
carried under a blanket  policy  covering the Premises and any other of Tenant's
locations.  Ail policies of Tenant's  Insurance shall contain  endorsements that
the  insurer(s)  will give to Landlord  and its  designees  at least thirty (30)
days' (ten (10) days in the event of  non-payment  of premium)  advance  written
notice of any  change,  cancellation,  termination  or lapse of said  insurance.
Tenant shall be solely  responsible  for payment of premiums for all of Tenant's
Insurance.  Tenant shall deliver to Landlord at least fifteen (15) days prior to
the time Tenant's  Insurance is first required to be carried by Tenant, and upon
renewals  at  least  fifteen  (15)  days  prior  to the  expiration  of any such
insurance  coverage,  a  certificate  of insurance  of all policies  procured by
Tenant in  compliance  with its  obligations  under  this  Lease.  The limits of
Tenant's Insurance shall in no event limit Tenant's liability under this Lease.

D.   Tenant shall not do or fail to do anything in, upon or about the Premises
which will:  (1) violate any  customary  terms  (taking into  consideration  any
unique characteristics of the Building) of any of Landlord's insurance policies;
(2) prevent Landlord from obtaining policies of insurance reasonably  acceptable
to Landlord or any  Mortgagees;  or (3) result in an increase in the rate of any
insurance on the Premises,  the Building,  any other  property of Landlord or of
others within the Building.  In the event of the occurrence of any of the events
set forth in this Section,  Tenant shall pay Landlord upon demand, as Additional
Base  Rental,  the cost of the  amount  of any  increase  in any such  insurance
premium,  provided that the  acceptance by Landlord of such payment shall not be
construed to be a waiver of any rights by Landlord in connection  with a default
by Tenant  under the Lease.  If Tenant  fails to obtain the  insurance  coverage
required  by this  Lease,  after ten (10) days prior  written  notice to Tenant,
Landlord may, at its option,  obtain such insurance for Tenant, and Tenant shall
pay, as  Additional  Base Rental,  the cost of all  premiums  thereon and all of
Landlord's costs associated therewith.
                                       24


<PAGE>

XVll. Subrogation.

         Notwithstanding  anything  set  forth in this  Lease  to the  contrary,
Landlord and Tenant do hereby waive any and all right of recovery, claim, action
or  cause  of  action   against   the  other,   their   respective   principals,
beneficiaries,  partners, officers,  directors, agents, and employees, and, with
respect to Landlord, its Mortgagee(s),  for any Toss or damage that may occur to
Landlord  or Tenant or any party  claiming  by,  through  or under  Landlord  or
Tenant,  as the case may be,  with  respect to their  respective  property,  the
Building,  the Property or the Premises or any addition or improvements thereto,
or any  contents  therein,  by reason of fire,  the elements or any other cause,
regardless of cause or origin,  including the  negligence of Landlord or Tenant,
or their respective principals,  beneficiaries,  partners, officers,  directors,
agents and employees and, with respect to Landlord, its Mortgagee(s), which loss
or damage is (or would have been, had the insurance  required by this Lease been
carried)  covered by  insurance.  Since this  mutual  waiver will  preclude  the
assignment  of any such claim by  subrogation  (or  otherwise)  to an  insurance
company  (or any other  person),  Landlord  and  Tenant  each agree to give each
insurance  company  which has  issued,  or in the future may issue,  policies of
insurance,  with respect to the items covered by this waiver,  written notice of
the terms of this mutual waiver,  and to have such insurance  policies  properly
endorsed,  if  necessary,  to prevent the  invalidation  of any of the  coverage
provided by such  insurance  policies by reason of such mutual  waiver.  For the
purpose of the foregoing waiver, the amount of any deductible  applicable to any
loss or damage shall be deemed covered by, and  recoverable by the insured under
the  insurance  policy to which  such  deductible  relates.  In the  event  that
Landlord or Tenant is  permitted to and  self-insures  any risk which would have
been covered by the insurance  required to be carried by such party hereunder or
if  Landlord  or Tenant  fails to carry any  insurance  required  to be  carried
hereunder,  then all loss or damage to Landlord  or Tenant,  as the case may be,
its leasehold interest, its business,  its property,  the Building,  Premises or
any  additions  or  improvements  thereto or  contents  thereof  shall be deemed
covered by and recoverable by such party under valid and collectible policies of
insurance.

         Without  limiting the scope of the foregoing,  each party hereto hereby
releases  the  other  (and its  servants,  agents,  contractors,  employees  and
invitees) with respect to any claim (including a claim for negligence)  which it
might otherwise have against the other party for loss, damages or destruction of
the type covered by insurance which such party is required or agrees to maintain
hereunder  with  respect to its property by fire or other  casualty  i.e. in the
case of Landlord, as to the Building, and, in the case of Tenant, as to Tenant's
Property (including rental value or business  interruption,  as the case may be)
occurring during the Term of this Lease.

XVIII. Landlord's Insurance.

         Landlord  shall  maintain full  replacement  cost,  all-risk,  extended
coverage  property  insurance  on the  Building  and  Garage  and the  Leasehold
Improvements  (excluding  Tenant's Property).  In addition,  so long as ZML-Four
Stamford Plaza Limited  Partnership or an affiliated  entity is the owner of the
Building,   Landlord  shall  maintain  Commercial  General  Liability  Insurance
applicable  to the Building and its  appurtenances  providing,  on an occurrence
basis, a minimum  combined single limit of Two Million Dollars  ($2,000,000.00).
The cost of all such  insurance  shall be included as a part of the Basic Costs,
and  payments  for  losses and  recoveries  thereunder  shall be made  solely to
Landlord or the Mortgagees of Landlord as their interests shall appear.

XIX. Casualty Damage,

A.   If the Premises or any part thereof or access  thereto  shall be damaged by
fire or other  casualty,  Tenant shall,  give prompt  written  notice thereof to
Landlord. In case the Building shall be so damaged that in Landlord's reasonable
judgment,  substantial  alteration or  reconstruction  of the Building  shall be
required  (whether or not the Premises has been damaged by such  casualty) or in
the event  Landlord  will not be  permitted  by  applicable  law to rebuild  the
Building in substantially the same form as existed prior to the fire or casualty
or in the event the Premises has been materially  damaged and there is less than
eighteen (18) months of the Lease Term remaining on the date of such casualty or
in the event any Mortgagee should require that the insurance proceeds payable as
a result of a casualty be applied to the

                                       25


<PAGE>
payment of the mortgage debt or in the event of any material  uninsured  loss to
the  Building,  Landlord may, at its option,  terminate  this Lease by notifying
Tenant in writing of such termination  within ninety (90) days after the date of
such  casualty.  Such  termination  shall be effective as of the date of fire or
casualty,  with  respect  to any  portion  of the  Premises  that  was  rendered
untenantable,  and the  effective  date of  termination  specified in Landlord's
notice,  with respect to any portion of the Premises that  remained  tenantable.
Notwithstanding anything in this Article XlX to the contrary, if the Premises or
any portion thereof are rendered inaccessible or inadequate for the operation of
Tenant's  business  as a result  of a fire or other  casualty,  then the  entire
Premises shall be deemed to be untenantable by Tenant  regardless of whether the
entire Premises is physically  damaged as a result of any such fire or casualty.
If Landlord does not elect to terminate this Lease,  Landlord shall commence and
proceed with reasonable  diligence to restore the Building and Garage  (provided
that  Landlord  shall not be required to restore  any  unleased  premises in the
Building unless  necessary to obtain a certificate of occupancy for the Premises
or  ameliorate  a hazard) and the  Leasehold  Improvements  (but  excluding  any
improvements,  alterations  or  additions  made by Tenant in  violation  of this
Lease)  located  within  the  Premises,  to the  same  condition  they  were  in
immediately prior to the happening of the casualty. When repairs to the Premises
have been  completed by  Landlord,  Tenant shall  complete  the  restoration  or
replacement of all Tenant's Property necessary to permit Tenant's reoccupancy of
the  Premises,  and Tenant  shall  present  Landlord  with  evidence  reasonably
satisfactory  to  Landlord  of  Tenant's  ability  to pay  such  costs  prior to
Landlord's  commencement  of repair and  restoration  of the Premises.  Landlord
shall not be liable for any  inconvenience  or  annoyance to Tenant or injury to
the  business  of Tenant  resulting  in any way from such  damage or the  repair
thereof,  except that Rent shall fully abate on a per diem basis during the time
and to the extent any damage to the Premises  causes the Premises to be rendered
untenantabte  and not used by Tenant.  If a portion of the  Premises is rendered
untenantable or inaccessible, Rent shall abate on a pro rata basis. Landlord and
Tenant hereby waive the provisions of any law from time to time in effect during
the  Lease  Term  relating  to the  effect  upon  leases  of  partial  or  total
destruction of leased property.  Landlord and Tenant agree that their respective
rights in the event of any damage to or  destruction  of the  Premises  shall be
those specifically set forth herein.

B.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in Section XIX.A  above,
within sixty (60) days  following the date of any damage to the Premises by fire
or other  casualty  or any damage to any other part of the  Building  by fire or
other  casualty  that renders the Premises  inaccessible,  Landlord must provide
Tenant with written notice stating whether  Landlord,  within twelve (12) months
following the date of such fire or other casualty, shall rebuild and restore any
damaged  portions of the Premises and perform such other work as is necessary to
make the Premises  reasonably  accessible by Tenant. In the event Landlord shall
fail to provide such notice to Tenant within such sixty (60) day period and such
failure shall continue for fifteen (15) days after Landlord's receipt of written
notice of such  failure  from  Tenant,  or in the event  Landlord  shall  timely
provide  such  notice  to Tenant  and shall  indicate  that  restoration  of the
Building and Premises  within such twelve (12) month period is not feasible,  or
that Landlord  does not intend to restore the Building or Premises,  then Tenant
may terminate  this Lease  effective upon delivery of written notice of Tenant's
election to  Landlord,  in which event the parties  hereto shall have no further
obligation  to one another by reason of this Lease,  except with respect to such
matters as are expressly  provided to survive the  termination of this Lease. In
such event, the Term of this Lease shall be at an end as if the date of Tenant's
notice were the stated Expiration Date hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Tenant's  notice of termination  must be given within thirty (30) days after the
date on which Tenant first becomes entitled to exercise such right hereunder. In
the event Landlord, in a timely manner, shall provide Tenant with written notice
that  Landlord  has  elected to restore  the  Building  and  Premises,  then the
Landlord  shall be  required  to fully  repair  and  restore  the  Building  and
Premises, including the Leasehold Improvements (other than the Tenant's Property
and  improvements  performed by Tenant in violation of the terms of this Lease),
to their  condition  prior to such damage  within such twelve (12) month  period
whether or not the insurance proceeds received by
                                       26

<PAGE>

Landlord  are adequate for such  restoration  and whether or not the  Landlord's
mortgagee permits Landlord to apply such insurance  proceeds to restoration.  In
the event that Landlord is unable to substantially  complete such restoration to
the  Premises,  including  the  Leasehold  Improvements  other than the Tenant's
Property  and to perform  such other work as is  necessary  to make the Premises
reasonably  accessible by Tenant within such twelve (12) month period, with time
being of the essence thereof,  then the Tenant may elect to terminate this Lease
effective upon the delivery of written  notice of such election to Landlord,  in
which event the parties  hereto shall have no further  obligation to one another
by reason of this Lease,  except with respect to such  matters as are  expressly
stated to survive the termination of this Lease.  In such event,  the Lease Term
of this  Lease  shall be at an end as if the date of  Tenant's  notice  were the
stated Expiration Date hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant's notice
of  termination  must be given  within  thirty (30) days after the date on which
Tenant first becomes entitled to exercise such right hereunder. In addition, the
twelve  (12)  month  repair and  restoration  period  set forth  above  shall be
extended  on a day for day  basis  for each  day that  Landlord  is  delayed  in
restoring the Premises or access thereto as a result of (i) any delays caused by
Tenant,  or (ii) any delays caused by events of Force Majeure,  provided that in
no event shall such  twelve  (12) months  period be extended by more that ninety
(90)  days as a result  of events  of Force  Majeure.  Notwithstanding  anything
herein to the contrary, if Landlord determines that it will be unable to restore
the  Premises or access  thereto  within the  applicable  time  period  provided
herein, Landlord shall have the right to provide Tenant with written notice (the
"Outside  Extension  Notice") of such inability,  which Outside Extension Notice
shall set forth the date on which Landlord  reasonably  believes that it will be
able to restore the  Premises  and access  thereto.  Upon receipt of the Outside
Extension  Notice,  Tenant  shall  have the  right to  terminate  this  Lease by
providing  written  notice of  termination  to Landlord  within thirty (30) days
after the date of the Outside  Extension  Notice.  In the event that Tenant does
not  terminate  this Lease within such thirty (30) day period,  Tenant shall not
have the right to  terminate  this  Lease in  accordance  with the terms  hereof
unless  Landlord  fails to restore  the  Premises  and make the same  reasonably
accessible  to  Tenant  by the date set forth in  Landlord's  Outside  Extension
Notice.  The date set forth in  Landlord's  Outside  Extension  Notice  shall be
extended on a day for day basis for each day after the Outside  Extension Notice
that Landlord is delayed in restoring the Premises or access thereto as a result
of any delays caused by Tenant.

C.   Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary set forth in Article XIX, in the
event all or substantially all of the Premises shall be damaged by fire or other
casualty at any time during the last  eighteen (18) months of the Lease Term (or
any Renewal Term then in effect),  then Tenant may elect to terminate this Lease
effective  upon  delivery  of  written  notice  of  such  election  to  Landlord
regardless of whether or not Landlord  would agree to restore the  Premises,  in
which  event the parties  hereto  shall have no further  obligations  under this
Lease,  except with respect to such matters as are expressly provided to survive
the  termination of this Lease. In such event the Lease Term of this Lease shall
be at an end as if the date of Tenant's  notice were the stated  Expiration Date
hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant's notice of termination must be
given  within  thirty  (30) days after the date on which  Tenant  first  becomes
entitled to exercise such right hereunder.

D.  For purposes of this Article XIX, damage following casualty shall be deemed
to have been completely repaired when all Leasehold Improvements in the Premises
prior to such  casualty have been fully  reconstructed  by Landlord and a final,
unconditional  certificate  of occupancy  for such  Premises has been issued and
when any "punch  list"  items  remaining  to be  completed  will not  materially
interfere with Tenant's use and occupancy of the Premises for the Permitted Use.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if materials are not  reasonably  available to
reconstruct any portion of the Leasehold improvements, Landlord and Tenant shall
work  together  in good faith to agree  upon  reasonably  comparable  substitute
materials.

E.   In the event that the Premises are not rendered inaccessible or unusable by
Tenant but, as a result of a fire or other casualty,  Tenant is denied access to
all or a portion of the parking spaces to be provided to Tenant hereunder in the
Garage, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to locate substitute

                                       27


<PAGE>
parking for Tenant in the buildings  commonly known as One Stamford  Plaza,  Two
Stamford Plaza and/or Three Stamford Plaza. In addition,  if substitute  parking
is not  reasonably  available in such  buildings,  Landlord shall use reasonable
efforts to locate substitute parking in other buildings in Stamford, Connecticut
that are reasonably accessible to the Building. If Landlord or Tenant is able to
locate  substitute  parking,  during  the  period of time that  Tenant is denied
access to all or any  portion of its  spaces in the  Garage,  Landlord  shall be
required to reimburse Tenant for the difference  between:  (i) The amount Tenant
is required to pay for  substitute  parking,  and (ii) the amount  Tenant  would
otherwise  be  required  to pay  Landlord  for the spaces in the Garage that are
rendered  inaccessible  to  Tenant.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if Tenant
locates substitute  parking and Landlord,  in good faith, feels that the cost of
such  substitute  parking is in excess of the prevailing  market rate,  Landlord
shall have the right to locate less expensive  alternative parking in a location
that is equally as close to the  Building as the parking  located by Tenant.  In
such event,  Tenant  shall use the less  expensive  parking  located by Landlord
during the period that the spaces in the Garage are inaccessible to Tenant.

XX. Demolition.

INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.

XXl. Condemnation.

         If (a) the  whole or any  substantial  part of the  Premises  or access
thereto,  or the Garage,  or (b) any portion of the  Building or Property  which
would  leave  the  remainder  of the  Building  unsuitable  for use as an office
building  comparable  to its use on the  Commencement  Date,  shall  be taken or
condemned for any public or quasi-public use under  governmental law,  ordinance
or regulation,  or by right of eminent  domain,  or by private  purchase in lieu
thereof, then Landlord may, at its option,  terminate this Lease effective as of
the date the physical taking of said Premises or said portion of the Building or
Property  shall  occur.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if the  whole  or any
material  part of the Premises or access  thereto,  or any material  part of the
Garage  shall be taken or  condemned  for any public or  quasi-public  use under
governmental law, ordinance or regulation,  or by right of eminent domain, or by
private purchase in lieu thereof,  Tenant shall also have the right to terminate
this Lease  effective as of the date the physical  taking of the Premises occurs
or access to the  Premises or use of any  material  part of the Garage is taken.
Such right to terminate  shall be exercised by written notice to Landlord within
sixty (60) days after the date on which Tenant is first  notified of the taking.
In the event this Lease is not  terminated,  the Rentable  Area of the Building,
the  Rentable  Area of the  Premises  and  Tenant's  Pro  Rata  Share  shall  be
appropriately  adjusted.  In  addition,  Rent for any portion of the Premises so
taken or  condemned  shall be abated  during  the  unexpired  term of this Lease
effective when the physical  taking of said portion of the Premises shall occur.
All compensation  awarded for any such taking or condemnation,  or safe proceeds
in lieu  thereof,  shall be the property of  Landlord,  and Tenant shall have no
claim thereto, the same being hereby expressly waived by Tenant,  except for any
portions  of such award or  proceeds  which are  specifically  allocated  by the
condemning or purchasing  party for the taking of or damage to trade fixtures of
Tenant, which Tenant specifically reserves to itself. In addition,  Tenant shall
be entitled to bring a separate claim for any of Tenant's  moving and relocation
expenses.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,  Tenant shall not be
entitled  to  terminate  this  Lease in  connection  with a taking of a material
portion of the Garage if reasonably  acceptable  substitute parking is available
to  Tenant  at  prevailing  market  rates.  Without  limiting  the  scope of the
foregoing sentence, it is hereby agreed that substitute parking in the buildings
commonly known as One Stamford Plaza, Two Stamford Plaza or Three Stamford Plaza
shall be deemed to be reasonably acceptable substitute parking.

XXll. Events of Default.

The following events shall be deemed to be events of default under this Lease:

A.   Tenant shall fail to pay when due any Base Rental,  Additional  Base Rental
or other Rent under this Lease and such failure shall continue for five (5)

                                       28

<PAGE>
days after written notice from Landlord (hereinafter  sometimes referred to as a
"Monetary Default").

B.   Any failure by Tenant  (other than a Monetary  Default) to comply with any
term, provision or covenant of this Lease,  including,  without limitation,  the
rules and regulations,  which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days after
delivery to Tenant of notice of the occurrence of such failure, provided that if
any such  failure  creates a hazardous  condition,  such  failure  must be cured
promptly following receipt of such notice from Landlord; provided, however, that
if such failure or default  cannot  practicably be cured within such thirty (30)
day  period,  then such  thirty  (30) day cure  period  shall be extended to the
extent  reasonably  necessary to permit  Tenant to cure such  default,  provided
further that Tenant shall diligently proceed to cure such default and, from time
to time upon request,  shall furnish  Landlord with evidence of Tenant's efforts
to cure such default.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant's cure period shall
be  limited to a total of ten (10) days with  respect to any  failure to provide
Landlord with an estoppel  certificate or evidence of insurance  within the time
periods  provided in the Lease. In addition,  if Tenant fails to comply with any
particular provision or covenant of this Lease,  including,  without limitation,
Tenant's  obligation  to pay Rent when due,  on three (3)  occasions  during any
twelve (12) month period, any subsequent violation of such provision or covenant
shall be considered to be an incurable default by Tenant.

C.   Tenant or any Guarantor shall become insolvent, or shall make a transfer in
fraud of  creditors,  or shall  commit  an act of  bankruptcy  or shall  make an
assignment for the benefit of creditors,  or Tenant or any Guarantor shall admit
in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due.

D.   Tenant or any Guarantor shall file a petition under any section or chapter
of the United States  Bankruptcy Code as amended,  pertaining to bankruptcy,  or
under any similar law or statute of the United States or any State  thereof,  or
Tenant or any Guarantor  shall be adjudged  bankrupt or insolvent in proceedings
filed  against  Tenant or any  Guarantor  thereunder;  or a  petition  or answer
proposing  the  adjudication  of  Tenant  or any  Guarantor  as a debtor  or its
reorganization  under any  present  or future  federal  or state  bankruptcy  or
similar law shall be filed in any court and such petition or answer shall not be
discharged or denied within ninety (90) days after the filing thereof.

E.   A receiver or trustee shall be appointed for all or substantially all of
the assets of Tenant or any  Guarantor  or of the Premises or of any of Tenant's
Property  located thereon in any proceeding  brought by Tenant or any Guarantor,
or any such  receiver or trustee  shall be appointed in any  proceeding  brought
against  Tenant or any Guarantor and shall not be discharged  within ninety (90)
days after such  appointment  or Tenant or such  Guarantor  shall  consent to or
acquiesce in such appointment.

F. The leasehold  estate  hereunder shall be taken on execution or other process
of law or equity in any action against Tenant.

G. Tenant shall  abandon or vacate any  substantial  portion of the Premises for
more than ninety (90) consecutive  days without the prior written  permission of
Landlord.

H.   Tenant shall fail to take  possession  of and occupy the Premises  withi
thirty (30) days following the  Commencement  Date and issuance of a Certificate
of Occupancy for the Premises and thereafter continuously conduct its operations
in the Premises for the Permitted Use.

I.   The liquidation, termination, dissolution, forfeiture of right to do
business, or death of Tenant or any Guarantor.

J. Tenant is in default  beyond any notice and cure period under any other lease
with Landlord.

                                       29
<PAGE>

XXIII. Remedies.

A.   Upon the  occurrence  of any event or events of default  under this  Lease,
Landlord  shall  have the  option  to  pursue  any one or more of the  following
remedies  without any notice  (except as  expressly  prescribed  in Article XXII
above) or demand whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  in addition to the
notice periods  required under Article XXII,  Landlord shall provide Tenant with
an additional  five (5) days notice of any  termination of the Lease pursuant to
subsections  XXIII.A.1 or XXIII.A.5 hereof.  Tenant shall not, however, have the
right to cure such default during such five (5) day period.

1.   Terminate  this Lease,  in which event Tenant shall  immediately surrender
the  Premises to  Landlord.  If Tenant  fails to  surrender  the  Premises  upon
termination of the Lease hereunder,  Landlord may without prejudice to any other
remedy  which  it may  have,  after  procuring  an  appropriate  judicial  order
therefor,  enter upon and take  possession  of the  Premises and expel or remove
Tenant and any other  person who may be  occupying  said  Premises,  or any part
thereof.  Tenant  hereby  agrees to pay to Landlord on demand an amount equal to
the sum of: (a) all Rent accrued hereunder through the date of termination, and,
upon  Landlord's  determination  thereof,  (b) an amount equal to the difference
between (i) the total Rent that Tenant  would have been  required to pay for the
remainder of the Lease Term, minus (ii) the amount of rent actually  received by
Landlord for the Premises during such period from third parties, after deducting
all Costs of Reletting (as defined below).

2.   After procuring an appropriate  judicial order from a court of competent
jurisdiction, Enter upon and take possession of the Premises and expel or remove
Tenant or any other  person  who may be  occupying  said  Premises,  or any part
thereof,  without  having any civil or criminal  liability  therefor and without
terminating  this Lease.  Landlord shall use reasonable  efforts to mitigate its
damages and relet the Premises or any part thereof for the account of Tenant, in
the name of Tenant or Landlord or otherwise,  without  notice to Tenant for such
term or terms which may be greater or less than the period which would otherwise
have constituted the balance of the Lease Term and on such conditions (which may
include  concessions,  free rent and  alterations  of the Premises) and for such
uses as Landlord in its  absolute  discretion  may  determine,  and Landlord may
collect and receive any rents payable by reason of such reletting. Tenant agrees
to pay Landlord on demand all Costs of  Reletting  and any  deficiency  that may
arise by reason of such  reletting or failure to relet.  Provided  Landlord uses
reasonable  efforts to mitigate its  damages,  Landlord's  damages  shall not be
reduced  for any failure to relet the  Premises  or any part  thereof or for any
failure to collect  any Rent due upon any such  reletting.  No such  re-entry or
taking of  possession  of the  Premises by  Landlord  shall be  construed  as an
election on Landlord's  part to terminate  this Lease unless a written notice of
such  termination  is given to Tenant.  Notwithstanding  anything  herein to the
contrary,  Tenant  acknowledges  and agrees that reasonable  efforts to relet by
Landlord  shall not require  Landlord to relet the Premises in preference to any
other space that is available for lease in the Building.

3.   After procuring an appropriate judicial order from a court of competent
jurisdiction,  enter upon the  Premises  without  having  any civil or  criminal
liability therefor, and do whatever Tenant is obligated to do under the terms of
this Lease, and Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord on demand for any reasonable
expense  which  Landlord may incur in thus  affecting  compliance  with Tenant's
obligations under this Lease together with interest at the lesser of a per annum
rate equal to: (a) the  Maximum  Rate,  or (b) the Prime Rate plus five  percent
(5%).

4.  In order to regain possession of the Premises and to deny Tenant access
thereto in any instance in which Landlord has terminated  this Lease or Tenant's
right to possession, or to limit access to the Premises

                                       3O

<PAGE>
in  accordance  with local law in the event of a default by Tenant,  Landlord or
its agent may,  after  procuring an  appropriate  judicial order form a court of
competent  jurisdiction,  at the expense and  liability of the Tenant,  alter or
change  any or all locks or other  security  devices  controlling  access to the
Premises.  Landlord may, without notice,  remove and either dispose of or store,
at Tenant's  expense,  any  property  belonging  to Tenant  that  remains in the
Premises after Landlord has regained possession thereof.

5.   Terminate this Lease, in which event,  Tenant shall  immediately  surrender
the  Premises to Landlord  and pay to Landlord  the sum of: (a) all Rent accrued
hereunder  through the date of termination,  and, upon Landlord's  determination
thereof,  (b) an amount  equal to:  the total Rent that  Tenant  would have been
required to pay for the remainder of the Lease Term  discounted to present value
at the Prime Rate then in effect,  minus the then  present  fair rental value of
the Premises for the remainder of the Lease Term,  similarly  discounted,  after
deducting all anticipated Costs of Reletting (as defined below).

B. For  purposes of this Lease,  the term  "Costs of  Reletting"  shall mean all
reasonable  costs and  expenses  incurred  by Landlord  in  connection  with the
reletting of the Premises,  including without limitation,  the cost of cleaning,
renovation,  repairs, decoration and alteration of the Premises for a new tenant
or tenants,  advertisement,  marketing,  brokerage and legal fees (if and to the
extent  permitted  by law),  the cost of  protecting  or caring for the Premises
while  vacant,  the cost of removing  and storing  any  property  located on the
Premises,  any  increase  in  insurance  premiums  caused by the  vacancy of the
Premises and any other reasonable,  out-of-pocket  expenses incurred by Landlord
including tenant incentives, allowances and inducements.

C.   Except as otherwise herein provided, no repossession or  re-entering of the
Premises or any part thereof pursuant to Article XXIII hereof or otherwise shall
relieve Tenant or any Guarantor of its liabilities  and  obligations  hereunder,
all of which shall survive such repossession or re-entering.

D.   No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to Landlord is
intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy,  and each and every right
and remedy  shall be  cumulative  and in  addition  to any other right or remedy
given hereunder or now or hereafter existing by agreement,  applicable law or in
equity. In addition to other remedies provided in this Lease,  Landlord shall be
entitled, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to injunctive relief, or to
a decree compelling performance of any of the covenants, agreements,  conditions
or provisions of this Lease,  or to any other remedy  allowed to Landlord at law
or in equity.  Forbearance  by Landlord  to enforce one or more of the  remedies
herein  provided  upon an event of default  shall not be deemed or  construed to
constitute a waiver of such default.

E.   This Article XXlll shall be enforceable  to the maximum extent such
enforcement is not prohibited by applicable law, and the unenforceability of any
portion thereof shall not thereby render unenforceable any other portion.

XXIV. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

         NOTWITHSTANDING  ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY  CONTAINED IN THIS LEASE, THE
LIABILITY OF LANDLORD (AND OF ANY SUCCESSOR LANDLORD  HEREUNDER) TO TENANT SHALL
BE LIMITED TO THE  INTEREST OF LANDLORD IN THE  BUILDING,  AND TENANT  AGREES TO
LOOK SOLELY TO  LANDLORD'S  INTEREST  IN THE  BUILDING  FOR THE  RECOVERY OF ANY
JUDGMENT OR AWARD AGAINST THE LANDLORD, BEING INTENDED THAT NEITHER LANDLORD NOR
ANY MEMBER, PRINCIPAL, PARTNER, SHAREHOLDER, OFFICER, DIRECTOR OR BENEFICIARY OF
LANDLORD  SHALL BE  PERSONALLY  LIABLE  FOR ANY  JUDGMENT  AGAINST  LANDLORD  OR
DEFICIENCY. TENANT HEREBY COVENANTS THAT, PRIOR TO THE FILING OF ANY SUIT FOR AN
ALLEGED DEFAULT BY LANDLORD HEREUNDER, IT SHALL GIVE LANDLORD AND

                                       31


<PAGE>
ALL  MORTGAGEES  WHOM TENANT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED  HOLD  MORTGAGES OR DEED OF TRUST
LIENS ON THE PROPERTY,  BUILDING OR PREMISES  NOTICE AND REASONABLE TIME TO CURE
SUCH ALLEGED DEFAULT BY LANDLORD.  IN ADDITION,  TENANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT EQUITY
OFFICE HOLDINGS, L.L.C., AND EQUITY OFFICE PROPERTIES, L.L.C., ARE ACTING SOLELY
IN THEIR CAPACITY AS AGENTS FOR LANDLORD.

XXV. No Waiver.

         Failure  of  Landlord  to  declare  any  default  immediately  upon its
occurrence, or delay in taking any action in connection with an event of default
shall not  constitute  a waiver of such  default,  nor  shall it  constitute  an
estoppel  against  Landlord,  but  Landlord  shall have the right to declare the
default at any time during the continuance of such default and prior to any cure
of such default  instituted  by Tenant  within the time and manner  specified in
this Lease and take such  action as is lawful or  authorized  under this  Lease.
Failure by Landlord to enforce its rights with respect to any one default  shall
not  constitute a waiver of its rights with respect to any  subsequent  default.
Receipt by Landlord of Tenant's  keys to the Premises  shall not  constitute  an
acceptance or surrender of the Premises.

XXVI. Event of Bankruptcy.

         In addition  to, and in no way  limiting  the other  remedies set forth
herein,  Landlord  and Tenant agree that if Tenant ever becomes the subject of a
voluntary  or  involuntary  bankruptcy,  reorganization,  composition,  or other
similar type  proceeding  under the federal  bankruptcy  laws, as now enacted or
hereinafter amended, then:

A.   "Adequate  protection" of Landlord's  interest in the Premises  pursuant to
     the provisions of Section 361 and 363 (or their successor  sections) of the
     Bankruptcy  Code, 11 U.S.C.  Section 101 et seq.,  (such Bankruptcy Code as
     amended  from time to time  being  herein  referred  to as the  "Bankruptcy
     Code"),  prior to assumption and/or assignment of the Lease by Tenant shall
     include, but not be limited to all (or any part) of the following:

     1.  the  continued  payment by Tenant of the Base Rental and all other Rent
         due and owing  hereunder and the performance of all other covenants and
         obligations hereunder by Tenant;
     2.  the furnishing of an  additional/new  security deposit by Tenant in the
         amount of three (3) times the then current monthly Base Rental.

B.   "Adequate assurance of future performance" by Tenant and/or any assignee of
     Tenant  pursuant to  Bankruptcy  Code  Section 365 will include (but not be
     limited to) payment of an additional/new  Security Deposit in the amount of
     three (3) times the then current Base Rental payable hereunder.

C.   Any  person or entity  to which  this  Lease is  assigned  pursuant  to the
     provisions of the Bankruptcy  Code,  shall be deemed without further act or
     deed to have assumed all of the  obligations  of Tenant  arising under this
     Lease  from and  after  the  effective  date of such  assignment.  Any such
     assignee shall, upon demand by Landlord, execute and deliver to Landlord an
     instrument confirming such assumption of liability.

D.   Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, all amounts payable
     by Tenant to or on behalf of the Landlord under this Lease,  whether or not
     expressly  denominated as "Rent," shall constitute  "rent" for the purposes
     of Section 502(b) (6) of the Bankruptcy Code.

E.   If  this  Lease  is  assigned  to any  person  or  entity  pursuant  to the
     provisions  of  the   Bankruptcy   Code,   any  and  all  monies  or  other
     considerations  payable or otherwise to be delivered to Landlord (including
     Base Rentals and other Rent  hereunder),  shall be and remain the exclusive
     property of Landlord and shall not constitute  property of Tenant or of the
     bankruptcy  estate of Tenant.  Any and all  monies or other  considerations
     constituting  Landlord's  property under the preceding sentence not paid or
     delivered  to  Landlord  shall  be held in  trust  by  Tenant  or  Tenant's
     bankruptcy estate for the benefit of Landlord and shall be promptly paid to
     or turned over to Landlord..

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<PAGE>


F.  If Tenant assumes this Lease and proposes to assign the same pursuant to the
provisions of the Bankruptcy  Code to any person or entity who shall have made a
bona fide offer to accept an assignment of this Lease on terms acceptable to the
Tenant,  then notice of such proposed  offer/assignment,  setting forth: (1) the
name and address of such person or entity,  (2) all of the terms and  conditions
of such offer, and (3) the adequate  assurance to be provided Landlord to assure
such person's or entity's future  performance under the Lease, shall be given to
Landlord by Tenant no later than twenty (20) days after  receipt by Tenant,  and
Landlord  shall  thereupon  have the prior right and option,  to be exercised by
notice to Tenant given at any time prior to the effective  date of such proposed
assignment,  to accept  an  assignment  of this  Lease  upon the same  terms and
conditions and for the same  consideration,  if any, as the bona fide offer made
by such persons or entity,  less any brokerage  commission  which may be payable
out of the  consideration  to be paid by such person for the  assignment of this
Lease.

G.   To the extent permitted by law, Landlord and Tenant agree that this Lease
is a contract  under  which  applicable  law  excuses  Landlord  from  accepting
performance  from (or rendering  performance to) any person or entity other than
Tenant  within the meaning of Sections  365(o) and 365(e) (2) of the  Bankruptcy
Code.

XXVII. Waiver of Jury Trial.

         Landlord  and Tenant  hereby  waive any right to a trial by jury in any
action or  proceeding  based upon,  or related  to, the  subject  matter of this
Lease. This waiver is knowingly,  intentionally, and voluntarily made by Tenant,
and Tenant acknowledges that neither Landlord nor any person acting on behalf of
Landlord has made any  representations of fact to induce this waiver of trial by
jury or in any way to modify or nullify its effect.  Tenant further acknowledges
that it has been  represented  (or has had the opportunity to be represented) in
the signing of this Lease and in the making of this waiver by independent  legal
counsel,  selected of its own free will, and that it has had the  opportunity to
discuss this waiver with counsel.

XXVlll. Relocation.

Intentionally Omitted.

XXlX. Holding Over.

         In the  event of  holding  over by  Tenant  after  expiration  or other
termination  of this  Lease or in the  event  Tenant  continues  to  occupy  the
Premises  after the  termination  of Tenant's  right of  possession  pursuant to
Articles  XXII and XXlll  hereof  (and  provided  Tenant has not  exercised  its
Renewal Option pursuant to Exhibit C),  occupancy of the Premises  subsequent to
such  termination or expiration  shall be that of a tenancy at sufferance and in
no event for  month-to-month or year-to-year,  but Tenant shall,  throughout the
entire holdover period, be subject to all the terms and provisions of this Lease
and shall pay for its use and  occupancy an amount (on a per month basis without
reduction for any partial months during any such holdover)  equal to one hundred
fifty percent  (150%) of the sum of the Base Rental and  Additional  Base Rental
due for the period  immediately  preceding  such holding  over,  provided if the
holding over  continues for more than  fourteen  (14) days,  effective as of the
fifteenth  (15th) day,  holdover  rent shall  increase to 200% of the sum of the
Base Rental and Additional Base Rental due for the period immediately  preceding
such holding over,  provided  that in no event shall Base Rental and  Additional
Base Rental  during the holdover  period be less than the fair market rental for
the  Premises.  No  holding  over by  Tenant or  payments  of money by Tenant to
Landlord  after the  expiration  of the term of this Lease shall be construed to
extend the Lease Term or prevent Landlord from recovery of immediate  possession
of the  Premises  by  summary  proceedings  or  otherwise.  In  addition  to the
obligation to pay the amounts set forth above during any such  holdover  period,
Tenant  also  shall  be  liable  to  Landlord  for  all  damage,  including  any
consequential damage, which Landlord may suffer by reason of any holding over by
Tenant,  and Tenant shall indemnify  Landlord against any and all claims made by
any other tenant or prospective tenant against Landlord for delay by Landlord in
delivering  possession  of the  Premises  to such  other  tenant or  prospective
tenant.   Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,   Tenant  shall  not  be  liable  for
consequential  damages unless (1) Landlord  notifies  Tenant that it has entered
into a lease
                                       33

<PAGE>
for the  Premises or has received a bona fide offer to lease the  Premises,  and
(2) Tenant fails to vacate the Premises  within  thirty (30) days after the date
of Landlord's notice.

XXX. Subordination to Mortgages; Estoppel Certificate.

A.   Tenant accepts this Lease subject and subordinate to any  mortgage, deed of
trust,  ground lease or other lien presently  existing or hereafter arising upon
the  Premises,  or upon the Building  and/or the  Property and to any  renewals,
modifications,  refinancings and extensions thereof (any such mortgage,  deed of
trust,  lease or other lien being hereinafter  referred to as a "Mortgage",  and
the person or entity having the benefit of same being referred to hereinafter as
a  "Mortgagee"),  but Tenant agrees that any such Mortgagee shall have the right
at any time to subordinate such Mortgage to this Lease on such terms and subject
to such  conditions as such Mortgagee may deem  appropriate  in its  discretion.
This clause shall be self-operative  and no further  instrument of subordination
shall be  required.  However,  Landlord is hereby  irrevocably  vested with full
power and authority to subordinate this Lease to any Mortgage, and Tenant agrees
upon  demand to execute  such  further  instruments  subordinating  this  Lease,
acknowledging  the subordination of this Lease or attorning to the holder of any
such  Mortgage as Landlord  may request.  If any person shall  succeed to all or
part of Landlord's  interests in the Premises whether by purchase,  foreclosure,
deed in lieu of foreclosure,  power of sale,  termination of lease or otherwise,
and if and as so  requested  or required by such  successor-in-interest,  Tenant
shall, without charge, attorn to such successor-in-interest.  Tenant agrees that
it will from time to time upon request by Landlord and,  within ten (10) days of
the date of such request,  execute and deliver to such persons as Landlord shall
request an estoppel  certificate or other similar  statement in recordable  form
certifying  that this  Lease is  unmodified  and in full force and effect (or if
there have been  modifications,  that the same is in full force and effect as so
modified),  stating the dates to which Rent and other charges payable under this
Lease have been paid,  stating that Landlord is not in default  hereunder (or if
Tenant alleges a default stating the nature of such alleged default) and further
stating such other matters as Landlord shall reasonably require. Notwithstanding
the terms of this  Article  XXX  above,  this Lease  shall  only be subject  and
subordinate to a ground or underlying  lease or Mortgage now or hereafter placed
against or affecting any or all of the Building, Premises or Property and to any
renewals,  modifications,  consolidations,  or extensions thereof,  provided the
Landlord obtains a non-disturbance,  subordination and attornment agreement from
the  holder   thereof  on  such   holder's  then  standard  form  of  agreement.
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  such standard form of agreement  shall provide,
among  other  things,  that  Tenant,  upon paying the Base Rental and all of the
Additional  Base Rental and other charges herein provided for, and observing and
complying  with the  covenants,  agreements  and conditions of this Lease on its
part to be observed and complied with,  shall lawfully and quietly hold,  occupy
and enjoy the Premises during the Lease Term,  without hindrance or interference
from  anyone  claiming  by or  through  said  Mortgagee  or lessor and that said
Mortgagee  or lessor shall  respect  Tenant's  rights under the Lease and,  upon
succeeding to Landlord's  interest in the Building and Lease,  shall observe and
comply with all of Landlord's  duties under the Lease from and after the date of
such succession.

B.   In the event the Tenant shall represent to Landlord,  in  writing,  that an
estoppel  certificate  from  Landlord  shall be necessary in order for Tenant to
obtain  financing for Tenant's  operations or for Tenant to issue a public stock
offering,  or  otherwise  in  connection  with a third party  transaction  to be
entered  into by Tenant,  then  Landlord  shall,  no more than once in any given
lease  year,  within ten (10)  Business  Days of written  request  from  Tenant,
execute  and deliver to Tenant an estoppel  certificate,  in form and  substance
reasonably  acceptable  to  Landlord  and  Tenant,   covering,  as  appropriate,
substantially  the  matters  set forth in this  Article  XXX with  respect to an
estoppel certificate to be provided by Tenant to Landlord.

                                       34


<PAGE>
XXXI. Attorneys' Fees.

         In the event that Landlord  should retain counsel and/or  institute any
suit  against  Tenant for  violation  of or to enforce any of the  covenants  or
conditions of this Lease, or should Tenant  institute any suit against  Landlord
for violation of any of the  covenants or  conditions  of this Lease,  or should
either  party  intervene in any suit in which the other is a party to enforce or
protect its interest or rights hereunder,  the prevailing party in any such suit
shall be  entitled  to all of its costs,  expenses  and  reasonable  fees of its
attorney(s) (if and to the extent permitted by law) in connection therewith.

XXXll Notice,

         Whenever any demand,  request,  approval,  consent or notice ("Notice")
shall or may be given to either of the  parties by the other,  each such  Notice
shall be in writing and shall be sent by registered or codified mail with return
receipt requested,  or sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier service
(such as Federal Express) at the respective addresses of the parties for notices
as set forth in  Section  i.A.10,  of this  Lease,  provided  that if Tenant has
vacated the Premises  Landlord may serve Notice by any manner  permitted by law.
Any Notice under this Lease  delivered by registered or certified  mail shall be
deemed to have been  given and  effective  on the  earlier  of (a) the third day
following  the day on which the same  shall  have been  mailed  with  sufficient
postage prepaid or (b) the delivery date indicated on the return receipt. Notice
sent by overnight  courier  service shall be deemed given and effective upon the
day after such  notice is  delivered  to or picked up by the  overnight  courier
service.  Either party may, at any time, change its Notice Address by giving the
other party Notice stating the change and setting forth the new address.

XXXIII. Landlord's Lien.

         Intentionally omitted, provided that the deletion of this Article shall
not be construed to be a waiver by Landlord of any landlord lien rights provided
by Connecticut statutory law.

XXXlV. Excepted Rights.

         This  Lease does not grant any rights to light or air over or about the
Building.  Except as provided in Exhibit C,  paragraph  7  (Satellite  Dish) and
except  with  respect  to  Tenant's   rights  to  use  Common  Areas,   Landlord
specifically  excepts and reserves to itself the use of any roofs,  the exterior
portions  of the  Premises,  all rights to the land and  improvements  below the
improved floor level of the Premises,  the improvements and air rights above the
Premises and the  improvements and air rights located outside the demising walls
of the  Premises,  and such  areas  within  the  Premises  as are  required  for
installation  of utility  lines and other  installations  required  to serve any
occupants of the Building and the right to maintain and repair the same,  and no
rights  with  respect  thereto  are  conferred  upon  Tenant  unless   otherwise
specifically provided herein. Landlord further reserves to itself the right from
time to time:  (a) to change the  Building's  name or street  address,  provided
that,  during the Lease Term and any extensions  thereof,  in no event shall the
Building be named after a re-insurance company; (b) to install, fix and maintain
signs on the exterior and interior of the Building; (c) to designate and approve
window  coverings;  (d)  to  make  any  decorations,   alterations,   additions,
improvements  to the Building,  or any part thereof  (including  the Premises in
accordance with Article XII) which Landlord shall desire,  or deem necessary for
the safety,  protection,  preservation  or  improvement  of the Building,  or as
Landlord  may be  required to do by law;  (e) to have access to the  Premises in
accordance  with  Article  XII to  perform  its duties  and  obligations  and to
exercise  its  rights  under this  Lease;  (f) to retain at all times and to use
pass-keys to all entry  doors,  suite doors and closet doors within and into the
Premises;  (g) to approve the weight,  size, or location of heavy equipment,  or
articles  in and  about the  Premises;  (h) to close or  restrict  access to the
Building at all times other than Normal  Business  Hours subject to Tenant's and
Tenant's  employees  right to  admittance  at all times  under  such  reasonable
regulations   as  Landlord  may  prescribe  from  time  to  time,  or  to  close
(temporarily or permanently) any of the entrances to the Building; (/) to change
the arrangement and/or location of entrances of passageways, doors and doorways,
corridors,  elevators,  stairs and toilets  located  outside of the Premises and
public parts of the Building; (j) if Tenant has vacated the Premises and removed
all
                                       35

<PAGE>
Tenant's  Property  during the last six (6) months of the Lease Term, to perform
additions,  alterations  and  improvements  to the Premises in connection with a
reletting or anticipated  reletting  thereof without being responsible or liable
for the value or preservation of any then existing improvements to the Premises;
and (k) to grant to anyone  the  exclusive  right to  conduct  any  business  or
undertaking in the Building  provided that the granting of such exclusive rights
shall not (1)  restrict  or  interfere  with  Tenant's  ability to  conduct  its
re-insurance business in the Premises, or (2) require Tenant to do business with
any other  Building  tenant.  Landlord,  in accordance  with Article XII hereof,
shall have the right to enter the  Premises in  connection  with the exercise of
any of the rights set forth  herein  and such  entry into the  Premises  and the
performance of any work therein shall not constitute a constructive  eviction or
entitle Tenant to any abatement or reduction of Rent by reason thereof.

XXXV. Surrender of Premises.

         At the  expiration  or earlier  termination  of this Lease or  Tenant's
right of possession  hereunder,  Tenant shall remove all Tenant's  Property from
the Premises,  remove all Required Removables designated by Landlord for removal
in  accordance  with the terms of Article VIII hereof and quit and surrender the
Premises to Landlord,  broom clean,  and in the same,  condition as the Premises
was in at the time of  completion  of the  Initial  Alterations  and any further
subsequent alterations made in accordance with the terms of this Lease, ordinary
wear and tear and damage due to fire or other casualty excepted. If Tenant fails
to remove any of Tenant's  Property  within one (1) day after the termination of
this Lease or Tenant's right to possession hereunder, Landlord, at Tenant's sole
cost and  expense,  shall be  entitled  to remove  and/or  store  such  Tenant's
Property  and  Landlord  shall  in  no  event  be  responsible  for  the  value,
preservation or safekeeping thereof. Tenant shall pay Landlord, upon demand, any
and all  reasonable  expenses  caused by such  removal and all  storage  charges
against such property so long as the same shall be in the possession of Landlord
or under the control of  Landlord.  In  addition,  if Tenant fails to remove any
Tenant's  Property from the Premises or storage,  as the case may be, within ten
(10) days after written notice from Landlord,  Landlord, at its option, may deem
all or any part of such Tenant's  Property to have been  abandoned by Tenant and
title thereof shall immediately pass to Landlord.

XXXVI. Miscellaneous.

A.   If any term or provision of this Lease, or the application thereof to any
person or circumstance  shall, to any extent, be invalid or  unenforceable,  the
remainder of this Lease, or the application of such term or provision to persons
or  circumstances   other  than  those  as  to  which  it  is  held  invalid  or
unenforceable,  shall not be affected  thereby,  and each term and  provision of
this Lease shall be valid and enforced to the fullest  extent  permitted by law.
This Lease  represents the result of negotiations  between  Landlord and Tenant,
each of which has been (or has had  opportunity to be) represented by counsel of
its own  selection,  and neither of which has acted under duress or  compulsion,
whether legal,  economic or otherwise.  Consequently,  Landlord and Tenant agree
that the language in all parts of the Lease shall in all cases be construed as a
whole  according  to its fair  meaning  and  neither  strictly  for nor  against
Landlord or Tenant.

B.   Tenant agrees not to record this Lease  or any  memorandum  hereof  without
Landlord's prior written consent.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  Landlord and
Tenant shall execute and deliver,  upon the  execution of this Lease,  duplicate
originals  of an  instrument,  in  recordable  form,  which  will  constitute  a
statutory  Notice of Lease,  pursuant to Connecticut  General  Statutes  Section
47-19, setting forth a legal description of the Premises, the Term and any other
provisions  required by statute.  This instrument  shall be recorded in the Land
Records of the City of Stamford,  Connecticut,  by Tenant.  Upon the  Expiration
Date or sooner termination of this Lease, Tenant, upon Landlord's request, shall
promptly  execute and deliver an instrument in recordable form  terminating such
Notice of Lease.  The terms of this Article XXXVI B shall survive the expiration
or sooner termination of this Lease.
                                       36

<PAGE>

C.   This  Lease and the rights and obligations of the  parties hereto  shall be
interpreted, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the state in
which the Building is located.

D.   Events  of "Force  Majeure"  shall  include  strikes,  riots,  acts of God,
shortages  of labor or  materials,  war and other  causes  beyond the control of
Landlord  or  Tenant,  as the case may be.  Whenever  a period of time is herein
prescribed  for the taking of any action by Landlord or Tenant,  as the case may
be, other than the payment of Rent or any other sums due  hereunder,  such party
shall not be liable or  responsible  for,  and there shall be excluded  from the
computation of such period of time, any delays due to events of Force Majeure.

E.   Landlord shall have the right to transfer and assign,  in whole or in part,
all of its rights and  obligations  hereunder  and in the  Building and Property
referred to herein.  In such event  Landlord's  assignee or transferee  shall be
liable for all of the  obligations  so assigned and upon such transfer  Landlord
shall be  released  from any such  obligations.  From and after the date of such
assignment  or  transfer,  Tenant  agrees to look  solely to such  successor  in
interest of Landlord for the performance of such obligations.

F.   Tenant hereby  represents  to Landlord that it has dealt  directly with and
only with the Broker as a broker in connection with this Lease. Tenant agrees to
indemnify and hold Landlord and the Landlord  Related Parties  harmless from all
claims of any brokers (other than Broker) claiming to have represented Tenant in
connection with this Lease. Landlord agrees to indemnify and hold Tenant and the
Tenant Related Parties  harmless from all claims of any brokers claiming to have
represented  Landlord in connection with this Lease.  Landlord agrees to pay the
Broker a  commission  for this  Lease  pursuant  to a separate  agreement  which
Landlord  and Broker  shall enter into prior to the  parties'  execution of this
Lease.

G.   If there is more than one Tenant, or if the Tenant is comprised of more
than one person or entity,  the obligations  hereunder imposed upon Tenant shall
be joint and several obligations of all such parties. All notices, payments, and
agreements  given or made by,  with or to any one of such  persons  or  entities
shall be deemed to have been given or made by, with or to all of them.

H.   Tenant hereby  covenants, warrants and represents: (1) that the individual
executing  this Lease on its behalf is duly  authorized to execute or attest and
deliver  this Lease on behalf of Tenant in  accordance  with the  organizational
documents of Tenant; (2) that this Lease is binding upon Tenant; (3) that Tenant
is duly organized and legally existing in the state of its organization,  and is
qualified to do business in the state in which the Premises is located;  and (4)
that the  execution  and delivery of this Lease by Tenant will not result in any
breach of, or  constitute a default under any  mortgage,  deed of trust,  lease,
loan, credit agreement, partnership agreement or other contract or instrument to
which Tenant is a party or by which Tenant may be bound.  Upon  request,  Tenant
will,  prior  to  the  Commencement  Date,  deliver  to  Landlord  copies  of an
appropriate  resolution  or  consent of  Tenant's  board of  directors  or other
appropriate  governing body of Tenant authorizing or ratifying the execution and
delivery of this Lease,  which  resolution or consent will be duly  certified to
Landlord's reasonable  satisfaction by an appropriate  individual with authority
to codify such  documents,  such as the secretary or assistant  secretary or the
managing general partner of Tenant.

Landlord  hereby  covenants,  warrants and  represents:  (1) that the individual
executing  this Lease on its behalf is duly  authorized to execute or attest and
deliver  this Lease on behalf of  Landlord;  (2) that this Lease is binding upon
Landlord;  (3) that Landlord is duly organized and legally existing in the state
of its  organization,  and is qualified to do business in the state in which the
Premises is located;  and (4) that the  execution  and delivery of this Lease by
Landlord  will not result in any breach of, or  constitute  a default  under any
mortgage, deed of trust, lease, loan, credit agreement, partnership agreement or
other contract or instrument to which Landlord is a party or by

                                       37
<PAGE>
which  Landlord  may  be  bound.  Upon  request,  Landlord  will,  prior  to the
Commencement  Date,  deliver to Tenant  copies of an  appropriate  resolution or
consent of Landlord's board of directors or other appropriate  governing body of
Landlord  authorizing  or ratifying  the  execution  and delivery of this Lease,
which  resolution  or  consent  will be duly  codified  to  Tenant's  reasonable
satisfaction  by an  appropriate  individual  with  authority  to  certify  such
documents,  such as the secretary or assistant secretary or the managing general
partner of Landlord.

I.   Tenant acknowledges that the financial capability of Tenant to perform its
obligations  hereunder is material to Landlord and that Landlord would not enter
into this Lease but for its belief,  based on its review of  Tenant's  financial
statements,  that Tenant is capable of performing  such  financial  obligations.
Tenant hereby represents,  warrants and certifies to Landlord that its financial
statements  previously  furnished  to  Landlord  were at the time given true and
correct in all material  respects  and that there have been no material  adverse
subsequent  changes thereto as of the date of this Lease. At any time during the
Lease Term, but not more often than once a year,  Tenant shall provide Landlord,
upon ten (10) days' prior written notice from Landlord, with a current financial
statement  and  financial  statements  of the two (2) years prior to the current
financial  statement  year.  Such statement shall be prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting  principles and, if such is the normal practice of
Tenant, shall be audited by an independent certified public accountant.

J.    Except as expressly  otherwise  herein  provided,  with respect to all
required acts of Landlord and Tenant, time is of the essence of this Lease. This
Lease shall create the  relationship  of Landlord and Tenant between the parties
hereto.

K.  This Lease and the covenants and conditions herein contained shall inure to
the  benefit of and be binding  upon  Landlord  and Tenant and their  respective
permitted successors and assigns.

L.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, the
expiration of the Lease Term,  whether by lapse of time or otherwise,  shall not
relieve Tenant from Tenant's obligations accruing prior to the expiration of the
Lease Term,  and such  obligations  shall  survive any such  expiration or other
termination of the Lease Term.

M.   The headings and titles to the paragraphs of this Lease are for convenience
only and shall have no affect upon the  construction  or  interpretation  of any
part hereof.

N.   Landlord has delivered a copy of this Lease to Tenant for Tenant's  review
only, and the delivery  hereof does not constitute an offer to Tenant or option.
This Lease shall not be  effective  until an original of this Lease  executed by
both Landlord and Tenant.

O.   During the entire term of this Lease, as the same may be renewed or
extended,  Tenant  shall,  and may  peacefully  have,  hold and  enjoy the quiet
enjoyment of the Premises,  providing the Tenant pays the Rent herein recited to
be paid by Tenant and performs all of Tenant's  covenants and agreements  herein
contained, subject only to the matters set forth in Articles III and XXX hereof.

P.   Except   with  regard to  requests for consent or approval  that   require
Landlord to make a    determination  of   the   aesthetics  of certain  signage,
alterations  or other things that would be visible form outside the Premises (on
multi-tenant floors) or Building or to assume certain risks, including,  without
limitation,  the risk that a certain  alteration,  addition  and/or  improvement
could  adversely  affect the mechanical  systems or structure of the Building or
require excess removal costs,  Landlord agrees to act reasonably in granting its
approval or disapproval of any requests by Tenant for the consent or approval of
Landlord.
                                       38


<PAGE>
XXXVII. Entire Agreement.

This Lease Agreement, including the following Exhibits:

Exhibit A - Outline and Location of 14th Floor Premises

Exhibit A-l- Outline and Location of 15th Floor Premises

Exhibit B - Rules and Regulations

Exhibit C - Additional Terms and Conditions

Exhibit D - Assignment and Assumption of Lease

Exhibit E - Performance Specifications

Exhibit F - Cleaning Specifications

Exhibit G-1 - Form of Consent to Sublease

Exhibit G-2 - Form of Consent to Assignment

Exhibit H - Location of windows to be replaced

Exhibit I - Location of Tenant's reserved parking spaces

Exhibit J - Letter from ZML-301 Tresser Limited Partnership

constitutes the entire agreement  between the parties hereto with respect to the
subject  matter  of  this  Lease  and   supersedes  all  prior   agreements  and
understandings between the parties related to the Premises,  including all lease
proposals,   letters  of  intent  and  similar   documents.   TENANT   EXPRESSLY
ACKNOWLEDGES  AND  AGREES  THAT  LANDLORD  HAS NOT MADE AND IS NOT  MAKING,  AND
TENANT,  IN  EXECUTING  AND  DELIVERING  THIS LEASE,  IS NOT RELYING  UPON,  ANY
WARRANTIES,  REPRESENTATIONS,  PROMISES OR STATEMENTS, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT
THE  SAME  ARE  EXPRESSLY  SET  FORTH  IN THIS  LEASE.  ALL  UNDERSTANDINGS  AND
AGREEMENTS  HERETOFORE  MADE  BETWEEN THE PARTIES ARE MERGED IN THIS LEASE WHICH
ALONE FULLY AND COMPLETELY EXPRESSES THE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES, NEITHER PARTY
RELYING UPON ANY STATEMENT OR  REPRESENTATION  NOT EMBODIED IN THIS LEASE.  THIS
LEASE MAY BE MODIFIED ONLY BY A WRITTEN AGREEMENT SIGNED BY LANDLORD AND TENANT.
LANDLORD  AND  TENANT  EXPRESSLY  AGREE  THAT  THERE ARE AND SHALL BE NO IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, HABITABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
OF ANY OTHER KIND ARISING OUT OF THIS LEASE,  ALL OF WHICH ARE HEREBY  WAIVED BY
TENANT, AND THAT THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THOSE EXPRESSLY SET
FORTH IN THIS LEASE.

                                       39

<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  Landlord and Tenant have  executed  this Lease in
multiple original counterparts as of the day and year first above written.


WITNESS/ATTEST:                         LANDLORD:  ZML  -  FOUR STAMFORD
                                        PLAZA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
/s/ Gerard P. Hallock
- - ---------------------------
Name (print) Gerard P. Hallock          BY: EQUITY OFFICE HOLDINGS, L.L.C.
                                        a Delaware limited liability company, as
                                        agent
/s/ Geoffrey F. Fay                     By: /s/ Michael Sheinkop
- - ----------------------------            -------------------------------------
Name (print) Geoffrey F. Fay            Name:  Michael Sheinkop
                                        Title:   Senior Vice President
                                                 Asset Management
                                        Date:  March 29, 1996


WITNESS/ATTEST:                         TENANT: CHARTWELL RE
                                        CORPORATION,  a Delaware Corporation

/s/ Gerard P. Hallock                   By:  /s/ Richard E. Cole
- - -----------------------------           ------------------------------------
Name (print) Gerard P. Hallock          Name:  Richard E. Cole
                                        Title:  Chairman and CEO
/s/ Geoffrey F. Fay
- - ------------------------------          Date:  March 29, 1996
Name (print) Geoffrey F. Fay




                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.32

                                 DATED 10th June 1994
                           (1)      THE PRUDENTIAL
                                    ASSURANCE COMPANY
                                    (as Landlord)

                           (2)      ARCHER GROUP MANAGEMENT
                                    SERVICES LIMITED
                                    (as Tenant)

                           (3)      ARCHER GROUP HOLDINGS PLC
                                   (as Guarantor)


                                    L E A S E
                                       of
                                   Third Floor
                                   Number Two
                           Minster Court Mincing Lane
                                   London EC3







                                 CLIFFORD CHANCE
                              200 Aldersgate Street
                                 London EClA 4JJ





<PAGE>


INDEX

CLAUSE PAGE
1.       INTERPRETATION ......................................................1
         1.1 Definitions .....................................................1
         1.2 Interpretation .................................................10

2.       DEMISE AND RENTS ...................................................11

3.       TENANT'S COVENANTS .................................................12
         3.1      Rents.. ...................................................13
         3.2      Outgoings .................................................13
         3 .3     Repairs and Decorations ...................................14
         3.4      YieldingUp ................................................16
         3.5      Statutory Requirements ....................................16
         3.6      PlanningActs ..............................................17
         3.7      To comply with Notices ....................................19
         3.8      Rights of entry by Landlord ...............................19
         3.9      Landlord's Survey .........................................20
         3.10     Landlord's Costs ..........................................20
         3.11     Obstruction of Services, etc ..............................21
         3.12     Alterations ...............................................21
         3.13     Appearance of Demised Premises ............................23
         3.14     Comply with Fire Regulations ..............................24
         3.15     Carrying out of alterations ...............................24
         3.16     User Restrictions .........................................25
         3.17     User ......................................................25
         3.18     Encroachments and easements ...............................25
         3.19     Alienation ................................................26
         3.20     Disclosure of information .................................31
         3.21     Registration of dispositions ..............................31
         3.22     Signs and advertisements ..................................31
         3.23     Overloading floors and services ...........................31
         3.24     Dangerous materials and use of machinery ..................32
         3.25     Interest on overdue Payments ..............................33
         3.26     Indemnity .................................................33
         3.27     Covenants affecting the reversion .........................34
         3.28     Defective Premises ........................................34
         3.29     Value Added Tax ...........................................34
         3.30     Estate Regulations ........................................35
         3.31     Building Regulations ......................................35
         3.32     Electricity Supply ........................................35
         3.33     Taxation ..................................................35
         3.34     As to the Head Lease ......................................36


<PAGE>


4.       LANDLORD'S COVENANTS................................................36
         4.1      Quiet Enjoyment............................................36
         4.2      Head Lease ................................................37
         4.3      Estate Services............................................37
         4.4      Building Services..........................................38
         4.5      Electricity Supply.........................................39
         4.6      Void Costs.................................................40

5.       PROVISOS............................................................40
         5.1      Forfeiture.................................................40
         5.2      Jurisdiction...............................................41
         5.3      No Implied Easements.......................................41
         5.4      Exclusion of Warranty as to User...........................41
         5.5      Limitation  of Landlord's Liability .......................42
         5.6      No Liability for Staff ....................................42
         5.7      Tenant's Fixtures and Fittings ............................42
         5.8      Development of Adjoining Property .........................43
         5.9      Notices ...................................................43
         5.10     EffectofWaiver ............................................43
         5.11     Covenants relating to adjoining property ..................43
         5.12     Tenant not to object to works .............................44
         5.13     No right of set-off etc. ..................................44
         5.14     Invalidity of certain provisions ..........................44
         5.15     Waiver etc of regulations .................................44
         5.16     Party Walls ...............................................45
         5.17     Exclusion of statutory compensation .......................45
         5.18     Management Company ........................................45

6.       INSURANCE ..........................................................46
         6.1      Landlord to insure ........................................46
         6.2      Evidence of insurance .....................................46
         6.3      Destruction of Demised Premises ...........................47
         6.4      Cesser of rent ............................................47
         6.5      Option to determine .......................................48
         6.6      Tenant not to vitiate insurance etc .......................48
         6.7      Decennial Insurance .......................................49
         6.8      Self Insurance ............................................49

7.       ESTATE SERVICE CHARGE ..............................................50
         7.1      Landlord's liability ......................................50
         7.2      Tenant to pay Estate Service Charge .......................50
         7.3      Estate Expenditure ........................................50
         7.4      Estate Expenditure Certificate ............................51
         7.5      Estate Accounting Year ....................................51
         7.6      Estate Service Charge Advance Payment .....................52
         7.7      Tenant to pay balance of Estate Service Charge ............53
         7.8      Omission by Landlord to include item in Estate
                  Expenditure ...............................................53
         7.9      Estate Reserve Fund .......................................53


<PAGE>


         7.10     Variation of the Estate Service Charge ....................54
         7.11     Estate Services provided to the Tenant ....................54
         7.12     Variation of Estate Services ..............................54
         7.13     Major Works ...............................................55
         7.14     Raising Money by Loan or Overdraft ........................55
         7.15     Interest ..................................................55
         7.16     Dunster Court .............................................55

8.       BUILDING SERVICE CHARGE ............................................55
         8.1      Tenant to pay Building Service Charge .....................55
         8.2      Building Expenditure ......................................56
         8.3      Building Expenditure Certificate ..........................57
         8.4      Building Accounting Year ..................................57
         8.5      Building Service Charge Advance Payment ...................57
         8.6      Tenant to pay balance of Building Service Charge ..........58
         8.7      Omission by Landlord to include item in Building
                  Expenditure ...............................................59
         8.8      Building Reserve Fund .....................................59
         8.9      Variation of the Building Service Charge ..................59
         8.10     Building Services provided to the Tenant ..................60
         8.11     Variation of Building Services ............................60
         8.12     Major Works ...............................................60
         8.13     Raising Money by Loan or Overdraft ........................61
         8.14     Interest ..................................................61

9.       OPTION TO BREAK ....................................................61

10.      GUARANTOR'S COVENANT ...............................................61

FIRST SCHEDULE
The Demised Premises ........................................................62

SECOND SCHEDULE
Rights Granted ..............................................................63

THIRD SCHEDULE
Exceptions and Reservations .................................................66

FOURTH SCHEDULE
Matters to which the Demised Premises are subject .......................... 69

FIFTH SCHEDULE
Rent and Rent Review ........................................................70

SIXTH SCHEDULE
Estate Services .............................................................75


<PAGE>



SEVENTH SCHEDULE
Building Services............................................................82

EIGHTH SCHEDULE
Guarantee Provisions ........................................................89

NINTH SCHEDULE
Estate Regulations ..........................................................92

TENTH SCHEDULE
Building Regulations ........................................................96

ELEVENTH SCHEDULE
Electricity Supply ..........................................................98



<PAGE>


THIS LEASE is made this 10th day of June One  thousand  nine  hundred and ninety
four.

BETWEEN:

1) THE PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED (Company  Registration Number 15454)
whose registered  office is at 142 HoIbom Bars London EClN 2NH (the "Landlord");
and

2)  ARCHER  GROUP  MANAGEMENT  SERVICES  LIMITED  (Company  Registration  Number
02733994) whose registered office is at 1 Minster Court Mincing Lane London EC3R
7AA (the "Tenant")


3) ARCHER\HOLDINGS  PLC (Company  Registration Number 02186145) whose registered
office  is at 4th  Floor  Holland  House 1-4 Bury  Street  London  EC3A 51A (the
"Guarantor")


W I T N E S S E S  as follows:

1.       INTERPRETATION

1.1 IN this Lease, where the context so admits, the following  expressions shall
include as follows:

1.1.1     Access  Ramp"  means the entrance and exit ramp from Mark Lane down to
basement  level and the entrance and exit way  connecting to the Basement all of
which is shown  coloured  brown on Plan 1, Plan 2 and Plan 3, as altered,  added
to,  extended,  varied,  stopped up or repositioned  under the Third Schedule or
such alternative  entrance and exit to and from a public highway as the Superior
Landlord or the Landlord may from time to time designate thereunder

1.1.2    "Basement" means the basement in the building

1.1.3     "Building" means the building  currently known as Number Two Minster
Court which now abuts Mark Lane,  Dunster  Court and Minster Court the extent of
which is shown (for the purposes of identification  only) edged  red on  Plan 1,
Plan 2, Plan 3 and Plan 4 and which includes (without limitation):





                                        1


<PAGE>

(a)  the roof, all external walls and the main structure thereof and the
     foundations piles and soil upon which the Building rests; and
(b)  all  landlord's  fixtures,   fittings,  plant,  machinery,   apparatus  and
     equipment  now  or  hereafter  in or  upon  the  same,  including,  without
     limitation, the Fixtures; and
(c)  all additions alterations and improvements thereto from time to time

1.1.4     "Building Common Ruts"  means such  parts of the  Building  as are not
designed for letting or beneficial use and occupation  (together with such other
parts  as are  occupied  or (the  Landlord  acting  reasonably  in this  regard)
reserved  for  occupation  for the purpose of the  management  of the  Building)
together  with  the Car  Park or such  other  parts  of the  Building  as may be
reasonably  required by the Landlord (but excluding the Demised  Premises or any
part thereof)

1.1.15   "Building Expenditure" means the sum calculated pursuant to Clause 8.2

1.1.6    "Building Regulations" means the regulations set out or referred to in
Clause 3.3 1 and the Tenth Schedule;

1.1.7 "Building  Service Charge" means a sum equal to such reasonable and proper
proportion as the Landlord may from time to time reasonably and properly specify
of the Building Expenditure

1.1.8 "Building  Services" means the services  amenities and payments set out in
Section I of the Seventh Schedule

1.1.9 "Car Park" shall mean the car park  situated in the Basement and shown for
identification purposes edged yellow on Plan 1

1.1.10  "Conducting  Media"  means  pipes,  wires,   cables,   sewers,   drains,
watercourses,  trunking,  ducts,  conduits and other media for the  provision of
water,  electricity,   gas,   telecommunications,   heating,   air-conditioning,
ventilation,  fire alarm or other  services and  includes  any fixing,  louvres,
cowls and other ancillary apparatus

1.1.11 "Demised  Premises" means the premises  situate on the third floor of the
Building more particularly described in the First Schedule and includes each and
every part thereof



                                        2


<PAGE>


1.1.12  "DunsterCourt  Documents"  means the agreement dated 15th September 1988
between  The  Prudential  Assurance  Company  Limited  (1) and the  Clothworkers
Company (2) and  includes the deed  agreement  and lease at Annexures A, B and C
thereof  respectively   (whenever  the  same  are  completed)  in  the  form  or
substantially  in the form of those  annexed to such  agreement and includes any
other documents or arrangements  governing the use of Dunster Court from time to
time

1.1.13  "Dunster  Court  Access" means the access road from Mincing Lane and the
turning circle and other areas shown  coloured  yellow on Plan 3 and as altered,
added to, extended,  varied, stopped up or repositioned under the Third Schedule
or such alternative  vehicular  access as the Superior  Landlord or the Landlord
may from time to time designate thereunder

1.1.14  "Estate"  means the land shown  edged blue on Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 3 and
Plan 4 together with any additional land in the  neighbourhood  of the Estate in
which the Superior  Landlord or the Landlord or a Group  Company of the Superior
Landlord or the  Landlord  shall  acquire a freehold or  leasehold  interest and
which  the  Superior  Landlord  or the  Landlord  from  time to time  reasonably
designates  as part of the Estate,  together in each case with all buildings and
appurtenances  thereon  from  time to time and all  additions,  alterations  and
improvements thereto

1.1.15  "Estate  Common Parts" means those parts (other than the Building or the
building  known as Number One or Number Three Minster Court) of the Estate (such
parts not being  publicly  adopted) which are from time to time intended for the
common use and  enjoyment  of the tenants or occupiers of the Estate and persons
claiming  through or under them  (whether or not other parties are also entitled
to use and enjoy the same) and includes without prejudice to the foregoing:

a)       Minster Court, the Access Ramp, the Dunster Court Access and Minster
         Pavement (as referred to in Clause 1.1.43);

b)       roads to the point of connection with a highway maintainable at public
         expense;

c)       bridges, kerbs, pavements, footpaths, landscaped areas, and open areas,
         including the central court and courtyard;

d)       malls,  walkways,  pedestrian ways,  concourses and circulation  areas,
         staircases, travelators,  escalators, elevator ramps and lifts, loading
         bays,  tirecourts,  service roads, service areas and service bays which
         are not and are not intended to be the  responsibility  of a particular
         tenant or tenants;








                                        3


<PAGE>


e)       Conducting Media therein which are not and are not intended to be the
         responsibility of a particular tenant or group of tenants;

f)       foundations, pilings, substructures, floors, walls, Glazed Roof, ramps,
         accessways, entrances, exits and any other matters or things which make
         up those parts of the Estate  which are not and are not  intended to be
         the  responsibility  of a particular  tenant or tenants,  as any of the
         same  may  be  altered,   added  to,  extended,   varied,  stopped  up,
         repositioned or substituted under the Third Schedule

1.1.16 "Estate  Expenditure" means either (i) for so long as the Landlord is the
Freeholder of the Estate Common Parts the sum calculated  pursuant to Clause 7.3
or (ii) in the event of the Landlord  ceasing to be the Freeholder of the Estate
Common Parts and no longer responsible for providing the Estate Services the sum
payable from time to time by the Landlord under the provisions of the Head Lease
or otherwise to the person responsible for supplying the Estate Services

1.1.17    "Estate Regulations" means the regulations set out or  referred to  in
Clause 3.30 and the Ninth Schedule

1.1.18 "Estate  Service  Charge" means a sum equal to such reasonable and proper
proportion as the Landlord may from time to time reasonably and properly specify
(having regard to all relevant factors) of the Estate Expenditure

1.1.19 "Estate  Services" means the services,  amenities and payments set out in
Section I of the Sixth Schedule

1.1.20  "Excluded  Plant" means the air handling  ducts and the VAV boxes in the
void above the suspended ceilings within the Demised Premises and all Conducting
Media not exclusively serving the Demised Premises

1.1.21  "Fixtures"  means all  landlord's  fixtures  and fittings in or upon the
Demised Premises  including  (without  limitation) any electrical and mechanical
plant, machinery,  equipment and apparatus and the water and sanitary apparatus,
lights, lighting,  false ceilings,  floor coverings,  aerials and communications
systems,  all Conducting Media exclusively  serving the Demised Premises and all
additions  alterations  and  improvements  thereto  made  from time to time (but
excluding all tenant's and trade fixtures and fittings and the Excluded Plant)




                                        4


<PAGE>


1.1.22 "Force Majeure" means (a) any emergency,  damage to or destruction of any
installations  or apparatus,  mechanical or other defect or breakdown not caused
by any act or default of the Landlord where the Landlord has acted prudently and
with due diligence (b) frost or other inclement conditions,  shortage of energy,
supplies,  fuel,  materials,  water or  labour,  strikes  or  lockouts  or other
industrial  action,   enemy  action,   war  or  civil  commotion,   governmental
restrictions,  acts of God and (c) any other  cause  beyond  the  control of the
Landlord

1.1.23  "Glazed  Roof" means the glazed roof and supports over Minster Court the
Access Ramp and between the  Building  and Number  Three  Minster  Court and the
Building  and  Number  One  Minster  Court and  includes  any  reinstatement  or
replacement  thereof and any new roof in such areas whether or not wholly glazed
or at the same level as that now in existence

1.1.24 "Group Company" means any company which is for the time being a member of
the same group of  companies  as the Landlord or the Tenant (as the case may be)
within the meaning of Section 42(l) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954

1.1.25  "Guarantor"  means  the  person  from  time  to  time  guaranteeing  the
obligations  of the Tenant in this Lease and  includes  the party so named above
and in the case of an  individual  includes his or her personal  representatives
and in the case of a company includes any company into which it shall merge

1.1.26 "Head Lease" means the superior  lease under which the Landlord holds the
Building and all leases superior thereto

1.1.27   "Initial Rent" means the following clear yearly rents for the following
         periods:

         a)       from and  including 25 April 1994 to and  including 23 June
                  1994 - rent at the rate of pounds 03,091.59 per annum

         b)       from and including 24 June 1994 to and including 24 March 1996
                  - rent at the rate of pounds 364,768 per annum;

         c)       from and including 25 March 1996 to and including 24 March
                  1998 - rent at the rate of pounds 521,729 per annum;

         d)       from and including 25 March 1998 to and including 24 December
                  1998 - rent at the rate of pounds 577,786 per annum;




                                        5




<PAGE>


1.1.28  "Insurance  Rent"  means  a  reasonable  and  proper  proportion  of the
aggregate of:

         (i)      the sums which the Landlord may from time to time incur in
                  respect of insurance in accordance with the provisions of
                  Clause 6.1; and

         (ii)     the  costs  from  time  to time  of any  insurance  valuations
                  carried out by the Landlord in respect of the Building at such
                  periods as the Landlord may reasonably consider appropriate

1.1.29  "Insured  Risks"  means (to the extent that the same are  insurable  and
subject to such  exclusions and limitations or conditions as may be imposed from
time to time by the  insurers  or  contained  in the  policy of  insurance  such
exclusions  limitations and conditions in both cases being reasonably  common in
the  insurance  market at the time of  imposition  and which the Landlord  shall
notify to the Tenant  forthwith upon becoming  aware  thereof) fire,  lightning,
explosion, storm, tempest, flood, earthquake,  bursting and overflowing of water
tanks,  apparatus and pipes, riot, civil commotion,  malicious damage, impact by
any  vehicle  aircraft  or aerial  device or by any  article  dropped  therefrom
subsidence  heave  landslip and  landslide  and such other risks as the Landlord
shall from time to time reasonably consider necessary

1.1.30  "Interest  Rate" means the base rate for the time being of Midland  Bank
public limited  company or such other rate or rates for the time being replacing
the same by  reference to which London and  Scottish  Clearing  Banks  determine
their own rates of interest or if none such rate of interest as the Landlord may
reasonably and properly specify

1.1.31  "Internal  Decoration  Year" means the year ending 3 1 December 1998 and
thereafter every subsequent fifth year of the Term (subject to the provisions of
Clause 3.3.4)

1.1.32  "Landlord"  includes the person  entitled to the  reversion for the time
being immediately expectant on the Term

1.1.33 "Landlord's  Specification" means the specification annexed to this Lease
so marked and signed on behalf of the parties for identification purposes








                                        6


<PAGE>


1.1.34  "Landlord's  Surveyor" means a surveyor or member of a firm of Surveyors
instructed by the Landlord for any of the purposes of this Lease which  surveyor
or member shah be a fellow or  associate of the Royal  Institution  of Chartered
Surveyors  or the  Incorporated  Society of  Valuers  and  Auctioneers  and such
surveyor may be a person employed directly by the Landlord or a company which is
a Group Company of the Landlord

1.1.35 "this Lease" means this Lease and any document which is made supplemental
hereto or which is entered  into  pursuant'to  or in  accordance  with the terms
hereof

1.1.36 "Lettable Areas in the Building" means those parts of the Building leased
or intended to be -leased to  occupational  tenants (but  excluding any parts of
the Building  leased or intended to be leased to statutory  undertakers  for the
purpose of the carrying out of their statutory obligations

1.1.37  "Lettable  Areas in the Estate" means those parts of any building on the
Estate leased or intended to be leased to  occupational  tenants (but  excluding
any  parts of such  building  leased  or  intended  to be  leased  to  statutory
undertakers fir the purposes of the carrying out of their statutory obligations)

1.1.38  "Loading  Bay" means the loading bay at Basement  Level as shown for the
purpose of identification only coloured orange on Plan Numbered 1

1.1.39 "Management Company" means any company appointed by the Landlord pursuant
to Clause 5.18

1.1.40  "Management  Premises" means any  administrative and control offices and
centres  and  stores  reasonably  maintained  by the  Landlord  or the  Superior
Landlord or the person  responsible  for providing the Estate Services from time
to time for the  purposes  of  managing  the  Estate  and  providing  the Estate
Services  and/or,  as the case may be,  managing the Building and  providing the
Building  Services  together  with  any  accommodation   including   residential
accommodation (if any) reasonably  provided by the Landlord or such other person
from time to time for a guard or manager  employed by it for purposes  connected
with the Estate and/or the Building (whether or not within the Estate)

1.1.41  "Minster  Court" means the main entrance to the Estate from Mincing Lane
and the covered steps, doors, gates,  courtyards and piazza now fronting each of
the buildings in the Estate and which is shown  coloured pink on Plan 3 and Plan
4 as altered,  added to, extended,  varied, stopped up or repositioned from time
to time under the Third Schedule or such






                                        7


<PAGE>


alternative main entrance to the Estate or the Building from a public highway as
the Superior Landlord or the Landlord may from time to time designate thereunder

1.142  "Minster  Court  Access  Hours"  means the hours of 7.00 am to 7.00 pm on
Monday  to  Friday  inclusive  and  8.00 am to 1.00 pm on  Saturdays  (excluding
Christmas Day, Good Friday and all usual bank or public holidays) as being those
during which the  entrances and exits to and from Minster Court are open or such
other  reasonable  hours  specified by the Superior  Landlord or the Landlord as
being those  during  which the same are to be open  Provided  That the  Superior
Landlord or the  Landlord  may close the  entrances  and exits of Minster  Court
and/or the Pedestrian Mall to and from the Dunster Court Access independently of
all other  entrances  and exits at such times of day and during  such days as it
may reasonably require in order to accord with the Dunster Court Documents or as
may be reasonably necessary or for the more effective security of the Estate and
the Estate Common Parts

1.1.43 "Pedestrian Mall" means the mall now known as Minster Pavement connecting
from the Dunster Court  Entrance  through the Estate at lower ground floor level
to Mincing Lane as is shown coloured purple on Plan Number 3

1.1.44  "Permitted Part" means any part of the Demised Premises but so that such
part shall have reasonable  arrangements for access to the Building Common Parts
and to lavatories within the Demised Premises

1.1.45  "Permitted  User" means use as good class offices  within Class Bl(a) of
the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (such Order to be read as
at the  date  of this  Lease  and  not  having  regard  to any  modification  or
reenactment thereof) together with ancillary storage

1.1.46   "Plan 1" means Plan Number 1344 S/1.2/10 annexed hereto
         "Plan 2" means Plan Number 1344 S/1.2/11 annexed hereto
         "Plan 3" means Plan Number 1344 S/1.2/12 annexed hereto
         "Plan 4" means Plan Number 1344 S/1.2.13 annexed hereto
         "Plan 5" means the plan numbered such annexed hereto

1.1.47 "Planning Acts" means the "consolidating Acts" as defined in the Planning
(Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 or any statutory modification or reenactment
of any such Acts for the time being in force and any  regulations or orders made
or having effect thereunder





                                        8



<PAGE>


1.1.48  "Reinstatement  Cost" means the costs of reinstating the Building at the
time  when such  reinstatement  is likely  to take  place  having  regard to any
possible  increases  in  building  costs  in a sum  which  includes  the cost of
demolition,  shoring up, site  clearance,  ancillary  expenses  and  architects'
surveyors'  and other  professional  fees and  Value  Added Tax on all the items
mentioned in this definition

1.1.49  "Retained  Parts" means all parts of the Building (which do not comprise
Lettable Areas in the Building or Estate Common Parts) including but not limited
to:
         a)       the Building Common Parts;
         b)       the Management Premises;
         c)       any parts of the Building reserved by the Landlord for the
                  housing of plant, machinery and equipment or otherwise in
                  connection with or required for the provision of services;
         d)       all Conducting Media in, upon, over or under or exclusively
                  serving the Building except any that form part of and
                  exclusively serve the Lettable Areas in the Building;
         e)       the main structure of the Building and in particular,  but not
                  by way of limitation,  the roof, foundations,  external walls,
                  internal load- bearing walls and the  structural  parts of the
                  roof,  ceilings  and floors,  all party  structures,  boundary
                  walls,  the  Basement,  railings  and fences and all  exterior
                  parts  of the  Building  and all  roads,  pavements,  pavement
                  lights and car parking  areas (if any) within the curtilage of
                  the Building;
         f)       the smoke vents in the Building;
         g)       the Excluded Plant;
         h)       such other parts of the Building as may be reasonably
                  designated as such by the Landlord

1.1.50  "Service  Systems" means all  Conducting  Media within the Estate or the
Building  which serve both the Demised  Premises and other Lettable Areas in the
Building and/or Lettable Areas in the Estate






                                        9


<PAGE>



1.1.51  "Superior  Landlord" mans the landlord under the Head Lease or other the
person or persons for the time being entitled to any estate or estates which are
reversionary  (whether  immediate  or  mediate)  upon the  Landlord's  estate or
interest in the Demised Premises or the Estate

1.1.52 "Tenant"  includes the successors in title and assigns of the Tenant,  as
the case may be and, in the case of an individual,  includes his or her personal
representatives

1.1.53  "Term"  means the term of fifteen (15) years  commencing  on 25 December
1993 (the "contractual term") and includes the period of any holding over or any
continuation whether by statute or common law

1.1.54 "VAT Deed" means the deed of today's date  between the parties  hereto in
relation to VAT on the rents hereby reserved

1.1.55  "Water  Charges"  means the Water Bate  together  with any  charges  for
services  performed,  facilities  provided or rights made available by the water
authority under the powers granted by the Water Act 1989 including,  but without
limitation, sewerage and environmental charges

1.1.56 "Water  Testing"  means the carrying out of all tests and sampling of the
water  and  sanitary  systems  within  the  Building  as may  in the  Landlord's
reasonable  opinion from time to time be appropriate or necessary in relation to
health or hygiene,  including,  without limitation, such testing and sampling as
may be required by any relevant legislation or applicable code of practice

1.2 Interpretation
    Unless there is something in the subject or context inconsistent therewith:-

1.2.1 any words or expressions  importing the singular  number shall be taken to
include  the plural  number and vice versa and words  importing  gender shall be
taken to include any other gender;

1.2.2 where two or more  persons are  included in the  expression  the  "Tenant"
and/or the "Landlord"  and/or the  "Guarantor" the covenants which are expressed
to be made by the Tenant  and/or the  Landlord  and/or  the  Guarantor  shall be
deemed to be made by such persons jointly and severally;

1.2.3 words importing persons shah include firms, companies and corporations and
vice versa;






                                      10


<PAGE>


1.2.4 any covenant or  regulation to be observed by the Tenant not to do any act
or thing shall include an  obligation  not to cause permit or suffer such act or
thing to be done by it, its tenants, undertenants, agents, contractors or others
for whom it is responsible;

1.2.5 references  either to any right of the Landlord to have access to or entry
upon the  Demised  Premises  or the  rights  of the  Tenant in  relation  to any
adjoining properly shall be construed as extending  respectively to the Superior
Landlord and all persons  authorised  by the Landlord and the Superior  Landlord
and (as the case may be) by the Tenant including agents,  professional advisers,
contractors, workmen and others with or without plant and materials;

1.2.6 whenever the consent or approval of the Landlord is required, the relevant
provision  shall be construed as also  requiring  the consent or approval of the
Superior Landlord if it is also required pursuant to the Head Lease, and nothing
in the Lease shall be construed as implying that the Superior  Landlord shall be
under any obligation not unreasonably to withhold its consent or approval

1.2.7 any  reference  to a statute  (whether  specifically  named or not)  shall
include any amendment or reenactment of such statute for the time being in force
and  all  instruments,  orders,  notices,  regulations,   directions,  bye-laws,
permissions  and plans for the time being made,  issued or given  thereunder  or
deriving validity therefrom;

1.2.8 reference to any agreement,  contract, deed or document shall be construed
as including any amendment,  variation,  alteration or modification  thereto and
any novation thereof and any thing supplemental thereto;

1.2.9  reference  to Value Added Tax shall  include any tax of a similar  nature
substituted for Value Added Tax;

1.2.10 the titles and headings  appearing in this Lease are for  reference  only
and shall not affect its construction;

1.211  any reference to a clause or schedule means a clause or schedule of this
       Lease

2.       DEMISE AND RENTS
In  consideration  of the  rents  and  covenants  on  the  part  of  the  Tenant
hereinafter  reserved and contained the Landlord  hereby demises unto the Tenant
ALL THAT the Demised  Premises  TOGETHER WITH the rights specified in the Second
Schedule  EXCEPT AND  RESERVED as  mentioned  in the Third  Schedule TO HOLD the
Demised Premises unto




                                       11



<PAGE>


the Tenant for  the Term SUBJECT to any matters  specified or referred to in the
Fourth Schedule and to all rights, covenants, conditions, agreements, easements,
quasi-easements  or licences  whatsoever  affecting the Demised  Premises PAYING
therefor  yearly during the Term and so in  proportion  for any less time than a
year

2.1  first  the  Initial  Rent or such  rent  ascertained  from  time to time in
accordance  with  the  provisions  contained  in the  Fifth  Schedule  by  equal
quarterly  payments in advance on the four usual  quarter days in every year the
first such  payment to be  calculated  from 25 April 1994 to 28  September  1994
(both dates inclusive) and to be made on 24 June 1994;

2.2 second,  by way of further or additional rent (severally) the Estate Service
Charge and the Building  Service Charge  calculated in the manner and payable at
the times specified in Clause 7 and Clause 8 respectively;

2.3 third,  by way of  further or  additional  rent each of the  Insurance  Rent
payable to the Landlord  within fourteen (14) days of demand and the Electricity
Charge (as defined in the Eleventh  Schedule)  payable at the times specified in
such schedule;

2.4 fourth,  within fourteen days of demand by way of further or additional rent
(but in addition  and without  prejudice to any right of reentry or other remedy
herein  contained  or by law vested in the  Landlord)  all sums  referred  to in
Clauses 3.10 and 3.25;

2.5 fifth,  by way of further or  additional  rent (but in addition  and without
prejudice  to any right of reentry or other  remedy  herein  contained or by law
vested in the  Landlord)  any other  moneys which are by this Lease stated to be
recoverable  as rent in at-rear to be paid to the  Landlord as therein  provided
within fourteen (14) days of demand; and

2.6 sixth, by way of further or additional rent any Value Added Tax which may be
chargeable in respect of any rents or other sums  reserved or payable  hereunder
ALL  such  rents  to be paid  without  any  deduction,  set-off,  counter-claim,
abatement  or  reduction  whatsoever  (except for tax  required by statute to be
deducted)

3.   TENANT'S COVENANTS
     THE Tenant HEREBY COVENANTS with the Landlord as follows:




                                       12


<PAGE>


3.1       Rents
To pay the rent first hereby  reserved,  the Insurance  Rent, the Estate Service
Charge,  the Building  Service Charge and the Electricity  Charge (as defined in
the Eleventh Schedule hereof) and all other rents at the times and in the manner
specified in Clause 2 without any deduction, set-off,  counter-claim,  abatement
or reduction whatsoever (except as mentioned above)

3.2.     Outgoings
3.2.1  (Subject  only to any  statutory  direction  to the  contrary) to pay and
discharge  all  rates and  Water  Charges,  taxes,  assessments,  outgoings  and
impositions  whatsoever  (save to the extent  that the same are  included in the
Building Service Charge or in the Estate Service Charge) (whether parliamentary,
parochial,  local or otherwise and whether or not of a capital or  non-recurring
nature or of a wholly novel character), together with any Value Added Tax on any
of the same, which are now or may at any time hereafter be assessed,  charged or
imposed upon the Demised Premises or on the owner or occupier in respect thereof
and all proper proportions  thereof (except income or corporation tax payable by
the Landlord in respect of rents and other payments  arising under this Lease or
income or  corporation  tax or Value Added Tax or capital gains tax payable as a
result of any dealing with any reversion  immediately or mediately  expectant on
the Term)

3.2.2 To pay and contribute  within fourteen (14) days of demand to the Landlord
a fair and reasonable  proportion  (to be fairly and properly  determined by the
Landlord's Surveyor) of the costs,  charges, fees and expenses properly expended
or incurred by the Landlord (but only to the extent that the same do not fall to
be included in the Estate  Service  Charge or the  Building  Service  Charge) in
making, laying, repairing,  maintaining,  rebuilding,  decorating, cleansing and
lighting  (as the case may be) any  roadways  or  courts,  passages,  pavements,
turntables, party walls or fences, party structures, pipes or other conveniences
and  easements  whatsoever  which may  belong to, or be capable of being used or
enjoyed by, the Demised  Premises in common with any  adjoining  property and in
default of payment to be recoverable as rent in arrear

3.2.3 To indemnify the Landlord  against any loss to the Landlord of void rating
relief  (or part  thereof)  which  would  have been  applicable  to the  Demised
Premises by reason of the Demised  Premises  being  vacant  after the end of the
Term (or any earlier  determination  thereof) but which is not  available to the
Landlord  on the ground  that such relief (or part  thereof)  has  already  been
allowed to the Tenant

3.2.4 To  co-operate  with the Landlord in respect of  contesting  any outgoings
referred to in Clause 3.2.1 or appealing any assessments  related thereto and to
supply to the Landlord forthwith



                                       13



<PAGE>


upon  receipt  copies  of any  such  assessments  and to make  available  to the
Landlord such information in respect thereof as the Landlord reasonably requests

3.2.5 Not to agree or appeal or contest any such  outgoings  or any  assessments
related  thereto  without the prior  approval in writing of the  Landlord  (such
approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)

3.2.6 To pay to the suppliers and indemnify the Landlord against all charges for
telephone,  water,  gas (if any) and  other  services  consumed  in the  Demised
Premises during the Term including any connection charge and meter  installation
costs and rents

3.2.7    (a)      To perform and observe all present and future  regulations
                  and requirements of the electricity,  telephone, gas and water
                  supply or other authorities; boards or companies in respect of
                  the supply and consumption of electricity, telephone services,
                  gas, water and other  services on the Demised  Premises and to
                  keep the Landlord indemnified against any breach thereof

         (b)      To pay to the  Landlord or as it may direct an amount equal to
                  any rebate or rebates which the Tenant or any under-tenant may
                  receive from a statutory  undertaker in respect of the capital
                  costs  incurred  by  the  Landlord  or  Group  Company  of the
                  Landlord for providing water, foul and surface water drainage,
                  gas, electricity and telecommunications

3.3      Repairs and Decorations
3.3.1 (Damage by the Insured  Risks  excepted save to the extent that payment of
the insurance  monies shall be withheld by reason of any act, neglect or default
of the  Tenant or any  under-tenant  or person  under its or their  control)  to
repair and keep the  Demised  Premises  and any  Conducting  Media  outside  the
Demised Premises exclusively serving the same in good and substantial repair and
condition and where necessary in order so to do to renew,  rebuild and reinstate
the Demised Premises or any part thereof

3.3.2 To replace from time to time any  Fixtures  which may be or become in need
of  replacement  with new ones which are  similar in type and quality so that at
all times throughout the Term the Fixtures shah be in first class repair working
order and  condition  as  appropriate  to the size  quality and  prestige of the
Demised Premises and the Building and the Estate of which they are part

3.3.3 To keep all  mechanical  and electrical  plant,  machinery,  apparatus and
equipment (not being  Excluded  Plant or moveable  property of the Tenant or any
under-tenant) in or exclusively



                                       14


<PAGE>


serving the Demised Premises  properly  maintained and in good working order and
condition and for that purpose:

a)       either (i) (subject to such contractors offering reasonable commercial
         terms) to employ the contractors of the Landlord for the maintenance
         and service of the air-conditioning and other plant within the Demised
         Premises(such contractors to be notified to the Tenant by the Landlord)
         or (ii) in the event of the Landlord not employing contractors, to
         employ such reputable contractors as may be approved by the Landlord,
         such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, regularly to
         inspect, maintain and service the same and to supply to the Landlord
         upon request copies of any contracts entered into by the Tenant in
         respect thereof;

b)       to renew or replace all working and other parts as and when necessary
         and (if reasonably required by the Landlord) on the expiration or
         sooner determination of the Term; and

c)       to ensure by directions to the Tenant's staff and otherwise that such
         plant and  machinery is properly operated

3.3.4 In every Internal  Decoration  Year and also in the last six months of the
Term (whether  determined  by effluxion of time or  otherwise)  (hut so that the
Tenant  shall not be  required  in the last  twelve  (12)  months of the Term to
comply  with this  sub-clause  otherwise  than in the last six (6) months of the
Term)in a good and workmanlike manner to prepare and decorate (with two coats at
least of good  quality  paint) in colours to be approved by the  Landlord  (such
approval  not to be  unreasonably  withheld or delayed)  or  otherwise  treat as
appropriate all parts of the Demised  Premises  required to be so treated and as
often as may be  reasonably  necessary  properly to wash down all tiles,  glazed
bricks and similar  washable  surfaces  including  all doors  fronting  onto the
Building  Common  Parts,  such  decorations  and  treatment  to be  executed  in
accordance  with the  reasonable  conditions  set down for the  treatment of the
internal face of the cladding of the Building as the Landlord shall from time to
time provide to the Tenant

3.3.5 To keep the Demised Premises in a clean and tidy condition and as and when
necessary at least once in every two (2) months properly to clean the insides of
all windows and window frames and all other glass in the Demised Premises

3.3.6 To maintain and when necessary (if reasonably required by the Landlord) on
the  expiration  or sooner  determination  of the Term to replace the carpets or
such other floor coverings



                                       15


<PAGE>


now or from time to time laid in the Demised  Premises with new carpets or other
floor coverings of equivalent quality and value

3.4      Yielding Up
3.4.1    Immediately prior to the expiration or sooner determination of the Term
         at the cost of the Tenant:

(a)      to replace any of the' Fixtures  which shall be missing  broken damaged
         or destroyed with new ones of similar kind and quality;

(b)      to remove from the Demised Premises and the Building and the Estate any
         moulding,  sign,  writing or  painting  of the name or  business of the
         Tenant or occupiers and all tenant's  fixtures  fittings  furniture and
         effects and to make good to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord
         all damage caused by such removal;

(c)      to the extent required by the Landlord but not otherwise, to remove all
         wiring,  cabling and other conducting material installed in the Demised
         Premises  and the Estate or the  Building  by or at the  request of the
         Tenant  or  any  undertenant  in  respect  of  video,  data  and  sound
         communications, including telephones; and

(d)      to the extent  required by the  Landlord  but not  otherwise,  well and
         substantially  to remove  all  alterations  carried  out by the  Tenant
         during the Term or prior to the  commencement  thereof  (including  any
         works under Clause 3.12) and to reinstate the Demised Premises in or to
         the condition  specified in the Landlord's  Specification and otherwise
         in such  manner as the  Landlord  shall  reasonably  direct  and to its
         reasonable satisfaction

3.4.2  At the expiration or sooner determination of the Term quietly to yield up
the  Demised  Premises  to the  Landlord  in good  and  substantial  repair  and
condition in accordance with the covenants and other  obligations on the part of
the Tenant contained in this Lease

3.5  Statutory Requirements
3.5.1 Within  fourteen  (14) days (or sooner if requisite  having  regard to the
requirements of the notice in question or the time limits stated therein) of the
receipt  of the same,  to produce  to the  Landlord a true copy and any  further
particulars  reasonably  required by the Landlord of any  permission,  notice or
order or proposal for a notice or order  relevant to the Demised  Premises or to
the Estate or to the  Building or to the use or  condition  thereof or otherwise
concerning  the Tenant  made,  given or issued to the Tenant or  occupier by any
government department or local or public authority AND without delay to take all
necessary steps to




                                       16


<PAGE>


comply therewith so far as the same is the responsibility of the Tenant AND ALSO
at the  request of the  Landlord  but at the cost of the Tenant to the extent to
which it relates to the Demised  Premises  to make or join with the  Landlord in
making  such  objections  or  representations  against or in respect of any such
notice  order or proposal as aforesaid as the  Landlord  shall  reasonably  deem
expedient

3.5.2  At the expense of the  Tenant,  to execute  and comply with all works and
other  requirements  whatever  as may  now or at any  time  during  the  Term be
lawfully  directed  or  required  by any  local or  other  public  or  competent
authority  or Court of  competent  jurisdiction  or statute  (including  without
limitation  the Offices,  Shops and Railways  Premises Act 1963,  the Health and
Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 and the Fire Precautions Act 1971) or bye-law to be
executed  or done upon or in respect of the  Demised  Premises  or any  addition
thereto or any part  thereof  or the user  thereof or  employment  or  residence
therein  of any  person or persons or  fixtures,  machinery,  plant or  chattels
therein  or by  the  owner  or  occupier  thereof  and  to  indemnify  and  keep
indemnified the Landlord at all times against all costs, charges and expenses of
or  incidental  to any such works,  things or  requirements  and not at any time
during  the Term to do (or omit to do any act or thing for  which the  Tenant is
responsible  hereunder) on or about the Demised Premises or any part or parts of
the  Building or the Estate used for the  purposes of but not  comprised  in the
Demised  Premises any act or thing by reason of which the Landlord may under any
order or enactment  incur or have  imposed  upon it or become  liable to pay any
penalty, damages, compensation, costs, charges or expenses

3.5.3 To comply with all reasonable rules and regulations which the Landlord may
from time to time  promulgate  in relation to the  maintenance  of the water and
sanitary  systems (if any)  within the Demised  Premises  and,  when  reasonably
required by the Landlord,  to shut down such of the water or sanitary systems as
the Landlord may specify to enable the Landlord to carry out Water Testing

3.6    Planning Acts
3.6.1  At all  times  during  the  Term,  to  comply  in all  respects  with the
provisions  and   requirements  of  the  Planning  Acts  and  of  all  consents,
permissions  and  conditions  (if any)  granted  or  imposed  or  having  effect
thereunder  so far as the same  respectively  relate  to or affect  the  Demised
Premises or any part thereof or any operations, works, acts or things already or
hereafter  to be  carried  out,  executed,  done or  omitted  thereon or the use
thereof for any purpose

3.6.2 At the expense of the Tenant,  to obtain all planning  permissions and any
other  consents and to serve all notices as may be required for the carrying out
or continuation of any operation



                                       17



<PAGE>


or use on the Demised  Premises which may constitute  development but so that no
application for planning  permission or for a determination  under Section 64 of
the Town and Country  Planning Act 1990 shall be made or any notice given to any
authority of the  commencement  or carrying out of any development nor shall any
notice be given of an  intention  to commence or carry out the same  without the
prior  written  consent of the  Landlord,  such  consent not to be  unreasonably
withheld or delayed

3.6.3 To pay and  satisfy  any charge that may  hereafter  be imposed  under the
Planning  Acts  in  respect  of the  carrying  out or  maintenance  of any  such
operations or the  institution  or continuance of any such use as is referred to
above

3.6.4  Notwithstanding  any consent  which may be granted by the Landlord  under
this Lease,  not to carry out or make any  alteration or addition to the Demised
Premises or any change of use thereof (being an alteration or addition or change
of use which is prohibited by or for which the Landlord's consent is required to
be  obtained  under this Lease and for which a planning  permission  needs to be
obtained)  before  a  planning  permission  therefor  has been  produced  to the
Landlord  and  acknowledged  by it  in  writing  as  satisfactory  to it  (which
acknowledgement  will not be  unreasonably  withheld or delayed) But so that the
Landlord  may  refuse so to  express  its  satisfaction  with any such  planning
permission  on the  ground  that the period  thereof,  any  condition  contained
therein  or  anything  omitted  therefrom  in  the  reasonable  opinion  of  the
Landlord's  Surveyor  would be or be likely to be  prejudicial to the Landlord's
interest in the Demised  Premises or the Building or the Estate  whether  during
the Term or following the determination or expiration thereof

3.6.5  Unless the Landlord  shall  otherwise  direct,  to carry out and complete
before the expiration or sooner determination of the Term:

         a)       any works stipulated to be carried out to the Demised Premises
                  by  a  date   subsequent   to  such   expiration   or   sooner
                  determination  as  a  condition  of  any  planning  permission
                  granted for any  development  begun before such  expiration or
                  sooner determination; and

         b)       any development begun upon the Demised Premises in respect of
                  which the Landlord shall or may be or become liable for any
                  charge or levy under the Planning Acts

3.6.6  If and when called  upon so to do,  to  produce  to the  Landlord  or the
Landlord's  Surveyor all such plans documents and other evidence as the Landlord
may reasonably require in



                                       18


<PAGE>

order to  satisfy  itself  that the  provisions  of this  Clause  3.6 have  been
complied  with in all respects  3.7 To comply with  Notices  3.7.1 To permit the
agents of the Landlord and/or the Superior  Landlord at all reasonable  hours in
the  daytime  upon  giving  reasonable  prior  written  notice to the Tenant (or
without notice in the case of emergency) with or without workpeople or others to
enter and remain upon the Demised Premises or any part thereof to view the state
and  condition of the Demised  Premises and to ensure that nothing has been done
which  constitutes,  or may  tend  to  constitute,  a  breach  of the  covenants
contained in this Lease and to give or leave on the Demised  Premises  notice in
writing to the Tenant of any such breach

3.7.2  Whenever  the  Landlord  shall give  written  notice to the Tenant of any
defects,  wants of repair or breaches of covenant, the Tenant shall within sixty
(60) days of such  notice,  or sooner if  requisite,  make good and  remedy  the
breach of covenant to the  reasonable  satisfaction  of the  Landlord and if the
Tenant  shall fail within  twenty-one  (21) days of such  notice,  or as soon as
reasonably  possible in the case of emergency,  to commence and then  diligently
and expeditiously to continue to comply with such notice,  the Landlord may (but
without prejudice to any right of forfeiture or any other right of the Landlord)
enter the Demised  Premises  and carry out or cause to be carried out all or any
of the works  referred  to in such  notice  and all costs and  expenses  thereby
reasonably and properly  incurred shall be paid by the Tenant to the Landlord on
demand and, in default of payment, shall be recoverable as rent in arrear

3.8      Rights of entry by Landlord
To permit the Landlord and/or the Superior  Landlord or its or their  respective
agents  or  workpeople  and also the  tenants  and  occupiers  of any  adjoining
premises  or  their  workpeople  and  all  persons  authorised  by the  Landlord
(reasonably)  and/or  the  Superior  Landlord  with  or  without  all  necessary
materials and appliances at all  reasonable  times during the Term at reasonable
hours upon  giving  reasonable  prior  written  notice to the Tenant (or without
notice in case of emergency)  to enter and remain upon the Demised  Premises for
any of the following purposes:

3.8.1  executing  repairs or  alterations  to or upon the Retained Parts or such
adjoining  premises,  subject  to the  person  so  entering  causing  as  little
disturbance and inconvenience to the Tenant as reasonably  possible carrying out
all works as  expeditiously  as  reasonably  possible  and in a  reasonable  and
workmanlike  manner and forthwith in like manner making good all damage  thereby
occasioned;



                                       19


<PAGE>

3.8.2  exercising any of the rights excepted and reserved by this Lease;

3.8.3  performing any of the Landlord's  obligations  hereunder or providing the
Estate  Services,  the Building  Services or valuing the Demised Premises or the
Building;

3.8.4    to take schedules or inventories of the Fixtures;

3.8.5  Water  Testing  and  carrying  out any  necessary  works of  maintenance,
cleansing,  repair or  replacement to ensure that all sanitary and water systems
within the Building comply with al1 relevant  enforceable rules and regulations,
whether  statutory or otherwise,  and all relevant codes of practice relating to
health and hygiene

3.8.6 any other reasonable  purpose  connected with the interest of the Landlord
and/or the  Superior  Landlord in the  Demised  Premises  and their  disposal or
charge

3.9      Landlord's Survey
To permit the Landlord or its surveyors or agents or any other person reasonably
authorised in writing by it at any time during the Term at reasonable hours upon
giving  reasonable  prior written notice to the Tenant to enter upon the Demised
Premises to survey the same

3.10     Landlord's Costs
To pay to the Landlord all proper costs,  charges and expenses  (including legal
costs and fees  payable  to a  surveyor  or  management  surveyor)  which may be
properly incurred by the Landlord:

3.10.1 in relation to or in  reasonable  contemplation  of the  preparation  and
service of a notice  under  Section  146 of the Law of  Property  Act 1925 or in
reasonable  contemplation  of  proceedings  under Sections 146 and/or 147 of the
said Act  whether or not any right of reentry or  forfeiture  has been waived by
the Landlord or a notice  served under the said Section 146 is complied  with by
the Tenant or the Tenant has been relieved  under the provisions of the said Act
and  notwithstanding  forfeiture is avoided  otherwise than by relief granted by
the Court;

3.10.2 in relation to or in reasonable  contemplation of the preparation  and/or
service of notices or schedules  relating to the repair of the Demised  Premises
or in  connection  with the  delivery  up  thereof  upon the  expiry  or  sooner
determination  of the Term whether  served before or within six (6) months after
the determination of the Term but relating to the state of repair up to the date
of determination of the Term;


                                       20


<PAGE>


3.10.3 in connection with the recovery or attempted  recovery of arrears of rent
or other sums due from the Tenant or in procuring the remedying of any breach of
covenant by the Tenant contained in this Lease; and

3.10.4 in relation to any application for consent  required or made necessary by
this Lease  (such  costs to include  reasonable  management  fees and  expenses)
whether  or not the same is  granted  (except  in cases  where the  Landlord  is
obliged not  unreasonably  to withhold  its consent and the  withholding  of its
consent  is held to be  unreasonable)  or  whether  or not  the  application  be
withdrawn provided that any such costs arising under this Clause 3.10.4 shall be
reasonable

3.11     Obstruction of Services, etc.
3.11.1  Not to  obstruct  block up or  encumber  with  articles  or goods of any
description the Estate Common Parts or the Building Common Parts

3.11.2  Not to  discharge  into any  Conducting  Media  any oil or grease or any
noxious or  deleterious  effluent  or  substance  whatsoever  which may cause an
obstruction  or might be or become a source of danger or which might  injure the
Conducting  Media or the drainage system of the Demised Premises or the Building
or the Estate

3.11.3 Not to deposit on any part of the  Demised  Premises  any trade  empties,
rubbish or refuse of any kind other than in proper  receptacles  and not to burn
any rubbish or refuse on the Demised Premises

3.11.4 Not to do anything whereby any road,  path,  forecourt or other area over
which the Tenant may have rights of access or use may be damaged or the fair use
thereof by others may be obstructed in any manner whatsoever

3.12     Alterations
3.12.1  Not to erect  any new  building  or new  structure  within  the  Demised
Premises or any part thereof nor to alter,  add to or change the exterior of the
Demised  Premises  or  the  height,   elevation  or  external  architectural  or
decorative design or appearance of the Demised Premises nor to merge the Demised
Premises with any adjoining property

3.12.2  Not to make any external or internal structural alterations or additions
to the Building

3.12.3  Not to make any  alterations  or  additions  to any  air-  conditioning,
sprinkler,  alarm and other  centrally  controlled  systems (other than security
systems installed by the Tenant) in the Demised Premises or the Conducting Media
within or serving the Demised Premises without



                                       2l


<PAGE>


3.12.4  obtaining the prior written consent of the Landlord (such consent not to
be  unreasonably  withheld or delayed) And in the event of the Tenant wishing to
make alterations or additions to such centrally  controlled  systems it shall be
reasonable  for  the  Landlord  to  withhold  consent  to such  alterations  and
additions  unless  the Tenant  agrees to employ a  contractor  nominated  by the
Landlord  for the  carrying  out of such  work  subject  to such  nominee  being
prepared to carry out such work on reasonable commercial terms

3.12.5 Not to make any alterations or additions  whatsoever (save as provided in
sub-clause  3.12.11  below) not  prohibited by  sub-clauses  3.12.1 or 3.12.2 or
3.12.3 without obtaining the prior written consent of the Landlord (such consent
not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) Not to alter or change the colour of
lighting within any part of the Demised  Premises which lighting is visible from
outside  the  Demised  Premises or from other parts of the Estate or which would
affect floodlighting  belonging to the Landlord or the Superior Landlord without
obtaining  the prior  written  consent of the Landlord  (such  consent not to be
unreasonably withheld or delayed)

3.12.6  Subject to the rights  granted in the Second  Schedule,  not to erect or
display on the exterior of the Demised  Premises or in the windows thereof so as
to be visible from the exterior or within the curtilage of the Demised  Premises
any pole, flag, aerial, advertisement,  poster, signboard, fascia, placard, bill
notice or other sign or thing whatsoever

3.12.7 To ensure that all partitioning  connecting to the perimeter walls within
the Demised  Premises is installed only to the mullions  between windows and not
to  obstruct  or block up whether by  partitioning,  or  fittings  any  external
windows to the furniture or furnishings Demised Premises

3.12.8 Not to install any curtains,  blinds or other window coverings other than
those  supplied by the  Landlord  except as approved in writing by the  Landlord
from time to time (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)

3.12.9 Promptly to make good all damage caused to any adjoining  property in the
carrying out of any alterations or additions to the Demised Premises

3.12.10 In the event that the Tenant shall carry out any  alteration or addition
to the Demised Premises to notify the Landlord in writing immediately  following
completion of such works of any resulting  increase in the cost of reinstatement
to the Demised Premises for insurance purposes


                                       22


<PAGE>


3.12.11 Without  prejudice to the other provisions of this Lease, the Tenant may
without the consent of the Landlord install, remove and carry out alterations or
additions to the internal demountable  partitioning,  suspended ceilings, raised
floors and wiring PROVIDED THAT:

a)       the same do not interfere with the efficient working of the Service
         Systems;

b)       before any works contemplated by this sub-clause 3.12.11 are commenced,
         the Tenant shall supply to the Landlord fully annotated  drawings which
         have been approved by the Local Fire Officer or District Surveyor;

c)       the Tenant obtains the approval of the Landlord to the arrangements
         that are necessary to bring materials and goods into the Demised
         Premises by way of the Building Common Parts; and

d)       the Tenant notifies the Landlord immediately following the carrying out
         of the said works and supplies two copies of plans for the parts of the
         Demised Premises affected thereby showing the same

3.12.12 In the event of the Tenant  failing to  observe  the  covenants  in this
Clause  3.12 for a period of  twenty-eight  (28) days  after  service of written
notice by the  Landlord on the Tenant  referring to this  sub-clause  and giving
details of the default complained of it shall be lawful for the Landlord and its
agents  or  surveyors  with or  without  workmen  and  others  and  all  persons
authorised by the Landlord with all necessary  materials and appliances to enter
upon the Demised  Premises and remove any  alterations  or additions and execute
such works as may be necessary  to restore the Demised  Premises to their former
state and the proper costs and expenses thereof (including  surveyors* and other
professional tees) shall be paid by the Tenant to the Landlord on demand

3.13     Appearance of Demised Premises
3.13.1 To keep every part of the  Demised  Premises  visible  from  outside  the
Demised  Premises  or from any other  parts of the Estate  clean and tidy and in
such  condition  as shall not detract from the overall  visual  amenities of the
Estate or the Building

3.13.2 To keep clean and tidy, well tended,  cultivated,  planted and landscaped
(as  applicable)  any open areas  within the Demised  Premises  and not to store
goods,  materials  or other things on any such open areas or outside the Demised
Premises



                                       23


<PAGE>


3.13.3 Not to interfere with any lamps for  illuminating  the Estate  (including
without  limitation  any street road plaza mall walkway or arcade) or any street
and directional signs serving the Estate

3.14     Comply with Fire Regulations
3.14.1 To comply with the requirements and lawful and proper  recommendations of
the  fire  authority,  the  insurers  of the  Demised  Premises  and  reasonable
requirements  of the  Landlord  in relation to fire  precautions  affecting  the
Demised Premises

3.14.2  To keep the  Demised  Premises  supplied  and  equipped  with  such fire
fighting and extinguishing  appliances as shall be required by any statute,  the
fire authority or the insurers of the Demised Premises or as shall be reasonably
required by the Landlord and such  appliances  shall be open to  inspection  and
shall be maintained to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord

3.14.3. Not to obstruct the access to, or means of working of, any fire fighting
and extinguishing appliances or the means of escape from the Demised Premises in
case of fire or other emergency

3.15     Carrying out of alterations
3.15.1  Without  prejudice to the  provisions of Clause 3.12 or to any covenants
and conditions  which the Landlord shall require or impose in giving consent for
alterations or additions to the Demised Premises where the Landlord's consent is
required  under the  provisions  of  Clause  3.12 or is  otherwise  given by the
Landlord,  any  alterations,  additions,  repairs,  replacements  or other works
carried  out by the Tenant or any  undertenant  to or in respect of the  Demised
Premises shall be performed promptly and in a good and workmanlike manner and in
compliance  with rules and  regulations  reasonably  promulgated by the Landlord
from  time to time and  notified  in  writing  to the  Tenant  and any works the
carrying out of which may, in the Landlord's  reasonable  opinion,  constitute a
nuisance or disrupt the  businesses  or activities of other tenants or occupiers
of the Building or the Estate or the public shall be performed outside the hours
of 6.30 am to 7.30 pm on Monday to Friday (inclusive)

3.15.2 Any  alterations  affecting the  appearance of the Demised  Premises from
outside the Demised  Premises or from any other parts of the Estate shah, at the
Landlord's  option,  be performed at the Tenant's  expense by the Landlord or by
contractors  designated  by the Landlord at a reasonable  time  specified by the
Landlord  and at a reasonable  cost and to the  reasonable  satisfaction  of the
Tenant and, unless otherwise  expressly agreed to the contrary from time to time
between the Landlord and the Tenant,  all materials  supplied and work performed
by the Landlord for the Tenant  pursuant to this Clause shall be paid for by the
Tenant to the



                                       24


<PAGE>


Landlord  within  fourteen (14) days of completion of such works to the Tenant's
reasonable satisfaction.

3.16     User Restrictions
3.16.1 Not to use the  Demised  Premises or any part  thereof for any  political
meeting nor for any dangerous noxious or offensive trade or business whatsoever

3.16.2  Not to use the Demised Premises or any part  thereof or permit or suffer
the  same to be used for the  purpose  of any  betting  transaction  within  the
meaning of the Betting  Gaming and  Lotteries  Act 1963 or for gaming within the
meaning of the Gaming Act 1968 with or between persons  resorting to the Demised
Premises or for a club where intoxicating liquor is supplied to members or their
guests  and not to make or permit or  suffer  to be made any  application  for a
betting office licence or a licence or  registration  under the `Gaming Act 1968
in respect of the Demised Premises or any part thereof

3.16.3  Not to permit any sale by auction or public  meeting to be held upon the
Demised  Premises  nor to permit  or  suffer  to be done in or upon the  Demised
Premises  or any part  thereof  any act or thing  which is illegal or immoral or
which shall or may be or become a nuisance,  damage,  annoyance or inconvenience
to the Landlord or its tenants or the occupiers of any adjoining or neighbouring
premises

3.16.4  Not to use the Demised Premises for residential or sleeping  purposes or
hold any exhibitions or displays on the Demised Premises

3.16.5  Not to use the  Demised  Premises  as  offices  for the  purpose of turf
accountants estate agency travel agency staff agency or employment agency

3.16.6  Not to use the  Demised Premises  or any part  thereof as offices  for a
Department  of Her  Majesty's  Government  without  obtaining  the prior written
consent of the Landlord such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed

3.17 User
Subject  to the  provisions  of Clause  3.16,  not to use the  Demised  Premises
thereof or suffer the same to be used otherwise than for the Permitted User

3.18 Encroachments and easements
Not to stop up,  darken or  obstruct  any  windows  or lights  belonging  to the
Demised Premises or any other buildings  belonging to the Landlord or permit any
new window, light, opening,  doorway, path, passage, drain or other encroachment
or easement (together "Easements")



                                       25


<PAGE>


to be made of acquired in against out of or upon the Demised  Premises  and that
in case any such  Easements  shall be made or acquired or attempted to be made o
acquired the Tenant will give immediate  notice thereof to the Landlord and will
at the request of the Landlord adopt such means as may be reasonably required or
deemed proper for preventing any such encroachment

3.19     Alienation
3.19.1 Not to assign,  underlet,  mortgage,  charge, agree to underlet, share or
part with the  possession or  occupation  of, or permit any person or company to
occupy,  the whole or any part of the Demised Premises save as expressly set out
in this Clause 3.19

3.19.2  Not to assign, underlet or permit the occupation of the Demised Premises
or any part thereof by, or the vesting of any interest or estate therein, in any
person,  firm,  company  or other  body or  entity  which has the right to claim
diplomatic  immunity or exemption in relation to the observance and  performance
of the  covenants  and  conditions  of and  contained  in this Lease unless such
immunity  or  exemption  is  capable of being and has been  effectively  waived,
disclaimed or otherwise negatived to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord

3.19.3 Not to assign the whole of the Demised Premises without first obtaining:

         a)  a deed of covenant by the prospective assignee  with  the  Landlord
         thenceforth to pay the rents hereby reserved and to observe and perform
         the  covenants  and  obligations  on  the  part  of the  Tenant  herein
         contained for the residue of the Term; and

          (b)  if  the  Landlord  shah  reasonably  so  require,  an  acceptable
         guarantor for any person to whom this Lease is to be assigned who shall
         execute and deliver to the Landlord a deed containing a direct covenant
         with  the  Landlord  in the  terms  contained  in the  Eighth  Schedule
         (mutatis mutandis)

3.19.4  Not  to  underlet  the  whole  of the  Demised  Premises  without  first
procuring: to be made or acquired in against out of or upon the Demised Premises
and that in case any such Easements shall be made or acquired or attempted to be
made or acquired the Tenant will give  immediate  notice thereof to the Landlord
and will at the request of the  Landlord  adopt such means as may be  reasonably
required  or  deemed  proper  for  preventing  any  such   encroachment  or  the
acquisition of any such Easements (and the Tenant shall bear such  proportion of
its own costs as shall be reasonable in the  circumstances  the Landlord  paying
the balance)

(a)      that any underlease to be granted hereunder shall:
         i)       be granted without a fine or premium and at a rent not less
                  than the then open market yearly rental value of the Demised
                  Premises at the time of
                  such underlease;



                                       26


<PAGE>


         (ii)     contain provisions for rent review in an upward direction only
                  at least at such times as to  coincide  with the rent  reviews
                  provided for in this Lease and otherwise  consistent  with the
                  terms set out in the Fifth Schedule;

         (iii)    contain a condition for reentry on breach of any covenant by
                  the undertenant;

         (iv)     contain the same or greater restrictions (mutatis mutandis) as
                  to assignment, underletting, mortgaging, charging, agreeing to
                  underlet, parting with or sharing the possession or occupation
                  of the  Demised  Premises  and the  same  provisions  (mutatis
                  mutandis) for direct covenants and registration as are in this
                  Lease;

         (v)      contain a covenant by the  under-tenant to perform and observe
                  all the Tenant's covenants and the other provisions  contained
                  in this Lease (other than the payment of the rent first hereby
                  reserved);

         (vi)     contain  a  covenant  by  the   undertenant   prohibiting  the
                  under-tenant  from doing or suffering any act or thing upon or
                  in relation to the premises  underlet  inconsistent with or in
                  breach of the provisions of this Lease; and

         (vii)    be  in a  form  previously  approved  by  the  Landlord  (such
                  approval not be unreasonably withheld or delayed)

b)       (i) a direct covenant by the prospective  undertenant with the Landlord
to perform and  observe  all the  Tenant's  covenants  and the other  provisions
contained  in this Lease  (other than the payment of the rents) and the proposed
underlease  (other than the payment of the rents save following the  termination
or surrender of this Lease and the continued existence of the underlease); and

         (ii)  if  the  Landlord  shall  reasonably  so  require,  a  reasonably
acceptable  guarantor  for any  person to whom the  Demised  Premises  are to be
underlet who shah execute and deliver to the Landlord a deed  containing  direct
covenants  by such  guarantor  (or if more  than one such  guarantor  joint  and
several  covenants)  with the  Landlord  in the terms  contained  in the  Eighth
Schedule (mutatis  mutandis) or in such other terms from time to time reasonably
required by the Landlord






                                       27

<PAGE>


3.19.5 Not to underlet any part of the Demised  Premises  Provided  however that
the Tenant may underlet a Permitted Part upon first procuring:

         a)       that any underlease to be granted of a Permitted Part shall:

                  (i)  be granted without fine or premium and at a rent not less
than the open market yearly  rental value of the  Permitted  Part so underlet at
the time of such underlease as approved by the Landlord (such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld or delayed);

(ii) contain  provisions for rent review in an upward direction only at least at
such times as to coincide  with the rent reviews  provided for in this Lease and
otherwise consistent with the terms set out in this Lease (mutatis mutandis);

                  (iii)  contain a condition for re-entry on breach  of covenant
by the undertenant;

                  (iv)  contain  an  agreement  between  the  lessor  and lessee
excluding the  provisions of Sections 24 to 28  (inclusive)  of the Landlord and
Tenant Act 1954 and an order of a competent court shall have been obtained under
the provisions of Section 38(4) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954  authorising
such  agreement in relation to such intended  underlease and a certified copy of
such order produced to the Landlord;

                  (v)  contain  an   absolute   covenant  on  the  part  of  any
prospective  undertenant not to assign,  underlet,  mortgage,  charge,  agree to
underlet,  share or part with the  possession  or  occupation  of, or permit any
person  or  company  to  occupy,  the  whole or any part of the  premises  to be
comprised in such underlease save by way of an assignment,  underlease, mortgage
or charge of the whole of the Permitted  Part  comprised in such  underlease and
upon  the  same  terms  (mutatis  mutandis)  to those  relating  to  assignments
underleases  or mortgages or charges of the whole of the Demised  Premises under
this Lease and with the consent of the  Landlord  under this Lease  (which shall
not be unreasonably withheld or delayed);

                  (vi)  contain a covenant  by the  prospective  undertenant  to
perform and observe all the Tenant's covenants and other provisions contained in
this


                                       28


<PAGE>


                          Lease  (other than the payment of rents) so far as the
same are applicable to the Permitted Part to be thereby demised;

                  (vii) contain a covenant by the  undertenant  prohibiting  the
undertenant  from doing or suffering any act or thing upon or in relation to the
premises underlet inconsistent or in breach of the provisions of this Lease;

                  (viii) contain  provisions for a service charge in relation to
the Permitted Part on institutionally  acceptable terms and in a form previously
approved by the  Landlord  (such  approval  not to be  unreasonably  withheld or
delayed); and

                  (ix)   be in a form previously approved by the Landlord  (such
approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)

b) that as a result  of such  underletting  there  will be not more  than  three
separate  persons or bodies  corporate  in  occupation  of or  entitled  to take
occupation of the Demised  Premises  including  any person or body  corporate in
occupation or entitled to take  occupation  of any part of the Demised  Premises
under this Lease but excluding  any body  corporate in occupation or entitled to
take  occupation  of any part of the Demised  Premises  pursuant  to  sub-clause
3.19.12  hereof  Provided That for the purposes of  calculation of the number of
persons or bodies  corporate in occupation or entitled to take occupation of the
Demised  Premises  partners in a partnership  together shall constitute one such
person or body corporate


(c)      (i) a direct covenant by the prospective undertenant with the  Landlord
to perform and  observe  all the  Tenant's  covenants  and any other  provisions
contained in this Lease (other than the payment of the rents) so far as the same
are  applicable  to the  premises  to be  thereby  demised  and in the  proposed
underlease  (other  than the  payment of rents  save  following  termination  or
surrender of this Lease and the continued existence of the underlease); and

         (ii)  if  the  Landlord  shall  so  reasonably  require,  a  reasonably
acceptable  guarantor for any such undertenant  shall execute and deliver to the
Landlord a deed containing covenants by such guarantor (or if more than one such
guarantor joint and several  covenants) with the Landlord in the terms contained
in the Eighth  Schedule  (mutatis  mutandis) or on such other terms from time to
time reasonably required by the Landlord




                                       29


<PAGE>



3.19.6  Not to assign,  underlet,  mortgage  or charge the whole of the  Demised
Premises  without the prior written  consent of the Landlord (which shall not be
unreasonably  withheld or delayed)  and not to underlet  any part of the Demised
Premises  without the prior written  consent of the Landlord  (which shah not be
unreasonably  withheld  or  delayed)  Provided  That the Tenant may  without the
Landlord's  consent grant floating  charges over its property and undertaking in
the usual course of its business

3.19.7 To enforce the performance  and observance by every such  under-tenant of
the covenants  provisions  and  conditions of any underlease and not at any time
either  expressly or by  implication to waive any breach of the same without the
prior  written  consent of the  Landlord  (such  consent not to be  unreasonably
withheld or delayed)

3.19.8  Not to vary the  terms  of any  permitted  underlease  or agree so to do
without  the prior  written  consent of the  Landlord  (such  consent  not to be
unreasonably withheld or delayed)

3.19.9 (a) To procure that the rents reserved by any permitted  underlease shall
not be commuted or payable more than one quarter in advance; and

       (b) Not to  permit  the   reduction  of any rents  reserved   by any such
underlease  without the prior written  consent of the Landlord (such consent not
to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)

3.19.10 To procure in any permitted  underlease  that the rent is reviewed under
such  underlease  in  accordance  with the  terms  thereof  but not to agree any
reviewed rent with the  undertenant  nor any rent payable on any renewal thereof
without  the prior  written  consent of the  Landlord  (such  consent  not to be
unreasonably  withheld  or  delayed)  and to procure  that if the rent under any
underlease  is to be  determined  by an  independent  person to procure that the
Landlord's  representations  as to the rent payable  thereunder  are made to the
independent  person  appointed to determine the rent under the underlease to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord

3.19.11 Any consent  granted  hereunder  shall only be valid for a period of six
(6) months from the date thereof unless acted upon within such period

3.19.12 If and so long as the Tenant or any permitted  undertenant hereunder for
the time  being  shall be a company  whose  registered  office is in the  United
Kingdom  nothing in this  Clause 3.19 shah  prevent the Tenant or any  permitted
under-tenant  from sharing  occupation  of the whole or any part or parts of the
Demised Premises with any Group Company of the Tenant or permitted  under-tenant
(as the case may be) provided that:



                                       30


<PAGE>


         (a)  the registered office of the Group Company shall also be in the
United Kingdom;

         (b) no  relationship  of  landlord  and  tenant  shall be created or be
deemed to exist between such Group Company and the Tenant or undertenant (as the
case may be); and

         (c) the  right  of any  company  to  share  possession  of the  Demised
Premises or any part or parts  thereof as aforesaid  shall  forthwith  determine
upon such company  ceasing to be a Group Company or upon the Tenant or permitted
undertenant  ceasing to be in  occupation  of the  Demised  Premises or the part
underlet as the case may be

3.20     Disclosure of information
Within  twenty-one  (21)  days of  written  request  made by or on behalf of the
Landlord  made not more than once in any twelve (12) month period but  otherwise
as often as the  Landlord may  reasonably  require to furnish to the Landlord in
writing and with a plan (as  appropriate)  details of those in occupation of the
Demised  Premises and the user thereof and the rents payable in respect  thereof
and to supply copies of any  documents  relating  thereto  Provided that for the
avoidance  of doubt the  Tenant  shall not be  required  to give  details of all
employees having resort to the Demised Premises

3.21     Registration of dispositions
Within  twenty-one  (21)  days  after  any  assignment,   mortgage,   charge  or
underletting or the assignment, mortgage or charge of an underlease or the grant
of any sub-underlease out of an underlease whether immediate or mediate or after
any  devolution  by will or otherwise to produce to the  Solicitor  for the time
being of the Landlord a certified  copy of the deed or instrument  effecting the
same and pay its and any Superior  Landlord's  reasonable and proper fee for the
registration thereof

3.22     Signs and advertisements
On the expiration or sooner  determination  of the Term, to remove or efface any
aerial, sign, signboard,  fascia, placard, bill, notice or other notification or
apparatus  affixed to or upon the outside of the Demised  Premises or  otherwise
within the Building and to make good any damage caused thereby to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Landlord's Surveyor

3.23     Overloading floors and services
3.23.1  Not to  impose  or permit  to be  imposed  on the  floor of the  Demised
Premises  any load in excess  of that  which it is  designed  to bear and not to
suspend or permit to be  suspended  from the ceiling  slabs  and/or beams of the
Demised Premises any load in excess of that which it is designed to bear



                                       3l


<PAGE>


3.23.2  Without  prejudice to the  provisions  of sub-clause  3.23.1,  not to do
anything which may subject the Demised  Premises to any strain beyond that which
it is designed to bear with due margin for safety and to pay to the  Landlord on
demand all costs reasonably incurred by the Landlord in obtaining the opinion of
a  qualified  structural  engineer as to whether  the  structure  of the Demised
Premises or the Building is being or is about to be overloaded

3.23.3   To observe the weight limits prescribed for all lifts in the Demised
Premises

3.23.4 Not to install or use any electrical  equipment unless it has been fitted
with an efficient  suppressor  so as to prevent any  interference  with radio or
television  reception or the  operation of any  equipment in the Building or the
Estate or in any adjoining property

3.23.5  Promptly to provide  details to the Landlord of the  installation of all
wiring, `cabling and other conducting material installed by or at the request of
the  Tenant  or  any   under-tenant   in  respect  of  video,   data  and  sound
communications, including telephone

3.23.6 In so far as such consent is required  from the Tenant the Tenant  hereby
consents  to the  disclosure  by any public  telecommunications  operator to the
Landlord of details of all  telecommunication,  cables or apparatus installed in
or upon any part of the Demised Premises or the Building or the Estate

3.23.7 To comply with the  recommendations and data contained in all maintenance
manuals  relating  to the  constituent  parts of the  Demised  Premises  and all
Fixtures and otherwise in accordance with the Tenant's covenants hereunder

3.24    Dangerous materials and use of machinery
3.24.1 Not to bring into or keep in the  Demised  Premises  any article or thing
which is or is likely to become dangerous, offensive, combustible,  inflammable,
radioactive  or explosive or which might  increase the risk of fire or explosion
or which would cause  nuisance or damage to the  Landlord or any tenant owner or
occupier of any part of any  adjoining  property  or the  Building or the Estate
PROVIDED  THAT  this  Clause  3.24.1  shall  not  prevent  the use of goods  and
machinery  utilized  in  connection  with  a  modern  office  building  and  the
activities carried on thereat

3.24.2  Not to  keep  or  operate  in the  Demised  Premises  any  machinery  or
mechanical  equipment  which  shall  be  unduly  noisy  or  cause  vibration  or
electrical  or other  interference  or which is likely to annoy or  disturb  the
other tenants and occupiers of the Estate or any adjoining property



                                       32


<PAGE>


3.24.3 Not to install on any part of the Demised  Premises any machinery  engine
or other apparatus in contravention of the Factories Act 1961

3.24.4 Not to permit  music or other  sounds or noise to be  played,  broadcast,
transmitted or otherwise  produced within the Demised Premises which are audible
outside the Demised Premises

3.25     Interest on overdue Payments
3.25.1 If any sum payable by the Tenant to the  Landlord  under this Lease shall
not be paid by way of  cleared  funds,  in the case of the rent  firstly  hereby
reserved,  on the due date for  payment  thereof,  or in the case of other  sums
payable hereunder,  within fourteen (14) days of the same becoming due to pay to
the  Landlord  interest  thereon  at an annual  rate equal to four per cent (4%)
above  the  Interest  Rate from  time to time  calculated  on a day to day basis
(compounded with quarterly rests) from the date of the same becoming due down to
the date of payment in cleared funds (whether  before or after any judgment) and
the  aggregate  amount for the time being so payable  shall at the option of the
Landlord be recoverable by action or otherwise as rent in arrear

3.25.2 If  collection  of rent has been  suspended by the Landlord for breach of
covenant the Tenant  shall when the breach has been made good to the  reasonable
satisfaction  of the Landlord or when the Lease shall be forfeited  (as the case
may be) pay to the Landlord in addition to the arrears of rent then due interest
thereon at the annual  rate of four per cent (4%) above the  Interest  Rate from
time to time such  interest to be calculated  on a day-today  basis  (compounded
with  quarterly  rests)  from the date that rent  became due down to the date of
actual  payment in cleared  funds  (whether  before or after  judgment)  and the
aggregate  amount of interest so payable shall be recoverable in the same manner
as  provided  in  Clause  3.25.1  above for the  recovery  of  interest  payable
thereunder

3.26     Indemnity
To indemnify the Landlord  against all claims,  demands,  actions,  proceedings,
losses, liabilities,  costs, charges and expenses whatsoever,  whether direct or
indirect,  in respect of or  incurred  in  connection  with any damage or injury
occasioned to the Demised Premises or the Building or the Estate or any adjacent
or  neighbouring  premises  or any  person  or any  other  property  movable  or
immovable  (save to the extent that the same is covered by any insurance  policy
effected by the  Landlord) by any act default or negligence of the Tenant or any
undertenants  or others  deriving an interest in the Demised  Premises  from the
Tenant



                                       33


<PAGE>


or of the servants agents licensees or invitees thereof or by any breach of the
covenants on the part of the Tenant herein contained

3.27     Covenants affecting the reversion
3.27.1 To perform and observe the covenants agreements and obligations mentioned
or contained in the documents  referred to in the Fourth Schedule so far as they
relate to or affect the Demised Premises

3.27.2  At all  times to keep  the  Landlord  indemnified  against  all  actions
proceedings losses costs damages claims demands and liability whatsoever whether
direct or indirect  for or in respect of any breach  which may be  committed  or
suffered  by the  Tenant  from time to time  during  the Term of any of the said
covenants, agreements and conditions

3.28     Defective Premises
Forthwith upon becoming aware of any defect in the Demised  Premises or when the
Tenant  ought  reasonably  to have become  aware of any defect,  to give written
notice to the  Landlord of any defect in the Demised  Premises  which might give
rise to an  obligation  on the  Landlord to do or refrain  from doing any act or
thing so as to comply with the duty of care imposed on the Landlord  pursuant to
the  Defective  Premises  Act 1972 and at all times to display and  maintain all
notices  which the  Landlord  may from  time to time  reasonably  require  to be
displayed in relation thereto

3.29     Value Added Tax
3.29.1  Where by virtue of any of the  provisions  of this  Lease the  Tenant is
required to pay, repay or reimburse to the Landlord or any person or persons any
rents,  costs,  charges,  fees,  expenses or other sums or amounts whatsoever in
respect of the supply of any goods and/or  services by the Landlord or any other
person or persons,  the Tenant  shall also be required in addition to pay or (as
the case may be) keep the Landlord indemnified against:

a) the  amount of any Value  Added Tax which may be  chargeable  on such  rents,
costs, charges, fees, expenses or other sums or amounts whatsoever in respect of
the supply of any goods  and/or  services as  aforesaid  by the  Landlord to the
Tenant; and

b) the amount of Value Added Tax  chargeable on the Landlord or any other person
in respect of supplies the cost of which is included in the  calculation  of the
sums which the Tenant is required to pay,  repay or reimburse  to the  Landlord,
save to the extent that such Value Added Tax is  recoverable  by the Landlord or
other persons




                                       34


<PAGE>


For the  avoidance of doubt but without  prejudice to the  provisions of the VAT
Deed the  Landlord  shall not be under a duty to  exercise or not  exercise  any
option or right conferred on the Landlord by the  legislation  relating to Value
Added Tax (including any regulations  made  thereunder) so as to reduce or avoid
any liability to Value Added Tax referred to in (a) or (b) above

3.29.2  Where  under any  provision  of this Lease the Tenant  agrees to pay any
amount of money or to provide any consideration, such amount or, as the case may
be, such  consideration  shall be regarded as  exclusive  of any Value Added Tax
which may from time to time be chargeable in respect thereof

3.30     Estate Regulations
In so far as the same relate to the Demised Premises or the activities,  acts or
omissions  of the Tenant or any  undertenant  or any persons  under its or their
control,  to comply or procure  compliance with the Estate  Regulations and such
other substituted or additional  reasonable  Estate  Regulations as the Superior
Landlord  or the  Landlord or other the person  responsible  for  providing  the
Estate  Services  may from time to time  notify in writing to the Tenant for the
general management, overseeing and security of the Estate

3.31     Building Regulations
In so far as the same relate to the Demised Premises or the activities,  acts or
omissions  of the Tenant or any  undertenant  or any persons  under its or their
control, to comply or procure compliance with the Building  Regulations and such
other substituted or additional  reasonable Building Regulations as the Landlord
may  from  time to  time  notify  in  writing  to the  Tenant  for  the  general
management, overseeing and security of the Building

3.32     Electricity Supply
3.32.1 To comply with the covenants stipulations and requirements on the part of
the Tenant contained in the Eleventh Schedule hereto

3.32.2 In the event of any change in  legislation  which  restricts or prohibits
the Landlord from supplying electricity to the Demised Premises, the Tenant will
negotiate  in good  faith  with  the  Landlord  to  reach  agreement  as to such
alternative  arrangements  that are  necessary  to  maintain  such supply to the
Demised Premises either by the Landlord or the electricity supply company

3.33     Taxation
To indemnify the Landlord  against all liability  f6r any tax,  levy,  charge or
other fiscal  imposition of whatsoever  nature  (including,  but not limited to,
penalties and interest on



                                       35


<PAGE>


overdue  tax  and  penalties  for  failure  to  give  appropriate   notices  and
information) arising from any breach by the Tenant of its obligations  hereunder
(but not income tax or  corporation  tax on any sums payable  under Clause 3.25)
and on demand to pay to the  Landlord  the  amount of the tax,  levy,  charge or
fiscal  imposition  which in default of payment  shall be  recoverable  from the
Tenant as rent in arrear

3.34     As to the Head Lease
3.34.1 (Save to the extent that the Landlord  expressly  undertakes  the same in
this Lease) to perform and observe the tenant's covenants and agreements and the
conditions  and  provisions  contained  in the Head Lease to the extent to which
they  relate to or affect the  Demised  Premises  (and so that no  inconsistency
between the terms and  provisions of this Lease and the Head Lease shall relieve
the Tenant of its  obligations  so to perform and observe the said  covenants as
aforesaid contained in the Head Lease) AND to indemnify and keep indemnified the
Landlord against all actions,  proceedings,  claims, demands,  damages,  losses,
liability,  costs,  charges,  penalties,  interest,  fines,  fees  and  expenses
whatsoever  arising  out of or by reason of or  incidental  to any breach of the
covenant contained in this Clause 3.34

3.34.2 Not at any time to do omit or suffer anything  whereby the Head Lease may
be avoided or forfeited

3.34.3  (Subject to the  conditions  for entry  contained in Clause 3.8.1 in the
case of the  Landlord) to allow the Landlord and all persons  authorised  by the
Landlord  and also the  Superior  Landlord  and all  persons  authorised  by the
Superior Landlord at reasonable times and after giving reasonable written notice
(except in an  emergency) to enter the Demised  Premises and to perform  therein
any of the  covenants  and  agreements  on the part of the lessee under the Head
Lease which may be necessary to prevent a forfeiture of the Head Lease

4.       LANDLORD'S COVENANTS
         THE Landlord HEREBY COVENANTS with the Tenant as follows:
4.1      Quiet Enjoyment
That,  subject to the Tenant paying the rents hereby  reserved and observing and
performing  the several  covenants  and  stipulations  on the part of the Tenant
herein contained,  the Tenant shall and may peaceably and quietly hold and enjoy
the  Demised  Premises  during  the Term  without  any  lawful  interruption  or
disturbance  from or by the  Landlord  or any  person  or  persons  lawfully  or
equitably claiming under or in trust for it Provided that the carrying on of any
works of construction,  rebuilding,  reinstatement, repair, alteration, addition
or variation  whatsoever in the Building or on the Estate or any neighbouring or
adjoining



                                       36


<PAGE>


property shall (provided the Landlord uses all reasonable endeavours to cause as
little  nuisance and disturbance and  inconvenience  as reasonably  possible and
carries out all works as expeditiously as reasonably  possible and in a good and
workmanlike  manner and  forthwith  making good all damage caused to the Demised
Premises)  be  deemed  not to be a  breach  of  this  covenant  and not to be in
derogation from the Landlord's grant

4.2      Head Lease
To pay the rents  reserved  and made  payable by and to observe  and perform the
covenants  on the part of the lessee  contained  in the Head Lease  (save to the
extent to which the  covenants are expressed to be or are due to be observed and
performed by the lessee under this Lease) and, at the request and cost (or a due
proportion  thereof) of the Tenant, to use its reasonable  endeavours to procure
that the Superior  Landlord  observes  and  performs  the  covenants on its part
contained in the Head Lease (and the Landlord  shall if  reasonably  so required
commence  legal  proceedings  where  there  is a  reasonable  prospect  of  such
proceedings being successful)

4.3      Estate Services
Subject to payment by the  Tenant of the Estate  Service  Charge and  subject to
Force  Majeure at all times  during the Term to carry out,  provide,  manage and
operate or procure to be carried out, provided, managed and operated such of the
Estate Services as the Landlord shall  reasonably  consider  appropriate for the
beneficial enjoyment and use of the Demised Premises Provided that:

4.3.1 in  performing  such  obligations  the  Landlord  shah be  entitled in its
discretion to employ managing  agents,  contractors or such other persons as the
Landlord may from time to time  reasonably  think fit  (including  employing any
Group Company of the Landlord to provide any of the Estate  Services and for the
avoidance  of doubt any such  Group  Company  shall be  entitled  to charge at a
commercial rate for so doing) and whose  reasonable and proper fees and expenses
(including Value Added Tax) shah form part of the Estate Expenditure;

4.3.2 the  Landlord  shah not incur any  liability  in respect of any failure or
interruption or delay in the  performance or observance of any such  obligations
which is the result of Force Majeure or which is not attributable to the willful
default or negligence of the Landlord its servants and agents  Provided that the
Landlord  uses all  reasonable  endeavours  to make good the default and end the
interruption or delay as soon as reasonably practicable;

4.3.3 the  Landlord may from time to time  discontinue  the supply of any of the
Estate  Services  or reduce the degree to which any of the Estate  Services  are
provided (with prior  notification in writing to the Tenant and after having had
regard to any representations made by the



                                       37


<PAGE>


Tenant) if in the interest of good estate management of the Estate it reasonably
considers it appropriate to do so;

4.3.4 the obligations of the Landlord to the Tenant in relation to the provision
of the Estate  Services are as set out in this Clause 4.3 and nothing  elsewhere
in this Lease shall have the effect (by  implication  or otherwise) of adding to
or extending or increasing those  obligations and any term which would otherwise
be implied by Sections 13, 14 or 15 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
or (except  where and to the extent that  exclusion is thereby  prohibited)  any
other statute is hereby expressly negatived;

4.3.5 if the Landlord is no longer the freeholder of the Estate Common Parts and
no longer  responsible  for providing the Estate  Services then the  obligations
contained  in this  Clause 4.3 shall  cease save that  thereafter  the  Landlord
shall, at the request and cost of the Tenant,  use all reasonable  endeavours to
enforce the obligations on the part of the Landlord's lessor under the Headlease
in relation to the provision of the Estate Services  (including the commencement
of legal proceedings where there is a reasonable prospect of success)

4.4      Building Services
Subject to payment by the Tenant of the Building  Service  Charge and subject to
Force  Majeure at all times  during the Term to carry out,  provide,  manage and
operate such of the Building Services as the Landlord shall reasonably  consider
appropriate  for  the  beneficial  enjoyment  and  use of the  Demised  Premises
Provided that:

4.4.1 in  performing  such  obligations  the  Landlord  shall be entitled in its
discretion to employ managing  agents,  contractors or such other persons as the
Landlord may from time to time  reasonably  think fit  (including  employing any
Group  Company of the Landlord to provide any of the  Building  Services and for
the  avoidance  of doubt any such Group  Company  shah be  entitled  to charge a
commercial rate for so doing) and whose  reasonable and proper fees and expenses
(including Value Added Tax) shall form part of the Building Expenditure;

4.4.2 the  Landlord  shall not incur any  liability in respect of any failure or
interruption or delay in the  performance or observance of any such  obligations
which is the result of Force Majeure or which is not  attributable to the wilful
default or negligence  of the Landlord its servants or agents  provided that the
Landlord  uses all  reasonable  endeavours  to make good the default and end the
interruption or delay as soon as reasonably practicable;

4.4.3 the  Landlord may from time to time  discontinue  the supply of any of the
Building Services or reduce the degree to which any of the Building Services are
provided (with prior  notification in writing to the Tenant and after having had
regard to any representations made



                                       38


<PAGE>

by the Tenant) if in the interests of good estate management of the Building i
reasonably considers it appropriate to do so;

4.4.4 the obligations of the Landlord to the Tenant in relation to the provision
of the Building Services are as set out in this Clause 4.4 and nothing elsewhere
in this Lease shall have the effect (by  implication  or otherwise) of adding to
or extending or increasing those  obligations and any term which would otherwise
be implied by Sections 13, 14 or 15 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982
or (except  where and to the extent that  exclusion is thereby  prohibited)  any
other statute is hereby expressly negatived

4.5      Electricity Supply
Subject to the payment by the Tenant to the Landlord of the Electricity  Charge,
at all times during the Term subject to Force  Majeure to maintain the supply of
electricity  to the Demised  Premises in accordance  with the  provisions of the
Eleventh Schedule Provided that:

4.5.1 the  Landlord  shall not incur any  liability in respect of any failure or
interruption or delay in the  performance or observance of any such  obligations
which is the result of Force Majeure or which is not attributable to the willful
default or negligence  of the Landlord its servants or agents  provided that the
Landlord  uses all  reasonable  endeavours  to make good the default and end the
interruption or delay as soon as reasonably practicable;

4.5.2 in the event of any change in legislation which restricts or prohibits the
Landlord from supplying  electricity  to the Demised  Premises the Landlord will
negotiate  in  good  faith  with  the  Tenant  to  reach  agreement  as to  such
alternative  arrangements  that are  necessary  to  maintain  such supply to the
Demised Premises either by the Landlord or the electricity supply company

4.5.3  the  obligations  of  the  Landlord  to the  Tenant  in  relation  to the
provisions of the supply of electricity  to the Demised  Premises are as set out
in this Clause 4.5 and nothing elsewhere in this Lease shall have the effect (by
implication  or  otherwise)  of  adding  to or  extending  or  increasing  those
obligations  and any term which would otherwise be implied by Sections 13, 14 or
15 of the  Supply of Goods and  Services  Act 1982 or  (except  where and to the
extent  that  exclusion  is  thereby  prohibited)  any other  statute  is hereby
expressly negatived





                                       39


<PAGE>


4.6      Void Costs
To pay and  discharge  that part of the Building  Expenditure  which  relates to
Lettable  Areas in the  Building  to the extent  that the said areas are in fact
unlet during any Building Accounting Year (as hereafter defined)

5. PROVISOS
         IT is HEREBY AGREED AND DECLARED as follows:

5.1  Forfeiture
Without  prejudice  to any other  right  remedy  or power  herein  contained  or
otherwise available to the Landlord:

5.1.1   if the rent  reserved by this Lease or any part thereof  shall be unpaid
for twenty-one (21) days after becoming  payable (whether  formally  demanded or
not); or

5.1.2   if any of the covenants by the Tenant contained in this Lease shall not
be performed and observed; or

5.1.3 if the Tenant and/or the Guarantor (if any) (being a body corporate) has a
winding-up petition or a petition for an administration  order presented against
it or passes a winding-up  resolution  (other than a resolution for the purposes
of an amalgamation or reconstruction  resulting in a solvent  corporation with a
net worth  calculated in accordance with general  accounting  principles no less
than that on the day immediately prior to such  amalgamation or  reconstruction)
or resolves to present  its own  winding-up  petition or is wound up (whether in
England or  elsewhere)  or the  directors or  shareholders  of the Tenant or the
Guarantor resolve to present a petition for an  administration  order in respect
of the Tenant or an  administrative  Receiver  or a Receiver  or a Receiver  and
Manager  is  appointed  in respect of the  property  or any part  thereof of the
Tenant or the Guarantor; or

5.1.4 if the Tenant and/or the Guarantor (if any) (being a body corporate) calls
or a nominee  calls on its behalf a meeting of its  creditors  or any of them or
makes an  application  to the Court under  Section 425 of the Companies Act 1985
(other  than a  scheme  of  arrangement  for  the  purpose  of  amalgamation  or
reconstruction  on a solvent basis) or submits to its creditors or any of them a
proposal  pursuant  to Part I of the  Insolvency  Act  1986 or  enters  into any
arrangement, scheme, compromise, moratorium or composition with its creditors or
any of  them  (whether  pursuant  to  Part  I of  the  Insolvency  Act  1986  or
otherwise); or

5.1.5 if the Tenant  and/or the  Guarantor  (if any) (being an  individual or if
more than one individual then any one of them) notifies the Official Receiver or
makes an application to



                                       40


<PAGE>


the Court for an interim  order  under Part VIII of the  Insolvency  Act 1986 or
convenes  a  meeting  of his  creditors  or any  of  them  or  enters  into  any
arrangement  scheme  compromise  moratorium or composition with his creditors or
any of them  (whether  pursuant  to  Part  VIII of the  Insolvency  Act  1986 or
otherwise)  or has a bankruptcy  petition  presented  against him or is adjudged
bankrupt; or

5.1.6  (where the Tenant or the  Guarantor is  domiciled  or  incorporated  in a
country  other than  England and Wales) if  analogous  proceedings  or events to
those  referred to in Clauses  5.1.3,  5.1.4,  and 5.1.5 shall be  instituted or
occur in the country of domicile or incorporation  THEN and in any such case the
Landlord  may at any time  thereafter  reenter the Demised  Premises or any part
thereof in the name of the whole and thereupon the Term shall  absolutely  cease
and  determine  but without  prejudice to any rights or remedies  which may then
have  accrued  to the  Landlord  against  the  Tenant in  respect  of any of the
covenants contained in this Lease

5.2      Jurisdiction
For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding the domicile or place of business
of any party from time to time having an interest in this Lease,  the same shall
be governed by and  construed  in all  respects in  accordance  with the Laws of
England  and  proceedings  in  connection  therewith  shall be subject  (and the
parties hereby submit) to the  nonexclusive  jurisdiction  of the English Courts
and for the  purposes  of Order 10 Rule 3 of the Rules of the  Supreme  Court of
England and any other relevant Rules thereof the Tenant and the Guarantor hereby
irrevocably  agree that any  process  may be served  upon them by leaving a copy
addressed to them at their  address  stated  herein or at such other address for
service within England and Wales as may be notified in writing from time to time
to the Landlord

5.3      No Implied Easements
Nothing herein  contained shall impliedly confer upon or grant to the Tenant any
easement, right or privilege other than those expressly granted by this Lease

5.4      Exclusion of Warranty as to User

5.4.1 Nothing  contained in this Lease or in any consent granted by the Landlord
under this Lease shall imply or warrant  that the Demised  Premises  may be used
under the Planning Acts for the use herein  authorised  or any use  subsequently
authorised

5.4.2 The Tenant hereby  acknowledges and admits that the Landlord has not given
or made at any time any representation or warranty that any such use is or  will
be or will remain a permitted use under the Planning Acts





                                       4l


<PAGE>


5.5 Limitation of Landlord's Liability
The  Landlord  shall not be liable to the Tenant  nor shall the Tenant  have any
claim  against  the  Landlord  in  respect  of:  5.5.1  Any  loss or  damage  or
interference or annoyance  suffered by the Tenant during the carrying out by the
Superior   Landlord  or  the  Landlord  of  repairs,   decorations,   additions,
alterations or other works whether  structural or otherwise  which may appear to
the Superior Landlord or the Landlord to be necessary or desirable to the Estate
Common Parts or to the Building Common Parts or to the Estate or to the Building
provided  that,  in the case of the Landlord  only,  the Landlord  shall use all
reasonable  endeavours to cause as little noise disturbance and inconvenience as
reasonably  possible and carry out all such work as  expeditiously as reasonably
possible and in a good and workmanlike manner and forthwith make good all damage
caused to the Demised Premises;

5.5.2 Any loss or  inconvenience  occasioned  by the closing or breakdown of any
lift,  escalator or other mechanical equipment or by the failure of power supply
to any lift  escalator or other  mechanical  equipment or whilst any repairs are
carried out thereto Provided That the Landlord uses all reasonable endeavours to
reinstate the relevant service as soon as reasonably practicable;

5.5.3 Any loss of or  damage to or theft  from any car using the Car Park or any
loss or damage or injury  suffered by any driver of or passenger in such car not
arising out of the willful negligence of the Landlord its servants or its agents

5.6    No Liability for Staff
No caretakers,  porters,  maintenance staff or other persons employed in respect
of the  provision  of Estate  Services or Building  Services  shall be under any
obligation to furnish attendance or make available their services exclusively to
the Tenant or  otherwise  than in the  provision  of the Estate  Services or the
Building  Services  and in the event of any such person  employed  as  aforesaid
rendering any such  exclusive or  additional  services to the Tenant such person
shall be  deemed  to be the  servant  of the  Tenant  for all  purposes  and the
Landlord  shall not be  responsible  for the manner in which such  exclusive  or
additional  services  are  performed  nor for any  damage to the Tenant or other
persons arising therefrom

5.7    Tenant's Fixtures and Fittings
All tenant's  fixtures and fittings and other property of the Tenant not removed
by the Tenant pursuant to its covenant contained in Clause 3.4 within the period
of twenty-eight  (28) days after the  determination of the Term shall thereafter
be deemed to belong to the Landlord and


                                       42


<PAGE>


the Landlord shall be at liberty to dispose of the same as it thinks fit without
recourse to the Tenant

5.8     Development of Adjoining Property
Nothing contained in this Lease shall by implication of law or otherwise operate
to confer on the Tenant any  easement,  right or  privilege  whatsoever  over or
against any other part of the Estate or the  Building or any  adjoining or other
property  belonging to the Landlord or the Superior  Landlord  (whether  forming
part of the Estate or the Building or not) which might restrict or prejudicially
affect the future rebuilding, alteration or development of any other part of the
Estate or the Building or such  adjoining or other  property nor (subject in the
case of the Landlord to the proviso to Clause 55.1) shall the Tenant be entitled
to compensation for any damage or disturbance  caused by or suffered through any
such rebuilding,  alteration or development nor (subject as aforesaid) shall the
Tenant  make or permit to be made any  objection  to or claim in  respect of any
works of construction, building, alteration, addition or repair carried out upon
any other part of the Estate or the  Building or any land or property  adjoining
or near  any  part of the  Demised  Premises  by the  Superior  Landlord  or the
Landlord or any persons authorised by the Superior Landlord or the Landlord

5.9      Notices
Section  196(4) of the Law of  Property  Act 1925 (as  amended  by the  Recorded
Delivery Service Act 1962) shall apply to all notices and certificates  required
to be given or served under this Lease

5.10     Effect of Waiver
5.10.1 Each of the Tenant's  covenants shah remain in full force both at law and
in equity  notwithstanding that the Landlord shall have waived any such covenant
or waived temporarily or permanently revocably or irrevocably a similar covenant
or similar covenants affecting other property belonging to the Landlord

5.10.2 Neither acceptance of any rents payable hereunder by the Landlord nor the
demand of any such rents by the Landlord shah  constitute a waiver of any breach
by the Tenant of any of its obligations under this Lease

5.11     Covenants relating to adjoining property
Nothing  contained  in or implied by this Lease shah give the Tenant the benefit
of or the right to enforce  or to prevent  the  release or  modification  of any
covenant,  agreement or condition  entered into by any tenant of the Landlord in
respect of any property not comprised in this Lease




                                       43


<PAGE>


5.12 Tenant not to object to works
Subject, in the case of the Landlord,  to the proviso to Clause 5.5.1 hereof the
Tenant  shall  make no  objection,  complaint  or  representation  and shall not
institute or take any proceedings whatsoever whether by way of injunction or for
damages or  otherwise  and shall not permit or suffer any  undertenant  or other
occupier of or any person with any interest in any part of the Demised  Premises
to do any such  things by reason or in  consequence  of any noise,  disturbance,
annoyance  or  inconvenience  occasioned  by any  works by or on  behalf  of the
Superior  Landlord  or the  Landlord  or any  owner or tenant on any part of the
Estate or any adjoining property or building or the Building

5.13     No right of set-off etc.
The rents  reserved by this Lease are exclusive  rents and any present or future
law to the contrary  notwithstanding shall not terminate nor shall the Tenant be
entitled to any abatement,  reduction,  set-off or deduction with respect to any
rents payable to the Landlord

5.14     Invalidity of certain provisions
If any term or provision of this Lease or the application  thereof to any person
or circumstances  shall to any extent be invalid or unenforceable the same shall
be severable from the remainder of this Lease and the remainder of this Lease or
the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than
those as to which it is held  invalid  or  unenforceable  shall not be  affected
thereby and each term and provision of this Lease shall be valid and be enforced
to the fullest extent permitted by law

5.15     Waiver etc. of regulations
5.15.1 The Landlord reserves the right to rescind, alter, add to or waive any of
the Building Regulations at any time where in the Landlord's  reasonable opinion
it is  desirable or proper on good estate  management  grounds (and the Landlord
shall  notify  the  Tenant  thereof  forthwith  following  any such  rescission,
alteration,  addition  or waiver) and the Tenant  acknowledges  the right of the
Landlord to rescind,  alter, add to or waive any of the Building  Regulations as
aforesaid

5.15.2 The Tenant  acknowledges the right of the Superior  Landlord or other the
person  responsible for providing the Estate Services to rescind,  alter, add to
or waive any of the Estate  Regulations  where in the reasonable  opinion of the
Superior  Landlord  or other the person  responsible  for  providing  the Estate
Services it considers it desirable or proper on good Estate  Management  grounds
to do so (and the  Landlord  shall  notify  the  Tenant  thereof  following  the
Landlord  receiving  notice  of any such  rescission,  alteration,  addition  or
waiver)


                                       44


<PAGE>


5.16     Party Walls
Any  non-structural  walls  dividing  the Demised  Premises  from any  adjoining
property  shall be deemed to be party  walls  within  the  meaning of the Law of
Property  Act 1925  Section 38 and shall be  maintained  at the  equally  shared
expense of the Tenant and other respective owner

5.17     Exclusion of statutory compensation
Except  where any  statutory  provision  prohibits  or modifies the right of the
Tenant to compensation being reduced or excluded by agreement neither the Tenant
nor any  under-tenant  (whether  immediate or not) shall be entitled on quitting
the Demised  Premises  or any part  thereof to claim any  compensation  from the
Landlord under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954

5.18     Management Company
The Landlord may at any time within twenty-five (25) years from the date of this
Lease (which shall be the perpetuity period applicable thereto) establish at its
cost a Management  Company for the purposes of providing the Estate Services and
operating the Estate Service Charge and/or a Management Company for the purposes
of providing the Building  Services and operating the Building Service Charge in
relation to the Estate and the Building on the following terms and conditions

5.18.1  such  Management  Company  shah  undertake  to the Tenant  the  relevant
obligations  on the part of the  Landlord  contained  in  Clauses  4, 6, 7 and 8
respectively  and any other  obligations  on the part of the Landlord under this
Lease relating thereto and the Landlord shall be released from such obligations;

5.18.2 the rent secondly  hereby  reserved  (being the Estate Service Charge and
the  Building  Service  Charge  payable by the  Tenant)  shall be payable to the
Landlord or the Management Company (as the Landlord may direct);

5.18.3 the  Landlord  from time to time under this  Lease  shall  guarantee  the
obligations of the relevant Management Company

AND the  Landlord  and the  Tenant  and the  Guarantor  agree  that  they  shall
respectively  enter into a Deed  supplemental  to this Lease recording the same,
such Deed to be in a form  prepared by the  Landlord  and approved by the Tenant
(such  approval  not to be  unreasonably  withheld or delayed) and to contain an
obligation  on the  part  of the  Management  Company  to  enter  into a deed in
substantially the same form as such Deed (mutatis mutandis) with any




                                       45


<PAGE>


assignee of the Tenant so as to covenant with such assignee that the  Management
Company will observe and perform the covenants  contained in Clauses 4, 6, 7 and
8 hereof

6.       INSURANCE
         THE Landlord and the Tenant HEREBY COVENANT with each other as follows:
6.1 Landlord to insure and keep insured with The  Prudential  Assurance  Company
Limited or with some other  insurer of repute  nominated by the Landlord or with
Lloyds'  Underwriters  and through  such agency as the Landlord may from time to
time  determine  and  subject  to such  exclusions,  excesses,  limitations  and
conditions  as may be  imposed by the  insurers  or  contained  in any policy of
insurance  (such  exclusions  excesses  limitations  or conditions in both cases
being reasonably common in the insurance market at the time of imposition);

6.1.1  the  Building  against  loss  or  damage  by  the  Insured  Risks  in the
Reinstatement Cost of the Building (but excluding any Tenant's or under-tenant's
fitting-out  works or other alterations and improvements to the Demised Premises
whether carried out before or after the date of this Lease);

6.1.2 the loss of rent from time to time payable or  reasonably  estimated to be
payable  under  this  Lease  taking  account of any review of the rent which may
become  due under this Lease for such  period as the  Landlord  may from time to
time  reasonably  deem to be necessary  (being not less than three years) having
regard to the likely period for obtaining  planning  permission and  reinstating
the Demised Premises or such longer period as the Tenant may reasonably require;

6.1.3  engineering and electrical plant and machinery  against loss or damage by
the Insured Risks in the  Reinstatement  Cost to the extent that the same is not
covered by sub-clause 6.1.1; and

6.1.4 property  owner's  liability and such other  insurance as the Landlord may
from time to time reasonably deem necessary to effect

6.2      Evidence of insurance
At the request of the Tenant the Landlord shall produce to the Tenant reasonable
evidence  from the  insurers of the terms of the  insurance  policy and the fact
that the policy is subsisting and in effect




                                       46

<PAGE>

6.3       Destruction of Demised Premises
If the Demised  Premises or any part thereof are  destroyed or damaged by any of
the Insured Risks then:  6.3.1 unless  payment of the insurance  monies shall be
refused in whole or in any part by reason of any act or default of the Tenant or
any  undertenant or any person under its or their control (save where the Tenant
has paid to the Landlord any shortfall); and

6.3.2  subject  to the  Landlord  being able to obtain  any  necessary  planning
permission and all other necessary  licences,  approvals and consents in respect
of which the Landlord shall use all  reasonable  endeavours to obtain (but shall
not be obliged to institute any appeal); and

6.3.3 subject to Force Majeure and to Clause 6.5

the Landlord shall lay out the net proceeds of such insurance, other than any in
respect of loss of rent or arising  under Clause  6.1.4,  (as soon as reasonably
practicable) in the rebuilding and reinstatement of the premises so destroyed or
damaged  substantially  as the same were prior to any such destruction or damage
with  such  variations  as the  Landlord  may  reasonably  require  or as may be
requisite  in  accordance  with the  requirements  of  planning  control  and/or
building  and/or  other  regulations  and in  case  any  such  moneys  shall  be
insufficient for that purpose the Landlord shall make up any such deficiency out
of its own moneys

6.3.4    Cesser of rent
In case the Demised  Premises or any part thereof or the access  thereto (or any
part  thereof)  shall at any time during the Term be so  destroyed or damaged by
any of the Insured Risks as to render the Demised Premises or the access thereto
or any part thereof unfit for occupation or use and the insurance shall not have
been vitiated or payment of the policy  moneys  refused in whole or in part as a
result of some act or  default of the  Tenant or any  undertenant  or any person
under its or their control,  then the rent first and secondly hereby reserved or
a fair  proportion  thereof  according  to the  nature  and extent of the damage
sustained shall from and after the date of such damage be suspended and cease to
be payable  until the Demised  Premises and the access  thereto  shall have been
made fit for  occupation  or use and in the event of dispute as to the amount or
duration  of the rent to be abated  such  dispute  shall be  settled by a single
arbitrator  to be  appointed by the  President,  for the time being of the Royal
Institution  of  Chartered  Surveyors  who  shall  act in  accordance  with  the
Arbitration Acts 1950 to 1979



                                       47


<PAGE>


6.5      Option to-determine
In case the Demised Premises or the Building or the Estate shall be destroyed or
so damaged by any of the Insured Risks as to be unfit for  occupation or use and
reinstatement  of the Demised Premises and/or the Building and/or the Estate (as
the  case  may be) is or would be  frustrated  or  impossible  or if there is no
reasonable  prospect of being able to  reinstate  the same within the period for
which the Landlord covenants to insure against the loss of rent hereunder,  then
this Lease may at the  option of the  Landlord  be  determined  by the  Landlord
giving to the Tenant six months'  written  notice at any time  Provided  That if
this Lease shall be  determined  then the Landlord  shall not be required to lay
out the net proceeds of the insurance referred to in sub-clauses 6.1.1 and 6.1.4
in  reinstatement  and all such  insurance  moneys  shall belong to the Landlord
absolutely

6.6    Tenant not to vitiate  insurance etc The Tenant hereby covenants with the
Landlord:

6.6.1  Not to do or  permit  or  suffer  to be done or omit to do in or upon the
Demised  Premises or any part thereof  anything  whatsoever which may render the
Landlord  liable to pay in respect of the Building and/or the Estate or any part
thereof more than the ordinary or present rate of premium for insurance  against
the Insured  Risks or which may make void or voidable any policy of insurance in
respect of the Demised  Premises  the Building or the Estate and to repay to the
Landlord  all  expenses  incurred  by it in or about any  renewal of such policy
rendered necessary by a breach of this covenant and to make good to the Landlord
any shortfall in the insurance  moneys  payable to the Landlord by reason of any
act or default of the Tenant within fourteen days of demand therefor

6.6.2 If the payment of any insurance  moneys is refused as a result of some act
or  default of the Tenant or any  undertenant  or any person  under its or their
control to pay to the  Landlord  on demand the amount so refused  together  with
interest  thereon at the Interest Rate from the date upon which the costs of the
reinstatement  works in respect of which the insurance  moneys are refused falls
due for payment

6.6.3 Not to insure the Demised  Premises or any part thereof (save for tenant's
fixtures  fittings and  equipment  and  alterations  and  additions  made by the
Tenant)  against any of the Insured  Risks and not to take out any  insurance in
respect of any of the matters  which the  Landlord  is required to insure  under
this Lease (save as provided  herein) but if the Tenant shall become entitled to
the benefit of any  insurance on the Demised  Premises  which is not effected or
maintained  in pursuance of the  obligations  herein  contained  then the Tenant
shall apply all moneys received from such insurance (in so far as the same shall
extend)  in making  good the loss or damage in  respect  of which the same shall
have been received






                                       48


<PAGE>


6.6.4 To notify the  Landlord  immediately  in writing in the event of damage to
the Demised Premises or any part thereof by way of the Insured Risks

6.6.5 In the event of damage to the Demised  Premises or any part thereof by any
of the Insured  Risks so as to render the same unfit for  occupation or use, (if
reasonably  required  by the  Landlord)  to remove  all  tenant's  fixtures  and
fittings and other property of the Tenant within one month of such damage

6.6.7    Decennial Insurance
The Landlord has effected and shall maintain or procure the  maintenance  of, at
its safe cost, a decennial  insurance  policy providing ten (10) years' building
defects insurance from 31st May 1991 in respect of the development of the Estate
such  policy  to be on the terms  and  conditions  set out in the form of policy
previously  submitted to and approved by the Landlord and produced to the Tenant
prior to the date of this Lease and the Landlord shall procure that the interest
of the Tenant be  endorsed  upon the Policy so far as the  Tenant's  interest is
affected thereby

6.6.8    Self Insurance
If at any time  and fir so long as the  Landlord  is an  insurance  company  and
carries  all or part of the risks  referred to in this Clause 6 itself (or if it
is deemed to be carrying all or part of such risks notwithstanding any insurance
policy  actually  taken out by it) then in both such events and to the extent to
which it carries or is deemed to carry all or part of such risks:

         a) the  Landlord  shall  nevertheless  be  taken  to have  effected  an
insurance  policy on the terms  herein set out and  subject to such  exclusions,
conditions  and uninsured  excesses  then  equivalent to those quoted by it from
time to time when  underwriting  similar  business (or  equivalent to any actual
policy  which has been  taken  out)  Provided  such  exclusions  conditions  and
excesses are reasonably  common in the insurance  market at each date of renewal
or upon each anniversary of the commencement date of the Term (as appropriate);

         b) the Landlord shall be deemed to have expended from time to time such
premiums as it would have charged for insuring and keeping insured the Building,
the rent and other  risks in  accordance  with the terms of this Lease (or shall
nevertheless  be deemed to have  expended  from time to time such premiums as it
has, in fact, incurred in effecting such insurance); and






                                       49


<PAGE>


c) all the  provisions of this Lease which relate to the occurrence of damage or
destruction to or  reinstatement  of the Building or the Demised  Premises or to
insurance  (including  without  limitation  all the provisions of this Clause 6)
shall apply  mutatis  mutandis as if the  Landlord had effected a policy with an
independent insurer

7        ESTATE SERVICE CHARGE
7.1      Landlord's liability
THE  provisions  of this Clause 7 shall apply for so long as the Landlord is the
freeholder of the Estate Common Parts and  thereafter the Landlord shall use all
reasonable  endeavours  to enforce the covenants in relation to the provision of
Estate  Services and the operation of the Estate  Service  Charge on the part of
any Superior  Landlord or any other person  obliged to provide  Estate  Services
(including the  commencement  of legal  proceedings  where there is a reasonable
prospect of success)

7.2      Tenant to pay Estate Service Charge
To the intent that the Landlord  shall be fully and  effectively  indemnified in
respect of all the Estate  Expenditure,  the Tenant shall pay to the Landlord by
way of additional rent the Estate Service Charge

7.3      Estate Expenditure
The  Estate  Expenditure  shall  be  calculated  after  the end of  each  Estate
Accounting  Year (as  hereinafter  defined) and shall comprise the aggregate for
such year of the following:

7.3.1 All costs fees expenses outgoings and other expenditure (whether or not of
a recurring  nature)  reasonably and properly  incurred from time to time by the
Landlord in  connection  with or  incidental to the  provision,  management  and
operation  of and payment for all or any of the Estate  Services and the matters
referred to in Section II of the Sixth  Schedule  and (when any  expenditure  is
incurred in relation to the Estate and other  premises)  the  proportion of such
expenditure  which  is  reasonably   attributable  to  the  Estate  as  properly
determined by the Landlord

7.3.2 The  reasonable  and proper fees  charges  and  expenses  and  commissions
payable to any Solicitor, Accountant, Surveyor, Valuer, Architect or Engineer or
any other person whom the  Landlord  may from time to time employ in  connection
with the  management  of the Estate  and the  provision  of the Estate  Services
including  (but  without  prejudice  to the  generality  of the  foregoing)  the
reasonable  and proper  cost of causing to be  prepared  the Estate  Expenditure
Certificate  (as  hereinafter  defined) and causing to be calculated  the Estate
Service Charge  (PROVIDED  that there shall not be included  hereunder any fees,
charges







                                       50


<PAGE>


or expenses  whatsoever incurred in connection with the enforcement of covenants
of the tenants or occupiers of the Estate or in  connection  with the letting or
re-letting  or  disposal  of other  parts of the  Estate or the  negotiation  or
agreement or submission to an arbitrator or expert valuer or to any Court of any
rent review affecting tenants or occupiers of the Estate)

7.3.3 Value Added Tax (if any) at the applicable rate in respect of the fees and
other items of Estate Expenditure,  save to the extent that such Value Added Tax
is recoverable by the Landlord in its accounting with H.M. Customs and Excise in
respect of the Estate

7.3.4 Such sums as the Landlord shall reasonably consider desirable to set aside
from  time to  time  (which  setting  aside  shall  be  deemed  to be an item of
expenditure  actually incurred) but so that such sums shall only be used for the
purposes  of  meeting  Estate  Expenditure  for the  purpose  of  providing  for
periodically  recurring items of expenditure  whether or not of a capital nature
and whether  recurring at regular or  irregular  intervals  and for  anticipated
expenditure in respect of any of the Estate Services to be provided (the "Estate
Reserve Fund")

7.3.5 The cost of replacement  of any item where such  replacement is reasonably
necessary whether or not the replacement item is of a superior  quality,  design
or utility to the item being replaced

7.4      Estate Expenditure Certificate
7.4.1 The amount of the Estate  Expenditure  shall be ascertained  and certified
annually by a certificate (the "Estate Expenditure  Certificate")  signed by the
Landlord or the Landlord's Surveyor or managing agents (at the discretion of the
Landlord)  and by a  chartered  accountant  as soon  after the end of the Estate
Accounting Year (as hereinafter  defined) as may be practicable and shall relate
to such year in manner hereinafter mentioned

7.4.2 A copy of the Estate  Expenditure  Certificate for each Estate  Accounting
Year shall be  supplied  by the  Landlord  to the Tenant  without  charge to the
Tenant

7.4.3 The Estate Expenditure  Certificate shall contain a breakdown of the items
of  expenditure  comprised  in the Estate  Expenditure  in respect of the Estate
Accounting Year to which it relates

7.5      Estate Accounting Year
The expression the "Estate Accounting Year" shall mean the period from 1 January
of every year to 31  December  of that year or such other  annual  period as the
Landlord may in its





                                       51


<PAGE>


discretion  from time to time  determine  as being that in which the accounts of
the Landlord either generally or relating to the Estate shall be made up

7.6      Estate Service Charge Advance Payment
On each of the usual  quarter days in every year during the Term the Tenant shah
pay to the  Landlord in advance  such sum (the "Estate  Service  Charge  Advance
Payment") on account of the Estate Service Charge for the Estate Accounting Year
then current (the  "Relevant  Estate  Year") as the Landlord  shall from time to
time reasonably specify as being in its opinion a fair and reasonable assessment
of one quarter of the likely Estate Service Charge for the Relevant  Estate Year
PROVIDED THAT

7.6.1 if during the Relevant Estate Year the Landlord shah  reasonably  consider
that the Estate Service Charge for the Relevant  Estate Year is likely to exceed
the  aggregate of the Estate  Service  Charge  Advance  Payment for the Relevant
Estate Year, the Landlord may (provided it acts reasonably) re-assess the Estate
Service  Charge Advance  Payment for the whole of the Relevant  Estate Year (the
"Revised  Estate  Charge  Advance  Payment")  and the  Tenant  shall  pay to the
Landlord the Revised Estate Charge Advance Payment on each of the next following
quarter days during the  remainder  of the  Relevant  Estate Year and the Tenant
shall pay to the Landlord  within  fourteen (14) days of demand the aggregate of
the amounts by which the Estate Service Charge Advance  Payment  already made in
respect of the Relevant  Estate Year fall short of the sum which would have been
payable if the Revised  Estate Charge Advance  Payment had been assessed  before
the commencement of the Relevant Estate Year;

7.6.2 if the Landlord  shah not assess the amount of the Estate  Service  Charge
Advance  Payment  payable  hereunder  in respect of any Estate  Accounting  Year
before the beginning of such year, the Estate  Service  Charge  Advance  Payment
shah  continue to be payable at the rate  specified  for the previous year until
such time as the Landlord shall make such  assessment  whereupon the Tenant shah
immediately  pay to the Landlord on demand the aggregate of the amounts by which
the  Estate  Service  Charge  Advance  Payment  already  made in  respect of the
Relevant  Estate Year fall short of the sum which would have been payable if the
amount of the Estate Service Charge Advance Payment for the Relevant Estate Year
had been  assessed  before the  commencement  thereof and on each of the quarter
days during the  remainder of the  Relevant  Estate Year the Tenant shall pay to
the Landlord the Estate Service Charge Advance Payment at the new rate; and

7.6.3  subject to and without  prejudice to the Estate  Service  Charge  Advance
Payment for each quarter day between 2 January  1994 and 31 December  1994 shall
be pounds 2,690 whereof the first payment or a due proportion thereof in respect
of the






                                       52


<PAGE>


period commencing on 2 January 1994 expiring on 24 March 1994  is to be made on
the execution hereof

7.7      Tenant to pay balance of Estate Service Charge
7.7.1 As soon as practicable  after the end of each Estate  Accounting  Year the
Landlord shall furnish to the Tenant the Estate  Expenditure  Certificate and an
account (the "Estate  Service  Charge  Account")  specifying  the Estate Service
Charge  payable by the Tenant for that year,  due credit being given therein for
the  aggregate  of the Estate  Service  Charge  Advance  Payment and any Revised
Estate Service Charge Advance  Payment made by the Tenant in respect of the said
year and upon the  furnishing  of the  Estate  Expenditure  Certificate  and the
Estate  Service Charge Account there shall be paid by the Tenant to the Landlord
the balance (if any) of the Estate Service Charge in respect of the said year or
there shall be credited against the Tenant's liability for Estate Service Charge
for the next Estate Accounting Year or (at the option of the Landlord) repaid by
the  Landlord  to the Tenant any amount  which  shall have been  overpaid by the
Tenant by way of Estate  Service  Charge  Advance  Payment  and  Revised  Estate
Service Charge Advance  Payment (as the case may require)  PROVIDED  ALWAYS that
the  provisions  of this  Clause  shall  continue to apply  notwithstanding  the
expiration or sooner determination of the Term but only in respect of the period
down to such expiration or sooner  determination as aforesaid the Estate Service
Charge for the Estate  Accounting  Year then current being  apportioned  for the
said period on a daily  basis and any amount  found to be overpaid by the Tenant
after the  expiry or  determination  of the Term being  forthwith  repaid by the
Landlord to the Tenant

7.7.2 The Estate  Expenditure  Certificate and the Estate Service Charge Account
shall be final and binding upon the parties hereto (save in the case of manifest
error)

7.8. Omission by Landlord to include item in Estate  Expenditure Any omission by
the Landlord to include in Estate  Expenditure in any Estate  Accounting  Year a
sum expended in that Estate Accounting Year shall not preclude the Landlord from
including such sum in Estate  Expenditure in any  subsequent  Estate  Accounting
Year as the Landlord shall determine

7.9      Estate Reserve Fund
The Landlord  shall be entitled (but not obliged) to establish an Estate Reserve
Fund (as hereinbefore defined) which shall be held upon trust for the Tenant and
any other  tenants or  occupiers of the Estate and shall be held in a separately
designated  interest bearing trustee bank account and the Landlord shall utilise
the same with interest  accruing thereon but after deducting tax payable thereon
and on such  interest  in  defraying  expenditure  of the nature  referred to in
Clause 7.3.4






                                       53


<PAGE>


7.10     Variation of Estate Service Charge
If  at  any  time  or  times  during  the  Term  the  Landlord   considers  that
circumstances  have arisen  making the Estate  Service  Charge  unreasonable  or
inequitable,  the  Landlord may give  written  notice to the Tenant  requiring a
variation to the Estate  Service  Charge which is fair and reasonable in all the
circumstances  and in the  event of  there  being  any  dispute  regarding  such
variation the matter shall be referred to a single Arbitrator to be appointed in
default of agreement upon the application of the Landlord or the Tenant by or on
behalf of the President for the time being of the Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors in accordance with the provisions of the Arbitration Acts 1950 to 1979

7.11     Estate Services provided to the Tenant
7.11.1  (Without  prejudice to the provisions of Clause 7.10) the calculation of
the Estate Service Charge hereunder may be varied and adjusted in such manner as
shall in the Landlord's  Surveyor's reasonable opinion (such opinion to be final
and binding on all parties)  reflect the extent to which the Estate Services (or
any particular one or more of the Estate  Services) shall have been provided for
or enjoyed by the Tenant  and/or by any other  tenant or occupier of other parts
of the  Estate to a  materially  greater  or lesser  degree  than any other such
tenant or occupier

7.11.2 The Tenant  covenants  with the Landlord  that the Tenant will pay to the
Landlord  within  fourteen  (14) days of demand  such  charge as may be properly
incurred by the Landlord in respect of any service  (whether or not constituting
one of the Estate Services)  provided at the express request of the Tenant to or
for the  benefit  of the Tenant  (whether  or not  exclusively)  at a time or in
circumstances when or in which such service would not have been provided but for
such request

7.12     Variation of Estate Services
The  Landlord  may  withhold,  add  to,  commence,  extend,  vary  or  make  any
alterations  to any of the Estate  Services  or any of the items  referred to in
Section II of the Sixth  Schedule from time to time if the  Landlord's  Surveyor
shall reasonably consider it appropriate to do so in the interests of the owners
and tenants on the Estate or for the more  efficient  management,  security  and
operation  of the Estate or for the  comfort  of the  owners and  tenants on the
Estate or for any other reason (including the assumption of  responsibility  for
any such Estate Services or other items by any local or public authority)






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<PAGE>


7.13     Major works
Where the Landlord  carries out major works of repair or maintenance or replaces
major items of plant or machinery  the Landlord may elect to apportion  the cost
so incurred over such longer period than the Estate  Accounting Year or Years in
which such cost is incurred as it may  reasonably  consider  appropriate  and to
include  interest  on such part of such cost as shall not have been  included in
the Estate Service Charge Account for the Estate  Accounting Year in question or
in any previous  Estate Service  Charge Account at two per cent.  (2%) above the
base rate of Midland Bank public limited company from time to time calculated on
a day-today basis either from the date on which the cost is incurred down to the
end of the Estate  Accounting Year (in relation to the Estate Accounting Year in
which such cost is  incurred)  or the period of the Estate  Accounting  Year (in
relation to each of the subsequent  Estate  Accounting Years over which the cost
is apportioned)

7.14     Raising Money by Loan or Overdraft
The  Landlord  may at its  reasonable  discretion  raise money by way of loan or
overdraft for the purposes of financing  expenditure  incurred or to be incurred
in  providing  the  Estate  Services  or any of them and any  interest  or other
charges  payable by the  Landlord  in respect  thereof  shall be included in the
Estate Expenditure

7.15     Interest
All  interest  earned on any account or accounts  into which the Estate  Service
Charge Advance Payment or other sums payable under this Clause by the Tenant are
made or  similar  payments  made by other  tenants on the  Estate  shall  (after
deduction  of any tax payable  thereon) be utilised by the  Landlord in reducing
Estate Expenditure

7.16     Dunster Court
Any contributions  made to the maintenance of any part of the Estate pursuant to
the Dunster Court Documents shall be utilised by the Landlord in reducing Estate
Expenditure

7.17  Notwithstanding   Clause  7.1  this  Clause  7  shall  continue  to  apply
notwithstanding  that the  Landlord  transfer or assigns its  reversion  to this
Lease to a Group Company of the Landlord

8.       BUILDING SERVICE CHARGE
8.1      Tenant to pay Building Service Charge
TO the intent that the Landlord  shall be fully and  effectively  indemnified in
respect of all the Building  Expenditure the Tenant shall pay to the Landlord by
way of additional  rent the Building  Service Charge  provided that in providing
the Building  Services the Landlord shall act in accordance  with the principles
of good estate management so as to provide such






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<PAGE>


services in as reasonably an economic manner as is consistent with  the  quality
of the Building and the Estate

8.2      Building Expenditure
The Building  Expenditure  shall be  calculated  after the end of each  Building
Accounting Year (as hereafter defined) and shall comprise the aggregate for such
year of the following:

8.2.1 All proper costs fees expenses outgoings and other expenditure (whether or
not of a recurring nature) reasonably and properly incurred from time to time by
the Landlord in connection  with or incidental to the provision  management  and
operation of and payment for all or any of the Building Services and the matters
referred to in Section II of the Seventh  Schedule and (when any  expenditure is
incurred in relation to the Building and other  premises) the proportion of such
expenditure  which is reasonably  attributable to the Building as reasonably and
properly  determined by the Landlord  Provided That there shall be excluded from
Building  Expenditure any costs of electricity or of inspection  maintenance and
repair of Landlord's  Apparatus (as defined in the Eleventh  Schedule in respect
of the Retained Parts to the extent the same would be recoverable from occupiers
of the  Building  as their  Electricity  Charge were all  Lettable  Areas of the
Building let upon terms that the tenants  thereof paid an Electricity  Charge in
substantially the same terms as the Eleventh Schedule

8.2.2  The proper fees  charges  and  expenses  and  commissions  payable to any
Solicitor,  Accountant,  Surveyor,  Valuer  Architect  or  Engineer or any other
person whom the  Landlord  may from time to time employ in  connection  with the
management of the Building and the provision of the Building Services  including
(hut without  prejudice to the  generality of the  foregoing) the reasonable and
proper cost of causing to be prepared the Building  Expenditure  Certificate and
causing to be calculated the Building  Service Charge (PROVIDED that there shall
not be included hereunder any fees, charges or expenses  whatsoever  incurred in
connection  with the enforcement of covenants of the tenants or occupiers of the
Building or in  connection  with the letting or  re-letting or disposal of other
parts of the  Building or the  negotiation  or  agreement  or  submission  to an
arbitrator or expert valuer or to any Court of any rent review affecting tenants
or occupiers of the Building)

8.2.3 Value Added Tax (if any) at the applicable rate in respect of the fees and
other items of Building Expenditure save to the extent that such Value Added Tax
is recoverable by the Landlord in its accounting with H.M. Customs and Excise in
respect of the Building

8.2.4 Such sums as the Landlord shall reasonably consider desirable to set aside
from  time to  time  (which  setting  aside  shall  be  deemed  to be an item of
expenditure actually incurred) but so






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<PAGE>


that  such  sums  shall  only  be used  for the  purposes  of  meeting  Building
Expenditure  for the purpose of providing for  periodically  recurring  items of
expenditure  whether or not of a capital nature and whether recurring at regular
or irregular intervals and for anticipated  expenditure in respect of any of the
Building Services to be provided (the "Building Reserve Fund")

8.2.5 The cost of  replacement  of any item where such  replacement is necessary
whether or not the  replacement is of a superior  quality,  design or utility to
the item being replaced

8.3      Building Expenditure Certificate
8.3.1 The amount of the Building  Expenditure shall be ascertained and certified
annually by a certificate (the "Building Expenditure Certificate") signed by the
Landlord or the Landlord's Surveyor or managing agents (at the discretion of the
Landlord)  and by `a chartered  accountant as soon after the end of the Building
Accounting  Year as may be  practicable  and shall relate to such year in manner
hereinafter mentioned

8.3.2  A  copy  of  the  Building  Expenditure  Certificate  for  each  Building
Accounting  Year shall be supplied by the Landlord to the Tenant  without charge
to the Tenant

8.3.3 The  Building  Expenditure  Certificate  shall  contain a breakdown of the
items of  expenditure  comprised in the Building  Expenditure  in respect of the
Building Accounting Year to which it relates

8.4      Building Accounting Year
The  expression  the  "Building  Accounting  Year"  shall mean the period from 1
January of every year to 31 December of that year or such other annual period as
the Landlord may in its discretion  from time to time determine as being that in
which the accounts of the Landlord either  generally or relating to the Building
shall be made up

8.5       Building Service Charge Advance Payment
On each of the usual quarter days in every year during the Term the Tenant shall
pay to the Landlord in advance such sum (the  "Building  Service  Charge Advance
Payment") on account of the Building Service Charge for the Building  Accounting
Year then current (the "Relevant Building Year") as the Landlord shall from time
to time  reasonably  specify  as being  in its  opinion  a fair  and  reasonable
assessment of one quarter of the likely Building Service Charge for the Relevant
Building Year PROVIDED THAT

8.5.1 if  during  the  Relevant  Building  Year the  Landlord  shall  reasonably
consider  that the Building  Service  Charge for the Relevant  Building  Year is
likely to exceed the aggregate of






                                       57


<PAGE>


the Building  Service Charge Advance Payment for the Relevant  Building Year the
Landlord may (provided he acts reasonably) re-assess the Building Service Charge
Advance  Payment  for the whole of the  Relevant  Building  Year  (the  "Revised
Building  Service  Charge  Advance  Payment")  and the  Tenant  shall pay to the
Landlord the Revised Building Service Charge Advance Payment on each of the next
following  quarter days during the  remainder of the Relevant  Building Year and
the Tenant shall pay to the  Landlord  within  fourteen  (14) days of demand the
aggregate of the amounts by which the Building  Service Charge  Advance  Payment
already  made in respect  of the  Relevant  Building  Year fall short of the sum
which would have been payable if the Revised  Building  Service  Charge  Advance
Payment had been assessed before the commencement of the Relevant Building Year;

8.5.2 if the Landlord shall not assess the amount of the Building Service Charge
Advance  Payment  payable  hereunder in respect of any Building  Accounting Year
before the beginning of such year, the Building  Service Charge Advance  Payment
shall  continue to be payable at the rate  specified for the previous year until
such time as the Landlord shall make such assessment  whereupon the Tenant shall
immediately  pay to the Landlord on demand the aggregate of the amounts by which
Building  Service Charge Advance Payment already made in respect of the Relevant
Building  Year fall short of the sum which would have been payable if the amount
of the Building  Service Charge Advance  Payment for the Relevant  Building Year
had been  assessed  before the  commencement  thereof and on each of the quarter
days during the remainder of the Relevant  Building Year the Tenant shall pay to
the Landlord the Building Service Charge Advance Payment at the new rate; and

8.5.3 subject and without  prejudice to the foregoing  provisions,  the Building
Service Charge  Advance  Payment for each quarter day between 2 January 1994 and
31 December 1994
shall be pounds 22,423 whereof the first payment or a due proportion  thereof in
respect of the period commencing on 2 January 1994 and expiring on 24 March 1994
is to be made on the execution hereof

8.6      Tenant to pay balance of Building Service Charge
8.6.1 As soon as practicable after the end of each Building  Accounting Year the
Landlord shah furnish to the Tenant the Building Expenditure  Certificate and an
account (the "Building Service Charge Account")  specifying the Building Service
Charge  payable by the Tenant for that year due credit  being given  therein for
the aggregate of the Building  Service  Charge  Advance  Payment and any Revised
Building  Service  Charge  Advance  Payment made by the Tenant in respect of the
said year and upon the furnishing of the Building  Expenditure  Certificate  and
the Building  Service  Charge  Account  there shall be paid by the Tenant to the
Landlord the balance (if any) of the Building  Service  Charge in respect of the
said year or there shall be credited against the Tenant's liability for Building
Service Charge for the next





                                       58


<PAGE>


Building  Accounting  Year or (at the  option  of the  Landlord)  repaid  by the
Landlord to the Tenant any amount  which shall have been  overpaid by the Tenant
by way of Building  Service Charge Advance Payment and Revised  Building Service
Charge  Advance  Payment  (as the case may  require)  PROVIDED  ALWAYS  that the
provisions of this Clause shall continue to apply notwithstanding the expiration
or sooner  determination  of the Term but only in respect of the period  down to
such expiration or sooner determination as aforesaid the Building Service Charge
for the Building  Accounting  Year then current being  apportioned  for the said
period on a daily basis and any amount found to be overpaid at the expiration or
sooner  termination  of the Term by the  Tenant  being  forthwith  repaid by the
Landlord to the Tenant;


8.6.2 The  Building  Expenditure  Certificate  and the Building  Service  Charge
Account shall be final and binding upon the parties  hereto (save in the case of
manifest error)

8.7 Omission by Landlord to include item in Building Expenditure Any omission by
the Landlord to include in Building  Expenditure in any Building Accounting Year
a sum expended in that Building  Accounting Year shall not preclude the Landlord
from  including  such sum in Building  Expenditure  in any  subsequent  Building
Accounting Year as the Landlord shall determine

8.8      Building Reserve Fund
The Landlord shall be entitled (but not obliged) to establish a Building Reserve
Fund (as hereinbefore defined) which shall be held upon trust for the Tenant and
any other tenants or occupiers of the Building and shall be held in a separately
designated  interest bearing trustee bank account and the Landlord shall utilise
the same with interest  accruing thereon but after deducting tax payable thereon
and on such  interest  in  defraying  expenditure  of the nature  referred to in
Clause 8.2.4

8.9      Variation of the Building Service Charge
If at any time or times  during  the Term  the  Landlord's  Surveyor  reasonably
considers  that  circumstances  have arisen making the Building  Service  Charge
unreasonable or inequitable,  the Landlord may give written notice to the Tenant
requiring  a  variation  to the  Building  Service  Charge  which  is  fair  and
reasonable in all the  circumstances and in the event of there being any dispute
regarding such variation the matter shall be referred to a single  Arbitrator to
be appointed in default of agreement upon the application of the Landlord or the
Tenant  by or on  behalf  of the  President  for the  time  being  of the  Royal
Institution  of Chartered  Surveyors in  accordance  with the  provisions of the
Arbitration Acts 1950 to 1979







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<PAGE>


8.10     Building-Services provided to the Tenant
8.10.1  (Without  prejudice to the provisions of Clause 8.9) the  calculation of
the Building  Service Charge hereunder may be varied and adjusted in such manner
as shall in the  Landlord's  Surveyor's  reasonable  opinion (such opinion to be
final and  binding on all  parties)  reflect  the  extent to which the  Building
Services (or any  particular  one or more of the Building  Services)  shall have
been  provided  for or  enjoyed  by the  Tenant  and/or by any  other  tenant or
occupier of other parts of the Building to a materially greater or lesser degree
than any other such tenant or occupier

8.10.2 The Tenant  covenants  with the Landlord  that the Tenant will pay to the
Landlord  within  fourteen (14) days of demand such charge as may  reasonably be
determined  and allocated by the  Landlord's  Surveyor in respect of any service
(whether or not constituting a Building Service) provided at the express request
of the Tenant to or for the benefit of the Tenant  (whether or not  exclusively)
at a time or in circumstances  when or in which such service would not have been
provided but for such request

8.11     Variation of Building Services
The  Landlord  may  withhold,  add  to,  commence,  extend,  vary  or  make  any
alterations  to any of the Building  Services or any of the items referred to in
Section II of the Seventh Schedule from time to time if the Landlord's  Surveyor
shall reasonably deem it appropriate to do so in the interests of the owners and
tenants of the  Building  or for the more  efficient  management,  security  and
operation  of the  Building  or f6r the comfort of the owners and tenants of the
Building or for any other reason (including the assumption of responsibility for
any such Building Services or other items by any local or public authority)

8.12     Major Works
Where the Landlord  carries out major works of repair or maintenance or replaces
major items of plant or machinery  the Landlord may elect to apportion  the cost
so incurred over such longer period than the Building  Accounting  Year or Years
in which such cost is incurred as it may reasonably consider  appropriate and to
include  interest  on such part of such cost as shall not have been  included in
the Building Service Charge Account for the Building Accounting Year in question
or in any previous  Building  Service  Charge Account at two per cent (2%) above
the  base  rate  of  Midland  Bank  public  limited  company  from  time to time
calculated  on a  day-today  basis  either  from the  date on which  the cost is
incurred  down to the end of the  Building  Accounting  Year (in relation to the
Building  Accounting  Year in which such cost is  incurred) or the period of the
Building  Accounting  Year  (in  relation  to  each of the  subsequent  Building
Accounting Years over which the cost is apportioned)




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<PAGE>


8.13     Raising Money by Loan or Overdraft
The  Landlord  may at its  reasonable  discretion  raise money by way of loan or
overdraft for the purposes of financing  expenditure  incurred or to be incurred
in  providing  the  Building  Services or any of them and any  interest or other
charges  payable by the  Landlord  in respect  thereof  shall be included in the
Building Expenditure

8.14     Interest
All interest  earned on any account or accounts into which the Building  Service
Charge Advance Payment or other sums payable under this Clause by the Tenant are
paid or similar  payments  made by other  tenants in the  Building  shall (after
deduction  of any tax payable  thereon) be utilised by the  Landlord in reducing
Building Expenditure

OPTION TO BREAK
If the Tenant  wishes to determine  this Lease on 25 December  2003 and gives to
the  Landlord  twelve  (12)  months and one day prior  notice in writing of such
desire  then  provided  the  Tenant  has as at 25  December  2003 paid the rents
reserved by and observed and performed the covenants and obligations on its part
contained  in this Lease in all  material  respects the Term of this Lease shall
cease and determine on 25 December 2003 but without  prejudice to the respective
rights of either party against the other in respect of any antecedent  breach of
covenant

10.      GUARANTOR'S COVENANT
IN  consideration  of this demise  having been made at its request the Guarantor
hereby  covenants  as a  primary  obligation  with  the  Landlord  in the  terms
contained in the Eighth Schedule

I N WITNESS  whereof  this Deed has been  executed by the parties  hereto and is
intended to be and is hereby delivered on the day and year first above written





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<PAGE>


                                 FIRST SCHEDULE
                              The Demised Premises

The Demised Premises means the property briefly  described in Clause 1 and shown
for identification purposes only edged red on Plan 5 including:

a)       the internal plaster surfaces and finishes of all structural  or  load-
bearing walls and columns therein or which enclose  the same  but not any  other
part of such walls and columns;

(b)      the entirety of all  non-structural  or   non-load  bearing  walls  and
columns therein;

(c) the floor finishes thereof and all carpets, save that the lower limit of the
Demised  Premises shall not extend to anything  below the floor finishes  except
that raised floors and the cavity below them shall be included;

(d)  the ceiling finishes thereof including all suspended  ceilings (if any) and
light fittings and sprinkler systems and the cavity above any suspended ceilings
and all  plant in the void  above  the  suspended  ceilings  but  excluding  the
Excluded Plant;

(e) all window frames and window  furniture and all glass in the windows and all
doors, door furniture and door frames;

(f)  all  sanitary  and hot and  cold  water  apparatus  and  equipment  and the
radiators  (if any) therein and all fire  fighting  equipment  and hoses therein
including the fire boxes and hoses to the point of connection to the risers;

(g) all Conducting Media therein and exclusively serving the same, save those of
statutory undertakers;

(h)      all Fixtures;

(i) all  mechanical  and  electrical  plant  within  the  Demised  Premises  and
exclusively  serving the same to the point where it meets the supply  risers but
excluding the Excluded Plant;

(j) the  lavatory  accommodation  situated  on the  same  floor  as the  Demised
Premises and all plumbing and pipework within the Demised  Premises  exclusively
serving the same; and

(k)      all additions, alterations and improvements thereto





                                       62


<PAGE>


                                 SECOND SCHEDULE
                                 Rights Granted


1. Subject to compliance by the Tenant with its obligations contained in Clauses
3.30 and 3.3 1 and subject to the Third Schedule and in common with the Landlord
and all  others  having  a like  right,  the  right  for the  Tenant  and  those
authorised by it:

1.1. to use  Minster  Court for the  purposes  of gaining  access to, and egress
from,  the Building on foot at all  reasonable  times  during the Minster  Court
Access Hours and to use the  Pedestrian  Mall for like purposes at such times as
the Pedestrian Mall is available for use;

1.2 to use the part of the Dunster Court Access  coloured yellow and not hatched
black on Plan 3 for the purposes of delivering  people by vehicle and to use the
area coloured  yellow.  and hatched black thereon for the purposes of pedestrian
access to and from the Estate Common Parts in both cases at the times  specified
in and subject to the provisions of the Dunster Court Documents;

1.3 to pass and repass  over those  parts of the  Estate at street  level  lying
between the  Building and the boundary of the Estate at the northern and eastern
sides thereof at all times and for all purposes in  connection  with the use and
enjoyment of the Demised Premises

2. Subject to compliance by the Tenant with its  obligations  in Clause 3.31 and
subject  to the  Third  Schedule,  the  right  for the  Tenant  and all  persons
expressly  or by  implication  authorised  by the  Tenant  (in  common  with the
Landlord and all persons  having a like right) at all times and for all purposes
connected  with the lawful use of the Demised  Premises in  compliance  With the
terms of this Lease but subject to any existing or future regulations reasonably
made by the Landlord:

2.1 to use the Building  Common Parts for all proper purposes in connection with
the use and  enjoyment  of the Demised  Premises  and the exercise of the rights
granted by this Schedule;

2.2 to use such of the  passenger  lifts in the Building as shall be  reasonably
necessary for the Tenant's use for the purpose only of obtaining  access to, and
egress from, the Demised Premises;

2.3 to use the Loading Bay for the  purposes of loading and  unloading  goods or
materials and the right to gain access thereto and egress  therefrom from and to
the Demised  Premises and to deliver  goods or  materials  thereto by way of the
Access Ramp; and





                                       63

<PAGE>

2.4      to use the goods lifts in the Building for the  purposes  of  carrying
goods and materials to and from the Demised Premises

3. The free and uninterrupted  passage of air, water,  soil, gas and electricity
and  telecommunications  through the Service Systems which are now or may at any
time hereafter be within the Building  (subject to the Tenant not overloading or
damaging the same), in common with the Landlord and all other persons having the
like right,  with power,  where such works cannot  otherwise be  reasonably  and
practicably  carried out, for the Tenant,  its servants and  workpeople  and any
others  authorised by it at all  reasonable  times on  reasonable  prior written
notice  (save in emergency  but subject to the terms of any existing  leases) to
enter  other  parts  of  the  Building  for  the  purpose  only  of   cleansing,
maintaining,  repairing,  replacing or altering the Conducting Media serving the
Demised  Premises  PROVIDED  THAT  such  inspections,   cleansing,  maintenance,
repairs,  replacements or alterations shall be done with as little inconvenience
as reasonably possible and as quickly as reasonably possible and that the Tenant
shall  immediately  make  good,  or cause  to be made  good,  to the  reasonable
satisfaction of the Landlord all damage thereby occasioned

4. Support and protection from the adjoining parts of the Building

5. Subject to compliance by the Tenant with its obligations contained in Clauses
3.30 and 3.31 and subject to Paragraph 8 of the Third Schedule, the right (where
such works cannot  otherwise be reasonably and practicably  carried out) for the
Tenant,  its  servants and  workpeople  and any others  authorised  by it at all
reasonable  times on  reasonable  prior  written  notice (save in emergency  but
subject  to the  terms  of any  existing  leases)  to enter  other  parts of the
Building for the purpose only of cleansing, maintaining, replacing, repairing or
altering  the  Demised  Premises  PROVIDED  THAT  such  cleansing,  maintenance,
replacements,  repairs or alterations shall be done with as little inconvenience
as reasonably possible and as quickly as reasonably possible and that the Tenant
shall make,  or cause to be made good,  to the  reasonable  satisfaction  of the
Landlord all damage thereby occasioned

6. The right to  display on the  entrance  door to the  Demised  Premises a sign
stating the Tenant's name and business or profession the size, type and position
of such sign to be first  approved in writing by the Landlord (such approval not
to be unreasonably withheld or delayed)

7. The right to display  the name of the  Tenant on the ground  floor door entry
signage system supplied by the Landlord

8. Subject to compliance by the Tenant with its obligations contained in Clauses
3.30 and 3.31, the right to park 2 private motor cars in the Car Park within the
spaces shown coloured red on





                                       64


<PAGE>


Plan 1 or such other  spaces not being less than 2 in number as may be allocated
by the  Landlord  to the Tenant  from time to time and the right to the means of
access thereto and egress  therefrom over the Access Ramp and those parts of the
Car Park  leading to such spaces and the right to use the lifts  serving the Car
Park

9.  The  right  at all  reasonable  times to use the  rubbish  compactor  in the
Basement for the disposal of rubbish from the Demised  Premises arising from the
lawful and normal use for the purposes herein provided








                                       65


<PAGE>


                                 THIRD SCHEDULE
                           Exceptions and Reservations

There are excepted and reserved unto the Landlord and the Superior  Landlord and
its tenants or  occupiers  of any part of the Estate and all others  having like
rights or authorised by the Landlord:

1. The free and uninterrupted  passage of air, water,  soil, gas and electricity
through the Service Systems which are now or may at any time hereafter be within
the Demised Premises, with power for the Landlord, its tenants, occupiers or its
or their servants and  workpeople  and any others  authorised by the Landlord at
all reasonable times on reasonable prior written notice (except in emergency) to
enter the Demised Premises for the purpose of any matter or thing connected with
the Estate  Services  and/or the Building  Services and/or adding to inspecting,
cleansing,  maintaining,  modernizing,  repairing,  replacing  or  altering  the
Service Systems and so that such adding to, inspections; cleansing, maintenance,
modernisation, repairs, replacements or alterations shall be done with as little
inconvenience  and  disturbance  to the Tenant.  as  reasonably  possible and as
quickly as reasonably possible and in a good and workmanlike manner and that the
Landlord shall  forthwith make good or cause to be made good, all damage thereby
occasioned

2. The right,  where it is not reasonably  practicable to avoid doing so, at all
reasonable  times  upon  reasonable  prior  written  notice,  except in cases of
emergency,  to enter the Demised  Premises (and if reasonably  required to erect
scaffolding on or against the Demised Premises) in order to

2.1 execute  repairs,  decorations,  alterations and any other works and to make
installations  to any part of the  Estate or the  Building  or  neighbouring  or
adjoining property or to do anything  whatsoever which the Landlord may do under
this Lease in respect of the Glazed Roof;

2.2      carry out the Estate Services;

2.3      carry out the Building Services;

2.4 execute repairs and renewals to the lighting and cleaning equipment situated
on or to the balconies situated on the same floor as the Demised Premises

PROVIDED THAT the Landlord or the person  exercising the foregoing  rights shall
cause as little  inconvenience  and  disturbance  to the  Tenant  as  reasonably
possible and shall carry out all work as  expeditiously  as reasonably  possible
and in a good and  workmanlike  manner and shall make good  forthwith any damage
thereby caused



                                       66


<PAGE>


3. The rights of light,  air and all other easements and rights now or hereafter
belonging to or enjoyed by the Estate or any neighbouring or adjoining property

4. The right of support,  protection and shelter for the benefit of the Building
or the  Estate  or any  adjoining  or  neighbouring  property  from the  Demised
Premises

5. The right for the Landlord or its agents or by any person appointed by it for
the purpose at any time or times by day or night to enter the  Demised  Premises
or any part thereof if it or they  reasonably  consider it to be necessary so to
do in connection with the security of the Estate and/or the Building

6. Full right and liberty at any time hereafter to build on or otherwise develop
or make any  alterations  or  additions  or execute any other works to any other
part of the Estate  and/or the Building or adjoining  property or any  buildings
thereon or to erect any new buildings  thereon in such manner as the Landlord or
the person exercising the right shall reasonably think fit,  notwithstanding the
fact that the same may  affect or  interfere  with the  amenity  of the  Demised
Premises or the passage of light and air to the Demised Premises (subject to the
proviso to paragraph 2.4 hereof and provided  further that nothing shall prevent
physical occupation of or access to the whole of the Demised Premises)

7. The right to alter,  add, to extend,  vary,  stop-up,  reposition or make any
alterations to Minster Court, the Dunster Court Access, the Pedestrian Mall, the
Access Ramp or any other of the Estate Common Parts or the Building Common Parts
or any part or parts thereof from time to time and the right to  substitute  any
alternative  thereto from time to time if the Landlord shall  reasonably deem it
desirable to do so for the more efficient management,  security and operation of
the Estate  and/or the  Building or for the comfort of the owners and tenants on
the Estate and/or the Building (but not so that the Tenant's use and  occupation
of the Demised Premises or the means of access thereto or egress therefrom or to
or from the Car Park the Loading  Bay and the  compactor  is thereby  materially
adversely  affected) and the right to suspend temporarily use of any of the same
during the  carrying out of any work  whether of repair,  maintenance,  renewal,
improvement,   rebuilding,    reinstatement,    construction,    reconstruction,
development, redevelopment or otherwise howsoever

8. The right,  so long as the same shall not be  contrary to the  principles  of
good estate  management,  to regulate and control the use of Minster Court,  the
Dunster Court Access,  the Pedestrian  Mall, the Access Ramp (and the access and
egress  thereto to and from Mark Lane) and all other Estate Common Parts and the
Building Common Parts and in particular (but not by way of limitation) to:






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<PAGE>


8.1 make reasonable  regulations  for the control,  regulation and limitation of
pedestrians or traffic thereon or on any part thereof and to erect such signs as
may  be  appropriate   (including  regulations  providing  for  the  removal  or
immobilisation  of vehicles parked or left unattended in areas where the same is
prohibited);

8.2 use those parts of the Estate Common Parts and/or the Building  Common Parts
suitable  for  such  purposes  for  displays,  exhibitions  or  other  forms  of
promotional  and other activity so long as the same shall not be contrary to the
principles of good estate management; and

8.3 to maintain on the Estate Common Parts and/or the Building Common Parts such
sculptures, statues, garden features, landscaping, appurtenances and fittings of
ornament or utility in all cases as the  Superior  Landlord or the  Landlord may
from time to time think fit 9. The right to enter the Demised  Premises (m times
of emergency or during  fire-drills)  for the purpose of obtaining  access to or
using any of the fire escapes or routes of escape in the Building whether or not
in existence at the date hereof

10. The right from time to time,  in case of default by the Tenant in performing
its  obligations  under Clause  3.3.5,  to carry out, at the cost of the Tenant,
window  cleaning of all interior  surfaces of all exterior  glass to the Demised
Premises  and the  right on  reasonable  prior  written  notice of access at all
reasonable  times to gain  access to the  exterior  windows  within the  Demised
Premises for such purposes

11.    The rights excepted and reserved out of the Head lease

PROVIDED  THAT any rights or easements  excepted  and reserved in this  Schedule
over anything  which is not in being at the date hereof shall be effective  only
in relation to any such thing which comes into being before the expiry of eighty
(80) years from the date hereof (which shall be the perpetuity period applicable
hereto)






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<PAGE>


                                 FOURTH SCHEDULE
                Matters to which the Demised Premises are subject

The provisions set out in entry numbers 1 and 2 of the Charges Register of Title
Number NGL120519  regarding payment of annual rent charges so far as the same is
applicable and still enforceable

The provisions set out in entry number 3 of the Charges Register of Title Number
NGL120519  regarding payment of a fee farm rent so far as the same is applicable
and still enforceable

12 March 1990 Deed                  (1)     The City of London Real Property
                                            Company Limited
                                    (2)     The Prudential Assurance Company
                                            Limited

27 June 1990 Licence                (1)    Plantation House Limited
                                    (2)    Actiontrain Limited
                                    (3)    The Prudential Assurance Company
                                           Limited
                                    (4)    Bovis Construction Limited

12 March 1991 Agreement             (1)    The Drapers' Company
                                    (2)    The Prudential Assurance Company
                                           Limited




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<PAGE>


                                 FIFTH SCHEDULE
                              Rent and Rent Review

1. Definitions
In this Schedule, the following expressions shall have the following meanings:

1.1 "Review Date" means 25 December 1998 and every fifth anniversary thereof and
the last  day of the  contractual  term  and  "Relevant  Review  Date"  shall be
construed accordingly

1.2 "Open  Market  Rent"  means the full clear  yearly rent at which the Demised
Premises  might  reasonably be expected to be let in the open market with vacant
possession at the Relevant Review Date by a willing landlord to a willing tenant
and without any premium or any other  consideration  for the grant thereof for a
term equal to the greater of (a) the residue of the Term remaining  unexpired on
the Relevant  Review Date and (b) ten (10) years and  otherwise on the terms and
conditions and subject to the covenants and  provisions  contained in this Lease
(other than the amount of the rent hereby  reserved but including the provisions
for review  contained in this  Schedule)  on the  following  assumptions  at the
Relevant Review Date that:

         (a)      the covenants herein contained have been  fully performed  and
                  observed;
         (b)      the Demised Premises have been constructed in accordance with
                  the Landlord's Specification;
         (c)      that the Demised  Premises are fit and available for immediate
                  occupation  and use and may lawfully be used by any person for
                  any of the uses  permitted  by this  Lease  or by any  licence
                  granted pursuant thereto;
         (d)      no work has been carried out by the Tenant during the Term, or
                  during any period of occupation  prior thereto arising out of
                  an agreement to  grant such  term,  which  has  diminished the
                  rental  value of the Demised Premises;
         (e)      in case the Demised  Premises  and/or the Building  and/or the
                  Estate have been  destroyed or damaged they have  respectively
                  been fully restored;
         (f)      the Demised  Premises  are fully  fitted  with heavy  contract
                  carpets  for high  quality  office  space and have a  suitable
                  number and  layout of  electrical  junction  boxes for the use
                  permitted by this Lease;




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<PAGE>


         (g) any  rent  free  period,  concessionary  rent or  other  inducement
         (whether by way of a capital payment or otherwise) which would or might
         be given to an incoming tenant to enable Premises on a grant of a lease
         of the Demised  Premises at the  Relevant  Review Date  has  been  made
         and any  such  rent  free  period concessionary rent or inducement  has
         expired or been paid prior to the Relevant Review date

but disregarding:

(i) any effect on rental  value of the fact that the  Tenant or any  sub-tenants
has, or the Tenant's or any  sub-tenant's  predecessors  in title have,  been in
occupation of the Demised Premises;

(ii) any goodwill  attached to the Demised Premises by reason of the carrying on
thereat of the business of the Tenant or any  sub-tenant  or the Tenant's or any
sub-tenant's predecessors in title in that business;

(iii) any effect on the rental value of the Demised Premises attributable to the
existence at the  commencement  of the relevant  period of any  alterations  and
additions to the Demised  Premises or any part thereof carried out by the Tenant
or any  sub-tenant  or the Tenant's or any  sub-tenant's  predecessors  in title
during the Term or during any period of occupation  prior thereto arising out of
an agreement to grant such term  otherwise than in pursuance of an obligation to
the Tenant's or any sub-tenant's immediate Landlord;

(iv) any capital or other  incentive  given or  provided by the  Landlord to the
Tenant to enter into this Lease (or any agreement for the grant of this Lease);

Provided  that if the  Landlord  has  exercised  its  option to waive the exempt
status  of all  supplies  made or to be made by it as  Landlord  of the  Demised
Premises  arising  under  paragraph  2 of Schedule 6A of the Value Added Tax Act
1983 so as to result in Value Added Tax on the rent first hereby  reserved  then
it shall be assumed that the willing  landlord has so elected as at the Relevant
Review Date and that Value Added Tax is charged on such rent but if the Landlord
has not  exercised  any such option and no Value Added Tax is charged in respect
of the rent  then it shall be  assumed  that  the  willing  landlord  has not so
elected as at the  Relevant  Review Date and that Value Added Tax is not charged
on such rent

1.3 "Surveyor" means an independent chartered surveyor of not less than ten (10)
years  standing,  who is  experienced  in the  valuation and leasing of property
similar to the Demised Premises and is acquainted with the market in the area in
which the Demised Premises are located, appointed





                                       7l


<PAGE>



from time to-time to determine the Open Market Rent pursuant to the provisions \
of this Schedule

1.4 "President"  means the President for the time being of the Royal Institution
of Chartered  Surveyors and includes the duly appointed  deputy of the President
or any person authorised by the President to make appointments on his behalf

2.       Upwards only review
The rent first  reserved  by this Lease shall be reviewed at each Review Date in
accordance with the provisions of this Schedule and,

         (a) from and including the first Review Date at 25 December  1998,  the
rent  shall  equal  the  higher  of (i) the sum of eight  hundred  and  thirteen
thousand two hundred and twenty-eight  pounds (813,228) and (ii) the 0pen Market
Rent on such Review Date, as agreed or determined  pursuant to the provisions of
this Schedule and

         (b) from and including each subsequent Review Date the rent shall equal
the higher of (i) the rent contractually payable immediately before the Relevant
Review Date and (ii) the Open Market Rent on the Relevant  Review Date as agreed
or determined pursuant to the provisions of this Schedule

3.       Agreement or determination of the reviewed rent
The Open  Market  Rent at any  Review  Date may be agreed in writing at any time
between the  Landlord  and the Tenant but if, for any  reason,  they have not so
agreed  before the  Relevant  Review Date either  party may,  after the Relevant
Review Date,  by notice in writing to the other  require the 0pen Market Rent to
be  determined by a Surveyor  agreed  between the Landlord and the Tenant or, in
default of agreement,  nominated by the President on the written  application of
the Landlord or the Tenant

4.     Functions of the Surveyor
The Surveyor shall:
4.1    at the option of the Landlord, act either as an arbitrator in accordance
with the Arbitration Acts 1950 to 1979 or as an expert;

4.2 if acting as an expert, afford to the Landlord and the Tenant an opportunity
to make to him or her  written  representations  which may  contain  any  rental
evidence and a rental  valuation of the Demised  Premises and, in the event that
such  representations are made by both the Landlord and the Tenant, the Surveyor
shall simultaneously pass details of each party's representations



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<PAGE>


thereon,  such  cross-representation  to  contain  solely  comments  in reply to
matters raised in the other party's initial  representations and to be forwarded
to the  Surveyor  within ten (10)  working  days of  receipt  by the  respective
parties of details of the other party's initial representations  Provided always
that the parties shall not submit without prejudice correspondence or records of
without prejudice negotiations as representations or cross-representations

5.       Appointment of new Surveyor
If the Surveyor shall die, fail to publish his or her determination within three
(3)  months  of the  date  of his or her  appointment  or  become  unwilling  or
incapable of acting,  the President  shah, on the application of the Landlord in
writing,  discharge him or her and appoint another  Surveyor in his or her place
to act in the same capacity, such procedure being repeated as often as necessary

Parties able to Agree
Any  reference to a Surveyor shah not impair the ability of the Landlord and the
Tenant to agree the Open Market Rent and to withdraw such  reference  subject to
payment of the Surveyor's  proper charges up to the date of  notification to him
or her of such withdrawal

7.       Fees of Surveyor
The  fees  and  expenses  of the  Surveyor,  including  the  cost  of his or her
nomination,  shall be in the award of the Surveyor but,  failing such award, the
same shah be payable by the Landlord and the Tenant in equal  shares,  who shall
each bear their own costs, fees and expenses

8.       Memoranda of revised rent
In the event that the revised rent shall be agreed  between the Landlord and the
Tenant (and not  determined  by a Surveyor)  memoranda of the revised rent shall
thereupon  be signed by or on behalf of the  Landlord and the Tenant and annexed
to this Lease and the  Counterpart of this Lease and the parties shah bear their
own costs in respect thereof

9.       Interim payments pending determination
9.1 If and so often as the  revised  rent has not  been  ascertained  or  agreed
pursuant to the foregoing  provisions  before the Relevant Review Date, the rent
first  hereby  reserved  shah  continue  to be payable on and from the  Relevant
Review Date to the quarter day following the date of  ascertainment or agreement
of the  revised  rent or (save in the case of the rent review on the last day of
the  contractual  term)  the next  Relevant  Review  Date or the last day of the
contractual  term (whichever is first) (the "Interim  Period") at the rate equal
to the rent payable immediately before the Relevant Review Date




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<PAGE>


9.2 On the first day for  payment of the rent first  hereby  reserved  after the
revised  rent has been  ascertained  or  agreed,  there  shall be payable by the
Tenant  to the  Landlord  by way of rent  (ii  addition  to the  amount  of rent
otherwise  due  on  that  day)  the  aggregate  of  the  amounts  by  which  the
installments  of rent payable in respect of the Interim Period fall short of the
sums which would have been payable if the revised rent had been  ascertained  or
agreed before the Relevant Review Date together with interest on such amounts at
the  Interest  Rate from time to time,  such  interest to be  calculated  on the
amount of each quarterly  shortfall on a day-m-day  basis from the date on which
it would have been  payable if the  revised  rent had then been  ascertained  or
agreed to the date of actual  payment of the  shortfall and the aggregate of the
interest  so payable  shall be  recoverable  in the same  manner as  provided in
Clause 3.25 hereof f8r the recovery of interest payable thereunder

10.      Costs awarded against the Tenant
If the Tenant  shall  fail to pay any costs  awarded  against  the Tenant or, as
appropriate,  the moiety of the fees and  expenses of the survey  payable by the
Tenant under the provisions hereof within twenty-one (21) days of the same being
demanded by the Surveyor, the Landlord shall be entitled to pay the same and the
amount so paid and all incidental  expenses shall be repaid by the Tenant to the
Landlord on demand together with interest  thereon at 4% above the Interest Rate
from the date of demand to the date of payment by the Tenant.

11.      Rent Restrictions
On each and  every  occasion  during  the Term  that any  restrictions  shall be
imposed by statute  for the  control of rent in force at any Review  Date or the
date on which a revised rent is agreed or determined  in  accordance  with these
provisions and which operate to impose any limitations whether in time or amount
in the collection of an increase in the rent first reserved by this Lease or any
part thereof and which shall prevent or prohibit  either wholly or partially the
operation  of the  above  provisions  for  review  of  the  rent  or the  normal
collection  and  retention  by the  Landlord of any  increase in the rent or any
installment  or part  thereof,  then  and in each  such  case  respectively  the
operation of such  provisions  for review of the rent shall be postponed to take
effect on the first date or dates thereafter upon which such operation may occur
and/or  the  collection  of any  increase  or  increases  in the  rent  shall be
postponed  to take  effect  on the  first  date or dates  thereafter  that  such
increase or increases may be collected  and/or  retained in whole or in part and
on as many  occasions as shall be required to ensure the collection of the whole
increase and until the said  restrictions  shall be relaxed either  partially or
wholly the amount of any revised rent shall be the maximum sum from time to time
permitted by the said restrictions

12.      Time not of the essence
For the avoidance of doubt, for the purposes of this Schedule, time shall not be
of the essence





                                       74


<PAGE>


                                 SIXTH SCHEDULE
                                 Estate Services
                                    Section I

1.1 In this part of this Schedule  reference to "maintain"  shall mean maintain,
inspect,  test,  service,  repair,  overhaul,  amend  and  (where  the  Landlord
reasonably  so requires in order to ensure that the Estate Common Parts are kept
in a first class state appropriate to the quality,  size, nature and prestige of
the Estate as a whole) rebuild,  renew, reinstate and replace and shall include,
where appropriate,  treat, wash down, cleanse, paint, decorate,  empty and drain
and the expression  "maintenance" shall be construed  accordingly  Provided that
there shall be excepted any maintenance consequent upon damage or destruction by
any of the Insured Risks (save where any of the insurance  monies are refused as
a result of any act or default of the Tenant or any person  deriving  title from
it or its or their agents or licensees)

1.2 In  deciding  the extent  nature  and  quality  of the  relevant  service or
services from time to time, the Landlord shall at all times act reasonably

1.3 In  performing  the Estate  Services and any other  services  hereunder  the
Landlord  shall be entitled in its discretion to employ or procure or permit the
employment of managers, agents, contractors or any other persons

2. Subject to paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 above, the following services to be carried
out in accordance with the principles of good estate management shall constitute
the Estate Services:

2.1      Estate Common Parts
To maintain the Estate Common Parts and each and every part thereof

2.2      Apparatus plant machinery etc
To maintain and operate all apparatus,  plant, machinery and equipment comprised
in, or  otherwise  serving,  the Estate  Common  Parts from time to time and the
buildings housing them,  including  (without  prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing and so far as for the time being comprised in or otherwise serving the
Estate Common Parts as aforesaid) escalators,  travelators,  stand-by generators
and items relating to mechanical ventilation, heating, cooling, air conditioning
and humidification

2.3      Conducting Media
To maintain all  Conducting  Media within the Estate  Common Parts or the use of
which is shared by the occupiers of more than one building on the Estate







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<PAGE>


2.4      Fire alarms etc.
To maintain any fire alarms and ancillary  apparatus and 6re prevention and fire
fighting  equipment  and  apparatus  and  other  safety  equipment  and  systems
comprised in the Estate Common Parts and in any event to maintain fire and smoke
detection fire  preventive  and fire fighting  equipment  including  sprinklers,
hydrants,  hosereels,  extinguishers,  fire alarms, fire escapes and fire escape
routes and general means of escape to the extent  required to comply in relation
to the Estate Common Parts with statutory  requirements  and the requirements of
responsible authorities or underwriters or insurance companies

2.5      Lighting
To  keep  lit at  such  times  as the  Landlord  may  reasonably  think  fit all
appropriate  parts  of the  Estate  Common  parts  and  to  keep  floodlit  such
elevations of the buildings  comprised in the Estate (including the Building) as
it may think fit

2.6      Roads Malls etc open
(Without  prejudice  to any right of the  Landlord  hereunder)  to keep open and
unobstructed  the  roadways,  streets,  plazas,  malls and other  vehicular  and
pedestrian  ways and similar areas comprised in the Estate Common Parts (subject
only to any  unavoidable  temporary  closure  from  time to time or  closure  at
certain hours for reasons of security or operational purposes)

2.7      Security surveillance and visitor control
To provide security  services and personnel  including where  appropriate in the
Landlord's  judgement closed circuit television and/or other plant and equipment
for the purpose of  surveillance  and  supervision of users of the Estate Common
Parts (both vehicular and pedestrian)

2.8      Provision of signs and general amenities
In the Landlord's  discretion,  to provide,  erect, place and maintain direction
signs and notices,  seats and other fixtures,  fittings,  chattels and amenities
for the  convenience  of tenants and their  visitors  and for the  enjoyment  or
better  enjoyment of such parts of the Estate Common Parts as are available from
time to time for use by the  occupiers  of, and visitors  to, the Estate  and/or
members of the public as the Landlord may determine

2.9      Ornamental features gardens etc.
To provide and maintain  hard and soft  landscaping  and planting in and on such
areas of the Estate  Common Parts as the Landlord  may consider  appropriate  or
desirable  including,  without limitation,  plants,  shrubs, trees or gardens or
grassed  areas  and,  at the  absolute  discretion  of the  Landlord,  fountains
sculptures, architectural, artistic or ornamental features or murals and to keep
all such parts of the Estate  Common  Parts as may from time to time be laid out
as





                                       76


<PAGE>


landscaping (including water features) neat, clean, planted (where appropriate),
properly tended and free from weeds and the grass cut

2.10     Fixtures fittings etc.
To  provide  and  maintain  fixtures,  fittings,  furnishings,  finishes,  bins,
receptacles,  tools, appliances,  materials,  equipment and other things for the
maintenance,  appearance,  upkeep or  cleanliness of the Estate Common Parts and
the provision of the services set out in this part of this Schedule

2.11     Windows
As often as the  Landlord  may  consider  desirable,  to clean the  exterior and
interior of and all glazed atria, covered walkways,  courtyards or Estate Common
Parts  (including  Minster  Court)  and all  windows  and  window  frames in any
building  included  in the  Estate  Common  parts and to  provide  and  maintain
cradles, runways and carriages in connection with such cleaning

2.12     Refuse
To provide and operate,  or procure the  provision  and  operation  of, means of
collection,  compaction  and  disposal of refuse and rubbish  (including  litter
within the Estate  Common Parts and if necessary  pest  control) from the Estate
Common  Parts and other  parts of the Estate (to the extent that the same is not
provided  to a standard  considered  adequate  by the  Landlord or at all by the
appropriate  public or similar  authority) and to provide and maintain plant and
equipment for the collection,  compaction,  treatment,  packaging or disposal of
the same

2.13     Energy and Supply Services
To arrange the  provision  of water,  fuel,  oil,  gas,  heating,  cooling,  air
conditioning,  ventilation,  electricity and other energy and supply services to
the Estate  Common Parts as may be required for use in running or operating  any
service to the Estate  Common Parts or  distributed  to occupiers of the Estate,
including, so far as appropriate, standby power generators and plants

2.14     Other Services
To provide such other services for the benefit of the Estate or the  convenience
of the occupiers  thereof as the Landlord may in accordance  with the principles
of good estate management reasonably consider desirable or appropriate





                                       77


<PAGE>


                                   Section II
1.       Staff
The cost of staff  (including  such  direct or indirect  labour as the  Landlord
deems  appropriate) for the provision of the Estate Services  (including traffic
control and policing)  and all other  incidental  expenditure  including but not
limited to:

1.1. salaries,  insurance,  health,   pension,   welfare,  severance  and  other
payments, contributions and premiums;

1.2 the cost of uniforms,  working  clothes,  tools,  appliances,  materials and
furniture,  furnishings,  stationery items and equipment (including  telephones)
for the proper performance of the duties of any such staff;

1.3 providing,  maintaining,  repairing,  decorating and lighting the Management
Premises and all rates,  gas,  electricity and other utility charges (other than
telephones  and line rentals for private  purposes) in respect of the Management
Premises  and any  reasonable  actual  or  reasonable  notional  rent  for  such
accommodation

2.       Common Facilities
The amount which shall  reasonably  require to be paid for, or as a contribution
towards, the costs,  charges,  fees and expenses in making,  laying,  repairing,
maintaining, rebuilding, decorating, cleansing and lighting (as the case may be)
any roads, ways,  forecourt&  passage% pavements,  party walls or fences,  party
structures,  pipes or other  conveniences  and  easements  whatsoever  which may
belong to, or be capable of being used or enjoyed  by, the Estate in common with
any adjoining property

3.       Outgoings
All existing and future rates (including water rates),  taxes, duties,  charges,
assessments,   impositions  and  outgoings  whatsoever  (whether  parliamentary,
parochial,  local or of any other description and whether or not of a capital or
non-recurring  nature or of a wholly novel character)  payable in respect of the
Estate Common Parts or any part thereof

4.       Statutory requirements
The cost of carrying out any works to the Estate Common Parts required to comply
with any





                                       78


<PAGE>


Represenatations
The cost of taking any steps  reasonably  deemed  desirable  or expedient by the
Landlord  for  complying  with,  making  representations  against,  or otherwise
contesting  the  incidence  of the  provisions  of any statute  concerning  town
planning,  rating,  public  health,  highways,  streets,  drainage and all other
matters  relating or alleged to relate to the Estate  Common Parts or the Estate
as a whole or in which occupiers within the Estate have a common interest
















                                       79


<PAGE>


6.        Estate Services and Estate Regulations
The cost of compliance with the Estate  Regulations and any other ~0vt5nant.s or
regulations  referred  to so far as the  same  relate  to the  provision  of the
services and other items referred to in this Schedule

7.       Fees of the Landlord's Surveyor
The proper and reasonable fees,  costs,  charges,  expenses and disbursements of
the  Landlord's  Surveyor for, or in connection  with,  the  performance  of the
duties ascribed to the Landlord's Surveyor under the provisions of this Lease

8.       Management
8.1 The  reasonable  and proper  fees of a firm of managing  agents  employed or
retained  by  the  Landlord  for  or in  connection  with  the  general  overall
management and  administration  and  supervision of the Estate  (excluding  rent
collection)

8.2 A  reasonable  fee to the  Landlord  or a Group  Company of the  Landlord in
connection  with the management of the Estate but so that, if a firm of managing
agents is appointed to manage the Estate,  the fee chargeable by the Landlord or
a Group  Company  of the  Landlord  in any  Estate  Accounting  Year  under this
paragraph  8.2 shah be reduced (but not below zero) by an amount  equivalent  to
the fees (before Value Added Tax) charged by such  managing  agents and included
in Estate  Expenditure for that Estate Accounting Year pursuant to paragraph 8.1
above

9. Insurance 9.1 The cost of insuring:

         a) the Estate  Common Parts against loss or damage by the Insured Risks
in  such  sum and shall  in  the  Landlord's  reasonable  opinion  be  the  full
reinstatement cost thereof (together with Value Added Tax thereon) and including
architects',  surveyors'  and  other  professional  fees  (and  Value  Added Tax
thereon) and expenses incidental thereto, the cost of shoring up, demolition and
site clearance and similar expenses;
         b) any engineering and electrical plant and machinery being part of the
Estate  Common  Parts  against  explosion  (to the  extent  that the same is not
covered by sub-paragraph 9.1(a));
         c)  property  owner's  liability  and  public  liability  or such other
insurances as the Landlord may from time to time deem necessary to effect







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9.2 The cost of periodic valuations for insurance purposes (but no more than one
such  valuation  shall be  carried  out in each two (2) year  period  unless the
Landlord reasonably requires at any time a more frequent valuation)

9.3  Works required to the Estate Common Parts in order to satisfy the insurers
of the Estate
Common Parts

9.4 Any amount which may be deducted or disallowed  by the insurers  pursuant to
the excess  provision in the  Landlord's  insurance  policy upon  settlement  or
adjudication of any claim by the Landlord

10.      Miscellaneous items

10.1     Leasing or hiring any of the items referred to in this Schedule

10.2 Interest,  commission and fees at normal commercial rates in respect of any
moneys  included in Estate  Expenditure  borrowed to finance  the  provision  of
services and any of the items referred to in this Schedule

11.      Exhibitions etc.
The  cost of any  displays,  concerts,  exhibitions  or other  forms  of  public
entertainment or activity  undertaken  within the Estate Common Parts or for the
benefit or enjoyment of the Estate and its occupiers

12.      As to Covenants
The cost of compliance by the Landlord with its  obligations  in relation to the
Estate  Services and the cost of enforcing the covenants of any other parties in
relation to the Estate  Services  for the general  benefit of the tenants of the
Estate as reasonably  determined by the Landlord  (save to the extent  recovered
from such parties which the Landlord shall use all  reasonable  endeavours to do
and save fix the cost of enforcing covenants for the payment of money)







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                                SEVENTH SCHEDULE
                                Building Services
                                    Section I

1.1 In this part of this Schedule,  reference to "maintain" shall mean maintain,
inspect  test,  service,   repair,  overhaul,  amend  and  (where  the  Landlord
reasonably  SO requires in order to ensure that the  Building  Common  Parts are
kept in a first class state  appropriate to the quality size nature and prestige
of the  Building as a whole)  rebuild,  renew,  reinstate  and replace and shall
include, where appropriate treat, wash down, cleanse, paint, decorate, empty and
drain and the expression "maintenance" shall be construed accordingly

1.2 In  deciding  the extent  nature  and  quality  of the  relevant  service or
services the Landlord shall at all times act reasonably

1.3 In performing  the Building  Services and any other  services  hereunder the
Landlord  shall be entitled in its discretion to employ or procure or permit the
employment of managers, agents, contractors or any other persons

2. Subject to paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 above, the following services to be carried
out in accordance with the principles of good estate management shall constitute
the Building Services:

2.1      The Retained Parts
To maintain the Retained Parts and each and every part thereof

2.2      Building Common parts
To keep clean and  maintained  the Building  Common Parts  including the windows
thereof and to keep the same  adequately  lighted  carpeted and furnished  where
appropriate

2.3      Lifts
To provide a lift service by the operation of the lifts now installed or by such
substituted lifts as the Landlord in its reasonable  discretion may from time to
time  decide to install  and to  provide  such a lift  service  as the  Landlord
reasonably  considers  necessary  or  desirable  and to maintain  and insure all
equipment, plant and machinery used in connection therewith




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2.4      Hot and cold water
To provide an  adequate  supply of hot and cold water to the wash  basins in the
Building and cold water to the lavatories and fire sprinklers therein

2.5      Air conditioning and heating
To provide air conditioning  and heating to the Building  including the Building
Common Parts intended to be air conditioned to such  temperatures  and standards
as the Landlord may from time to time  reasonably  consider  appropriate  and to
maintain all equipment plant and machinery used in connection therewith

2.6      Name boards
To provide and install  name boards of such size and design as the  Landlord may
in its absolute discretion determine in the main entrance to the Building and at
such other locations the Landlord may consider desirable

2.7      To provide reception and security facilities at the ground floor
entrances of the Building


                                   Section II

1.       Retained Parts
The cost of maintaining,  lighting, heating, furnishing, carpeting and equipping
and (if the Landlord reasonably considers necessary) altering the Retained Parts
including, but not limited to, the provision in the main entrance halls and lift
lobby areas of floral decorations,  desks, tables, chairs and other fixtures and
fittings

2.       Apparatus plant machinery etc
The cost of  maintaining  and  operating  all  apparatus,  plant,  machinery and
equipment serving the Building from time to time including (without prejudice to
the  generality  of the  foregoing  and so far as for the time being serving the
Building as aforesaid) lifts,  lift shafts,  escalators,  travelators,  stand-by
generators  and boilers and items relating to mechanical  ventilation,  heating,
cooling, air conditioning and humidification

3.       Fire alarms etc.
The cost of  maintaining  any  fire  alarms  and  ancillary  apparatus  and fire
prevention and fire fighting  equipment and apparatus and other safety equipment
comprised  in the  Retained  Parts or serving the  Building  and in any event of
maintaining fire and smoke detection fire preventive and fire fighting equipment
including  sprinklers,  hydrants,  hosereels,  extinguishers,  fire alarms, fire
escapes  and fire  escape  routes  and  general  means of escape  to the  extent
required to comply






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in  relation  to  the  Retained  Parts  with  statutory   requirements  and  the
requirements of responsible authorities or underwriters or insurance companies

4.       Security and surveillance
The  cost  of  providing   security  services  and  personnel   including  where
appropriate in the Landlord's  judgement closed circuit  television and/or other
plant and equipment for the purpose of surveillance  and supervision of users of
or visitors to the Building (both  vehicular and pedestrian) and for the purpose
of monitoring,  organising and supervising the use of any loading bays, delivery
areas and goods lifts within the Building  Provided  that,  for the avoidance of
doubt, such services and personnel shall not extend to the Demised Premises

5.       Provision of signs and general amenities
The cost of providing,  erecting,  placing and  maintaining  direction signs and
notices,  seats and other  fixtures,  fittings,  chattels and  amenities for the
convenience  of  tenants  and their  visitors  and for the  enjoyment  or better
enjoyment of such parts of the Building  Common Parts as are available from time
to time for use by the occupiers of and visitors to the Building  and/or members
of the public as the Landlord may determine

6. Ornamental features gardens etc.
The cost of providing and maintaining  hard and soft landscaping and planting in
and on such areas of the Retained Parts as the Landlord may consider appropriate
or desirable including, without limitation,  plants, shrubs, trees or gardens or
grassed areas and appropriate fountains, sculptures,  architectural, artistic or
ornamental  features  or murals  and of keeping  all such parts of the  Retained
Parts  as may  from  time to time be laid out as  landscaping  (including  water
features) neat, clean, planted (where appropriate) properly tended and free from
weeds and the grass cut

7.       Fixtures fittings etc.
The cost of providing and maintaining fixtures, fittings, furnishings, finishes,
bins, receptacles, tools, appliances,  materials, equipment and other things for
the maintenance, appearance, upkeep or cleanliness of the Retained Parts and the
provision of any services for the Building

8.       Windows
The cost of cleaning the exterior and (save where the same is the responsibility
of a tenant)  interior of all windows and window  frames in the  Building and of
providing and maintaining cradles, runways and carriages in connection with such
cleaning





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9.       Refuse
The cost of providing  and operating or procuring the provision and operation of
means of collection,  compaction  and disposal of refuse and rubbish  (including
litter within the Building  Common Parts and if necessary pest control) from the
Building  and  of  providing  and  maintaining   plant  and  equipment  for  the
collection, compaction, treatment, packaging or disposal of the same

10.      Energy and supply services
The cost of the  provision of water,  fuel,  oil,  gas,  heating,  cooling,  air
conditioning,  ventilation,  electricity and other energy and supply services to
the Building as may be required  for use in running or operating  any service to
the Building or  distributed to occupiers of the Building  including,  so far as
appropriate, standby power generators and plant

11.      Other services
The cost of providing such other services for the benefit of the Building or the
convenience of the occupiers thereof (including,  without limitation,  a receipt
and  dispatch  centre for items  delivered  by courier) as the  Landlord  may in
accordance  with the principles of good estate  management  reasonably  consider
desirable or appropriate

12.      Staff
The cost of staff  (including  such  direct or indirect  labour as the  Landlord
deems  appropriate)  employed for the  provision of the Building  Services or in
respect of the matters referred to in this Seventh  Schedule,  including but not
limited to:

12.1     salaries, insurance, health, pension, welfare, severance and other
payments, contributions and premiums;

12.2 the cost of uniforms,  working clothes,  tools,  appliances,  materials and
furniture,  furnishings,  stationery items and equipment (including  telephones)
for the proper performance of the duties of any such staff,

12.3 providing,  maintaining,  repairing, decorating and lighting the Management
Premises  and/or  any  accommodation  and  facilities  for staff  including  any
reasonable residential  accommodation for staff employed in the Building and all
rates,  gas,  electricity  and other utility  charges (other than telephones and
line rentals for private  purposes) in respect thereof and any reasonable actual
or notional rent for such accommodation





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<PAGE>



13.      Common Facilities
The amount which the Landlord shall reasonably require to be paid or contributed
towards the costs,  charges,  fees and  expenses in making,  laying,  repairing,
maintaining,  rebuilding decorating, cleansing and lighting (as the case may be)
any roads, ways, forecourts,  passages,  pavements, party walls or fences, party
structures,  the Conducting Media or other conveniences and easements whatsoever
which may belong to, or be capable of being used or enjoyed by, the  Building in
common with any adjoining or neighbouring property

14.      Outgoings
All existing and future rates (including water rates),  taxes, duties,  charges,
assessments,   impositions  and  outgoings  whatsoever  (whether  parliamentary,
parochial,  local or of any other description and whether or not of a capital or
non-recurring  nature or of a wholly novel character)  payable in respect of the
Retained Parts or any part thereof

15.      Statutory requirements
The cost of carrying out any works to the Retained Parts required to comply with
any statute

16.      Representations
The cost of taking any steps  reasonably  deemed  desirable  or expedient by the
Landlord  for  complying  with,  making  representations  against  or  otherwise
contesting  the  incidence  of the  provisions  of any statute  concerning  town
planning,  rating,  public  health,  highways,  streets,  drainage and all other
matters relating or alleged to relate to the Retained Parts or the Building as a
whole or in which occupiers within the Building have a common interest

17.      Building Services and Building Regulations
The cost of compliance with the Building  Regulations and any other covenants or
regulations  referred  to so far as the  same  relate  to the  provision  of the
services and other items referred to in this Schedule

18.      Enforcement of covenants etc,
The cost of enforcing the covenants  (other than  covenants to pay money) in any
other 1ea.W of Lettable  Areas in the  Building  for the general  benefit of the
tenants  thereof as reasonably  determined  by the Landlord  (save to the extent
recovered  from  such  parties  which  the  Landlord  shah  use  all  reasonable
endeavours to do)

19.      Fees of the Landlord's Surveyor
The proper and reasonable fees,  costs,  charges,  expenses and disbursements of
the Landlord's  Surveyor for or in connection with the performance of the duties
ascribed to the Landlord's Surveyor under the provisions of this Lease







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<PAGE>


20.      Management
20.1 The proper and  reasonable  fees of a firm of managing  agents  employed or
retained  by the  Landlord  or a  Group  Company  of  the  Landlord  for,  or in
connection  with,  the  general  overall   management  and   administration  and
supervision of the Building (excluding rent collection)

20.2 A reasonable  fee to the Landlord or to a Group  Company of the Landlord in
connection  with  the  management  of the  Building  but so  that,  if a firm of
managing  agents is appointed to manage the Building,  the fee chargeable by the
Landlord or a Group  Company of the  Landlord in any  Building  Accounting  Year
under this  paragraph  20.2 shall be reduced  (but not below  zero) by an amount
equivalent to the fees (net of Value Added Tax) charged by such managing  agents
and included in Building  Expenditure for that Building Accounting Year pursuant
to paragraph 20.1 above

21.      Miscellaneous items
21.1     Leasing or hiring any of the items referred to in Section I or Section
II of this Schedule

21.2 Interest,  commission and fees at normal commercial rates in respect of any
moneys  borrowed  to finance  the  provision  of  services  and any of the items
referred to in Section I or Section II of this Schedule

21.3     Operating and managing the operation of the Electricity Charge referred
to in the Eleventh Schedule throughout the Building

22.      Insurance

22.1     Works required to the Building in order to satisfy the insurers of the
Building

22.2 Any amount which may be deducted or disallowed by the insurers  pursuant to
any excess  provision in the  Landlord's  insurance  policy upon  settlement  or
adjudication of any claim by the Landlord

23.      Decorations
Providing  and  maintaining  Christmas  and  other  special  decorations for the
Building

24.      As to Covenants
The cost of compliance by the Landlord with its  obligations  in relation to the
Building  Services and the reasonable and proper cost of enforcing the covenants
of any other  parties in  relation  to the  Building  Services  for the  general
benefit of the tenants of the Building as reasonably  determined by the Landlord
(save to the extent recovered from such parties which the Landlord








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<PAGE>


shall use all reasonable endeavours to do and save for the cost of enforcing
covenants for the payment of money)

25.      Generally
Any  reasonable  and proper costs and expenses (not referred to above) which the
Landlord may  reasonably and properly incur in providing such other services and
in carrying  out such other works as the Landlord in its  reasonable  discretion
may deem  desirable or necessary  for the benefit of the Building or any part of
it or the  tenants  or  occupiers  thereof  or for  securing  or  enhancing  any
amenities of or within the Building or in the interest of good estate management













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<PAGE>


                                 EIGHTH SCHEDULE
                              Guarantee Provisions

Covenant and indemnity by Guarantor
The Guarantor  hereby  covenants with the Landlord as a primary  obligation that
the Tenant or the Guarantor shall at all times during the contractual  term duly
perform and observe all the  covenants  on the part of the Tenant  contained  in
this Lease  including  the payment of the rents and all other sums payable under
this Lease in the manner and at the times  herein  specified  and the  Guarantor
hereby indemnifies the Landlord against all claims,  demands,  losses,  damages,
liability,  costs,  fees and  expenses  whatsoever  sustained by the Landlord by
reason of, or arising in any way directly or  indirectly  out of, any default by
the Tenant in the  performance  and observance of any of its  obligations or the
payment of any rent and other sums

Waiver by Guarantor
The  Guarantor  hereby  waives any right to require the Landlord to make demands
of, or to proceed against,  the Tenant or to pursue any other remedy  whatsoever
which may be available to the Landlord before proceeding against the Guarantor

Postponement of claims by Guarantor against Tenant
Whilst any  liability  of the Tenant or the  Guarantor  to the  Landlord  remain
outstanding,  the Guarantor hereby further  covenants with the Landlord that the
Guarantor  shall  not  claim  in any  liquidation,  bankruptcy,  composition  or
arrangement of the Tenant in competition with the Landlord and shah remit to the
Landlord the proceeds of all judgments and all distributions it may receive from
any liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy or supervisor of the Tenant and shall hold
for the benefit of the Landlord all security and rights the  Guarantor  may have
over assets of the Tenant

Postponement of participation by Guarantor in security
The Guarantor  shall not be entitled to  participate in any security held by the
Landlord in respect of the Tenant's obligations to the Landlord under this Lease
or to stand in the place of the Landlord in respect of any such  security  until
all the  obligations  of the Tenant or the Guarantor to the Landlord  under this
Lease have been performed or discharged

No release of Guarantor
None of the  following or any  combination  thereof  shall  release,  determine,
discharge or in any way lessen or affect the  liability of the  Guarantor  under
this Lease or otherwise prejudice or affect the right of the Landlord to recover
from the Guarantor to the full extent of this guarantee:



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<PAGE>


5.1 any neglect,  -delay or forberance of the Landlord in endeavouring to obtain
payment  of the rents or the  amounts  required  to be paid by the  Tenant or in
enforcing the  performance or observance of any of the obligations of the Tenant
under this Lease;

5.2 any refusal by the  Landlord to accept rent  tendered by or on behalf of the
Tenant at a time when the Landlord was entitled (or would after the service of a
notice under Section 146 of the Law of Property Act 1925 have been  entitled) to
reenter the Demised Premises;

5.3      any extension of time given by the Landlord to the Tenant;

5.4 any variation of the terms of this Lease  (including any reviews of the rent
payable  under this Lease) or the  transfer of the  Landlord's  reversion or the
assignment of this Lease;

5.5 any change in the  constitution,  structure  or powers of either the Tenant,
the Guarantor or the Landlord or the liquidation,  administration  or bankruptcy
(as the case may be) of either the Tenant or the Guarantor;

5.6 any legal limitation or any immunity, disability or incapacity of the Tenant
(whether or not known to the  Landlord) or the fact that any  dealings  with the
Landlord  by the Tenant may be outside or in excess of the powers of the Tenant;
and

5.7 any other act,  omission,  matter or thing  whatsoever  whereby but for this
provision the Guarantor would be exonerated either wholly or in part (other than
a release under seal given by the Landlord)

6.       Disclaimer or forfeiture of Lease
6.1 The Guarantor hereby further covenants with the Landlord that:
         (a)      if a liquidator or trustee in bankruptcy shah disclaim or
                  surrender this Lease; or
         (b)      if this Lease shall be forfeited; or
         (c)      if the Tenant shall cease to exist

THEN the  Guarantor  shall,  if the  Landlord by notice in writing  given to the
Guarantor  within four and a half months after such disclaimer or other event so
requires, accept from, and execute and deliver to, the Landlord a counterpart of
a new lease of the Demised  Premises  for a term  commencing  on the date of the
disclaimer  or  other  event  and  continuing  for the  residue  then  remaining
unexpired of the Term, such new lease to be at the reasonable and proper cost









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<PAGE>


of the Guarantor and to be at the same rents and subject to the same  covenants,
conditions  and  provisions  as are  contained in this Lease (hut  omitting this
Schedule)

6.2 If the Landlord  shall not require the  Guarantor  to take a new lease,  the
Guarantor shall nevertheless  within 28 days of demand pay to the Landlord a sum
equal to the rents and other sums that would have been payable  under this Lease
but for the  disclaimer  or  other  event  in  respect  of the  period  from and
including the date of such disclaimer or other event until the expiration of six
(6) months  therefrom  or until the  Landlord  shall have granted a lease of the
Demised Premises to a third party (whichever shall first occur)

7.       Benefit of Guarantee
This guarantee  shall enure for the benefit of the successors and assigns of the
Landlord under this Lease without the necessity for any assignment thereof









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<PAGE>


                                 NINTH SCHEDULE
                               Estate Regulations


1.       Refuse and litter
No refuse or garbage shall be placed  anywhere  other than in proper  containers
provided  for the purpose or as may  reasonably  be  designated  by the Superior
Landlord  or the  Landlord or other the person  responsible  for  providing  the
Estate Services (the "Estate Landlord") and no litter shall be dropped in any of
the Estate Common Parts

2.       Entrances, Corridors, Fire Exits etc.
2.1 Fire  corridors,  fire exits and escape  stairways  within the Estate Common
Parts  shall  (unless  the  Estate  Landlord  shall  otherwise  specify)  be for
emergency use only and they shall not be used for any other purpose

2.2 The Tenant shall not obstruct any such fire corridors, fire exits and escape
stairways nor any other pavements,  roads,  streets,  walkways,  plazas,  malls,
entrances,  fire  corridors,  escalators  or elevators  within the Estate Common
Parts

3.       Parking and Loading
3.1 No parking of any motor  vehicles shall take place within the Estate save as
may be  expressly  permitted  by this Lease or other legal  right or  permission
granted in writing from time to time by the Estate Landlord to the Tenant

3.2      Not to load or unload vehicles in the highways adjoining the Estate

4.       Loudspeakers etc
No music or other sounds or noise is to be  permitted  to be played,  broadcast,
transmitted  or  otherwise  produced  so as to be audible  outside  the  Demised
Premises

5.       Use of the Estate Common Parts
5.1      Not to obstruct the roads, streets, malls and other areas of the Estate
Common Parts

5.2   Not to do  anything  in the use of the Estate Common Parts which may be or
become a nuisance to the Estate  Landlord  or any  occupier of or visitor to the
Estate

5.3  Not to cause any unnecessary noise, vibration or exhaust fumes Common Parts








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5.4 Not  knowingly  to do any act or thing which may render void or voidable any
policy of insurance effected in respect of the Estate Common Parts

5.5  Forthwith  to make  good or  procure  to be made  good,  to the  reasonable
satisfaction  of the  Landlord,  any damage caused to the Estate Common Parts by
the Tenant or by persons  authorised by the Tenant to use the same and to pay to
the Landlord on demand the cost  incurred by the Estate  Landlord in making good
such damage

5.6 Without  prejudice  to any express  right which may be granted in writing to
the Tenant by the Landlord, not to park or leave unattended any vehicle or other
thing  anywhere on the Estate  except in the Basement and such place (if any) as
may from time to time be  designated by the Landlord for such parking or leaving
and to remove (and to permit the Landlord in its  discretion  without  notice to
the Tenant or user  thereof to remove or  immobilise)  any such vehicle or thing
parked or left in contravention of this regulation,  in particular,  but without
limitation,  if it shall be, or threaten to become,  an obstruction or hazard to
safety or health or is otherwise  offensive or injurious to the amenities of the
Estate  and to pay to the  Estate  Landlord  the  cost of any  such  removal  or
immobilisation borne by the Estate Landlord

5.7 To give all reasonable  co-operation to facilitate the temporary closure of,
or  changes  to,  the  layout of the  Estate  Common  Parts or any part  thereof
consistent with the Terms of this Lease

5.8 To comply with,  and to procure that those  authorised  by the Tenant comply
with, all directions and requests of the Estate Landlord for regulating the flow
of traffic and  controlling the positioning of vehicles within the Estate Common
Parts

5.9 To comply with,  and to procure that those  authorised  by the Tenant comply
with, all reasonable directions made by the Estate Landlord relating to security
or fire precautions in respect of the Estate Common Parts

5.10 Not to deposit  any  refuse,  debris or other  material  in, or cause to be
polluted, any water areas forming part of the Estate

6.       Use of the Car Park
6.1      6.1.1   Not to obstruct any access or circulation areas within the Car
Park;

         6.1.2  Not to do  anything  in the use of the Car Park  which may be or
become a nuisance or annoyance or  inconvenience  to the Estate  Landlord or the
Landlord or to any occupier of or visitor to the Estate;







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<PAGE>


         6.1.3 Not to cause any  unnecessary  noise,  vibration or exhaust fumes
within the Car Park

         6.1.4  Not to do any act or thing which may render void or voidable any
policy of insurance effected in respect of the Car Park;

         6.1.5  To make  good  to   the  reasonable satisfaction of  the  Estate
Landlord or the Landlord  any damage caused to the Car Park by the Tenant or  by
persons authorized  by the Tenant to use the same and to pay to the Landlord  on
demand the cost incurred b the Landlord in making good such damage;
         6.1.6     To ensure that any motor car parked in the Car Park is parked
in an orderly manner

6.2     To park only in the spaces or in the area designated for the use of the
Tenant from. time to time by the Estate Landlord or the Landlord

6.3 Not to  deposit in the Car Park any  rubbish,  litter or refuse of any kind,
other than in proper receptacles provided for that purpose

6.4      Not to do or permit any of the following to be done within the Car
Park:
         (a)      the washing or cleaning of any car;
         (b)      works of repair or maintenance to any car;
         (c)      the pouring or other transfer of petrol or other fuel into or
                  out of the fuel tank of any car; (d) the loading or unloading
                  of any goods;
         (e)      the storage of fuel (other than that  contained in the petrol
                  tank of any motor car); (f) the carrying on of any trade or
                  business

6.5 To observe such reasonable  directions as shall from time to time be made by
the Estate Landlord the Landlord in respect of the temporary  closure of the Car
Park and removal of cars  parked  therein for the  purposes  of  maintenance  or
repairs

6.6 To comply with, and to procure that those  authorised by the Tenant exercise
the rights  granted by  Paragraph  8 of the Second  Schedule  comply  with,  all
directions  and signs  from time to time  posted by the Estate  Landlord  or the
Landlord in the Car Park and all instructions or requests









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<PAGE>



given or made from time to time by any employee or agent of the Estate  Landlord
or the  Landlord for  regulating  traffic and  controlling  the  positioning  of
vehicles within the Car Park


6.7 If so required from time to time by the Estate Landlord or the Landlord,  to
instruct the drivers of cars using the Car Park with the  Tenant's  authority to
leave their car keys with an authorised representative of the Estate Landlord or
the Landlord  upon such terms as shall be  reasonably  prescribed  by the Estate
Landlord, or the Landlord







                                       95


<PAGE>


                                 TENTH SCHEDULE
                              Building Regulations
1.       Refuse
1.1 To deposit all rubbish and refuse  generated by or from the Demised Premises
in such receptacles as may be designated by the Landlord from time to time

1.2 Not to deposit in the Building Common Parts any rubbish, litter or refuse of
any kind other than in proper receptacles provided for the purposes or as may be
designated  by the  Landlord and not to bum any rubbish or refuse on the Demised
Premises

1.3 Not to discharge into any Conducting  Media any oil or grease or any noxious
or deleterious  effluent or substance  whatsoever which may cause an obstruction
or might be or become a source of danger or which  might  injure the  Conducting
Media or the drainage system of the Demised Premises or the Estate

2.       Obstruction of the Building Common Parts
Not to do anything  whereby the  Building  Common  Parts or any other areas over
which the Tenant may have rights of access or use may be damaged or the fair use
thereof by others may be obstructed in any manner whatsoever

3.       Entry to the Building
To comply with all reasonable regulations made from time to time by the Landlord
and notified to the Tenant in respect of security  arrangements  made in respect
of the Building

4.       Damage to the Building Common Parts
To make good to the reasonable satisfaction of the Landlord any damage caused to
the Building  Common Parts by the Tenant or by persons  authorised by the Tenant
to use the same and to pay to the  Landlord  on demand the cost  incurred by the
Landlord in making good such damage

5.       Delivery areas etc.
To comply with all reasonable and proper directions and requests of the Landlord
issued from time to time for the reasonable regulation of the use of the Loading
Bay 6. Goods  lifts 6.1 To  procure  that the  carrying  in or out of any safes,
furniture, packages, boxes, crates or other similar objects or matter to or from
the Demised Premises shah take place by prior arrangement with the Landlord only
during such hours and in such goods lifts and in such manner as the Landlord may
from time to time reasonably determine





                                       96


<PAGE>


5.16  To ensure that all hand trucks used within the Building shall be equipped
with rubber tires side guards

6.3 To procure that all persons using or visiting the Demised Premises shall not
use the  goods  lifts  in the  Building  except  by prior  arrangement  with the
Landlord

7.       Packages etc.
For the purpose of  enquiring  whether  the same pose any hazard,  to permit the
Landlord to inspect any parcel,  package,  case or other thing being or proposed
to be brought  into the Building if the Landlord or any employee or agent of the
Landlord  shall in its or his  discretion  require  td  inspect  the same and to
comply with all reasonable directions given in such circumstances

8.       Courier service
If such centre is provided, to procure that all messenger services delivering to
or collecting  from the Tenant or any  undertenant  use the receipt and dispatch
centre provided by the Landlord for courier delivery services

9.       Canvassing soliciting etc
Not to permit or suffer any canvassing, busking, soliciting or peddling within
the Building

10.      Instructions to staff
Not to give instructions to any staff of the Landlord whether in respect of
their regular duties or otherwise

11.      Entrance doors and windows
When the Demised  Premises  are not in use,  all  entrance  doors to the Demised
Premises shall be left locked and all windows left closed;  entrance doors shall
not be left open at any time and all  lights in the  Demised  Premises  shall be
extinguished before the Demised Premises are closed

12.      Office Cleaning
The cleaning of the Demised Premises is to be carried out before 8.00 am and
after 6.00 pm each day






                                       97


<PAGE>


                                ELEVENTH SCHEDULE
                               Electricity Supply

1.       Definitions
In this Schedule, unless the context otherwise requires:

1.1      "Board" means London Electricity plc or other the authority or company
supplying electricity to the Building

1.2 "Principal Intake Meter" means the metering equipment installed by the Board
for the purpose of measuring the Principal Supply

1.3 "Electricity Charge" means the cost to the Landlord of supplying electricity
to the Demised Premises to be calculated in accordance with paragraph 10 of this
Schedule

1.4 "Landlord's  Apparatus"  means all electric cables,  meters,  switchgear and
other  apparatus  necessary  for the supply of  electricity  from the  Principal
Supply to each of the Lettable Areas and the Building Common Parts including the
Demised  Premises  and  also  all  stand-by  generators,   the  cost  allocation
hardware/software/apparatus  and other equipment within the Building intended to
provide the Tenant's Supply at such time or times as the Principal  Supply shall
fail

1.5      "Principal Supply" means the supply of electricity to the Building by
the Board to the Principal Intake Meter

1.6  "Lessee's  Meters"  means  the  measuring  equipment  forming  part  of the
Landlord's Apparatus for the purpose of measuring the Tenant's Supply

1.7  "Tenant's  Meter" means the  measuring  equipment  installed as part of the
Landlord's  Apparatus for the purposes of measuring the supply of electricity to
the Demised Premises

1.8 "Tenant's  Supply" means the supply of  electricity  to each of the Lettable
Areas in the Building  including  the Demised  Premises  through the  Landlord's
Apparatus

2.       Recital
The  Landlord has  installed at the point of delivery of the Tenant's  Supply to
and within the  Demised  Premises  the  Tenant's  Meter which  shall,  so far as
practicable,  be  accurate  within the limits of error  reasonably  allowed  for
commercial grade meters






                                       98


<PAGE>


3.       Maintain Landlord's Apparatus
The Landlord shall maintain the Landlord's Apparatus in the Building in good and
substantial  repair and  condition so as to permit the free flow of  electricity
from the  Principal  Supply to the Demised  Premises  but shall be at liberty if
necessary and on giving to the Tenant not less than five (5) working days notice
in writing temporarily to take the Landlord's  Apparatus or any part thereof out
of service for  maintenance,  repair,  replacement or  modernization  causing as
little inconvenience to the Tenant as reasonably practicable and doing such work
outside  normal  business  hours  (except  in case of  emergency)  and,  subject
thereto,  the  Landlord  shall  not be  liable  to the  Tenant  or the  Tenant's
employees or those  claiming  through or under the Tenant for such taking out of
service  or for  the  failure,  interruption  or  breakdown  of  the  Landlord's
Apparatus  or of the  Principal  Supply  or the  Tenant's  Supply  which  is not
attributable  to the willful  default or  negligence  of the  Landlord  Provided
Always that the Landlord will carry out such maintenance, repair, replacement or
modernization with all due expedition and in a good and workmanlike manner

4.       Capacity of Supply
The Tenant  shall not,  without  the  consent in writing of the  Landlord  (such
consent not to be unreasonably  withheld),  take or be entitled to take a supply
from the Landlord's Apparatus in excess of its existing service capacity

5.       Legislation
The Landlord and the Tenant shall at all times comply with any regulations  made
or having effect as if made by the appropriate authority under Section 36 of the
Electricity  Act 1983 or any  statutory  reenactment  from  time to time of such
provisions

6.       Tenant's Meters
The  Landlord  agrees to install and  maintain in the  Building  (subject to the
provisions of paragraph 3 of this Schedule)  Lessee's Meters  sufficient for the
measurement and  calculation of electricity  supplied to all occupiers and other
consumers in the Building  (including the supply to the Landlord for the purpose
of  performing  its  obligations  in  respect  of the  Building)  and  will  not
disconnect the Tenant's Supply to the Demised  Premises  without  simultaneously
providing an alternative supply

7.       Disputes
7.1 If  either  party  shall by  notice  in  writing  to the  other at any time,
question  the  accuracy of the  Tenant's  Meter the  Principal  Intake Meter the
Lessee's Meters and/or the Landlord's Apparatus the same shall be tested in such
manner as may be agreed  between  the parties or in default of  agreement  by an
expert  nominated on the  application  of either party by the  President for the
time  being of the  Institution  of  Electrical  Engineers  who shall  determine
whether or not the








                                       99


<PAGE>


Tenant's Meter shall have failed to or register accurately and the period during
the Tenant's Meter failed to register or registered  inaccurately and the amount
of error (such  determination  to be final and binding on the  parties)  and the
amount payable by the Tenant during the period determined by the expert shall be
adjusted,  SO far as is necessary,  to give effect to his  determination and the
fees and  expenses  of the expert  shall be borne by such of the  parties and in
such proportions as he shall determine

7.2 Pending the determination of the expert in accordance with the provisions Of
paragraph  7.1 of this  Schedule,  the  Landlord  shall  be  entitled  to make a
reasonable  estimate  of the  electricity  consumed by the Tenant and the amount
payable by the  Tenant in  accordance  with this  Schedule  shall be  calculated
accordingly

7.3 Any adjustment  shall be made forthwith  following the  determination by the
expert in  accordance  with  paragraph 7.1 of this Schedule by payment by either
party to the Other, as the case may be

8.       Reading Tenant's Meters
The  Landlord  shall  procure  that  readings  are taken (which shall not be for
periods of less than one month) and  recorded  from all  Lessee's  Meters in the
Building and the readings  taken and recorded  shall  (subject to manifest error
and to the  provision  of  paragraph  7 of this  Schedule)  be  accepted  by the
Landlord and the Tenant

9.       Accounts
As soon as practicable  after the readings are taken,  the Landlord shah deliver
to the Tenant an account with  sufficient and proper details  showing the amount
of  Electricity  Charge and  details as to how the  Electricity  Charge has been
calculated

10.      The Electricity Charge
The  Electricity  Charge  payable  by the  Tenant to the  Landlord  shall be the
aggregate of:

a)       an amount calculated in accordance with the following formula:
                  A = B x C
                      -----
                        D

                  where:

                  A = the amount payable by the Tenant to the Landlord;






                                       100


<PAGE>


B = the number of units of  electricity  shown by the  reading  on the  Tenant's
Meter for the Demised Premises over a given period of time;

C = the  aggregate  cost of all units of  electricity  comprising  the Principal
Supply  over  the  same  given   period  of  time  for  which  the  Landlord  is
contractually  liable to pay and which is shown on the  Principal  Intake Meter;
and

D = the aggregate of the readings of units of electricity on all Lessee's Meters
in the Building over that same period of time;

(b)      a proper proportion attributable to the Demised Premises of the actual
cost of taking readings of all consumer's meters in the Building; and

(c) a proper proportion  attributable to the Demised Premises of the cost to the
Landlord of  inspecting,  maintaining,  repairing  and renewing  the  Landlord's
Apparatus, including operating any stand-by generators in the Building

11. The Tenant shall pay to the Landlord within fourteen days of demand (but not
more  frequently  than every one calendar month) in advance to the Landlord such
sum ("the  Electricity  Charge Advance  Payment") on account of the  Electricity
Charge for the period until the next readings are taken  pursuant to paragraph 8
of this Schedule as the Landlord shall from time to time  reasonably  specify as
being in its opinion a fair and reasonable  assessment of the Electricity Charge
likely to be due from the  Tenant for such  period  provided  that if  following
issue of the account referred to in paragraph 9 of this Schedule the Electricity
Charge Advance Payment is less than the Electricity Charge then the Tenant shall
within  fourteen  (14) days of demand  pay to the  Landlord  the  balance of the
Electricity Charge in respect of the period in question; or (as the case may be)
there shall be credited  against the Tenant's  liability for Electricity  Charge
for the next  period any amount  which shah have been  overpaid by the Tenant by
way of Electricity  Charge Advance Payment,  and if such overpayments occur on a
regular  basis the Landlord shah revise its estimate of the  Electricity  Charge
Advance Payment appropriately; and provided that the Landlord will credit to any
sums held by it in respect of Electricity  Charge Advance  Payments all interest
accrued  thereon and the  Landlord  will utilise any such  interest  towards the
payment of the Electricity Charge

12. The Landlord shall bear the cost of supplying electricity and the proportion
of all meter rents which relate to any Lettable  Areas in the Building which are
at any time  unlet and shall make such  adjustments  to the  calculation  of the
Electricity Charge under paragraph 10 above as shall be reasonably  necessary to
give effect to this paragraph 12.







                                       101



                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.39



                       INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES CONTRACT

                     (hereinafter referred to as "Contract")

                                     to the

                                    COINSURED

                 AGGREGATE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT

                    (hereinafter referred to as "Agreement")

                                     between

                    TRENWICK AMERICA REINSURANCE CORPORATION
                  (hereinafter referred to as the "Reinsured")

                                       and

                            CENTRE INSURANCE COMPANY

              (hereinafter referred to as "Subscribing Reinsurer")

It is  mutually  agreed by and between the  Reinsured  on the one part,  and the
Subscribing  Reinsurer on the other part that the Subscribing  Reinsurer's share
in the Interests and  Liabilities of the Reinsurer as set forth in the COINSURED
AGGREGATE  EXCESS OF LOSS  REINSURANCE  AGREEMENT,  effective 12:01 am., Eastern
Standard  Time,  January  1, 1999  attached  hereto  and  forming a part of this
Contract shall be for 80%.

The  share of the  Subscribing  Reinsurer  signed  hereon in the  Interests  and
Liabilities of all reinsurers in respect of the said Agreement shall be separate
and apart from the shares of the other reinsurers to the said Agreement, and the
Interests and  Liabilities of the Subscribing  Reinsurer  signed hereon shall be
several and not joint with those of the other  reinsurers  and in no event shall
the  Subscribing  Reinsurer  signed  hereon  participate  in the  Interests  and
Liabilities of the other reinsurers.

This Contract shall be effective for the period  commencing 12:01 a.m.,  Eastern
Standard  Time,  January 1, 1999 and ending 11:59 p.m.,  Eastern  Standard Time,
December 31, 1999.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Contract to be executed,
in triplicate, Executed this 5th day of March, 1999

     TRENWICK AMERICA REINSURANCE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Robert Giambo                     By: /s/ R. Thomas
     -----------------                         -------------
     Name: Robert A. Giambo                Name:  Richard R. Thomas, III
     Title:  Executive Vice President      Title:  Assistant Vice President

Executed this 23rd day of September, 1999

<PAGE>

     CENTRE INSURANCE COMPANY

By: /s/ Joel D. Klaassen                   By: /s/ Ann B. Encinas
    --------------------                      -------------------
     Name:    Joel D. Klaassen             Name:    Ann B. Encinas
     Title:   Senior Vice President        Title:   Vice President


<PAGE>

                       INTERESTS AND LIABILITIES CONTRACT

                     (hereinafter referred to as "Contract")

                                     to the

                                    COINSURED

                 AGGREGATE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT

                    (hereinafter referred to as "Agreement")

                                     between

                    TRENWICK AMERICA REINSURANCE CORPORATION
                  (hereinafter referred to as the "Reinsured")

                                       and

            NATIONAL UNION FIIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF PITTSBURGH, PA

              (hereinafter referred to as "Subscribing Reinsurer")

It is  mutually  agreed by and between the  Reinsured  on the one part,  and the
Subscribing  Reinsurer on the other part that the Subscribing  Reinsurer's share
in the Interests and  Liabilities of the Reinsurer as set forth in the COINSURED
AGGREGATE  EXCESS OF LOSS  REINSURANCE  AGREEMENT,  effective 12:01 am.7 Eastern
Standard  Time,  January  1, 1999  attached  hereto  and  forming a part of this
Contract shall be for 20%.

The  share of the  Subscribing  Reinsurer  signed  hereon in the  Interests  and
Liabilities of all reinsurers in respect of the said Agreement shall be separate
and apart from the shares of the other reinsurers to the said Agreement, and the
Interests and  Liabilities of the Subscribing  Reinsurer  signed hereon shall be
several and not joint with those of the other  reinsurers  and in no event shall
the  Subscribing  Reinsurer  signed  hereon  participate  in the  Interests  and
Liabilities of the other reinsurers.

This Contract shall be effective for the period  commencing 12:01 a.m.,  Eastern
Standard  Time,  January 1, 1999 and ending 11:59 p.m.,  Eastern  Standard Time,
December 31, 1999.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Contract to be executed,
in triplicate, Executed this _______________day of __________, 1999

        TRENWICK AMERICA REINSURANCE CORPORATION

By:  /s/ Robert Giambo                     By: /s/ R. Thomas
     -----------------                         -------------
     Name: Robert A. Giambo                Name:  Richard R. Thomas, III
     Title:  Executive Vice President      Title:   Assistant Vice President


Executed this 29th day of March, 1999


<PAGE>

     NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF PITTSBURGH, PA

By:     /s/ Robert J. Coords               By: /s/ Joseph Umansky
        --------------------                   ------------------
Name: Robert J. Coords                     Name:    Joseph Umansky
Title:   Attorney-In-Fact                  Title:   Attorney-In-Fact


<PAGE>

                                    COINSURED

                 AGGREGATE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT

                  (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement")

   In consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter contained and upon the
                   terms and conditions hereinafter set forth

              THE SUBSCRIBING REINSURERS EXECUTING THE INTERESTS &
             LIABILITIES CONTRACTS ATTACHED TO AND FORMING A PART OF
                                 THIS AGREEMENT
                  (hereinafter referred to as the "Reinsurer")

            does hereby indemnify, as herein provided and specified,

                     TRENWCK AMERICA REINSURANCE CORPORATION
                              Stamford, Connecticut
                  (hereinafter referred to as the "Reinsured")


<PAGE>

                                                                          Page 2

                             ARTICLE and PAGE NUMBER

1.    BUSINESS COVERED 3
2.    TERM 4
3.    TERRITORY 4
4.    RETENTION, REINSURER'S SHARE, AND LIMIT 5
5.    LOSS SETTLEMENTS 6
6.    REINSURANCE PREMIUM 7
7.    ADDITIONAL PREMIUM 7
8.    EXPERIENCE ACCOUNT 8
9.    REINSURER'S MARGIN 9
10.   FUNDS WITHHELD 9
11.   COMMUTATION 11
12.   REPORTS AND REMITTANCES 11
13.   TAXES 12
14.   COVENANTS OF THE REINSURED 13
15.   DEFINITIONS 13
16.   ULTIMATE NET LOSS 14
17.   NET RETAINED LINES 15
18.   RIGHT OF OFFSET 15
19.   ERRORS AND OMISSIONS 16
20.   CURRENCY 16
21.   EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 16
22.   EXCESS OF ORIGINAL POLICY LIMITS LOSS 16
23.   ARBITRATION 17
24.   ACCESS TO RECORDS 18
25.   INSOLVENCY 18
26.   GOVERNING LAW 19
27.   SERVICE OF SUIT 19
28.   AMENDMENTS AND ALTERATIONS 20
29.   ASSIGNMENT 20
30.   NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS 20
31.   NO IMPLIED WAIVER 20
32.   MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS 20
33.   INTERMEDIARY 21
34.   SECURITY 21


<PAGE>

                                                                          Page 3

ARTICLE 1 - BUSINESS COVERED

In  consideration  of the premium to be paid by the Reinsured and subject to the
terms,  conditions,  exclusions  and limits  hereafter set forth,  the Reinsurer
agrees to indemnify the  Reinsured on an aggregate  excess of loss basis for the
Reinsurer's share of Ultimate Net Loss that the Reinsured has incurred in excess
of the  retention  as a  result  of  losses  occurring  during  the Term of this
Agreement as respects the Reinsured's  contracts,  agreements and other evidence
of reinsurance in respect of all casualty  reinsurance  assumed business entered
into by the Reinsured (the "Policies"), but specifically excluding the following
business:

     -    finite risk reinsurance

     -    pollution  liability  when written by the  Reinsured as a named peril,
          but excluding first party cleanup

     -    policyholder dividends

     -    nuclear  incidents:  in accordance with the attached  Nuclear Incident
          Exclusion Clauses:

          a.   Nuclear  Incident  Exclusion  Clause - Liability -  Reinsurance -
               U.S.A. and Canada;

          b.   Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage-  Reinsurance
               - U.S.A. and Canada;

          c.   Nuclear Incident Exclusion Clause - Physical Damage and Liability
               (Boiler  and  Machinery  Policies)  -  Reinsurance  - U.S.A.  and
               Canada;

          d.   Nuclear Energy Risks  Exclusion  Clause - Reinsurance - Worldwide
               excluding U.S.A. and Canada.

     -    war risks (in accordance with the attached War Risk Exclusion Clause)

     -    insolvency  and  guarantee  funds  (in  accordance  with the  attached
          Insolvency and Guarantee Funds Exclusion Clause)

     -    residual market assessments, second injury fund assessments,
          rehabilitation assessments, and any other similar type assessments

     -    financial guarantee business

     -    loss portfolio transfers.


<PAGE>

                                                                          Page 4


ARTICLE 2 -TERM

The term (the "Term") of this Agreement shall be the period  commencing at 12:01
am.,  Eastern Standard Time,  January 1, 1999 (the "Effective  Date") through to
and including the earlier of l :59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, December 31 1999
or the date on which this Agreement is otherwise  canceled as provided for below
(the "Expiration Date").

This  Agreement may not be canceled by the Reinsured.  The Reinsurer  shall have
the right to cancel this  Agreement  as provided  for in the  articles  entitled
"COVENANTS OF THE REINSURED,"  "MERGERS AND  ACQUISITIONS," or "RIGHT OF OFFSET"
and as provided for below.

In the event that the Reinsured fails to pay the Reinsurance  Premium and/or the
Additional  Premium, if any, within 15 days of the date such premium is due, the
Reinsurer  shall  notify the  Reinsured  in writing via  registered  mail of the
overdue  amounts.  In the event that the  Reinsured  does not remit the  overdue
amounts to the Reinsurer within 15 days of receiving such  notification from the
Reinsurer,  the  Reinsurer  shall  have the  right to  immediately  cancel  this
Agreement  by mailing the  Reinsured a written  notice of  cancellation  and the
Total Aggregate Limit,  notwithstanding  any provision to the contrary contained
herein,  shall be immediately reduced to an amount equal to the positive balance
in the  Experience  Account  (or  zero  if the  Experience  Account  Balance  is
negative)  as of the date of  cancellation.  The mailing of such notice shall be
sufficient  notice and the effective date of cancellation  shall be the date the
notice of cancellation was posted.

In the event that the  Reinsured  fails to pay a Reinsurance  Premium  and/or an
Additional  Premium  if  any,  that is due  after  the  Expiration  Date of this
Agreement  within 15 days of the date such premium is due, the  Reinsurer  shall
notify the Reinsured in writing via registered mail of the overdue  amounts.  In
the event that the reinsured does not remit the overdue amounts to the Reinsurer
within 15 days of receiving  such  notification  from the  Reinsurer,  the Total
Aggregate Limit, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein,
shall  immediately  and without  further notice be reduced to an amount equal to
the  positive  balance  in the  Experience  Account  (or zero if the  Experience
Account Balance is negative).

ARTICLE 3 - TERRITORY

This  Agreement  shall apply only to losses  occurring  in the United  States of
America, Canada and Europe.

<PAGE>

                                                                          Page 5


ARTICLE 4 - RETENTION REINSURER'S SHARE, AND LIMIT

1) Limit A:

The Reinsurer agrees to indemnify the Reinsured for the Reinsurer's Share of the
amount of the  Reinsured's  aggregate  Ultimate  Net Loss that is in excess of a
Retention equal to 53% of Subject Earned Premium.

     The "Reinsurer's Share" under Limit A shall be determined as follows:

     If the Ultimate Net Loss is less than 53% of  Subjec  Earned  Premium, the
     Reinsurer's  Share  under  Limit  A  shall  equal  zero,   otherwise,   the
     Reinsurer's Share under Limit A shall equal the lesser of (l) "A" divided
     by "B" or (2) 100%,

          Where:

          "A"  is equal to 32.0% of Subject Earned Premium; and

          "B"  is equal to the amount of Ultimate Net Loss in excess of 53% of
               Subject Earned Premium.

Under no  circumstances  shall the Reinsurer's  aggregate limit of liability for
Ultimate Net Loss under this Limit A exceed 32.0% of Subject Earned Premium.

2) Limit B:

The Reinsurer agrees to indemnify the Reinsured for the Reinsurer's Share of the
amount of the  reinsured's  aggregate  Ultimate  Net Loss that is in excess of a
Retention equal to 90% of Subject Earned Premium.

The "Reinsurer's Share" under Limit B shall be determined as follows:

     If the Ultimate Net Loss is less than 90% of Subject Earned Premium, the
     Reinsurer's  Share  under  Limit  B shall  equal zero, otherwise, the
     Reinsurer's Share under Limit B shall be equal to the lesser of (l) "C"
     divided by "D" or (2) "E",

          Where:

          "C"  is equal to 3.5% of Subject Earned Premium; and

          "D"  is equal to the amount of  Ultimate  Net Loss in excess of 90% of
               Subject Earned Premium; and

          "E"  is equal to 100% less the Reinsurer's Share under Limit A
               calculated above.

<PAGE>

                                                                          Page 6

Under no  circumstances  shall the Reinsurer's  aggregate limit of liability for
Ultimate Net Loss under this Limit B exceed 3.5% of Subject Earned Premium.  For
the  purpose of  calculating  the  Reinsurer's  Share  under Limit A and Limit B
above,  Ultimate  Net Loss shall not be subject to the  sub-limits  set forth in
Article 16 Ultimate Net Loss."

3) Total Aggregate Limit:

Notwithstanding the Reinsurer's obligations under Limit A and Limit B above, the
Reinsurer's  maximum  aggregate  limit of liability  for Ultimate Net Loss under
this Agreement (the "Total Aggregate Limit") shall be equal to the lesser of:

               (1)  35.5% of Subject Earned Premium; or

               (2)  $55 million; or

               (3)  The greater of: (a) the aggregate  amount of ceded  Ultimate
                    Net  Loss as  reported  in the  Reinsured's  1999  Statutory
                    Financial Statement, or (b) 32% of Subject Earned Premium.

Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the Total Aggregate Limit of liability hereunder
is further  subject to  adjustment  as  provided  for in the  articles  entitled
"TERM," "COVENANTS OF THE REINSURED," and "RIGHT OF OFFSET."

Under no  circumstances  shall the total  liability  of the  Reinsurer  under or
related to this Agreement exceed the Total Aggregate Limit.

ARTICLE 5 -  LOSS SETTLEMENTS

The  Reinsurer  agrees to pay the Reinsured the amounts of Ultimate Net Loss due
hereunder  and paid by the  Reinsured  (or payable by the  Reinsured  in case of
insolvency in accordance with the article  entitled  "INSOLVENCY")  quarterly in
arrears and payment  will be due within  sixty (60) days  following  receipt and
verification of an account statement submitted by the Reinsured to the Reinsurer
as set forth in the article entitled "REPORTS AND REMITTANCES."

Ultimate  Net  Loss  payments  due by  the  Reinsurer  in  accordance  with  the
provisions  herein  shall  first  be paid by way of  offset  against  the  Funds
Withheld Balance until such balance is exhausted.

Appropriate  adjustments shall be made to the Reinsurer's Share and the Ultimate
Net Loss paid by the Reinsurer to the Reinsured based on ceded paid Ultimate Net
Loss  reported to the  Reinsurer  (and agreed to by the  Reinsurer)  pursuant to
Article 12 - "REPORTS AND REMITTANCES" and Article 16 - "ULTIMATE NET LOSS."

Notwithstanding  any provision to the contrary  contained herein, and except for
the articles  entitled "EXTRA  CONTRACTUAL  OBLIGATIONS" and "EXCESS OF ORIGINAL
POLICY  LIMITS  LOSS,"  coverage  under this  Agreement is expressly  limited to
claims or losses arising under the Reinsured's Policies; provided, however, that
such claims or losses are within the terms,  conditions  and  limitations of the
original  policies  and within the terms,  conditions  and  limitations  of this
Agreement.

<PAGE>

                                                                          Page 7

ARTICLE 6 - REINSURANCE PREMIUM

Subject to the article entitled "FUNDS WITHHELD," the Reinsured shall pay to the
Reinsurer a premium (the "Reinsurance  Premium") equal to 10.0% of the projected
Subject Earned Premium,  payable in equal  quarterly  installments in advance on
the first day of each calendar quarter, subject to a maximum Reinsurance Premium
equal to $20,000,000.

Within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar quarter the Reinsured
shall make appropriate  adjustments for the amount by which 10.0% of the Subject
Earned  Premium for that  calendar  quarter  exceeds or is less than the amounts
previously paid by the Reinsured for that calendar quarter.

ARTICLE 7 - ADDITIONAL PREMIUM

Subject to the article  entitled "FUNDS WITHELD," the Reinsured shall pay to the
Reinsurer an additional  premium (the  "Additional  Premium") in an amount equal
to:

1) 50% of the excess of Ultimate  Net Loss over 73% of Subject  Earned  Premium,
but such  Additional  Premium  not to exceed the lesser of 2% of Subject  Earned
Premium, or $3,250,000, plus.

2) 55% of the excess of Ultimate  Net Loss over 77% of Subject  Earned  Premium,
but such  Additional  Premium  not to exceed 2.2% of Subject  Earned  Premium or
$3,550,000.

3) 67.5% of the excess of Ultimate Net Loss over 81% of Subject Earned  Premium,
but such  Additional  Premium  not to exceed 2.7% of Subject  Earned  Premium or
$4,350,000.

Such  Additional  Premium  shall be paid to the  Reinsurer  with the  applicable
quarterly Ultimate Net Loss report as put forth in the article entitled "REPORTS
AND REMITTANCES."

Within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar quarter the Reinsured
shall make  appropriate  adjustments for the amount by which 50% of the Ultimate
Net Loss covered under Limit A between 73% and 77% of Subject Earned Premium and
55% of the  Ultimate  Net Loss  covered  under  Limit A  between  77% and 81% of
Subject  Earned Premium and 67.5% of the Ultimate Net Loss covered under Limit A
between  81% and 85% of  Subject  Earned  Premium,  exceeds  or is less than the
amounts of Additional Premiums previously paid by the Reinsured.

<PAGE>

                                                                          Page 8



ARTICLE 8 - EXPERIENCE ACCOUNT

A  notional  account  (the  "Experience  Account")  shall be  calculated  by the
Reinsurer from the Effective  Date of this Agreement and maintained  until there
is a complete and final  release of all of the  Reinsurer's  obligations  to the
Reinsured under this Agreement.

The balance of the Experience  Account (the "Experience  Account Balance") as of
any December 31 shall be defined as:

     (1)  Cumulative Reinsurance Premium plus Additional Premium, if any,
          received by the Reinsurer (or Funds Withheld in accordance with the
          article entitled "FUNDS WITHHELD"), less

     (2)  the Cumulative Reinsurer's Margin paid to the Reinsurer, less

     (3)  Cumulative Ultimate Net Loss paid (or offset) by the Reinsurer, plus

     (4)  the Cumulative Experience Account Investment Credit.

The Reinsurance  Premium,  and Additional  Premium, if any, shall be credited to
the  Experience  Account on the day said monies are received by the  Reinsurer's
designated  bank, or credited to the Funds Withheld  Balance in accordance  with
the article entitled "FUNDS WITHHELD," as the case may be.

The  Ultimate  Net Loss due from the  Reinsurer  shall be  charged  against  the
Experience  Account  on the day said  monies  are  received  by the  Reinsured's
designated bank, or offset against the Funds Withheld Balance in accordance with
the article  entitled "FUNDS  WITHHELD," as the case may be, and further subject
to the article entitled "REPORTS AND REMITTANCES."

For the  purpose of  calculating  the  balance of the  Experience  Account,  the
Reinsurer's  Margin shall be deemed to be deducted in  proportion  to and at the
same time as the crediting to the Experience Account of the Reinsurance Premium.

The Experience  Account  investment credit (the "Experience  Account  Investment
Credit") for each  calendar  year shall equal the average  daily  balance of the
Experience Account for that calendar year (or portion thereof), determined as if
the Reinsurance Premium and Additional Premium, if any, as finally computed were
paid on January 1, 1999,  multiplied by 8.75% (or the pro-rata portion thereof).
The cumulative Experience Account Investment Credit (the "Cumulative  Experience
Account Investment  Credit") shall be equal to the sum of the Experience Account
Investment  Credits  for each  calendar  year,  or  portion  thereof,  since the
Effective Date of this Agreement.

<PAGE>

                                                                          Page 9



ARTICLE 9 - REINSURER'S MARGIN

The Reinsurer's margin (the "Reinsurer's Margin") shall be equal to 12.0% of the
Reinsurance  Premium  payable under this  Agreement,  payable in equal quarterly
installments in advance on the first day of each calendar quarter.

Within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar quarter the Reinsured
or the  Reinsurer  shall make  appropriate  adjustments  for the amount by which
12.0% of the  Reinsurance  Premium for that calendar  quarter exceeds or is less
than the amounts previously paid by the Reinsured as Reinsurer's Margin for that
calendar  quarter.  Any such  balance due either  party shall be due and payable
within thirty (30) days.

ARTICLE 10 - FUNDS WITHHELD

Subject to the terms herein, the Reinsured shall retain the Reinsurance  Premium
and  Additional  Premium,  if any,  due  hereunder  on a funds  withheld  basis,
provided  however,  that  the  Reinsurer's  Margin  shall be paid in cash to the
Reinsurer  and  shall not be  affected  by the  terms of this  "Funds  Withheld"
article.  The amount of such withheld  Reinsurance  Premium,  net of Reinsurer's
Margin,  and Additional  Premium,  if any, shall be called "Funds  Withheld." In
consideration  of the Reinsurer  agreeing to the Funds  Withheld,  the Reinsured
agrees (i) to calculate a notional  Funds  Withheld  account from the  Effective
Date of this Agreement until there is a complete and final release of all of the
Reinsurer's  obligations to the Reinsured under this Agreement and (ii) that the
Funds Withheld Balance may be set off by the Reinsurer  against liability of any
nature whatsoever  (whether then contingent,  due and payable,  or in the future
becoming  due) that the Reinsurer may then have, or in the future may have under
this  Agreement and (iii) that such setoff shall occur as a condition  precedent
to any payments by the Reinsurer hereunder.

The balance of the Funds Withheld  account (the "Funds Withheld  Balance") as of
any December 31 shall be defined as:

     (1)  Cumulative  Reinsurance  Premium plus Additional  Premium, if any, due
          hereunder, less

     (2)  the Cumulative Reinsurer's Margin paid to the Reinsurer, less

     (3)  Cumulative Ultimate Net Loss paid (or offset) by the Reinsurer, plus

     (4)  the Cumulative Funds Withheld Investment Credit.

The Reinsurance  Premium,  and Additional  Premium, if any, shall be credited to
the Funds Withheld Balance on the date such monies are payable.

The Ultimate Net Loss due from the Reinsurer  shall be charged against the Funds
Withheld  Balance on the date such monies are due and further subject to article
entitled "REPORTS AND REMITTANCES."

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 10


For the purpose of calculating  the balance of the Funds Withheld  account,  the
Reinsurer's  Margin shall be deemed to be deducted in  proportion  to and at the
same time as the  crediting  to the Funds  Withheld  account of the  Reinsurance
Premium.

The Funds Withheld  investment credit (the "Funds Withheld  Investment  Credit")
for each  calendar  year  shall  equal the  average  daily  balance of the Funds
Withheld account for that calendar year (or portion  thereof),  determined as if
the Reinsurance  Premium and Additional Premium, if any, as finally computed was
paid on January 1, 1999, multiplied by 9% (or the pro-rata portion thereof). The
cumulative  Funds Withheld  Investment  Credit (the  "Cumulative  Funds Withheld
Investment  Credit")  shall  be equal to sum of the  Funds  Withheld  Investment
Credits for each calendar year, or portion thereof;  since the Effective Date of
this Agreement.

At the  Reinsurer's  option,  the Reinsured shall pay to the Reinsurer the Funds
Withheld  Balance  immediately  upon request or upon the happening of any of the
following events 1) commutation of this Agreement,  2) an Event of Default, 3) a
downgrade of the  Reinsured by AM Best to B+ or lower,  or 4) December 31, 2014.
If the Reinsured  pays the Reinsurer  the Funds  Withheld  Balance the Reinsured
will no longer be required to credit the Funds Withheld  Balance with investment
income and the Experience  Account  Investment Credit, as defined in Article 8 -
Experience  Account,  shall,  from the time of  payment  of the  Funds  Withheld
Balance,  equal the  One-Year  Treasury  Note rate as posted in the Wall  Street
Journal on the first  business day following  such  payment.  Such rate shall be
reset each 12 months to equal the  One-Year  Treasury  Note  prevailing  at that
time.  The  Reinsured  shall not have the  right to prepay  all or a part of the
Funds Withheld Balance without the Reinsurer's express written consent.

The following  shall be defined as "Events of Default" and shall cause the whole
of  the  Funds  Withheld  Balance  to,  upon  demand  of the  Reinsurer,  become
immediately due and payable, together with all accrued interest and other unpaid
sums owing in relation thereto.

(1)  Payment Defaults

     The Reinsured fails to make any payment under this Agreement when due and
     in the manner therein provided, except where the Reinsurer receives the
     overdue payment within fifteen business days of the non-payment;

(2)  Executions

     Creditors attach or take possession of or distress. execution,
     sequestration, seizure, attachment or other equivalent or analogous process
     is levied or enforced upon or sued out against any material amount of the
     Reinsured's assets; or

(3)  Insolvency

     The Reinsured commences a proceeding or proceedings are commenced against
     it seeking dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, administration.
     reorganization, suspension or compromise of payments or other relief under
     any applicable bankruptcy., insolvency or other similar law or seeking the
     appointment of an administrator or a trustee, receiver, manager,
     receiver-manager, liquidator, custodian, curator or other similar official
     of it or any

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 11


     substantial part of the Reinsured's assets, or the Reinsured consents to
     any such relief (including any bankruptcy petition) or appointment in
     involuntary proceedings taken against it, or makes a bulk sale of its
     assets or a general assignment or proposal for the benefit of creditors, or
     fails or admits its inability to pay its debts as they become due, or
     suspends or ceases or threatens to suspend or cease carrying on business;
     or it takes any action in furtherance of any of the foregoing.

ARTICLE 11 - COMMUTATION

Subject  to the terms of this  article,  and  provided  the  Experience  Account
balance is  positive,  the  Reinsured  may,  at its sole  option,  commute  this
Agreement at any  December  31,  beginning on December 31, 2003 and on or before
December  31,  2014,  subject to ninety  (90) days prior  written  notice by the
Reinsured to the Reinsurer by registered or certified  mail,  provided that as a
condition  precedent to this right of  commutation  the  Reinsured  commutes all
prior  reinsurance  agreements  in  existence  between  the  Reinsurer  and  the
Reinsured at such date. Such prior reinsurance  agreements  consist of Coinsured
Aggregate  Excess of Loss  Agreements  incepting on January 1, 1994,  January 1,
1995, January 1, 1996, January 1,1997, and January 1, 1998.

If the Reinsured  elects to commute this  Agreement,  the Reinsured shall pay to
the Reinsurer as a condition  precedent to the  commutation  the Funds  Withheld
Balance as of the date of commutation of this Agreement and the Reinsurer  shall
pay to the Reinsured the positive balance,  if any, in the Experience Account as
of the  date of  commutation  within  sixty  (60)  business  days of the date of
commutation:

Payment of the Experience  Account  balance by the Reinsurer as described  above
shall constitute a complete and final release of the Reinsurer in respect of any
and all of the Reinsurer's obligations of any nature whatsoever to the Reinsured
under or related to this Agreement.

Non-Commute Charge

If the Reinsured does not commute this Agreement on or before December  31,2004,
the  Reinsured  shall pay to the  Reinsurer  in cash each  January 1,  beginning
January  1,2005,  an annual fee (the  "Non-Commute  Fee") of $200,000 until such
time as this  Agreement  is  commuted or until such time as all losses due under
this Agreement are paid, whichever comes first.

The  Non-Commute  Fee shall not be included in the calculation of the Experience
Account balance or the Funds Withheld Account balance and shall be retained 100%
by the Reinsurer.

ARTICLE 12 - REPORTS AND REMITTANCES

1.   The Reinsured shall furnish to the Reinsurer within fifteen (15) days prior
     to the close of the calendar quarter an estimate of the amount of  Ultimate
     Net Loss ceded under this Agreement as of  the  close  of   that   calendar
     quarter broken out between loss and Allocated Loss Adjustment Expense.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 12



2.   The Reinsured shall furnish to the Reinsurer within thirty (30) days after
     the close of each calendar quarter:

(a)       quarterly  account of Subject  Earned  Premium  segregated  by line of
          business (and for the total of all lines).

(b)       quarterly accounts of paid and unpaid Ultimate Net Loss segregated by
          line of business (and for the total of all lines of business) and
          broken out between Y2K Loss and non-Y2K loss (loss, Allocated Loss
          Adjustment Expense, ECO and XPL).

(c)       a  reconciliation  of the Funds Withheld Balance from inception to the
          close of the most recent preceding calendar quarter.

3.   The Reinsured shall furnish to the Reinsurer  within thirty (30) days after
     the end of each calendar quarter,  quarterly  accounts of paid Ultimate Net
     Loss ceded  under this  Agreement  broken out  between Y2K Loss and non-Y2K
     loss (loss,  Allocated Loss Adjustment Expense,  ECO and XPL) which are due
     to be paid  by the  Reinsurer  to the  Reinsured.  As  respects  the  Funds
     Withheld  Balance,  Ultimate Net Loss amounts shall be deemed to be paid as
     of the  date  the  Reinsurer  agrees  to the  amount  to be paid  and  such
     agreement  shall be made  within  sixty  (60) days  after  receipt  of this
     account.

4.   The Reinsured shall furnish to the Reinsurer  within  one  hundred  twenty
     (120) days after the close of each calendar year annual paid projections of
     Ultimate Net Loss, broken out between  Y2K  Loss and non-Y2K  loss   (loss,
     Allocated Loss Adjustment Expense, ECO and XPL), and segregated by line of
     business.

5.   The Reinsurer shall furnish to the Reinsured within  thirty (30) days after
     the close of each quarter a reconciliation  of the Experience  Account from
     inception to the close of the most recent preceding calendar quarter.

6.   All amounts due and payable under this Agreement shall be remitted directly
     by wire transfer between the Reinsured and the Reinsurer with notice to the
     Intermediary,  unless   such   amounts   are  withheld by  the Reinsured in
     accordance with the Funds Withheld provision of this Agreement.

7.   Any late payments by either party shall accrue  interest at a rate equal to
     the greater of 1% per month, compounded semi-annually, or the yield on  the
     one year United States Treasury Bill existent  on the first  business   day
     after the previous January 1, as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus
     250 basis points.

ARTICLE 13 - TAXES

The Reinsured  shall pay all taxes of any nature  associated with this Agreement
and  undertakes  not to claim any  deduction  of the premium  hereon when making
Canadian  tax returns or when making tax  returns,  other than Income or Profits
tax returns,  to any State or  Territory of the United  States of America or the
District of Columbia.  Provided, however, that this Article shall not impose any
liability  on the  Reinsured  for any income,  capital  gains,  profits or other
similar  taxes  payable by the  Reinsurer in respect of its  operations  or this
Agreement.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 13
ARTICLE 14 - COVENANTS OF THE REINSURED

The Reinsured  agrees not to change claims handling  procedures,  loss reserving
process, levels of ceding commissions in its underlying contracts, or the levels
of reinsurance  protection in any manner from that in effect at the inception of
this Agreement which materially affects this Agreement or the obligations of the
parties hereunder,  unless the Reinsured has received the prior written approval
of the Reinsurer to such changes, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.

In the  event  that the  Reinsured  does not  adhere  to  these  Covenants,  the
Reinsurer  shall have the right to immediately  cancel this Agreement by mailing
the Reinsured a written notice of  cancellation  and the remaining  unpaid Total
Aggregate Limit, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein,
shall be immediately  reduced to an amount equal to the positive  balance in the
Experience Account (or zero if the Experience Account Balance is negative) as of
the date of cancellation.  The mailing of such notice shall be sufficient notice
and the  effective  date  of  cancellation  shall  be the  date  the  notice  of
cancellation was posted.

In the event that the  Reinsurer  learns  about a violation  of these  Covenants
after  the  Expiration  Date of  this  Agreement,  the  remaining  unpaid  Total
Aggregate Limit, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein,
shall be reduced to an amount  equal to the positive  balance in the  Experience
Account (or zero if the  Experience  Account  Balance is negative)  upon written
notice by the Reinsurer to the Reinsured by registered or certified mail.

Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the remedy to the  Reinsurer in the event of a
breach by the  Reinsured of any of the  foregoing  covenants  may not be invoked
until the Reinsurer is called upon to pay Ultimate Net Loss under this Agreement
which is in excess of the Funds Withheld Balance.

ARTICLE 15 - DEFINITIONS

All words and phrases that have a capitalized  initial  letter in this Agreement
have a special meaning which is either  introduced in certain  Articles or which
is defined below and which shall include the plural as well as the singular.

"Agreement" means this agreement as the same may be amended from time to time in
accordance with the terms hereof and all instruments  supplemental  hereto or in
amendment or confirmation  hereof,  additionally,  the expressions  "hereunder,"
"herein,"  "hereof,"  "hereto," "above," "below" and similar expressions used in
any paragraph, subparagraph, section or article of this Agreement shall refer to
this Agreement and not to that paragraph, subparagraph, section or article only,
unless otherwise expressly provided.

"Ceded  Unpaid  Ultimate Net Loss" shall mean the  cumulative  Ultimate Net Loss
ceded  under  this  Agreement  by the  Reinsured  from the  Effective  Date less
cumulative  Ultimate  Net Loss paid (or  offset)  under  this  Agreement  by the
Reinsurer to the Reinsured from the Effective Date.

"Subject  Earned  Premium"  shall mean  gross  premiums  earned on all  casualty
business  in-force,  written or renewed by the Reinsured during the Term of this
Agreement  less return  premiums less premiums ceded for all  reinsurance  which
would inure to the benefit of the Reinsurer under this  Agreement.  For purposes
of this Agreement, the projected Subject Earned Premium is equal to $140 million
for the Term of this Agreement.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 14



"Y2K Loss" shall mean all Ultimate  Net Loss  (including  ALAE,  ECO and XPL) on
Business  Covered  howsoever  arising  and  regardless  of any  other  cause  or
occurrence  contributing  concurrently or in any sequence with: 1) the rendering
of date or time  sensitive  data,  including  but not limited to the  recording,
storing,  processing,   calculating,  comparing,  sequencing  or  presenting  by
electronic  means of calendar dates or spans of time from,  into and between the
twentieth  and  twenty-first  centuries  (including  1999 to 2000 and leap  year
calculations); and 2) the generation, transmission, delivery, receipt of and any
use or reliance  on  information  or  calculations  dependent  on or relating to
calendar  dates or spans  of time  from,  into and  between  the  twentieth  and
twenty-first centuries (including 1999 to 2000 and leap year calculations).

ARTICLE 16 - ULTIMATE NET LOSS

"Ultimate  Net Loss" shall mean the actual loss  incurred by the  Reinsured  and
Allocated  Loss  Adjustment   Expense   ("ALAE")  on  Business  Covered  on  the
Reinsured's  Net  Retained  Lines,  and shall  include 80% of the amounts of any
Extra  Contractual  Obligations  ("ECO") and 80% of the amounts of any Excess of
Original Policy Limits Loss ("XPL") after making  deductions for all recoveries,
salvages,   subrogations  and  all  claims  on  inuring   reinsurance,   whether
collectible or riot.

ALAE  shall  mean all legal  expenses  and other  expenses  (including  interest
accruing before and/or after entry of judgment,  excluding Declaratory Judgement
Expense)  incurred  by the  Reinsured  in  connection  with  the  investigation,
adjustment, settlement or litigation of claims or losses, including salaries and
expenses of the  reinsured's  field  employees  while  adjusting  such claims or
losses and expenses of the  Reinsured's  officials  incurred in connection  with
claims or losses.  However,  salaries  of the  Reinsured's  officials  or normal
overhead charges such as rent, postal, lighting,  cleaning,  heating, etc. shall
not be included.

The foregoing  definition of ALAE shall apply  notwithstanding how such expenses
may be classified by the Reinsured for statutory accounting purposes.

All salvages,  recoveries or payments recovered or received subsequent to a loss
settlement  under this  Agreement  shall be applied as if  recovered or received
prior to the aforesaid settlement and all necessary adjustments shall be made by
the  parties  hereto,  provided  always  that  nothing in this  clause  shall be
construed to mean that Ultimate Net Loss under this Agreement is not recoverable
until the Reinsured's Ultimate Net Loss has been ascertained.

The  Ultimate  Net Loss and its  components  (loss  (including  Y2K  Losses) and
Allocated  Loss  Adjustment  Expense,  and ECO and  XPL)  as  determined  by the
Reinsured,  is subject to agreement by the Reinsurer. If the Reinsurer disagrees
with the Ultimate Net Loss  determined  by the  Reinsured  and the  Reinsurer is
called upon to pay Ultimate  Net Loss under this  Agreement,  a mutually  agreed
upon  independent  national  actuarial  firm shall be engaged  to  evaluate  the
Ultimate Net Loss covered  under this  Agreement  and such  evaluation  shall be
subject to the confines of the Ultimate Net Loss determined by the Reinsured and
the Ultimate Net Loss  determined by the  Reinsurer  and shall be binding.  Such
cost to be shared  equally by the  Reinsured and the  Reinsurer.  If the parties
fail to agree on the selection of an independent national actuarial firm each of
them shall name two, of whom the other shall decline one, and the decision shall
be made by drawing lots.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 15


For the  purposes  of this  Agreement,  the  maximum  amount  that any  one-loss
occurrence from business  underwritten by the Reinsured on behalf of Duncanson &
Molt (a  subsidiary  of UNUM  Corp.,  Portland,  Maine)  may  contribute  to the
Ultimate Net Loss shall be equal to $10 million.

For the purposes of this  Agreement,  the maximum  amount that Y2K losses (loss,
ALAE,  ECO and XPL  combined)  may  contribute to the Ultimate Net Loss shall be
equal to the lessor of: (i) 5% of Subject Earned Premium,  or (ii) $7.5 million,
provided however,  that no such sub-limit shall apply to Y2K Losses if the ratio
of:  [Ultimate Net Loss prior to the  application of the sub-limits set forth in
this Article 16 divided by Subject Earned Premium] is less than or equal to 81%

ARTICLE 17 - NET RETAINED LINES

This  Agreement  applies only to that portion of any policy which the  Reinsured
retains  net for its own  account,  and in  calculating  the  amount of any loss
hereunder  and  also in  computing  the  amount  or  amounts  in  excess  of the
Retentions,  only loss or losses in respect of that  portion of any policy which
the Reinsured retains net for its own account shall be included.

The  amount of the  Reinsurer's  liability  hereunder  in respect of any loss or
losses  shall not be increased  by reason of the  inability of the  Reinsured to
collect from any other  reinsurer(s),  whether specific or general,  any amounts
which may have become due from such reinsurer(s),  whether such inability arises
from the insolvency of such other reinsurer(s) or otherwise.

ARTICLE 18 - RIGHT OF OFFSET

The  Reinsured  and the  Reinsurer may offset any balance or amount due from one
party to the other under this  Agreement  or any other  contract  heretofore  or
hereafter  entered into between the Reinsured and the Reinsurer,  whether acting
as assuming reinsurer or ceding company or in any other capacity.

In extension  and not in limitation  to the above,  the Reinsurer  shall have an
absolute  right to offset any  amounts  due to the  Reinsured  against the Funds
Withheld  Balance.  In the event that this right of offset between the Reinsured
and the Reinsurer is specifically  disallowed or judged to be  unenforceable  by
any court of competent  jurisdiction,  arbitration panel or regulatory body then
all  amounts in the Funds  Withheld  Balance  shall  immediately  become due and
payable in full to the Reinsurer by the Reinsured. If the Funds Withheld Balance
is not remitted to the Reinsurer  within fifteen (15) days, the Reinsurer  shall
have the option to immediately  cancel this Agreement by mailing the Reinsured a
written notice of cancellation  and the remaining  unpaid Total Aggregate Limit,
notwithstanding  any  provision  to the  contrary  contained  herein,  shall  be
immediately reduced to an amount equal to the positive balance in the Experience
Account (or zero if the Experience  Account  Balance is negative) as of the date
of cancellation.  The mailing of such notice shall be sufficient  notice and the
effective date of cancellation  shall be the date the notice of cancellation was
posted.

In the  event  that the  Reinsured  fails to remit to the  Reinsurer  the  Funds
Withheld  Balance that is due and payable in accordance  with the  provisions in
this article after the Expiration  Date of this Agreement  within 15 days of the
date such payment is due, the  Reinsurer  shall notify the  Reinsured in writing
via registered mail of the overdue amounts. In the event that the Reinsured does
not remit the overdue amounts to the Reinsurer  within 15 days of receiving such
notification from the Reinsurer, the remaining unpaid Total Aggregate Limit,


<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 16
notwithstanding  any  provision  to the  contrary  contained  herein,  shall  be
immediately reduced to an amount equal to the positive balance in the Experience
Account (or zero if the Experience  Account Balance is negative) without further
notice.

ARTICLE 19 - ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

Any omission or error by either party to this  Agreement will not relieve either
party of  liability  hereunder,  provided  such act,  omission,  or error is not
prejudicial  to the other party and is rectified  promptly upon discovery by the
responsible party.

ARTICLE 20 - CURRENCY

The  provisions  of  this  Agreement  involving  dollar-designated  amounts  are
expressed  in United  States  currency  and all  payments  shall be made in this
currency.

ARTICLE 21 - EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

This Agreement shall indemnify the Reinsured within the limits hereof, where the
Ultimate Net Loss includes 80% of any Extra Contractual 0bigations.

"Extra  Contractual  Obligations"  (ECO),  are defined as those  liabilities not
covered  under any other  provision of this  Agreement  and which arise from the
handling of any claim on Business Covered  hereunder,  such liabilities  arising
because of, but not limited to the failure by the Reinsured to settle within the
policy limit, or by reason of alleged or actual  negligence,  fraud or bad faith
in rejecting an offer of settlement or in the  preparation  of the defense or in
the trial of any action against its insured or in the preparation or prosecution
of an appeal consequent upon such action.

The date on which any Extra Contractual  Obligation is incurred by the Reinsured
shall be deemed, in all circumstances,  to be the date of the original accident,
casualty, disaster or loss occurrence.

However,  this Article shall not apply and there shall be no recovery  hereunder
where  the loss has been  incurred  due to the fraud by a member of the Board of
Directors,  a corporate  officer,  or a  supervisory  employee of the  Reinsured
acting  individually  or collectively or in collusion with a member of the Board
of Directors, a corporate officer,  supervisory employee or partner of any other
corporation,  partnership, or organization involved in the defense or settlement
of a claim on behalf of the Reinsured.

ARTICLE 22 - EXCESS OF ORIGINAL POLICY LIMITS LOSS

This Agreement  shall indemnify the Reinsured,  within the limits hereof,  where
the Ultimate Net Loss includes 80% of any Excess of Original Policy Limits Loss.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 17


"Excess  of  Original  Policy  Limits  Loss"  (XPL),  shall mean any loss of the
Reinsured in excess of the limit of its original policy,  such loss in excess of
the limit  having been  incurred  because of failure by it to settle  within the
policy limit or by reason of alleged or actual negligence, fraud or bad faith in
rejecting an offer of settlement or in the  preparation of the defense or in the
trial of any action against its insured or in the  preparation or prosecution of
an appeal consequent upon such action.

However,  this Article shall not apply and there shall be no recovery  hereunder
where  the loss has been  incurred  due to the fraud by a member of the Board of
Directors,  a corporate  officer,  or a  supervisory  employee of the  Reinsured
acting  individually  or collectively or in collusion with a member of the Board
of Directors, a corporate officer,  supervisory employee or partner of any other
corporation,  partnership, or organization involved in the defense or settlement
of a claim on behalf of the Reinsured.

For the  purposes of this  Article,  the word "loss"  shall mean any amounts for
which the Reinsured would have been contractually  liable to pay had it not been
for the limit of the original policy.

ARTICLE 23 -ARBITRATION

Any dispute  arising out of the  interpretation,  performance  or breach of this
Agreement,  including the formation or validity thereof,  shall be submitted for
decision to a panel of three arbitrators.  Notice requesting arbitration must be
in writing and sent certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

One  arbitrator  shall be chosen by each  party and the two  arbitrators  shall,
before  instituting  the hearing,  choose an  impartial  third  arbitrator  (the
"Umpire") who shall preside at the hearing. if either party fails to appoint its
arbitrator  within thirty (30) days after being  requested to do so by the other
party, the latter, after ten (10) days notice by certified or registered mail of
its intention to do so, may appoint the second arbitrator

If the two  arbitrators  are unable to agree upon the Umpire  within thirty (30)
days of their  appointment,  the two  arbitrators  shall  request  the  American
Arbitration  Association  ("AAA") to provide a list of possible Umpires with the
qualifications  set forth in this  Article and the parties  shall then  mutually
agree upon an Umpire from this list. If the parties are unable to agree upon the
Umpire  within  thirty  (30) days of the  receipt  of the AAA list or if the AAA
fails to provide  such a list  within  thirty (30) days of the  request,  either
party may apply to the United States Federal Court for the Southern  District of
New York to  appoint  an Umpire  with those  qualifications.  The  Umpire  shall
promptly notify in writing all parties to the arbitration of his selection.

All arbitrators  shall be disinterested  active or former executive  officers of
insurance or reinsurance companies or Underwriters at Lloyd's of London.

Within thirty (30) days after determine timely periods for notice of appointment
of all arbitrators,  the panel shall meet and briefs,  discovery  procedures and
schedules for hearings.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 18


The panel shall be relieved of all judicial  formality and shall not be bound by
the strict rules of procedure and evidence.  Unless the panel agrees  otherwise,
arbitration shall take place in New York, New York, but the venue may be changed
when  deemed  by  the  panel  to be in the  best  interest  of  the  arbitration
proceeding.  Insofar as the arbitration panel looks to substantive law, it shall
consider the law of the State of New York.  The decision of any two  arbitrators
when rendered in writing  shall be final and binding.  The panel is empowered to
grant interim relief as it may deem appropriate.

To the extent, and only to the extent, that the provisions of this Agreement are
ambiguous or unclear,  the panel shall make its decision  considering the custom
and practice of the applicable  insurance and  reinsurance  business.  The panel
shall render its decision  within sixty (60) days  following the  termination of
hearings,  which  decision  shall be in writing,  stating  the reasons  thereof.
Judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.

Each party shall bear the expense of its own  arbitrator  and shall  jointly and
equally  bear  with the  other  party  the  cost of the  third  arbitrator.  The
remaining  costs of the arbitration  shall be allocated by the panel.  The panel
may, at its  discretion,  award such further  costs and expenses as it considers
appropriate,  including  but  not  limited  to  attorneys  fees,  to the  extent
permitted by law.

ARTICLE 24 - ACCESS TO RECORDS

The Reinsurer or its duly  appointed  representatives  shall have free access to
the books,  records and papers of the Reinsured or its agents at all  reasonable
times during the continuance of this Agreement or any liability  hereunder,  for
the purpose of obtaining  information  concerning  this Agreement or the subject
matter thereof.

ARTICLE 25 - INSOLVENCY

In the  event  of  the  insolvency  of the  Reinsured,  reinsurance  under  this
Agreement shall be payable by the Reinsurer on the basis of the liability of the
Reinsured under Policy or Policies  reinsured without  diminution because of the
insolvency of the Reinsured,  to the Reinsured or to its liquidator.,  receiver,
or  statutory  successor  except as provided by Section  4118(a) of the New York
Insurance Law or except when the Agreement  specifically  provides another payee
of such reinsurance in the event of the insolvency of the Reinsured and when the
Reinsurer  with the consent of the direct  insured or insureds  has assumed such
Policy  obligations  of the Reinsured as direct  obligations of the Reinsurer to
the payees under such Policies and in  substitution  for the  obligations of the
Reinsured so such payees.

It is agreed, however, that the liquidator or receiver or statutory successor of
the  insolvent  Reinsured  shall give  written  notice to the  Reinsurer  of the
pendency of a claim  against the  insolvent  Reinsured on the Policy or Policies
reinsured  within a reasonable  time after such claim is filed in the insolvency
proceeding  and that  during the  pendency  of such  claim,  the  Reinsurer  may
investigate such claim and interpose, at its own expense, in the proceeding when
such  claim is to be  adjudicated,  any  defense or  defenses  which it may deem
available to the Reinsured or its liquidator or receiver or statutory successor.
The expense thus incurred by the Reinsurer shall be chargeable, subject to court
approval,  against the insolvent Reinsured as part of the expense of liquidation
to the extent of a  proportionate  share of the benefit  which may accrue to the
Reinsured solely as a result of the defense undertaken by the Reinsurer.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 19


When two or more  Reinsurers  are  involved  in the same claim and a majority in
interest  elect  to  interpose  defense  to such  claim,  the  expense  shall be
apportioned  in  accordance  with the terms of this  Agreement  as  though  such
expense had been incurred by the insolvent Reinsured.

Should any party hereto be placed in  rehabilitation  or liquidation or should a
rehabilitator,  liquidator,  receiver,  conservator or other person or entity of
similar capacity be appointed as respects such party, all amounts due any of the
parties  hereto  whether by reason of premiums,  losses or otherwise  under this
Agreement  or any other  contract(s)  of  reinsurance  heretofore  or  hereafter
entered into between the parties (whether or not any such contract(s) be assumed
or ceded)  shall at all times be  subject to the right of offset at any time and
from time to time, and upon the exercise of same,  only the net balance shall be
due and payable in  accordance  with  Section 7427 of the  Insurance  Law of the
State of New York to the  extent  such  statute  or any  other  applicable  law,
statute or regulation governing such offset shall apply.

ARTICLE 26 -GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be interpreted and governed by the laws of the State of New
York without regard to its principles of choice of law.

ARTICLE 27- SERVICE OF SUIT

(This Article only applies to reinsurers  domiciled outside of the United States
and/or  unauthorized in any state,  territory,  or district of the United States
having jurisdiction over the Reinsured).

It is agreed that in the event of the failure of the Reinsurer to pay any amount
claimed  to be due  hereunder  or to  perform  any  other  obligation  under the
Agreement,  the Reinsurer,  at the request of the Reinsured,  will submit to the
jurisdiction  of court of  competent  jurisdiction  within  the  United  States.
Nothing in this Article  constitutes  or should be  understood  to  constitute a
waiver of the Reinsurer's rights to commence an action in any court of competent
jurisdiction  in the  United  States,  to remove  an  action to a United  States
District Court, or to seek a transfer of a case to another court as permitted by
the laws of the  United  States  or of any  state in the  United  States.  It is
further  agreed  that  service of process in such suit may be made upon  Willkie
Farr and Gallagher,  787 Seventh Avenue,  New York, New York, 10019, and that in
any suit  instituted,  the  Reinsurer  will abide by the final  decision of such
court or of any appellate court in the event of an appeal.

The  above-named  are  authorized  and directed to accept  service of process on
behalf  of the  Reinsurer  in any  such  suit  and/or  upon the  request  of the
Reinsured to give a written  undertaking to the reinsured that they will enter a
general appearance upon the Reinsurer's behalf in the event such a suit shall be
instituted.

Further,  pursuant  to any  statute of any state,  territory  or district of the
United  States which makes  provision  therefor,  the  Reinsurer  hereon  hereby
designates the  Superintendent,  Commissioner  or Director of Insurance or other
officer  specified  for  that  purpose  in  the  statute,  or his  successor  or
successors  in office,  as its true and lawful  attorney upon whom may be served
any lawful process in any action, suit or proceeding  instituted by or on behalf
of the Reinsured or any beneficiary  hereunder  arising out of this Agreement of
reinsurance,  and hereby  designates  the  above-named as the person to whom the
said officer is authorized to mail such process or a true copy thereof.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 20


The foregoing is not intended to conflict with or override the obligation of the
parties  hereto to  arbitrate  their  disputes as  provided  in the  Arbitration
clause.

ARTICLE 28 - AMENDMENTS AND ALTERATIONS

This  Agreement  may be  changed,  altered or amended as the  parties may agree,
provided  such  change,  alteration  or  amendment is evidenced in writing or by
endorsement executed by the Reinsured and the Reinsurer.

ARTICLE 29 - ASSIGNMENT

Except as expressly  provided  otherwise in the article  entitled  "INSOLVENCY,"
neither party may assign or transfer any rights,  interests or obligations under
this Agreement to any person or entity without the written  consent of the other
party and any effort to so assign such rights,  interests or obligations without
the consent of the other party shall be null and void.

ARTICLE 30 - NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS

This  Agreement is solely  between the  Reinsured and the  Reinsurer,  and in no
instance  shall any other party have any rights under this  Agreement  except as
expressly provided otherwise in the Insolvency Article.

ARTICLE 31 - NO IMPLIED WAIVER

The failure of any party to enforce any of the  provisions  herein  shall not be
construed  to be a  waiver  of the  right  of such  party  to  enforce  any such
provision.

ARTICLE 32 - MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

It is  understood  and  agreed  that  if  Reinsured  acquires  (by  acquisition,
reinsurance,  or  renewal  of) any other  insurance  or  reinsurance  company or
individual or groups of individual book(s) of business of any other insurance or
reinsurance  company  that  comprises  not more than ten (10)  percent  (whether
individually  or in the  aggregate  with  respect  to  related  transactions  or
parties) of Subject Earned Premium,  such company or book(s) of business will be
covered hereunder, provided that written notice is given to the Reinsurer of any
such newly affiliated company or book(s) of business as soon as practicable with
full  particulars as to how such affiliation is likely to affect this Agreement.
If such  acquisition,  as defined  above,  comprises  more than ten (10) percent
(whether  individually or in the aggregate with respect to related  transactions
or parties) of Subject Earned Premium,  such company or book(s) of business will
be covered  hereunder  provided that prior written notice of such transaction is
given to the  Reinsurer  with full  particulars  as to how such  transaction  is
likely to affect this Agreement, and the Reinsurer agrees in its sole discretion
in writing that this Agreement applies to such acquired insurance or reinsurance
company or book(s) of business.

<PAGE>

                                                                         Page 21


If Reinsured is acquired by or merges with another company, this Agreement shall
survive such  acquisition  or merger and the  surviving  entity shall be covered
hereunder provided that prior written notice of such transaction is given to the
Reinsurer with full  particulars as to how such  transaction is likely to affect
this Agreement,  and the Reinsurer agrees in its sole discretion in writing that
this Agreement applies to such surviving entity.

Notwithstanding  any other  provisions of this Agreement,  in the event that the
reinsured  acquires  another  company or is acquired  by or merges with  another
company,  this Agreement  shall survive such  acquisition  and/or merger and the
book of business which was covered by this Agreement prior to such merger and/or
acquisition shall be covered hereunder.

ARTICLE 33 -INTERMEDIARY

Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc. and Balis & Co., Inc. are hereby recognized as the
Intermediary   negotiating  this  Agreement  for  all  business  hereunder.  All
communications (including but not limited to notices and statements) relating to
this  Agreement  shall  be  transmitted  to the  Reinsured  through  either  Guy
Carpenter & Company, Inc. or Balis & Co., Inc., Two Logan Square,  Philadelphia,
PA 19103-2772.  All amounts due under this Agreement  (including but not limited
to Reinsurance Premium and Ultimate Net Loss) shall be remitted directly by wire
transfer   between  the  Reinsured   and  the  Reinsurer   with  notice  to  the
Intermediary.

ARTICLE 34 - SECURITY

If the  Reinsurer's  surplus falls below $40 million,  the Reinsured may require
the Reinsurer to post a "clean," unconditional, evergreen and irrevocable Letter
of Credit or to provide a reinsurance  trust fund issued by a bank acceptable to
the  reinsured  in favor of the  Reinsured  in an amount up to the excess of the
Ceded Unpaid Ultimate Net Loss over the Funds Withheld Balance.



                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.40


                 AGGREGATE EXCESS OF LOSS REINSURANCE AGREEMENT


         THIS  AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the  Effective  Date, by
and between Chartwell  Reinsurance Company,  Dakota Specialty Insurance Company,
The Insurance Corporation of New York, and Drayton Company Limited, inclusive of
corporate capital support of London underwriting operations  (collectively known
as  "Company")  and  London  Life  and  Casualty  Reinsurance   Corporation  and
Scandinavian Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (the "Reinsurers").  This Agreement shall
only be effective upon the closing of a merger of Chartwell Re Corporation  with
and into  Trenwick  Group,  Inc.  This  Agreement is  contemporaneous  with this
closing and shall be considered null and void should such closing not occur.

         NOW THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the mutual covenants and promises
contained herein and full commutation of the Stop Loss Reinsurance  Protections,
as defined in Article I hereon,  on or before the  Effective  Date and for other
good and  valuable  consideration,  the receipt and  adequacy of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

         As used herein, the following terms shall have the following respective
meanings:

         "Agreement"  shall  mean  this  Aggregate  Excess  of  Loss Reinsurance
Agreement.

         "Aggregate  Limit" shall  mean   U.S.   One-Hundred   Million   Dollars
($100,000,000).

         "Commutation"  shall mean a  commutation,  release of  liability,  loss
portfolio  transfer or other  similar  transaction  which is  consummated  or is
effective  after  the  Effective  Date  with  respect  to any  assumed  or ceded
reinsurance.

         "Effective Date" shall mean at the date of the closing of the merger of
Chartwell Re Corporation with and into Trenwick Group, Inc.

         "Extra Contractual Obligations" shall mean liabilities which arise from
(i) the  failure  by the  Company to settle  any claim on the  Subject  Business
within the applicable policy limit or (ii) the negligence, fraud or bad faith of
the Company in the defense, trial or appeal of any action against its insured or
reinsured  arising  out of the  Subject  Business.  It is  expressly  understood
between  the  parties  that  Extra  Contractual  Obligations  shall not  include
liabilities  of a strictly  corporate  nature (i.e.,  tort actions,  actions not
arising  directly out of and attaching to the insurance  written or  reinsurance
assumed, etc.) arising out of the Subject Business.

         "Intermediary  Commission"  shall mean 20% of the amount  stipulated in
Article XIII, section (d), 2).

         "Losses  Incurred"  shall mean  losses and  allocated  loss  adjustment
expenses paid by the Company plus loss and  allocated  loss  adjustment  expense
reserves   (including  IBNR)  maintained  on  the  Company's  GAAP  Consolidated
Financials, inclusive of the London underwriting operations.


                                       1

<PAGE>

         "Net Losses" shall mean: 1) all losses and  allocated  loss  adjustment
expenses gross of Stop Loss Reinsurance Protections, as defined herein, paid and
outstanding after the Valuation Date by the Company, including Extra Contractual
Obligations  and  obligations in Excess of Original Policy Limits covered by the
Company's  contracts  and  certificates  arising out of the Subject  Business as
defined  herein,  net of (a) all  Unresolved  Reinsurance  excluding  Stop  Loss
Reinsurance  Protections  provided  such  reinsurance  does not become  Resolved
Reinsurance  as  hereinafter  defined;  (b) all salvage,  subrogation  and other
recoverables (other than in respect of reinsurance  procured after the Effective
Date which  inures to the benefit of the Company)  received  by,  offset for the
account of, or otherwise  made available to or for the benefit of the Company in
respect  therefore;  2) all losses and allocated loss adjustment  expenses which
are paid and outstanding by the Company, arising out of the Subject Business and
which  are  protected  by   Unresolved   Reinsurance   which  becomes   Resolved
Reinsurance;  3)  Extra  Contractual  Obligations  arising  out of  the  Subject
Business and  Obligations in Excess of Original Policy Limits arising out of the
Subject Business after the Valuation Date, except to the extent such obligations
are excluded by Article XII of this Agreement and 4) the ultimate  amount of all
premium   collections/payments,   net  commission  and  net  profit   commission
collections/payments  and policyholder dividends all settled after the Valuation
Date reflected on the Company's  GAAP  Consolidated  Financials  with respect to
reinsurance and insurance policies or contracts inclusive of any retrospectively
rated or other similar loss  sensitive  policy or contract,  whether  assumed or
ceded after the Effective Date in respect of the Subject Business earned only as
of the Valuation Date.

         Net  Losses  shall  include  all loss  and  allocated  loss  adjustment
expenses  incurred by the Company,  including Excess of Policy  Limits/Excess of
Contractual  Obligations  losses arising out of Inscorp's Subject Business which
are  incurred by the  Company  after the  Valuation  Date net of: a) all inuring
reinsurances,  all salvage,  subrogation and other  recoverables  (other than in
respect of  reinsurance  procured  after the Effective  Date which inures to the
benefit of the  Company)  received  by,  offset for the account of, or otherwise
made available to or for the benefit of the Company in respect therefor;  and b)
reduction,  if any, of interest due and payable  under the  Contingent  Interest
Notes  assumed by the  Company  in  connection  with the  Piedmont  merger.  The
reduction in interest  shall be determined at each  calculation  date based upon
the  difference  between  what the  interest  amount  would be at June 30, 2006,
assuming no adverse loss and allocated loss adjustment  expense  development and
what the contractual  interest amount would be at June 30, 2006,  based upon the
loss and allocated loss adjustment expense  development at the calculation date,
both as  present  valued  to the  respective  calculation  date for  which  such
determination is being made.


                                       2

<PAGE>


         Net Losses does not include the  following,  in each case as determined
in accordance with the Company's standard practices; (i) all losses or allocated
loss  adjustment  expenses paid by the Company on or before the Valuation  Date;
(ii) all  losses or  allocated  loss  adjustment  expenses  under  insurance  or
reinsurance  contracts  written or assumed by the  Company  after the  Effective
Date; (iii) losses or allocated loss adjustment  expenses under policies written
by the Company before the Effective Date but amended,  effective on or after the
Effective  Date,  but only to the extent  that such  losses  would not have been
covered  prior to the  Effective  Date of such  amendments;  (iv) all  losses or
allocated loss adjustment expenses which the Company becomes obligated to pay as
a result of a merger with or acquisition  of any other  insurance or reinsurance
company;  (v) all unallocated loss adjustment expenses of the Company;  (vi) all
losses  and  allocated  loss  adjustment   expense  emanating  from  the  London
underwriting  operations  that are in  excess  of the sum of the  held  loss and
allocated loss adjustment  expense  reserves at the Valuation Date in respect of
the London  underwriting  operations plus all Subject  Business earned after the
Valuation  Date in respect of the London  underwriting  operations  x 72.6% plus
U.S.  One-Hundred  Million  Dollars  (U.S.  $100,000,000);  (vii) all losses and
allocated loss  adjustment  expense  emanating  from Asbestos and  Environmental
exposures  that are in excess of the held loss and loss  adjustment  reserves at
the Valuation Date in respect of Asbestos and Environmental  exposures plus U.S.
Fifty Million  Dollars (U.S.  $50,000,000)  in respect of the U.S.  underwriting
operations;  and  (viii)  all  losses  and  allocated  loss  adjustment  expense
emanating from combined Property  Catastrophe  Losses and Y2K Losses that are in
excess of the held loss and loss  adjustment  reserves at the Valuation  Date in
respect  of  combined  Property  Catastrophe  Losses  and Y2K  Losses  plus U.S.
Twenty-Five Million Dollars (U.S. $25,000,000) in respect of the U.S.
underwriting operations.

        "Notice of Disagreement"  shall  have  the meaning set  forth in Article
VII hereof.

        "Notice of Objection" shall have meaning set forth in Article IV hereof.

        "Novation" shall mean a full  replacement of  the respective  Reinsurers
with a Novatee  Reinsurer or Insurer in  accordance  with section (d) of Article
XIII, Novation. This applies to a novation being consummated after the Effective
Date with respect to this Agreement.

        "Obligations in Excess of  Original Policy Limits" shall mean any losses
in excess of the limits of any  original  policy to the extent  such  losses are
incurred  because  of (i) the  failure  by the  Company  to  settle  within  the
applicable  original policy limit or (ii) the negligence,  fraud or bad faith of
the Company in the defense, trial or appeal of any action against its insured or
reinsured.  For the purposes of this definition,  the word "loss" shall mean any
amounts for which the Company would have been contractually liable to pay had it
not been for the limit of the original policy.

        "Prime Rate" shall mean, at any time, the annual  rate of interest which
[The Chase Manhattan Bank]  establishes at its principal office in [New York] as
the  reference  rate of interest to determine  interest  rates it will charge at
such time for demand loans in U.S.  dollars made to its  Customers in the United
States and which it refers to as its "prime rate of interest".


                                       3

<PAGE>

         "Property  Catastrophe Losses" shall mean any Net Losses emanating from
any loss event  worldwide  which is assigned a  catastrophe  designation  by the
organization  responsible for assigning such designation for the geographic area
in which the loss event  occurred and for which the Company  receives a specific
identification  via  report(s)  from their  underlying  clients of such Property
Catastrophe Losses.

         "Retention Amount" shall mean the sum of (i) total outstanding loss and
allocated loss adjustment  expense reserves including the Company's share of its
Lloyd's  corporate   capital  vehicles'  loss  reserves,   gross  of  Stop  Loss
Reinsurance  Protections,  as defined  herein,  in  respect of Subject  Business
earned as of the Valuation Date, net of all Unresolved Reinsurances and salvage,
subrogation  and other  recoverables  received by, offset for the account of, or
otherwise made  available to or for the benefit of the Company,  as reflected in
the GAAP  Consolidated  Financials of the Company as of the Valuation Date, (ii)
all loss and allocated loss adjustment  expense including the Company's share of
its  Lloyd's  corporate  capital  vehicles'  loss  reserves,  gross of Stop Loss
Reinsurance Protections, as defined herein, to be paid after the Valuation Date,
net  of  all  Unresolved   Reinsurances  and  salvage,   subrogation  and  other
recoverables  received by, offset for the amount of, or otherwise made available
to or for the  benefit of the  Company in  respect of Subject  Business  that is
written on or before the  Effective  Date in  respect  of the  Subject  Business
earned after the Valuation Date equal to the sum of the following formulas:  (a)
1997 Subject  Business  earned  after the  Valuation  Date x 72%;  plus (b) 1998
Subject Business earned after the Valuation Date x 72.0%;  plus (c) 1999 Subject
Business  earned  after the  Valuation  Date x 72.0%,  (iii) total  reserves for
Resolved   Reinsurance  and  commuted  reinsurance  as  reflected  in  the  GAAP
Consolidated  Financials of the Company as of the Valuation Date, and (iv) Extra
Contractual  Obligations  and Excess  Policy Limit  Reserves as reflected in the
GAAP  Consolidated  Financials of the Company as of the Valuation  Date, and (v)
reserves for policyholder dividends and for uncollected agent balances/premiums,
net of reserves for uncollectible agent  balances/premium  receivables/payables,
reduced by (vi)  retrospective  premium  reserves  net of  commissions  and such
reserves  ceded to reinsurers of the Company as of the Valuation  Date,  and (b)
contingent and sliding scale  commission  accruals net of such accruals ceded to
reinsurers of the Company as of the Valuation Date.

         "Resolved   Reinsurance"   shall  mean  reinsurance  with  unaffiliated
reinsurance  companies  which inures to the benefit of the  Company,  covers the
Subject  Business and which was  procured  prior to the  Effective  Date and: a)
under which the liability of the Reinsurers is fully discharged via commutation,
release  or  rescission  after  the  Effective  Date;  or b) which is ceded to a
reinsurer  or  retrocessionaire   which  voluntarily  or  involuntarily   enters
insolvency,  liquidation,  conservation,   rehabilitation  or  has  appointed  a
conservator,  receiver,  liquidator or statutory successor under the laws of any
state,  federal or foreign  government having competent  jurisdiction  after the
Effective  Date.   Resolved   Reinsurance   shall  also  mean  reinsurance  with
unaffiliated reinsurance companies that become ultimately uncollectible due to a
dispute after the Effective Date.


                                       4

<PAGE>



         "Stop  Loss  Reinsurance  Protections"  shall  mean the  Whole  Account
Corporate  Aggregate  Excess of Loss  afforded to the Company in 1997,  1998 and
1999 that were placed and commuted by the  Intermediary  defined in Article XIX.
Stop Loss  Reinsurance  Protections  shall not include  Aggregate Excess of Loss
reinsurance purchased separately for the London underwriting operations.

         "Subject  Business"  shall mean all  reinsurance  assumed or insurances
written by the Company on or before the Effective  Date for claims made,  losses
occurring,  losses  discovered  as per the  underlying  coverage  in  respect of
contracts  underwritten on or before the Effective Date.  Subject Business shall
include all reinsurance  assumed or insurances written by the Company whether or
not  such  business  has  been  reflected  in the  Company's  GAAP  Consolidated
Financials on the Effective Date. For these  purposes,  the accident date of any
Net Losses shall be determined in accordance with the standard  practices of the
Company and its reinsureds and insureds.

         "Subject  Business Earned" shall mean, for any inception to date period
applicable to this  Agreement,  the Net Written Premium Income in respect of the
Company's  Subject  Business  less the  respective  Net Written  Premium  Income
Unearned as of the end of the calculation period.

         (i) "Net Written  Premium  Income" shall mean gross written  premium of
the Company's  Subject Business less  cancellations and returns and less premium
paid for all other  specific or  aggregate  excess  reinsurance  inuring to this
Agreement.  As respects Lloyds', it is hereby understood and agreed that Lloyds'
Net Premium  Income as reported in accordance  with Lloyds'  practices  shall be
grossed up by  dividing  Net  Premium  Income by 80% to  calculate  Net  Written
Premium Income.

         (ii) "Net Written  Premium Income  Unearned"  shall mean the portion of
Net  Written  Premium  Income  unearned of the Company  following  its  standard
practices and calculations in respect of GAAP as respects the Subject Business.

         "Ultimate Net Losses"  shall mean all Net Losses as defined,  which are
actually paid by the Company on or after the Valuation Date; provided,  however,
that in the event of insolvency of the Company, "Ultimate Net Losses" shall mean
the amount of loss which the insolvent Company has incurred or is liable for and
payment by the Reinsurers  shall be made to the receiver or statutory  successor
of the Company in accordance with the provisions of Article XI.

         Ultimate Net Losses  shall be reduced by the  reduction of interest due
and  payable  under the  Contingent  Interest  Notes  assumed by the  Company in
connection with the Piedmont merger. Such reduction of Ultimate Net Losses shall
be deemed to be collected at the time when a determination of loss and allocated
loss  adjustment  expense in  respect  of  Inscorp is made that  results in such
reduction of Contingent Interest Notes. Adjustments shall be deemed collected or
returned when changes to respective loss and allocated loss adjustment  expenses
are  recognized by the Company.  Final  determination  and  collection or return
shall be made no later than June 30, 2006.


                                       5
<PAGE>

         "Unresolved  Reinsurance"  shall  mean  reinsurance  with  unaffiliated
reinsurance  companies  which inures to the benefit of the Company  covering the
Subject  Business  which was  procured  prior to the  Effective  Date and is not
Resolved Reinsurance as defined herein.

         "Y2K Losses" shall mean all losses,  costs, or expenses incurred by the
Company which directly or indirectly  arise out of, are based upon,  result as a
consequence  of, or are in any  manner  related to a Year 2000  event,  shall be
defined as:

         (i)  an actual or  alleged  failure,  malfunction, inadequacy,  loss or
interruption  of a  "system"  because  it is unable to  recognize,  distinguish,
correctly interpret or process any date-related  information or data,  including
but not limited to, the inability to recognize, distinguish, correctly interpret
or process the years 1999 and prior from the years 2000 and beyond; or

         (ii) an actual or alleged  failure,  malfunction,  inadequacy,  loss or
interruption of any equipment,  machine, product, inventory,  property, service,
data or function that directly or indirectly  utilizes or relies upon a "system"
which has  become  unable to  recognize,  distinguish,  correctly  interpret  or
process any date-related  information or data,  including but not limited to the
inability to recognize,  distinguish,  correctly  interpret or process the years
1999 and prior from the years 2000 and beyond; or

       (iii)  any actual or alleged advice,  consultation,  design,  evaluation,
inspection, installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, supervision  or  any
other actual or  alleged act, error  or  omission,  involving  the  termination,
disclosure, prevention, testing for or remediation of  the  potential of  actual
losses described in paragraphs (i) and (ii).

         "System"  as used  herein  shall  include  computers,  data  processing
systems,  computer  software or hardware,  computer  databases,  microprocessors
(microchips),  computer  networks,  computer  operating  systems or  computer or
electronic equipment or components.

         The above definition shall apply regardless of any other alleged cause,
occurrence  or event that  contributes  concurrently  or any  sequence to a "Y2K
Loss" as defined herein.

         "Valuation Date" shall mean:

         (i) for corporate  capital support of London  Underwriting  Operations,
the date utilized by the Company will be the Effective Date of this Agreement.

         (ii) for all other business October 1, 1999.


                                       6

<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE II

                              REINSURANCE COVERAGE

         The  Reinsurers  hereby  agree  to  reimburse  the  Company  for  their
respective percentage share ("Participation  Percentage") of one hundred percent
(100%) as defined below of any and all Ultimate Net Losses, if any, in excess of
the  Retention  Amount  until  the  Reinsurers  have  paid  their  Participation
Percentage  of U.S.  One-Hundred  Million  Dollars  (U.S.  $100,000,000)  to the
Company for Ultimate Net Losses.

         UNDER NO  CIRCUMSTANCES  WILL THE  INDEMNITY  OBLIGATION  OF ANY OF THE
REINSURERS  HEREUNDER  EXCEED SUCH  REINSURER'S  PARTICIPATION  PERCENTAGE OF AN
AGGREGATE  LIMIT  OF  U.S.  ONE-HUNDRED  MILLION  DOLLARS  (U.S.   $100,000,000)
INCLUSIVE   OF   ALL   NET   LOSSES,   ALLOCATED   LOSS   ADJUSTMENT   EXPENSES,
EXTRACONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND LOSSES IN EXCESS OF POLICY LIMITS, BY REASON OF
ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.  THE AGGREGATE LIMIT STATED HEREIN IS ABSOLUTE AND
IS  INCLUSIVE OF ALL  PAYMENTS  FOR WHICH THE  REINSURERS  ARE LIABLE UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT.  THE LIABILITY OF EACH  REINSURER TO THE COMPANY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT
IS SEVERAL AND NOT JOINT.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                     REPORTS

         (a) Yearly  Reports.  During the term of this  Agreement,  the  Company
shall deliver to the Reinsurers,  within seventy-five (75) days after the end of
each calendar  year, a report (a "Yearly  Report")  setting forth (i) Net Losses
and  Ultimate  Net  Losses  cumulative  to  date,  (ii)  the  annual  convention
statements  of the Company as filed  hereafter  with the  appropriate  insurance
regulatory authority, (iii) GAAP Consolidated Financials including footnotes and
(iv) if applicable, a statement of any amount payable by the Reinsurers pursuant
to Articles II and IV hereof and a demand for payment of such amount.

         (b) Quarterly Reports.  During the term of this Agreement,  the Company
shall  deliver to the  Reinsurers,  within sixty (60) days after the end of each
quarter,  a report (a  "Quarterly  Report")  setting  forth (i) Net  Losses  and
Ultimate Net Losses  cumulative to date and (ii) if  applicable,  a statement of
any amount payable by the Reinsurers pursuant to Articles II and IV hereof and a
demand for payment of such amount.

         (c)  Additions to Reports.  In addition,  the Company  shall include in
Quarterly Reports (after a Yearly Report shows that Ultimate Net Losses is equal
to or greater than the Retention  Amount) or any Yearly  Reports during the term
of  this  Agreement  such  additional   information  and  documentation  as  the
Reinsurers may  reasonably  request and specify  including,  but not limited to,
data supporting  reserve reviews (to the extent available in the ordinary course
of business  of the  Company),  commutations,  retrocessional  monitoring,  loss
activity  on  asbestos,  pollution  and other  categories  with  respect to IBNR
calculations, and all adjustments to Net Losses.


                                       7
<PAGE>

         (d) Confidentiality of Reports. Except as otherwise required by law, by
governmental or regulatory  authorities,  or in response to court order, or upon
the prior written consent of the Company, all nonpublic  information included in
all Yearly  Reports,  Quarterly  Reports and  amendments  thereto  shall be kept
confidential by the Reinsurers and their directors,  officers, employees, agents
and  representatives,  shall not be disclosed to any other person or entity, and
shall  only be used  for  the  purposes  provided  herein.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  nonpublic information included in a Yearly Report,  Quarterly Report
or amendment thereto may be disclosed to any  retrocessionaire of the Reinsurers
to the extent such  disclosure is necessary for the  Reinsurers to retrocede any
of their  liabilities  hereunder to such  retrocessionaire;  provided,  however,
that, prior to any such disclosure to such a retrocessionaire, the Company shall
receive a written  agreement of such  retrocessionaire  that all such  nonpublic
information  shall  be  kept  confidential  by  such  retrocessionaire  and  its
directors,  officers,  employees,  agents  and  representatives,  shall  not  be
disclosed to any other person or entity (except as otherwise required by law, by
governmental or regulatory  authorities,  or in response to court order, or upon
the prior written  consent of the Company),  and shall only be used for purposes
of providing such retrocessional  coverage.  For greater certainty,  this clause
shall not apply so as to prevent  the  Reinsurers  from  disclosing  information
relating to this Agreement to one another.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                                   REMITTANCES

         (a)  Coverage  Payments.  Except as  provided  in  Section  (f) of this
Article IV and in  Article  VII  hereof,  the  Reinsurers  shall each pay to the
Company their Participation Percentage of any and all amounts payable hereunder,
as shown and  demanded  in each Yearly  Report,  Quarterly  Report or  amendment
thereto,   within  forty-five  (45)  calendar  days  following  receipt  by  the
Reinsurers of each such Yearly Report,  Quarterly Report or ninety (90) calendar
days after the end of the quarter, whichever is later.

         (b)  Accelerated  Coverage  Payments.  In addition  to  payments  under
Section (a) of this  Article IV, at any time after  Ultimate Net Losses is equal
to or greater than the Retention  Amount, if the Company pays more than U.S. Ten
Million Dollars (U.S. $10,000,000) in Net Losses for a single loss or claim, the
Company may supply the Reinsurers with  information  evidencing such payment and
reasonably  describing the nature of such Net Losses,  and the Reinsurers  shall
pay to the  Company the amount of the  Reinsurers'  indemnity  obligation  under
Article II hereof with respect to such Net Losses  within  fifteen (15) calendar
days after receipt by the Reinsurers of such information.

                                       8

<PAGE>

         (c) Interest Payments.  If and to the extent that the Reinsurers do not
make any  payment  when due  hereunder,  the  Reinsurers  shall pay the  Company
interest on any unpaid amount due the Company hereunder,  from the date on which
such  amount is due until  such  amount is paid in full,  at a rate equal to 150
basis points above the  five-year  U.S.  Treasury rate at the date when payments
are due  hereunder,  in  addition  to all other  remedies,  at law or in equity,
available to the Company by reason of such non-payment.

         (d) Trust  Agreement  Amounts.  In accordance with the terms of Article
VIII and in addition to all other  payments  to be made by the  Reinsurers,  the
Reinsurers  shall deposit such cash funds as are required by Article VIII within
the time constraints set forth in said Article VIII.

         (e) Disputes. Other than in respect of amounts which are the subject of
an  objection  pursuant  to  Section  (f)  immediately  below or a  disagreement
pursuant  to Article VII hereof,  no dispute or  disagreement  arising out of or
relating to this Agreement  shall relieve the Reinsurers of their  obligation to
pay amounts due pursuant to Article IV(b) or which are shown as being payable in
any Yearly Report,  Quarterly Report or amendment thereto when due hereunder and
resolution of such a dispute or agreement shall not be required prior to payment
by the Reinsurers of such amounts when due.

         (f)  Reinsurers  Objections.  The  Reinsurers  shall  have the right to
object to any Ultimate Net Losses set forth in a Yearly Report, Quarterly Report
or amendment thereto, or any demand for an accelerated coverage payment pursuant
to Section (b) of this Article,  which the Reinsurers reasonably believe was not
calculated in accordance  with this  Agreement or was paid after the date hereof
by the Company in Bad Faith,  by delivering  to the Company a written  notice (a
"Notice of  Objection").  For purposes of this Section (f), the term "Bad Faith"
shall mean actual  knowledge or reason to know by an officer of the Company that
any  Ultimate  Net  Losses  are not  required  to be paid  under  the terms of a
contract or policy  relating  to the  Subject  Business.  The  Reinsurers  shall
deliver a Notice of Objection to the Company,  if at all, as soon as  reasonably
practicable  after the Reinsurers  become aware of any such  calculation  not in
accordance  with this Agreement or payment of Ultimate Net Losses after the date
hereof in Bad Faith;  provided,  however, that the Reinsurers may only object to
Ultimate  Net Losses set forth in Reports or  amendments  delivered  during each
consecutive  three-year period during the term of this Agreement (the first such
period  commencing on the date hereof and ending on December 31, 2002,  and each
successive  period  thereafter  ending  on  each  successive  third  anniversary
thereafter)  by  delivering  a Notice of  Objection  to the  Company  within one
hundred  eighty  (180)  calendar  days of the  delivery  of the last  Report  or
amendment for each such three-year period, and the Reinsurers shall not have the
right to object to any  Ultimate  Net Losses set forth in a Report or  amendment
delivered during any such three-year period if the Reinsurers have not delivered
a Notice of Objection as aforesaid.  The Notice of Objection  shall be signed by
responsible officers of the Reinsurers, and shall set forth in reasonable detail
the basis for the  objection  and,  to the  extent  practicable,  the  amount of
Ultimate Net Losses which the Reinsurers  reasonably  believe was not calculated
in  accordance  with this  Agreement  or was paid  after the date  hereof by the
Company or any of its  subsidiaries  in Bad Faith.  The amount of  Ultimate  Net
Losses  objected to in the Notice of Objection  shall not be required to be paid
by the Reinsurers to the Company until the objection is resolved hereunder.

                                       9

<PAGE>

         If the  Reinsurers  deliver a Notice of Objection,  and the Company and
the  Reinsurers  are unable to  resolve  the  disagreement  within  thirty  (30)
calendar days after delivery of the Notice of Objection,  then the  disagreement
shall be resolved by  arbitration  in  accordance  with Article XIV hereof.  The
arbitrator shall determine whether the Company calculated Ultimate Net Losses in
accordance with this Agreement or paid Ultimate Net Losses after the date hereof
in Bad Faith, in each case as described in the Notice of Objection, and render a
decision  solely as to such issue,  which decision shall be final and binding in
all respects upon all parties hereto.  If the arbitrator  agrees, in whole or in
part,  with an objection of the  Reinsurers  under this Section (f),  amounts of
Ultimate Net Losses  determined by the arbitrator to have not been calculated in
accordance with this Agreement or to have been paid after the date hereof in Bad
Faith shall be deemed not to be Ultimate  Net Losses,  and all prior  Reports or
amendments  shall be deemed  amended to not include such amounts in Ultimate Net
Losses; the Company shall repay to the Reinsurers any amounts previously paid by
the  Reinsurers to the Company but later deemed not to be Ultimate Net Losses as
aforesaid,  together with interest on such previously paid amounts from the date
on  which  they  were  previously  paid  until  they are  repaid  in full to the
Reinsurers at a rate equal to 150 basis points above the five-year U.S. Treasury
rate at the date when payments are due hereunder.  If the arbitrator  disagrees,
in whole or in part, with an objection of the Reinsurers under this Section (f),
the  Reinsurers  shall be required  to pay any  amounts of  Ultimate  Net Losses
determined  by the  arbitrator to have been  calculated in accordance  with this
Agreement or to have not been paid after the date hereof in Bad Faith, which the
Reinsurers  withheld  payment of pursuant to this  Section  (f),  together  with
interest on such amounts from the date on which such amounts were due  hereunder
(being  fifteen  (15)  days  after  delivery  of the first  Report or  amendment
containing the disputed  Ultimate Net Losses) until such amounts are paid to the
Company in full at a rate equal to 150 basis  points  above the  five-year  U.S.
Treasury  rate at the date when  payments are due  hereunder.  The costs,  fees,
disbursements  and other expenses of the arbitrator shall be borne solely by the
Company if the arbitrator  agrees with the Reinsurers'  objection,  or solely by
the  Reinsurers  if the  arbitrator  does not agree with the  objection.  If the
arbitrator agrees with the Reinsurers'  objection only in part, the costs, fees,
disbursements and other expenses of the arbitrator shall be borne by the Company
and the Reinsurers pro rata in the same respective proportions as the amounts of
disputed  Ultimate  Net  Losses  awarded  or  not  awarded  to  the  Reinsurers,
respectively,  bear to all of the Ultimate Net Losses  objected to in the Notice
of Objection.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                  CONSIDERATION

         Consideration  in the amount of U.S.  Fifty-Six  Million  Dollars (U.S.
$56,000,000)  shall  be  paid  by the  Company  to the  Reinsurers  (to  each in
proportion to such Reinsurer's Participation Percentage) as payment for the risk
assumed by the Reinsurers under this Agreement. Said Consideration shall be paid
within  thirty  (30)  days  after all  necessary  regulatory  approvals  for the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement are obtained.


                                       10

<PAGE>

         The Reinsurers shall allow a deduction for Intermediary  Commission and
Federal Excise Tax, if applicable,  hereon from the above  Consideration so that
the Company may wire the net result of consideration above less the Intermediary
Commission and Federal Excise Tax, if applicable, directly to the Reinsurers.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                             ACCOUNTING FOR RESERVES

         For insurance  regulatory  accounting  purposes,  (i) the Company shall
determine  the  amount  of its  reserves  and those of its  subsidiaries  on the
Subject  Business and may change those  reserves from time to time as it, in its
sole discretion,  deems necessary or appropriate;  and (ii) the Reinsurers shall
determine  the amount of their  reserves on their  liability  hereunder  and may
change those reserves from time to time as they, in their sole discretion,  deem
necessary or appropriate.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                      COMMUTATIONS OF UNDERLYING CONTRACTS

         The   determination   of  Ultimate  Net  Losses   associated  with  any
commutation of  reinsurance  ceded by the Company shall be effected as described
in this Article,  it being understood that individual  commutation  transactions
resulting in U.S. Ten Million Dollars (U.S.  $10,000,000) or less  consideration
paid to the Company, shall be excluded from such requirement.  The Company shall
determine, in accordance with sound actuarial principles,  the amounts and dates
that Net Losses  affected by any  Commutation,  as defined,  are  expected to be
paid.  Commutation  proceeds,   increased  by  imputed  interest  calculated  at
one-hundred and fifty (150) basis points above the five-year U.S.  Treasury rate
at the date when payments are due hereunder  for the period  beginning  with the
payment of Commutation proceeds and ending at the date the applicable Net Losses
are expected to be paid, will be added to the Retention Amount. It is understood
that the aggregate of such imputed interest and the commutation  proceeds cannot
exceed the reassumed ceded losses outstanding at the time of the commutation. As
soon as  reasonably  practicable  following a  Commutation,  the  Company  shall
deliver  together  with a Yearly or  Quarterly  Report a report  scheduling  the
amounts and times of the  payments of Net Losses  determined  as  aforesaid  and
documentation  supporting its calculation of such amounts and dates of payments.
If the Reinsurers do not agree with the Company's calculation of the amounts and
dates of the payments of Net Losses as scheduled  in the report  accompanying  a
Yearly or Quarterly Report,  the Reinsurers may deliver to the Company a written
notice (a "Notice of  Disagreement")  within  ninety  (90)  calendar  days after
receipt of such Yearly or Quarterly Report.  The Notice of Disagreement shall be
signed  by  responsible  officers  of the  Reinsurers,  and  shall  set forth in
reasonable  detail the basis for the  Reinsurers'  disagreement,  including  the
Reinsurers'  own  calculation  of the  amounts  and dates of payments of the Net
Losses and documentation supporting its calculation. The Reinsurers shall not be
required  to pay to the  Company  any  amounts  of Net  Losses  affected  by the
Commutation  which would not be paid by the Reinsurers  based on the Reinsurers'
calculation as set forth in the Notice of  Disagreement,  until the disagreement
set forth in the Notice of Disagreement is resolved hereunder. If the Reinsurers
deliver a Notice of  Disagreement  to the Company as aforesaid,  the Company and
the  Reinsurers  are unable to resolve  the  disagreement  within  fifteen  (15)
calendar  days  after  delivery  of the  Notice  of  Disagreement,  both sets of
calculations,  the  documentation  supporting the Company's  calculation and the
Notice of Disagreement shall be submitted to an independent  actuarial firm (the
"Independent  Firm"),  mutually agreed to and jointly retained by the Reinsurers
and  the  Company,  and  paid  for by the  Reinsurers,  for  resolution.  If the
Reinsurers  and the Company are unable to mutually  agree upon the  selection of

                                       11
<PAGE>

the Independent  Firm within  twenty-five (25) calendar days after the Notice of
Disagreement  is delivered to the Company,  the Reinsurers and the Company shall
each  nominate  two  independent   actuarial  firms  of  national  standing  and
reputation  and decline  one of the two firms  nominated  by the other,  and the
Independent Firm shall be selected from the two remaining nominee firms randomly
by drawing lots.  Within ninety (90)  calendar days after such  submission,  the
Independent Firm shall independently  estimate the amounts and times of payments
of Net Losses affected by such Commutation;  the Net Losses shall be deemed paid
for  purposes  hereof,  and shall be  included in  Ultimate  Net Losses,  in the
amounts and at the dates so determined by the Independent Firm.

         Yearly and Quarterly  Reports  delivered  prior thereto shall be deemed
amended to include  such Net Losses in Ultimate Net Losses in the amounts and at
the dates so determined by the Independent Firm, and the Reinsurers shall pay to
the Company the amounts  which are included in such prior  Reports as aforesaid,
together  with interest on such amounts from the date on which such amounts were
due hereunder  (being  fifteen (15)  calendar days after  delivery of the Report
which is amended as aforesaid to include  such  amounts)  until such amounts are
paid to the Company in full at a rate equal to one-hundred and fifty (150) basis
points above the five-year U.S.  Treasury rate at the date when payments are due
hereunder.  The determination of the Independent Firm shall be final and binding
in all respects  upon all parties  hereto.  If the  Reinsurers  do not deliver a
Notice of Disagreement within ninety (90) calendar days of receiving a Yearly or
Quarterly Report containing the Company's determination of the amounts and dates
of payments of Net Losses associated with a Commutation, the Net Losses shall be
deemed paid for purposes  hereof,  and shall be included in Ultimate Net Losses,
in the amounts and at the times so  determined  by the  Company.  In addition to
being reflected in prior Yearly and Quarterly  Reports as provided above in this
Section  (b),  the  Ultimate  Net  Losses  associated  with  a  Commutation,  as
determined in accordance with this Section (b), shall be reflected in subsequent
Yearly and Quarterly Reports.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                    SECURITY

         So that the  Company  may  receive  credit in its  statutory  financial
statements  for the  reinsurance  provided  by the  Reinsurers  pursuant to this
Agreement and to secure the  Consideration  for a potential  Novation payment in
Article XIII,  section (d), the Reinsurers shall, to the extent required by this
Article and in the manner  hereinafter set forth, each deposit and maintain cash
funds and/or  qualified Trust Account  investments  (as described  below) with a
trustee for the benefit of the  Company in an amount  equal to such  Reinsurer's
Participation Percentage of the greater of: a) the amount of Net Losses ceded to

                                       12
<PAGE>

this Agreement which have not been paid by the Reinsurers  ("Outstanding portion
of Losses  Incurred")  or b) the  Novation  amount in  accordance  with items 1)
through 8) only (excluding  items 9) and 10)) pursuant to Article XIII,  section
(d).  Accordingly,  the  Reinsurers  and the Company  agree to establish a trust
account for the benefit of the Company and to enter into a trust  agreement with
a bank which is a member of the Federal  Reserve  System  which is not a parent,
affiliate or subsidiary of the Company or the Reinsurers (the "Trustee"),  which
trust agreement  shall be in strict  compliance with the terms of the Regulation
114 promulgated pursuant to the New York Insurance Laws. Assets deposited in the
trust account shall be valued, according to their current fair market value, and
shall consist only of cash (United States legal tender), certificates of deposit
(issued by a United States bank and payable in United States legal tender),  and
investments of the types specified in subsection (a),  paragraphs (1), (2), (3),
(8) and (10) of Section 1404 of the New York Insurance  Law,  provided that such
investments are issued by an institution that is not the parent,  subsidiary, or
affiliate of either the Reinsurer  maintaining the trust account or the Company.
Notwithstanding  any other  provision  of this  Agreement,  at no time shall the
total amount of security required under this agreement from any Reinsurer exceed
that  Reinsurer's  Participation  Percentage of One Hundred Million U.S. dollars
(U.S.  $100,000,000)  minus  all  amounts  paid by  such  Reinsurer  under  this
Agreement up to such time.

         The  Reinsurers,  prior to  depositing  assets with the Trustee,  shall
execute  assignments,  endorsements  in blank,  or  transfer  legal title to the
Trustee of all shares, obligations or any other assets requiring assignments, in
order that the Company or the Trustee upon the  direction  of the  Company,  may
whenever  necessary  negotiate any such assets without consent or signature from
the Reinsurers or any other entity.  Further, all settlements of account between
the Company and the Reinsurers shall be made in cash or its equivalent.

         Finally,  the Reinsurers and the Company agree that the Trust Agreement
will provide that the assets in the trust account,  established by any Reinsurer
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, may be withdrawn by the Company at
any time,  notwithstanding any other provisions in this Agreement,  and shall be
utilized  and  applied by the Company or its  successors  in  interest,  without
diminution  because of insolvency on the part of the Company or the  Reinsurers,
only for the following purposes:

         (i)  to  reimburse  the  Company  for  that  Reinsurer's  Participation
Percentage  of the Ultimate  Net Losses paid by the Company  under the terms and
provisions of the Subject Business reinsured under this Agreement;

         (ii) to fund an account with the Company in an amount at least equal to
that Reinsurer's  Participation  Percentage times the deduction, for reinsurance
ceded,  from the Company's  liabilities  for Subject  Business  ceded under this
Agreement.  Such amount shall include,  but not be limited to, all case reserves
and  losses  incurred  but not  reported  plus  any  reasonable  allocated  loss
adjustment expense but as yet unrecovered from the Reinsurers hereunder;

                                       13

<PAGE>

         (iii) to pay any other  amounts  the  Company  claims are due from such
Reinsurer under this Agreement.

         The Company shall provide  prompt  written  notice to the Reinsurers of
any  withdrawals  from the  Trust  Accounts.  In the  event  that any  amount is
withdrawn  from the Trust  Accounts  pursuant to this Article VIII,  the Company
shall promptly  return to the Trust  Accounts any amount  withdrawn in excess of
the actual  amounts  required for  sub-paragraph's  (i), (ii) and (iii) above as
soon as such  determination  can reasonably be made. Any such amounts  withdrawn
from the trust  account by the Company shall be kept separate and apart from any
and all of the other funds of the Company and shall continue to be held in trust
by the Company  until they are applied as provided in this  Article VIII and the
excess funds,  if any,  withdrawn are returned to the Trust  Accounts.  Interest
shall accrue at the Prime Rate on any amount  withdrawn  from the Trust Accounts
until such amount is applied for the purposes set out in subparagraphs (i), (ii)
and (iii) above when such  payments  are due and payable  under the terms of the
Reinsurance  Agreement  or until  such  amount  that is in excess of the  amount
required for these purposes has been returned to the Trust Accounts. The Company
shall pay all such accrued interest into the Trust Accounts to the credit of the
Reinsurers.

         Within  forty-five (45) days of the end of each calendar  quarter,  the
Company shall notify the Reinsurers in writing of (a) the amount of Ultimate Net
Losses  paid  during said  calendar  quarter  and (b) the amount of  Outstanding
Losses  Incurred.  If the funds in the trust  account  are less than the  actual
amounts required in (i), (ii) and (iii) above, then the Reinsurers shall, within
fifteen (15) days of receipt of said notice,  deposit such  additional  funds as
are  necessary  to cause the funds in the trust  account  to equal the  required
amount.

         The Reinsurers may, at their option,  satisfy the  requirements of this
Article  VIII by  providing a clean and  unconditional  Letter of Credit for the
benefit  of and to the  Company  to  supplement  the  amounts  held in the Trust
pursuant to Article XIII,  section (d), which Letter of Credit shall be drawn in
compliance  with  requirements  of Regulation 133 of the New York  Department of
Insurance,  both as to substance and form, as such  Regulation  may be modified,
supplemented  or replaced  from time to time. If any such Letter of Credit shall
ever be drawn upon,  the proceeds  shall be subject to all of the  provisions of
this Article VIII in the same manner as if such proceeds  were assets  withdrawn
from the Trust Accounts.


                                   ARTICLE IX

            RIGHT OF INSPECTION AND PARTICIPATION: CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

         (a) Right of  Inspection.  At all  reasonable  times during the term of
this Agreement, the Reinsurers shall have the right to inspect and copy, through
their duly authorized  representatives,  the books,  records and accounts of the
Company  pertaining to the Subject  Business and payments of Ultimate Net Losses
and Company shall fully cooperate and shall make disclosure to the Reinsurers of
all information, documentation and other materials relevant to this Agreement as
may be requested.


                                       14


<PAGE>

         (b) Company Claims Management.  The Company shall manage the payment of
losses and  allocated  loss  adjustment  expenses  and the defense of pending or
threatened  claims,  suits or  proceedings  relating to the Subject  Business in
accordance with its standard practices and consistent with the Company's payment
of its losses and allocated loss adjustment  expenses in general and its defense
of claims, suits or proceedings in general.

         (c) Certain Rights of Participation in Extraordinary Claims. During the
term of this Agreement,  the Company shall advise the Reinsurers promptly of any
claim relating to the Subject Business which exceeds or is reasonably  likely to
exceed U.S.  Five Million  Dollars  (U.S.  $5,000,000)  on a net basis,  and any
material subsequent developments pertaining thereto. Upon the written request of
the  Reinsurers,  the  Company  will afford the  Reinsurers  an  opportunity  to
participate  with the  Company,  at the sole expense of the  Reinsurers,  in the
settlement  or other  resolution of such claim.  The Company and the  Reinsurers
shall   cooperate  in  every   respect  in  such   settlement   or   resolution.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  all final  determinations  as to the handling,
defense, settlement or any other matter relating to any such claim shall be made
by the Company, in its sole discretion.


                                    ARTICLE X

                              ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

         (a) Delays,  Errors and Omissions.  Any delays or inadvertent errors or
omissions made in connection  with this Agreement or any  transaction  hereunder
shall not relieve any party from any  liability  which would have  attached  had
such delay, error or omission not occurred, provided that such error or omission
is rectified as soon as reasonably  practicable after discovery thereof and both
parties are thereafter promptly restored to the position they would have been in
had no such delay, error or omission occurred.  If either party becomes aware of
the occurrence of an error or omission on their part, they shall promptly notify
the other parties.

         (b)  Amendments  to  Reports.  Notwithstanding  anything  herein to the
contrary,  the Company may amend any Yearly  Report or  Quarterly  Report at any
time to rectify any errors or omissions in a previous  Yearly Report,  Quarterly
Report or  amendment  thereto  (and shall do so if it becomes  aware of any such
error or omission that would operate to the benefit of the Reinsurers). . If the
Reinsurers  disagree with any such amendment,  the  Reinsurers'  sole remedy for
such  disagreement  shall be to object  pursuant  to  Section  (f) of Article IV
hereof.  An error or omission in a Yearly Report,  Quarterly Report or amendment
thereto,  or the  failure by the  Company to rectify  such an error  omission by
means of such an  amendment,  shall not  prejudice in any fashion the  Company's
right to rectify such an error or omission in a  subsequent  Report or amendment
or to be paid for any amounts payable hereunder which are the subject of such an
error or omission.



                                       15

<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE XI

                                   INSOLVENCY

         In the event of the insolvency,  liquidation or  rehabilitation  of the
Company or the appointment of a conservator,  receiver,  liquidator or statutory
successor of the Company,  the reinsurance  coverage provided hereunder shall be
payable  by the  Reinsurers  directly  to  the  Company  or to its  conservator,
receiver,  liquidator or statutory  successor,  on the basis of the liability of
the  Company  without  diminution  because  of  such  insolvency,   liquidation,
rehabilitation  or  appointment  or  because  such  conservator,  liquidator  or
statutory  successor  has failed to pay all or a portion of any  claims.  In any
such event, such reinsurance  coverage shall be payable immediately upon demand,
with  reasonable  provision  for  verification,  on the basis of claims  allowed
against  the  Company  by  any  court  of  competent   jurisdiction  or  by  any
conservator, receiver, liquidator or statutory successor. In any such event, the
conservator,  receiver,  liquidator or statutory  successor of the Company shall
give written  notice to the Reinsurers of the pendency of each claim against the
Company on the Subject  Business  within a reasonable time after each such claim
is filed in the insolvency, liquidation or rehabilitation proceeding. During the
pendency  of  any  such  claim,  the  Reinsurers  may,  at  their  own  expense,
investigate such claim and interpose the proceeding in which such claim is to be
adjudicated  any defense or defenses which the  Reinsurers  may reasonably  deem
available to the Company or its conservator,  receiver,  liquidator or statutory
successor. The expenses incurred in connection therewith by the Reinsurers shall
be  chargeable,  subject to court  approval,  against the Company as part of the
expense of such insolvency,  liquidation or  rehabilitation to the extent of any
benefit  which  accrues  to the  Company  solely as a result of the  defense  or
defenses undertaken by the Reinsurers.


                                   ARTICLE XII

                                   EXCLUSIONS:
                          EXTRA CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
                                       AND
                        EXCESS OF ORIGINAL POLICY LIMITS

         (a)  Extra  Contractual  Obligations.   This  Agreement  shall  exclude
liabilities from Ultimate Net Losses to the extent such liabilities  arise where
the loss has been incurred due to fraud by a member of the board of directors or
a corporate  officer of the Company acting  individually  or  collectively or in
collusion with any individual or corporation or any other  organization or party
involved  in the  presentation,  defense  or  settlement  of any  claim  covered
hereunder.  In no event shall  coverage be provided to the extent such  coverage
for Extra Contractual Obligations is not permitted under New York law.

         (b)  Obligations in Excess of Original  Policy  Limits.  This Agreement
shall  exclude  from  Ultimate  Net Losses  any  losses  where the loss has been
incurred  due to fraud by a member  of the  board of  directors  or a  corporate
officer of the Company acting  individually or collectively or in collusion with
any individual or corporation or any other organization or party involved in the
presentation,  defense or settlement of any claim covered hereunder. In no event
shall coverage be provided to the extent such coverage for Obligations in Excess
of Original Policy Limits is not permitted under New York law.


                                       16

<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE XIII

                   TERM, TERMINATION, COMMUTATION AND NOVATION

         (a) Term.  This Agreement  shall be effective as of the date hereof and
shall  remain  in effect  until the  natural  expiry of all  liabilities  on the
Subject Business, or until termination,  commutation,  or novation in accordance
with Sections (b), (c) or (d) of this Article XIII.

         (b) Termination. Except as provided for in Sections (c) and (d) of this
Article, this Agreement shall be noncancellable, except at the discretion of the
Superintendent acting as rehabilitator, liquidator or receiver of the Company.

         (c)  Commutation.  Commutation  of this  Agreement  shall occur only by
mutual agreement between the Company and the Reinsurers.

         (d) Novation.  The Reinsurers agree to allow the Company the unilateral
right to  novate  this  Agreement  at any  calendar  quarter  end  with  another
Reinsurer (the Novatee Reinsurer or Insurer), as selected by the Company. If the
Company wishes to novate, the Reinsurers shall agree to consent to the novation.
Upon  novation,  the  Reinsurers  shall  transfer all of their  obligations  and
rights, including payment of consideration,  as determined below, to the Novatee
Reinsurer or Insurer. The Novatee Reinsurer or Insurer cannot be an affiliate of
the  Company  and/or  its  successors.  The  Novation  amount  to be paid by the
Reinsurers  to the  Novatee  Reinsurer  or Insurer at such time shall  equal the
calculation  below. The Reinsurers shall maintain the cumulative net balance for
items 1) through 8) only below in an acceptable Trust as per Article VIII.

         The  cumulative amounts from inception  to the date of the Novation:

1)       100% of the Consideration as defined in Article V; less

2)       U.S. $3,125,000 due and payable at the Effective Date; less

3)       Federal Excise Taxes paid by the Company; less

4)       Expenses  when  actually  paid by the  Reinsurers  in respect of the
         formation  and operation of the Trust inclusive  of legal expenses for
         the Trust and Trust Agreements; less

5)       U.S. $200,000 annual expense paid to the Reinsurers  beginning  January
         1, 2005; less

6)       Letter of Credit costs when actually paid by the Reinsurers subject to
         an annual  fifty (50) basis points maximum, if applicable; less



                                       17


<PAGE>

7)       Ultimate Net Losses paid by the Reinsurers, if applicable; plus

8)       Investment  Credit  equal  to the  actual  investment income earned on
         the  cumulative net result of items 1) through 8) only in this section;
         actual investment income  earned  excludes  realized  capital gains and
         capital losses (items 9) and 10) below) due to  liquidation  of  assets
         for payment of Novation Consideration; plus

9)       Realized  capital gains due to  liquidation of  assets for  payment  of
         Novation Consideration; less

10)      Realized capital losses due to liquidation of assets for payment of
         Novation Consideration.

         The sum of items 3), 4), and 6) above shall be the actual paid expenses
subject to a maximum  total  amount  of U.S. Two Million, Five-Hundred  Thousand
Dollars (U.S. $2,500,000).

         Upon payment of consideration to the Novatee Reinsurer or Insurer,  the
Reinsurers  hereon shall be released from all current and future liability under
this Agreement.  The Company shall return,  upon novation,  any and all original
Letters of Credit to the  Reinsurers  which the  Reinsurers  have provided under
this  Agreement  and shall  release all Trust Funds  which the  Reinsurers  have
provided under this Agreement.

         (e) Due and Unpaid Obligations.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, any unpaid or outstanding obligations of the Reinsurers due or overdue
the Company at the time of the termination,  commutation, expiration or novation
of this  Agreement  shall  survive  the  termination,  commutation,  novation or
expiration of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE XIV

                                   ARBITRATION

         Except as  provided in Article VII  hereof,  any and all  disputes  and
disagreements  arising  out of or  relating  to  this  Agreement  (including  an
objection  pursuant to Section (f) of Article IV hereof)  shall be submitted for
resolution to an independent  arbitrator,  mutually  agreed to by the Reinsurers
and the Company,  upon the written request of the Reinsurers or the Company.  If
the  parties  are unable to mutually  agree upon an  arbitrator  within ten (10)
calendar days after delivery of a written  request for  arbitration  (or, in the
case of arbitration  an objection  pursuant to Section (e) of Article IV hereof,
within  twenty-five  (25) calendar days after a Notice of Objection is delivered
to the  Company),  the  Reinsurers  and the Company  shall each  nominate  three
individuals  who have never been  affiliated with the Reinsurers or the Company,
respectively,  and who are present or former executive  officers of an insurance
or reinsurance  company,  and decline two of the three individuals  nominated by
the other,  and the list of the remaining  two nominees  shall be submitted to a
court of competent  jurisdiction  and the court shall select the arbitrator from
among the names  submitted.  Each party shall submit its case to the  arbitrator
within  thirty  (30)  calendar  days  after  the  date  of  appointment  of  the
arbitrator.  The arbitrator  shall make its  determination and render a  written



                                       18

<PAGE>

decision  solely as to the issue  presented in the notice of arbitration  within
sixty (60) calendar days after such  submission,  which  decision shall be final
and binding in all respects upon all parties hereto. Judgment upon any award may
only be  entered in a Federal  court of  competent  jurisdiction  located in the
City,  County and State of New York;  provided,  however,  that if such judgment
cannot be entered in such a Federal court expeditiously, such judgment only then
may be entered in a state court of competent  jurisdiction  located in the City,
County and State of New York. Arbitration hereunder shall take place in New York
unless the  Reinsurers and the Company shall jointly and equally bear the costs,
fees, disbursements and other expenses of the arbitrator.


                                   ARTICLE XV

                                     NOTICES

         Any notice or other  communication  hereunder  shall be in writing  and
delivered  in  person  or by  courier,  telegraphed,  telexed  or  by  facsimile
transmission  or mailed by  certified  mail,  postage  prepaid,  return  receipt
requested, as follows:

         If  to the Company:        Chartwell Reinsurance Company
                                    4 Stamford Plaza, 107 Elm Street
                                    P.O. Box 120043
                                    Stamford, CT 06912-0043

         If  to the Reinsurers:     London Life and Casualty Reinsurance Corp.
                                    Life of Barbados Building
                                    Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados, W.I.

                                    Scandinavian Reinsurance Company, Ltd.
                                    P.O. Box HM 2275 (Hamilton HM 2275, Bermuda)
                                    Colombia House
                                    32 Reid Street
                                    Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda


or to such other place as the  Reinsurers or the Company may designate as to the
Reinsurers or the Company, respectively, by written notice to the other.




                                       19

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE XVI

                            ASSIGNMENTS AND SURVIVAL

         (a) Assignments and Delegations.  Except as otherwise  provided herein,
this  Agreement  is not intended to confer any rights upon any person or persons
other than the parties hereto and their respective  successors and assigns. This
Agreement  may not be  assigned  or  delegated,  in  whole  or in  part,  by the
Reinsurers  without the prior  written  consent of the Company.  Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, no delegation by the Reinsurers of any of their
duties,  obligations or liabilities  hereunder shall relieve the Reinsurers from
performing any of their duties, obligations or liabilities hereunder. Subject to
the foregoing,  this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

         (b) Survival.  Notwithstanding  anything  herein to the  contrary,  the
provisions  of this  Agreement  shall  survive  any direct or  indirect  sale or
exchange of capital stock,  merger,  consolidation,  sale or transfer of assets,
business  combination  or other  change in control  of, or change in the form of
business conducted by, the Company or the Reinsurers.


                                  ARTICLE XVII

                              COMPLIANCE RESCISSION

         This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date,  subject to
all necessary regulatory  approvals.  In the event that the necessary regulatory
approvals are not obtained, this Agreement shall be void.


                                  ARTICLE XVIII

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         (a) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance  with the laws of the State of New  York,  without  giving  effect to
principles of conflicts of laws.

         (b)  Entire   Agreement:   Amendments   and  Waivers.   This  Agreement
constitutes the entire agreement  between the parties  pertaining to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings,  negotiations
and  discussions,  whether  oral or  written,  between the  parties  hereto.  No
supplement,  modification  or waiver of this  Agreement  shall be binding unless
executed  in writing by the party to be bound  thereby.  No waiver of any of the
provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any
other  provision  hereof  (whether  or  not  similar),  nor  shall  such  waiver
constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.

         (c)  Incontestability.  Each  party  hereto,  in  consideration  of the
agreements  contained herein, does hereby agree that this Agreement and each and
every provision thereof shall be incontestable  after it has been in force for a
period of sixty days from the Effective Date.

                                       20

<PAGE>


         (d)  Waiver of Jury  Trial;  Consent  to  Jurisdiction  and  Venue.  BY
EXECUTION  AND DELIVERY OF THIS  AGREEMENT,  EACH PARTY  HERETO  UNCONDITIONALLY
ACCEPTS  THE   JURISDICTION   OF  ANY  STATE  OR  FEDERAL   COURT  OF  COMPETENT
JURISDICTION,  AS THE CASE MAY BE, LOCATED IN THE CITY,  COUNTY AND STATE OF NEW
YORK FOR  PURPOSES  OF ENTRY OR JUDGMENT  UPON AN AWARD  PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XIV
HEREOF,  AND  IRREVOCABLY  AGREES  TO BE BOUND BY ANY  FINAL  JUDGMENT  RENDERED
THEREBY UPON SUCH AN AWARD.  EACH PARTY  HERETO  HEREBY  IRREVOCABLY  WAIVES ANY
OBJECTION (INCLUDING,  WITHOUT LIMITATION,  ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE
OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF AN  INCONVENIENT  FORUM) WHICH ANY SUCH PARTY MAY NOW
OR HEREAFTER  HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING  WITH RESPECT TO
ENTRY OF  JUDGMENT  UPON SUCH AN AWARD IN ANY SUCH  JURISDICTION  AS PROVIDED IN
ARTICLE XIV HEREOF,  AND HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN
ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO ENTER JUDGMENT UPON SUCH AN AWARD.

         (e)   Counterparts.   This   Agreement  may  be  executed  in  multiple
counterparts,  each of which  shall be deemed an  original,  but which  together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.

(f)           Headings. The headings of the Articles and the Sections herein are
              inserted for  convenience of reference  only, and are not intended
              to be part of or affect  the  meaning  or  interpretation  of this
              Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE XIX

                                  INTERMEDIARY

         Pegasus  Advisors,  Inc.  is  hereby  recognized  as  the  Intermediary
negotiating  this  Contract  for  all  business  hereunder.  All  communications
(including  but not limited to notices,  statements,  Net Losses,  Ultimate  Net
Losses, Retention Amount, coverage payments and taxes relating thereto) shall be
transmitted to the Company or the Reinsurers through Pegasus Advisors,  Inc., 35
Tower Lane, Avon, Connecticut 06001. Payments by the company to the Intermediary
shall be deemed to constitute  payment to the Reinsurers only to the extent that
such  payments  are  actually  received  by  the  Reinsurers.  Payments  by  the
Reinsurers  to the  Intermediary  shall be deemed to  constitute  payment to the
Company  only to the extent  that such  payments  are  actually  received by the
Company.

         Notwithstanding  the above, the parties agree to pay respective amounts
due each other by direct wire transfer to each other.


                                       21
<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed on their behalf by their respective officers, thereunto duly authorized
as of the date first written above.

On behalf of the Company hereon:

CHARTWELL REINSURANCE COMPANY

By:       /s/ Steven J. Bensinger
          -----------------------
Name:     Steven J. Bensinger
Title:    President

THE INSURANCE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK
By:       /s/ Steven J. Bensinger
          -----------------------
Name:     Steven J. Bensinger
Title:    President

DAKOTA SPECIALTY COMPANY
By:       /s/ Steven J. Bensinger
          -----------------------
Name:     Steven J. Bensinger
Title:    President

DRAYTON COMPANY LIMITED
By:       /s/ Steven J. Bensinger
          -----------------------
Name:     Steven J. Bensinger
Title:    President



For its 70% share of Interests and Liabilities:

LONDON LIFE AND CASUALTY REINSURANCE CORP.
By:       /s/ Marie-Ann Gonsalves
          ------------------------
Name:     Marie-Ann Gonsalves
Title:    President


For its 30% share of Interests and Liabilities

SCANDINAVIAN REINSURANCE COMPANY, LTD.
By:       /s/ Barton W. Hedges
          ------------------------
Name:     Barton W. Hedges
Title:    Senior Vice President





                                       22


                                                                    Exhibit 12.1

                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
         COMPUTATION OF CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     Year Ended December 31,
                                                                 1999            1998           1997           1996          1995
                                                               --------        --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                      (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Earnings
Net Income (loss)                                              $(11,048)       $ 34,792       $ 35,252       $ 33,848       $ 29,841
Extraordinary loss on debt redemption,
         net of $558 income tax benefit                              --              --          1,037             --             --
Income taxes                                                    (10,172)          8,245         11,241          9,980          8,572
                                                               --------        --------       --------       --------       --------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
         extraordinary item                                     (21,220)         43,037         47,530         43,828         38,413
Fixed charges (as below)                                         19,906          14,492         10,140          6,826          6,805
                                                               --------        --------       --------       --------       --------
Earnings (loss) (for ratio calculation)                        $ (1,314)       $ 57,529       $ 57,670       $ 50,654       $ 45,218
                                                               ========        ========       ========       ========       ========

Fixed charges:
Interest expense                                               $  9,176        $  3,954       $    894       $  6,503       $  6,496
Minority interest                                                 9,702           9,702          8,920             --             --
Portion of rental expense which
         approximates the interest factor                         1,028             836            326            323            309
                                                               --------        --------       --------       --------       --------
Total fixed charges                                            $ 19,906        $ 14,492       $ 10,140       $  6,826       $  6,805
                                                               ========        ========       ========       ========       ========
Ratio of earnings of fixed charges                                 (.07)            4.0            5.7            7.4            6.6
                                                               ========        ========       ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>

For purposes of computing the  consolidated  ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
"earnings" represent income before income taxes and extraordinary item and fixed
charges.   "Fixed  charges"  include  gross  interest  expense  (other  than  on
deposits),  minority  interest and the proportion  deemed  representative of the
interest factor of rent expense.


                                                                    EXHIBIT 13.1
                         Report of Independent Accountants

To the Board of Directors
And Stockholders of
Trenwick Group Inc.

In our opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheet and the related
consolidated  statements of operations and  comprehensive  income, of changes in
stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial  position of Trenwick Group Inc. and its  subsidiaries at December
31, 1999 and 1998, and the results of their  operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended  December 31,  1999,  in  conformity
with accounting  principles  generally accepted in the United States of America.
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 of these  statements in accordance  with
auditing  standards  generally  accepted in the United  States of America  which
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,  assessing the  accounting  principles
used and  significant  estimates  made by management  and evaluating the overall
financial  statement  presentation.   We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York
February 29, 2000, except as to Note 19,
which is as of March 1, 2000




                                      -1-
<PAGE>


                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                December 31,
                                                                         --------------------------
                                                                            1999           1998
                                                                         -----------    -----------
                                                                          (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                      <C>            <C>
Assets

Securities available for sale at fair value:

   Debt securities (amortized cost: $1,325,438 and $867,552)             $ 1,311,361    $   893,020
   Equity securities (cost: $107,946 and $44,342)                            110,666         49,188
Other investments                                                             19,446             --
Investments held by managed syndicates                                       137,745             --
                                                                         -----------    -----------
   Total investments                                                       1,579,218        942,208

Cash and cash equivalents                                                    125,954         63,003
Cash and cash equivalents held by managed syndicates                          44,687             --

Accrued investment income                                                     26,122         15,974
Premiums in process of collection                                            270,455        138,550
Reinsurance recoverable balances, net                                        644,578        140,173
Prepaid reinsurance premiums                                                 100,000         22,632
Goodwill                                                                     153,824          1,605
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                             78,896         35,261
Net deferred income taxes                                                     97,442         14,101
Current income taxes receivable                                               27,292          2,544
Deposits                                                                      20,227             --
Other assets                                                                  71,904         16,210
                                                                         -----------    -----------
     Total assets                                                        $ 3,240,599    $ 1,392,261
                                                                         ===========    ===========

Liabilities and Common Stockholders' Equity

Liabilities:
Unpaid claims and claims expenses                                        $ 1,964,139    $   682,428
Unearned premium income                                                      379,684        152,051
Senior credit facilities                                                      94,501             --
6.70% senior notes due 2003                                                   75,000         75,000
10.25% senior notes due 2004                                                  39,831             --
Contingent interest notes                                                     34,699             --
Other long term debt                                                           4,874             --
Other liabilities                                                             75,541         24,753
                                                                         -----------    -----------
Total liabilities                                                          2,668,269        934,232
                                                                         -----------    -----------

Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
   capital securities of subsidiary trust holding solely junior
   subordinated debentures of Trenwick Group Inc.                            110,000        110,000
                                                                         -----------    -----------

Minority interest                                                                 81             --
                                                                         -----------    -----------

Common stockholders' equity:
   Common stock, $.10 par value, 30,000,000 shares
     authorized, 16,888,981 and 11,051,394 shares outstanding                  1,689          1,105
   Additional paid-in-capital                                                291,361        124,180
   Deferred compensation under stock award plan                               (3,553)        (2,905)
   Retained earnings                                                         182,477        206,312
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                                     (9,725)        19,337
                                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total common stockholders' equity                                       462,249        348,029
                                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total liabilities and common stockholders' equity                   $ 3,240,599    $ 1,392,261
                                                                         ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>


                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND

                              COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Year Ended December 31,
                                                               -----------------------------------
                                                                  1999         1998         1997
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                               (in thousands except per share data)
<S>                                                            <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues:
   Net premiums earned                                         $ 325,114    $ 245,561    $ 190,156
   Net investment income                                          66,394       56,316       48,402
   Equity in net earnings of investees                               188           --           --
   Net realized investment gains                                   1,916        9,016        2,304
   Other income                                                      673          421           10
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
     Total revenues                                              394,285      311,314      240,872
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------

Expenses:
   Claims and claims expenses incurred                           254,538      153,135      109,554
   Policy acquisition costs                                       96,095       74,197       58,549
   Underwriting expenses                                          37,389       23,795       15,425
   General and administrative expenses                             7,182        3,461           --
   Interest expense                                                9,176        3,954          894
   Amortization expense                                            1,423           33           --
   Minority interest in subsidiary trust                           9,702        9,702        8,920
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
     Total expenses                                              415,505      268,277      193,342
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------

Income (loss) before income taxes and
   extraordinary item                                            (21,220)      43,037       47,530
Income tax (benefit) expense                                     (10,172)       8,245       11,241
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item                          (11,048)      34,792       36,289
Extraordinary loss on debt redemption,
   net of $558 income tax benefit                                     --           --       (1,037)
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
Net income (loss)                                              $ (11,048)   $  34,792    $  35,252
                                                               =========    =========    =========

Basic earnings per share:

Income (loss) before extraordinary item                        $    (.94)   $    2.99    $    3.12
                                                               =========    =========    =========
Net income (loss)                                              $    (.94)   $    2.99    $    3.03
                                                               =========    =========    =========

Diluted earnings per share:

Income (loss) before extraordinary item                        $    (.94)   $    2.95    $    3.01
                                                               =========    =========    =========
Net income (loss)                                              $    (.94)   $    2.95    $    3.01
                                                               =========    =========    =========

Comprehensive income:

Net income (loss)                                              $ (11,048)   $  34,792    $  35,252
Other comprehensive income (loss):
   Unrealized investment gains (losses)                          (39,779)       8,183       15,316
   Realized investment gains included in
     net income                                                   (1,916)      (9,016)      (2,304)
   Foreign currency translation adjustment                        (3,302)        (553)          --
   Income tax benefit (expense) applicable to other
     comprehensive income                                         15,935          478       (4,556)
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
     Total other comprehensive income (loss)                     (29,062)        (908)       8,456
                                                               ---------    ---------    ---------
Comprehensive income (loss)                                    $ (40,110)   $  33,884    $  43,708
                                                               =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.


                                       -3-
<PAGE>


                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS'EQUITY


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Year Ended December 31,
                                                                                ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  1999                 1998                 1997
                                                                                ---------            ---------            ---------
                                                                                  (dollars in thousands except per share data)
<S>                                                                             <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Common stockholders' equity, beginning of year                                  $ 348,029            $ 357,649            $ 265,753

Common stock, $.10 par value, and additional
   paid-in-capital:

Common shares issued in exchange for
   Chartwell shares (7,964,998 shares)                                            209,400                   --                   --
Fair value of stock options issued in exchange
   for Chartwell options                                                            3,632                   --                   --
Exercise of employer stock options
   (122,195 and 76,750 shares)                                                         --                1,536                  956
Restricted common stock awarded
   (65,985, 82,889, and 9,782 shares)                                               1,914                2,952                  327
Restricted common stock awards cancelled
   (8,827 and 2,133 shares)                                                          (284)                  --                  (42)
Income tax benefit (expense) from additional
   compensation deductions allowable
   for income tax purposes                                                            (28)               1,321                  626
Conversion of debentures (1,783,926 shares)                                            --                   --               57,780
Common stock purchased and retired
   (2,184,569, 1,104,750 and 5,091 shares)                                        (46,869)             (35,433)                (171)

Deferred compensation under stock award plans:

Restricted common stock awarded                                                    (1,914)              (2,952)                (327)
Restricted common stock awards cancelled                                              284                   --                   42
Compensation expense recognized                                                       982                  770                  543

Retained earnings:

Net income (loss)                                                                 (11,048)              34,792               35,252
Cash dividends ($1.04, $1.00 and $.97 per share)                                  (12,787)             (11,698)             (11,546)

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

Other comprehensive income (loss)                                                 (29,062)                (908)               8,456
                                                                                ---------            ---------            ---------
Common stockholders' equity, end of year                                        $ 462,249            $ 348,029            $ 357,649
                                                                                =========            =========            =========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>


                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Year Ended December 31,
                                                                    -----------------------------------------------
                                                                       1999               1998                1997
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------
                                                                                     (in thousands)
<S>                                                                 <C>                <C>                <C>
Cash flows for operating activities:
   Premiums collected                                               $ 386,087          $ 242,620          $ 149,351
   Ceded premiums paid                                               (138,622)           (53,643)           (10,026)
   Claims and claims expenses paid                                   (369,033)          (184,386)          (117,916)
   Claims and claims expenses recovered                                56,897             25,815              2,841
   Underwriting expenses paid                                         (30,579)           (27,378)           (13,753)
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash provided by (used for) underwriting activities                   (95,250)             3,028             10,497
   Net investment income received                                      71,858             59,443             50,469
   Service and other income received, net of expenses                      18                 91                 --
   General and administrative expenses paid                            (7,182)            (3,461)                --
   Interest expense and subsidiary trust dividends paid               (19,946)           (12,276)            (5,364)
   Income taxes paid                                                   (1,796)            (8,956)            (8,592)

Cash provided by (used for) operating activities                      (52,298)            37,869             47,010
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash flows for investing activities:

   Purchases of debt securities                                      (647,670)          (537,787)          (203,554)
   Sales of debt securities                                           372,225            116,895             33,980
   Maturities of debt securities                                      397,165            445,800             78,770
   Purchases of equity securities                                     (29,656)           (11,538)           (12,967)
   Sales of equity securities                                          21,560             15,088              5,009
   Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired                     74,229            (39,799)                --
   Additions to premises and equipment                                 (1,783)            (4,596)              (227)
   Other, net                                                             (55)                --                 --
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash provided by (used for) investing activities                      186,015            (15,937)           (98,989)
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash flows for financing activities:

   Issuance of other long term debt                                    94,473                 --                 --
   Issuance of senior notes                                                --             75,000                 --
   Issuance of mandatorily redeemable preferred
     capital securities                                                    --                 --            110,000
   Repayment of other long term debt                                  (48,417)                --                 --
   Issuance costs of senior notes and capital securities                   --               (922)            (1,669)
   Issuance costs of long term debt                                    (4,055)                --                 --
   Redemption of convertible debentures                                    --                 --            (46,997)
   Issuance of common stock                                                --              1,536                956
   Repurchase of common stock                                         (44,604)           (34,880)              (171)
   Dividends paid                                                     (12,787)           (11,698)           (11,546)
   Other, net                                                          (9,056)                --                 --
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash provided by (used for) financing activities                      (24,446)            29,036             50,573
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------

Effect of exchange rate on cash                                        (1,633)              (812)                --
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------

Change in cash and cash equivalents                                   107,638             50,156             (1,406)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                           63,003             12,847             14,253
                                                                    ---------          ---------          ---------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                              $ 170,641          $  63,003          $  12,847
                                                                    =========          =========          =========
</TABLE>


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>


                               TRENWICK GROUP INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Note 1
Organization
and Summary
of Significant
Accounting
Policies

Organization

Trenwick  Group  Inc.  (Trenwick  or the  Company)  is a holding  company  whose
principal   subsidiaries   underwrite   specialty   insurance  and  reinsurance.
Trenwick's principal operating subsidiaries include Trenwick America Reinsurance
Corporation  (Trenwick America Re),  Chartwell  Reinsurance  Company  (Chartwell
Reinsurance),  The Insurance Corporation of New York (INSCORP), Dakota Specialty
Insurance   Company   (Dakota),   Trenwick   International   Limited   (Trenwick
International) and Chartwell Managing Agents Limited (CMA), a managing agency in
the Lloyd's marketplace.

Trenwick America Re, located in Stamford,  Connecticut,  reinsures  property and
casualty risks primarily written by U.S. insurance  companies.  Trenwick America
Re  underwrites  treaty  reinsurance.   Trenwick  America  Re  is  domiciled  in
Connecticut and is licensed,  authorized or approved to write reinsurance in all
50 states and the District of Columbia.

Chartwell  Reinsurance,  located in  Stamford,  Connecticut,  underwrote  treaty
reinsurance  for  casualty,  property,  marine and  aviation  risks prior to its
acquisition  by the Company.  Chartwell  Reinsurance  is currently  domiciled in
Minnesota  and is licensed,  authorized or approved to write  reinsurance  in 49
states and the District of Columbia.  Chartwell Reinsurance is in the process of
re-domesticating  to  Connecticut  and changing its name to Chartwell  Insurance
Company.  It will be used by the Company to underwrite  primary insurance in the
future.

INSCORP,  located in Jericho,  New York,  is a primary  insurance  company  that
develops property and casualty insurance  programs through specialty  production
sources focusing on a specific line of business and geographic  region.  INSCORP
is  domiciled in New York and is  licensed,  authorized  or approved to transact
business in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

Trenwick International,  headquartered in London, England, underwrites specialty
insurance and reinsurance of risks primarily  located outside the U.S.  Trenwick
International's  business  principally  consists of  insurance  and  facultative
reinsurance  of  specialty  classes.  Trenwick  International  also  underwrites
property and casualty treaty  reinsurance.  A branch office in Paris specializes
in  facultative  reinsurance  of  large,  technically  complex  property  risks.
Trenwick  International  is  domiciled  in England  and is  authorized  to write
insurance  in over 30  countries  and  participates  in the  London  market  for
worldwide reinsurance.

Trenwick,  through corporate  subsidiaries,  participates in the underwriting of
Lloyd's  syndicates  managed  by  Chartwell  Managing  Agents  Limited  (CMA) by
providing  funds  at  Lloyd's,  primarily  in the  form  of  letters  of  credit
supporting   underwriting   capacity.   The  syndicates  in  which  the  Company
participates underwrite aviation, marine and non-marine risks.

CMA is the eighteenth largest managing agency at Lloyd's, managing three Lloyd's
syndicates  for the 2000 year of account. CMA is  domiciled in England and, as a
Lloyd's  managing general agent, is subject to regulation and supervision by the
Council of Lloyd's.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated  financial  statements  include the accounts of the company and
all subsidiaries.  Significant  intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation. Certain items in the financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the 1999 presentation.


                                       -6-
<PAGE>


The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been  prepared  in
conformity with generally  accepted  accounting  principles  (GAAP) in the U.S.,
which require  management  to make  estimates  and  assumptions  that affect the
reported  amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent  assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses  during the  reporting  period.  Actual  results  could
differ  from  those  estimates.  The  following  is  a  summary  of  significant
accounting policies.

Investments and Cash Equivalents

Trenwick has classified all of its debt and equity  securities as "available for
sale" and  reported  them at fair  value  with net  unrealized  gains and losses
included in other  comprehensive  income,  net of related deferred income taxes.
The fair value of debt  securities  and equity  securities  is  estimated  using
quoted  market  prices or  broker  dealer  quotes.  Cash  equivalents  represent
investments  with maturities at date of purchase of three months or less and are
carried at cost which approximates fair value.

Investments  in  companies  in which the  Company  has the  ability to  exercise
significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investees
are accounted for under the equity method. In addition,  limited partnerships in
which the Company  holds  greater than 3% interest are  accounted  for under the
equity method.

Realized gains or losses on  disposition  of  investments  are determined on the
basis of the specific  identification  method.  Investment  income consisting of
dividends and interest, net of investment expenses, is recognized in income when
earned.  The  amortization  of  premiums  and  accretion  of  discount  for debt
securities  is computed  utilizing  the interest  method.  The  effective  yield
utilized in the interest method is adjusted when sufficient  information  exists
to estimate the  probability  and timing of prepayments on  mortgage-backed  and
asset-backed  securities.  The net investment in the security is adjusted to the
amount that would have existed had the new  effective  yield been applied  since
the  acquisition  of  the  security  and  that  adjustment  is  included  in net
investment income.

The Company has included in the consolidated balance sheet its pro-rata share of
the investments and cash and cash equivalents held by CMA's managed  syndicates.
Such pro-rata share is determined based on the Company's  percentage of capacity
owned through its dedicated corporate capital vehicles.

Revenues

Insurance and  reinsurance  premiums are earned (net of reinsurance  ceded) on a
pro-rata  basis  over the  related  contract  period.  Unearned  premium  income
represents  the  portion of  premiums  applicable  to the  unexpired  portion of
premium  coverage  with renewal  dates later than  year-end.  Such  reserves are
computed by pro-rata  methods for direct business and are  established  based on
reports received from ceding  companies for  reinsurance.  Premiums on contracts
are accrued on an estimated basis  throughout the term of such contracts.  These
estimates  may  change  in  the  near  term.  Retrospectively  rated  and  other
experience  rated  reinsurance  contracts are estimated and accrued for based on
the  difference  between total costs before and after the  experience  under the
contract (the  with-and-without  method).  These estimates of experience-to-date
are based on statistical data with subsequent adjustments recorded in the period
in which they become known.

Deposits

Reinsurance  contracts  that do not  meet  insurance  accounting  risk  transfer
requirements are classified as deposits. These deposits are treated as financing
transactions  and are  credited  or  charged  with  interest  income or  expense
according to contract terms. Cash flows from these


                                      -7-
<PAGE>


deposit  transactions  are included in "cash flows for financing  activities" in
the consolidated statement of cash flow.

Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy  acquisition  costs are stated net of policy  acquisition costs ceded and
primarily  consist of commissions and brokerage  expenses  incurred at policy or
contract issue date.  These costs vary with,  and are primarily  related to, the
acquisition  of business and are deferred and amortized over the period in which
the related premiums are earned.  Deferred policy acquisition costs are reviewed
periodically  to determine  that they do not exceed  recoverable  amounts  after
allowing for anticipated investment income.

Reserve for Unpaid Claims and Claims Expenses

Claims are recorded as incurred so as to match such costs with premiums over the
contract  periods.  The amount provided for unpaid claims consists of any unpaid
reported  claims and  estimates  for incurred but not  reported  claims,  net of
salvage and subrogation. The estimates for claims incurred but not reported were
developed based on the Company's  historical  claims experience and an actuarial
evaluation of expected  claims  experience.  Insurance  liabilities are based on
estimates  and  the  ultimate  liability  may  vary  from  such  estimates.  Any
adjustments to these estimates are reflected in income when known.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are provided based on income reported in the financial  statements.
Deferred  income taxes are  provided  based on an asset and  liability  approach
which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for
the  expected  future tax  consequences  of  temporary  differences  between the
financial   statement   carrying  amounts  and  the  tax  bases  of  assets  and
liabilities.

Provision  for  U.S.   income  taxes  on   undistributed   earnings  of  foreign
subsidiaries is made only on those amounts in excess of the funds  considered to
be permanently  reinvested.  Repatriation of undistributed  earnings of non-U.S.
subsidiaries is done only when it is tax efficient to do so.

Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the unamortized excess of purchase price over the fair value
of net assets of acquired entities.  Other acquired  intangible assets represent
Trenwick's  acquisition  of  its  prospective  participation  of  $9,485,000  on
syndicate  839,  which  entitled  one of its UK  subsidiaries  to  increase  its
syndicate  premium  limit  for the 2000 year of  account  to  $344,000,000.  The
Company   amortizes   goodwill  and  other  acquired   intangible  assets  on  a
straight-line  basis  over 25 years  and 5 years,  respectively.  On a  periodic
basis, the Company estimates the future  undiscounted cash flows of the business
to which it relates in order to ensure that the  carrying  value of goodwill and
other acquired intangible assets has not been impaired.  Amortization charged to
operations for each of the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 was $1,423,000
and $33,000, respectively.  Accumulated amortization of goodwill at December 31,
1999 and 1998 was $1,456,000 and $33,000 respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Trenwick  grants stock  options for a fixed number of common shares to employees
and  non-employee  directors with an exercise price equal to the market value of
the  shares at the date of  grant.  The  accounting  standard,  "Accounting  for
Stock-Based  Compensation,"  supersedes the previous  opinion and  establishes a
fair value-based  method of  accounting  for   stock-based  compensation  plans.
However, it permits an entity to continue to apply the accounting  provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees",
and make pro forma  disclosures of net income and earnings per share,  as if the
fair market value-based


                                      -8-
<PAGE>


method had been  applied.  Trenwick  continues  to account for the stock  option
grants in  accordance  with the previous  opinion and has included the pro forma
disclosures required by the fair value-based method in Note 10.

Earnings Per Share

Trenwick adopted the accounting standard,  "Earnings Per Share," which specifies
the computation,  presentation and disclosure requirements of earnings per share
and supersedes the previous  standard.  It requires a dual presentation of basic
and diluted  earnings per share.  Basic  earnings per share,  which excludes the
effect of common stock equivalents, replaces primary earnings per share. Diluted
earnings per share, which utilizes the average market price per share as opposed
to the greater of the average  market price per share or ending market price per
share when  applying  the  treasury  stock  method in  determining  common stock
equivalents, replaces fully-diluted earnings per share.

Minority Interest

Minority interest represents the minority  stockholders'  proportionate share of
the equity of certain subsidiaries of Chartwell UK.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment,  including leasehold  improvements are included in other
assets in the accompanying  Consolidated  Balance Sheet and are recorded at cost
and are  amortized  or  depreciated  using the  straight-line  method over their
useful lives.  Accumulated  amortization  and  depreciation  was  $6,863,000 and
$5,703,000 as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

Issuance Costs of Capital Securities and Other Debt

The issuance  costs of the capital  securities,  senior notes and senior  credit
facilities are being amortized over the term of the related financial instrument
using the interest method. Accumulated amortization was $421,000 and $129,000 as
of December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

Insurance Brokerage Assets and Liabilities

The  following  fiduciary  assets and  liabilities  maintained  by the Company's
insurance agency subsidiaries on behalf of the insureds are presented net in the
consolidated financial statements at December 31, 1999 (in thousands).

                  Cash                               $   3,000
                  Accounts receivable                $  31,603
                  Accounts payable                   $ (34,603)


Comprehensive Income

Trenwick  adopted the accounting  standard,  "Reporting  Comprehensive  Income,"
which  establishes  standards for reporting and  presentation  of  comprehensive
income and its components.  Comprehensive  income comprises net income and other
comprehensive  income.  Other comprehensive income consists of the change in the
net unrealized  appreciation of investments  and the change in foreign  currency
translation adjustments, both net of income taxes.

Foreign Exchange

The assets and liabilities of foreign  operations whose  functional  currency is
other than the U.S.  dollar are  translated at the rate of exchange in effect at
the  balance  sheet  date.  Revenues  and  expenses  of foreign  operations  are
translated at the average exchange rates during the year. The


                                      -9-
<PAGE>


effect of the translation adjustments for foreign operations,  net of applicable
deferred  income taxes,  is recorded as a cumulative  translation  adjustment in
accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders' equity.  Investments
denominated in foreign  currencies are translated into the U.S. dollar using the
rate of exchange at the balance  sheet date and  unrealized  gains and losses on
translation,  net of applicable  deferred  income  taxes,  are recorded to other
comprehensive income. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included
in other income.

Accounting For Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Effective  January  1,  2001,  Trenwick  expects  to  adopt  the new  accounting
standard,  "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which
requires all  derivatives  to be  recognized on the balance sheet at fair value.
The  Company is  currently  reviewing  the impact of the  implementation  of the
standard on its financial statements.

Note 2
Acquisitions

Chartwell Re Corporation

On October 27, 1999,  Trenwick  completed the merger of Chartwell Re Corporation
(Chartwell) with and into Trenwick. Under the terms of the merger,  stockholders
of  Chartwell  received  0.825  Trenwick  shares for each  Chartwell  share in a
tax-free  transaction.  Described below are the adjustments to record the assets
and liabilities at fair value and allocate the purchase price over fair value of
net assets acquired. All amounts are in thousands, except per share amounts.

Chartwell's outstanding common shares                                      9,655
Exchange ratio for the conversion of shares                                0.825
Trenwick common shares issued in exchange for Chartwell common shares      7,965

Trenwick's average price per common share                               $  26.29
                                                                        --------
Total consideration for Chartwell's common shares                       $209,400
Total consideration for Chartwell's common stock options                   3,632
Acquisition costs                                                         18,294
                                                                        --------
Total purchase price                                                    $231,326
Less:
     Fair value of Chartwell's net assets                                 78,011
                                                                        --------
     Goodwill                                                           $153,315
                                                                        ========

The  acquisition  has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting
and, accordingly,  the purchase price has been allocated to the assets purchased
and the  liabilities  assumed based on the estimated  fair values at the date of
acquisition.  As a condition to the merger,  Chartwell purchased, at the time of
the  closing  of the  transaction,  a  reinsurance  policy  providing  for up to
$100,000,000 in order to indemnify Trenwick against  unanticipated  increases in
Chartwell's  reserves for business  written on or before the date the merger was
completed.  See  Note  5-Reinsurance.  In  connection  with the  acquisition  of
Chartwell,  the Company  recognized a liability of approximately  $4,700,000 for
anticipated severance costs of former Chartwell employees. The total amount paid
under the severance plan as of December 31, 1999 was  approximately  $4,300,000.
The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets
of  approximately  $153,315,000  has been  recorded as goodwill,  which is being
amortized on a  straight-line  basis over 25 years.  The purchase price has been
allocated  based  on a  preliminary  estimate  of the fair  value of net  assets
acquired.  All assets and  liabilities  of  Chartwell  are  consolidated  in the
balance sheet as of December 31, 1999 and its operating results are consolidated
in Trenwick's  results  commencing with the period from October 28, 1999 through
December 31, 1999.


                                      -10-
<PAGE>


The following  unaudited pro forma  consolidated  results of operations  for the
years ended December 31 assume the acquisition had occurred on January 1 of each
year:

(in thousands, except per share data)                   1999             1998
                                                      ---------        ---------

Net premiums earned                                   $ 478,226        $ 475,065
Total revenue                                           573,660          609,118
Net income (loss)                                      (124,331)          59,697

Basic net income (loss) per share                     $   (6.76)       $    3.04

Diluted net income (loss) per share                   $   (6.76)       $    2.99


The  above  unaudited  pro  forma  financial   information  is  not  necessarily
indicative either of the results of operations that would have occurred had this
transaction  been  consummated  at the beginning of the periods  presented or of
future results of operations.

LaSalle Re Holdings Limited

On December 19,  1999,  Trenwick  and LaSalle Re Holdings  Limited  (LaSalle Re)
signed a  definitive  agreement  for  Trenwick  and LaSalle Re to combine,  with
shareholders of both companies receiving shares in a new Bermuda holding company
to be named  Trenwick  Group Ltd.  Under the terms of the  business  combination
agreement,  shareholders  of Trenwick and LaSalle Re will each receive shares in
the newly  formed  Trenwick on a  one-for-one  basis.  The  acquisition  will be
accounted for as a purchase.  Trenwick  expects to close the  transaction in the
second  quarter of 2000,  subject to shareholder  and  regulatory  approvals and
other customary conditions.

On March 20,  2000,  Trenwick  and LaSalle Re amended and  restated the business
combination agreement in order to revise the portion of the business combination
agreement  related to the  restructuring  of Trenwick  immediately  prior to the
combination with LaSalle Re.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>


Note 3
Investments

The following  tables  reconcile  amortized  cost to the estimated fair value of
debt and equity securities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  December 31, 1999
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Gross               Gross
                                         Amortized          Unrealized          Unrealized                 Fair
                                           Cost                  Gains              Losses                Value
                                        ----------          ----------          ----------           ----------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                  <C>
(in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities
   and obligations of
   U.S. government
   corporations and agencies            $  114,839          $      379          $     (681)          $  114,537
Obligations of states and
   political subdivisions                  460,176               2,221              (7,404)             454,993
Mortgage-backed and

   asset-backed securities                 290,801               1,263              (3,529)             288,535
Debt securities issued by
   British government                      117,165                 110              (2,252)             115,023
Debt securities issued by other
   foreign governments                      55,436                  44                (484)              54,996
Public utilities                            21,229                  43                (381)              20,891
Corporate securities                       262,855                 443              (3,852)             259,446
Certificates of deposit                      2,937                   3                  --                2,940
                                        ----------          ----------          ----------           ----------
Total debt securities                   $1,325,438          $    4,506          $  (18,583)          $1,311,361
                                        ==========          ==========          ==========           ==========
Equity securities                       $  107,946          $    7,752          $   (5,032)          $  110,666
                                        ==========          ==========          ==========           ==========


<CAPTION>

                                                                  December 31, 1998
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Gross               Gross
                                         Amortized          Unrealized          Unrealized                 Fair
                                           Cost                  Gains              Losses                Value
                                        ----------          ----------          ----------           ----------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                  <C>
(in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities
   and obligations of
   U.S. government
   corporations and agencies            $   64,831          $    3,851          $      (14)          $   68,668
Obligations of states and
   political subdivisions                  380,593              13,544                (120)             394,017
Mortgage-backed and

   asset-backed securities                 206,790               8,648              (3,322)             212,116
Debt securities issued by
   British government                       45,949                 587                  --               46,536
Debt securities issued by other
   foreign governments                       8,163                  78                  --                8,241
Public utilities                             2,864                 222                  --                3,086
Corporate securities                        55,364               2,011                 (65)              57,310
Redeemable preferred stock                   2,000                  48                  --                2,048
Certificates of deposit                    100,998                  --                  --              100,998
                                        ----------          ----------          ----------           ----------
Total debt securities                   $  867,552          $   28,989          $   (3,521)          $  893,020
                                        ==========          ==========          ==========           ==========
Equity securities                       $   44,342          $    6,514          $   (1,668)          $   49,188
                                        ==========          ==========          ==========           ==========
</TABLE>


                                      -12-
<PAGE>


The fair  value and  amortized  cost at  December  31,  1999 are shown  below by
contractual maturity periods for all debt securities except  mortgage-backed and
asset-backed  securities.  Expected  maturities  will  differ  from  contractual
maturities  because  borrowers may have the right to call or prepay  obligations
with or without  penalty.  The maturities for  mortgage-backed  and asset-backed
securities are included in the table based on expected maturity dates.

                                                            Fair       Amortized
            (in thousands)                                 Value            Cost
                                                      ----------      ----------
Due in one year or less                               $   94,546      $   93,913
Due after one year through five years                    544,077         545,161
Due after five years through ten years                   482,652         490,465
Due after ten years                                      190,086         195,899
                                                      ----------      ----------
Total debt securities                                 $1,311,361      $1,325,438
                                                      ==========      ==========

Net Investment Income and Net Realized Investment Gains


During the twelve months ended December 31, 1999, all investments were income
producing. The sources of net investment income for the years ended December 31
are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

          (in thousands)                                                                   1999             1998             1997
                                                                                         --------         --------         --------
<S>                                                                                     <C>              <C>              <C>
          Debt securities                                                               $ 61,964         $ 53,752         $ 47,400
          Equity securities                                                                2,442            1,744            1,257
          Investments held by managed syndicates                                           1,843               --               --
          Cash and cash equivalents                                                        1,666            2,470            1,228
          Cash and cash equivalents held by managed syndicates                               644               --               --
          Other investments                                                                  177               --               --
                                                                                        --------         --------         --------
          Gross investment income                                                         68,736           57,966           49,885
          Investment expenses                                                             (2,342)          (1,650)          (1,483)
                                                                                        --------         --------         --------
          Net investment income                                                         $ 66,394         $ 56,316         $ 48,402
                                                                                        ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>

Net realized gains (losses) on sales of investments are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

           (in thousands)                                                                  1999             1998             1997
                                                                                         --------         --------         --------
<S>                                                                                      <C>              <C>              <C>
           Debt securities
              Gross realized gains                                                       $  3,147         $  2,250         $    151
              Gross realized losses                                                        (6,797)            (201)            (146)
           Equity securities
              Gross realized gains                                                          6,009            7,012            2,299
              Gross realized losses                                                          (443)             (45)              --
                                                                                         --------         --------         --------
           Net realized investment gains                                                 $  1,916         $  9,016         $  2,304
                                                                                         ========         ========         ========
</TABLE>

Trenwick  generally  limits its  investments in debt  securities  that are rated
below investment  grade, as these  investments are subject to a higher degree of
credit risk than investment  grade  securities.  Trenwick  closely  monitors its
below  investment  grade  securities  as  well  as the  creditworthiness  of the
portfolio as a whole. When fair values decline for reasons other than changes in
interest rates or other perceived temporary conditions,  the security is written
down to its net realizable  value. In the twelve months ended December 31, 1999,
Trenwick wrote down the value of certain securities by $5,179,000.

Unrealized Appreciation of Investments Available for Sale

The components of the net unrealized appreciation  (depreciation) of investments
available for sale at December 31 are as follows:


                                      -13-
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                                    1999        1998
                                                                --------    --------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of debt securities   $(14,077)   $ 25,468
Net unrealized appreciation of equity securities                   2,720       4,846
                                                                --------    --------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments       $(11,357)     30,314
Deferred tax benefit (expense)                                     3,907     (10,622)
                                                                --------    --------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
   of investments available for sale,
   net of income taxes                                          $ (7,450)   $ 19,692
                                                                ========    ========
</TABLE>


Investments and Cash Held as Collateral or on Deposit

Debt securities and cash with a carrying value of $127,026,000 are being held in
trust as  collateral  for certain  reinsurance  obligations.  In addition,  debt
securities  and cash with a carrying  value of  $41,104,000 at December 31, 1999
were on deposit with various  state or  governmental  insurance  departments  in
order to comply with insurance  laws.  Cash in the amount of $4,954,000 has also
been pledged as collateral for letters of credit for reinsurance obligations.

At December 31, 1999,  the Company had cash of  $5,040,000  held in a collateral
account in conjunction with a loan guarantee.

At December 31, 1999, the Company had loaned  securities  with carrying value of
approximately  $16,155,000  at  fair  market  value  under  a  security  lending
agreement administered through U.S. Bank. In connection with these transactions,
the Company  holds as collateral  cash or securities  with a fair value equal to
102% of the  fair  value  of the  securities  lent to  others.  Such  collateral
securities  are marked to market on a daily basis and  borrowers are required to
supply  additional  collateral to prevent any collateral from falling below 102%
of the fair value of the loaned securities.

Note 4
Unpaid
Claims and
Claims
Expenses

The  following  table  presents an  analysis of gross and net unpaid  claims and
claims expenses and a  reconciliation  of beginning and ending net unpaid claims
and claims expense balances. The gross unpaid claims and claims expense balances
at December 31, 1999 and 1998 are reflected in Trenwick's  consolidated  balance
sheet.  The net unpaid  claims and claims  expense  balances are stated on a net
basis after  deductions for reinsurance  recoverable on unpaid claims and claims
expenses from retrocessionaires.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                                                       1999               1998               1997
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------
<S>                                                                               <C>                <C>                <C>
Gross unpaid claims and claims expenses,
   beginning of year                                                              $   682,428        $   518,387        $   467,177
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and claims
   expenses, beginning of year                                                        233,164            139,036             80,290
Unpaid claims and claims expenses, net of
   reinsurance recoverable, beginning of year                                         449,264            379,351            386,887
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------

Unpaid claims and claims expenses, net of
   reinsurance recoverable, of companies acquired                                     808,466             81,299                 --
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------

Provision for claims and claims expenses, net of reinsurance
   recoverable:

For claims incurred in the current year                                               239,910            165,691            114,920
For claims incurred prior to the current year                                          14,628            (12,556)            (5,366)
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------
   Subtotal                                                                           254,538            153,135            109,554
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------

Payments for claims and claims expenses, net of reinsurance:

For claims incurred in the current year                                               (65,856)           (42,883)           (22,893)
For claims incurred prior to the current year                                        (230,493)          (122,145)           (94,197)
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------
   Subtotal                                                                          (296,349)          (165,028)          (117,090)
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------

Effect of exchange rate changes on unpaid claims
   and claims expenses                                                                 (8,483)               507                 --
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------

Unpaid claims and claims expenses, net of
   reinsurance recoverable, end of year                                             1,207,436            449,264            379,351
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and
   claims expenses, end of year                                                       756,703            233,164            139,036
                                                                                  -----------        -----------        -----------
Gross unpaid claims and claims expenses,
   end of year                                                                    $ 1,964,139        $   682,428        $   518,387
                                                                                  ===========        ===========        ===========
</TABLE>


                                      -14-
<PAGE>


In  1999,  Trenwick  America  Re and  Trenwick  International  recorded  a gross
increase of  $36,715,000  and a net increase of  $14,628,000  in  estimates  for
claims  occurring in prior accident years. In 1998 and 1997,  Trenwick  recorded
net decreases of  $12,556,000  and  $5,366,000,  respectively,  in estimates for
claims  occurring  in  prior  accident  years.  The  increase  in 1999 is due to
unfavorable  development of prior year reserves in Trenwick America Re. In 1999,
Trenwick  America Re's  estimates  of prior  accident  year claims  increased by
approximately  $25,402,000 on a gross basis and  $16,189,000 on a net basis.  In
1998  and  1997,  estimates  of prior  accident  year  claims  were  reduced  by
approximately  $7,175,000 and $5,366,000,  respectively.  Trenwick  America Re's
increase in 1999 reflects a deterioration  in market  conditions  since 1997. In
1999  estimates  of  Trenwick  International's  prior year claims  increased  by
$11,313,000  on a gross basis and  decreased by  $1,561,000  on a net basis.  In
1998, Trenwick  International's  prior year claims were reduced by approximately
$5,381,000 on a net basis.  The gross  increase in 1999 was offset by the effect
of reinsurance and favorable development across certain lines of business.

Inflation raises the cost of economic losses and non-economic damages covered by
insurance contracts and, therefore,  is a factor in determining  effective rates
of  reinsurance.  The  methods  used by Trenwick  to  estimate  individual  case
reserves  and  reserves  for claims  incurred  but not yet  reported  implicitly
incorporate the effects of inflation in the projection of ultimate losses.

Due  to  the  inherent  uncertainties  of  estimating  insurance  company  claim
reserves,  actual claims and claims expenses may deviate, perhaps substantially,
from  estimates of  Trenwick's  reserves  reflected in  Trenwick's  consolidated
financial  statements.  Trenwick's  management  believes  that its claim reserve
methods are  reasonable and prudent and that  Trenwick's  reserve for claims and
claims  expenses  at December  31, 1999 are  adequate.  However,  reserves  also
include  provisions  for  latent  injury or toxic  tort  claims  that  cannot be
estimated with  traditional  reserving  techniques.  Due to  inconsistent  court
decisions   in federal  and state  jurisdictions  and the wide  variation  among
insureds with respect to underlying facts and coverage,  uncertainty exists with
respect to these claims as to liabilities of ceding companies and, consequently,
reinsurance  coverage.  With the exception of INSCORP, the Company's exposure to
such latent  losses is not  expected  to be  significant  due to its  relatively
recent entry into the reinsurance business, its low historical levels of premium
volume prior to the  application  of exclusions  for asbestos and  environmental
liabilities and its retrocessional programs. To the extent that there is adverse
development  in  INSCORP's  loss  reserves,  including  its  reserves for latent
losses,  the Company's  obligation under the Contingent  Interest Notes due June
30,  2006 (the CI Notes)  will be  reduced.  To the  extent  the CI Notes do not
provide  sufficient  protection  against  adverse  development in INSCORP's loss
reserves,  Trenwick  may  be  entitled  to  recoveries  under  the  $100,000,000
reinsurance  policy purchased by Chartwell  immediately prior to its acquisition
by Trenwick. See Note 5-Reinsurance.

Trenwick's  reserves  include an estimate of Trenwick's  ultimate  liability for
asbestos and  environmental  claims.  The gross and net unpaid claims and claims
expenses for asbestos and environmental claims are as follows:

(in thousands)                                      1999       1998       1997
                                                  --------   --------   --------
Unpaid claims and claims expenses gross of
   reinsurance recoverable, end of year           $100,131   $  8,476   $  8,924
Unpaid claims and claims expenses, net of
   reinsurance recoverable, end of year             72,092      8,428      8,814
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims and
   claims expenses, end of year                     28,039         48        110


                                      -15-
<PAGE>


The increase of the gross and net unpaid claims and claims expenses reflects the
inclusion of the reserves related to the Chartwell acquisition.

Note 5
Reinsurance

Trenwick enters into reinsurance and retrocessional agreements to reduce its net
liability on individual risks, protect against catastrophic losses and maintain
acceptable ratios.

Trenwick America Re has various retrocessional facilities, all of which are on a
treaty basis.  These  retrocessional  facilities include one treaty for Trenwick
America Re's facultative casualty reinsurance business,  which applies on a risk
or account basis,  and two for its treaty  property  business,  which protect it
against multiple claims arising out of a single occurrence or event. As a result
of these facilities,  Trenwick America Re's maximum retention generally does not
exceed  $500,000 per  occurrence  on  facultative  business and  $2,300,000  per
occurrence on property catastrophe business. From 1989 to 1999, Trenwick America
Re  has  purchased  aggregated  excess  of  loss  ratio  treaties  from  several
reinsurers.  These  facilities  provided  Trenwick  with a layer  of  protection
against  adverse  results  from its  domestic  casualty  business  in  excess of
specified  loss ratios.  Trenwick  did not purchase an aggregate  excess of loss
ratio treaty for 2000.

Trenwick  International,  as customary  with  companies  operating in the London
market,  buys  large  amounts of  reinsurance.  Reinsurance  and  retrocessional
coverage is  customized  for each class of business.  During 1998,  following an
increase in its share capital, Trenwick International increased its retention of
business by reducing the amount of reinsurance it buys, principally proportional
reinsurance treaties with its former parent.

Chartwell  Managing Agency, as part of its business  strategy,  has historically
purchased a  significant  amount of  reinsurance  for the Lloyd's  syndicates it
manages.  Reinsurance is generally  purchased to protect the syndicates  against
extraordinary  loss or loss  involving  one or more  underwriting  classes.  The
amount  purchased is  determined  with  reference to the  syndicates'  aggregate
exposure and potential loss scenarios.

INSCORP and Dakota, the primary insurance  subsidiaries of Canterbury  Financial
Group, each purchases reinsurance specifically tailored to each of the specialty
programs which they underwrite.

Effective October 27, 1999, Chartwell  purchased,  at the time of the closing of
the transaction,  a reinsurance policy providing for up to $100,000,000 in order
to indemnify Trenwick against  unanticipated  increases in Chartwell's  reserves
for business written on or before the date the merger was completed. The Company
has  applied  the  provisions  of the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board's
Emerging Issues Task Force Topic D-54 to account for future adverse  development
covered by the agreement. In addition, as part of the merger, Chartwell commuted
several  aggregate  stop-loss  contracts.  Reinsurance  agreements  provide  for
recovery of a portion of certain claims and claims expenses from reinsurers.

Trenwick  remains  liable in the event that the  reinsurer is unable to meet its
obligation; however, Trenwick holds partial collateral under these agreements.

The effects of reinsurance on premiums written and premiums earned for the three
years ended December 31, are as follows:

(in thousands)                          1999            1998            1997
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------

Direct premiums written               $ 128,224       $  60,510       $      --
Assumed premiums written                377,317         262,854         248,662
Ceded premiums written                 (150,931)        (73,145)        (53,432)
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------
Net premiums written                  $ 354,610       $ 250,219       $ 195,230
                                      =========       =========       =========

Direct premiums earned                $  84,542       $  54,605       $      --
Assumed premiums earned                 376,927         269,093         233,090
Ceded premiums earned                  (136,355)        (78,137)        (42,934)
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------
Net premiums earned                   $ 325,114       $ 245,561       $ 190,156
                                      =========       =========       =========



                                      -16-
<PAGE>


The Company recorded ceded claims and claims expenses  incurred of $204,399,000,
$81,955,000  and  $60,789,000  for the years ended  December 31, 1999,  1998 and
1997, respectively.

     The  components of  reinsurance  recoverable  balances,  net on the balance
sheet at December 31 are as follows:

(in thousands)                                           1999            1998
                                                      ---------       ---------
Paid claims                                           $  66,698       $  17,098
Unpaid claims and claims expenses                       756,703         233,164
Funds held liability                                   (126,222)        (86,614)
Reinsurance balances payable                            (52,601)        (23,475)
                                                      ---------       ---------
Reinsurance recoverable balances, net                 $ 644,578       $ 140,173
                                                      =========       =========

The funds held liability includes  approximately  $27,277,000 and $16,641,000 of
imputed interest as of December 31, 1999 and 1998,  respectively.  Approximately
$10,636,000,  $7,009,000 and $4,989,000 of interest  expense was incurred during
1999,  1998 and 1997,  respectively,  and  recorded as a reduction to net earned
premiums.

Letters of credit,  trust accounts and funds withheld in the aggregate amount of
$269,344,000  (including  interest)  have  been  arranged  in favor of  Trenwick
collateralizing    reinsurance    recoverables    with    respect   to   certain
retrocessionaires.

At December 31, 1999,  approximately 36% of Trenwick's reinsurance  recoverables
on unpaid  claims  and  claims  expenses  are  recoverable  from five  principal
retrocessionaires.   These   retrocessionaires   are  Zurich   Reinsurance  N.A,
Continental Casualty Company, Centre Re-Insurance Ltd., London Life and Casualty
Reinsurance  Corporation  and UNUM Life  Insurance  Company of America which had
reinsurance  recoverable  balances of  $148,854,000,  $39,209,000,  $37,163,000,
$24,391,000 and  $22,363,000,  respectively at December 31, 1999. Such companies
are rated A or better by A.M. Best Company.

Included in Deposits on the balance  sheet at December 31, 1999 are  $13,310,000
deposited  with  European  International   Reinsurance  Limited  and  $6,917,000
deposited with Centre Reinsurance  (Bermuda) Limited,  both of which are secured
by letters of credit.

For  the  years  ended  December  31,  1999,  1998  and  1997,  Trenwick  earned
commissions on cessions to  retrocessionaires  of  $25,422,000,  $10,495,000 and
$4,503,000, respectively.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>




Note 6
Income Taxes

Income  taxes are  established  on a  consolidated  basis for all  domestic  and
international operations of Trenwick. In 1997, the income tax provision includes
an income tax benefit of $558,000  applicable to an  extraordinary  loss on debt
redemption. The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended
December 31 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                                1999                    1998                   1997
                                            --------                --------               --------
<S>                                         <C>                     <C>                    <C>
Current expense (benefit):
   Federal                                  $(14,578)               $  4,392               $  7,197
   Foreign                                     1,515                   2,324                     --
   State                                         (44)                    200                    262
                                            --------                --------               --------
Total current expense (benefit)             $(13,107)               $  6,916               $  7,459
                                            --------                --------               --------

Deferred expense (benefit):
   Federal                                  $  6,765                $  1,110               $  3,224
   Foreign                                    (3,830)                    219                     --
                                            --------                --------               --------
Total deferred expense                         2,935                   1,329                  3,224
                                            --------                --------               --------
Total income tax expense (benefit)          $(10,172)               $  8,245               $ 10,683
                                            ========                ========               ========

Due to the carryback of current  year's losses to previous  years taxable income
including the Chartwell  companies,  the company will recoup the maximum  amount
refundable for taxes paid in the preceding two tax years.

The  income  tax  provision  for each of the years  presented  differs  from the
amounts  determined by applying the applicable U.S. statutory federal income tax
rate of 35% to income (loss) before income taxes as a result of the following:

<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                                1999                  1998                  1997
                                            --------              --------              --------
<S>                                         <C>                   <C>                   <C>
Income (loss) before income taxes           $(21,220)             $ 43,037              $ 45,935
                                            ========              ========              ========
Income taxes at statutory rate              $ (7,427)             $ 15,063              $ 16,077
Effect of tax-exempt investment income        (6,227)               (5,654)               (5,757)
Foreign operations                               903                  (256)                   --
Amortization of goodwill                         498                    --                    --
Valuation allowance                              770                    --                    --
Other, net                                     1,311                  (908)                  363
                                            --------              --------              --------
Income tax provision (benefit)              $(10,172)             $  8,245              $ 10,683
                                            ========              ========              ========
</TABLE>

As of December 31, 1999, the Company and all includible  subsidiaries  have U.S.
net operating loss carryforwards of $53,195,000 which will be available (subject
to the annual  limitation  discussed  below) to offset  regular  taxable  income
during the carryforward  period (expiring 2019). Of the total net operating loss
carryforward,  $15,717,000  was generated by INSCORP prior to its acquisition in
1995 and is limited by Section 382 of the Internal  Revenue  Code,  to an annual
amount of $3,483,000 to offset future taxable income each year.

The Company  provides  income  taxes on the  undistributed  earnings of non-U.S.
subsidiaries except to the extent that such earnings are considered  permanently
reinvested  outside the U.S. It is not  practicable  to determine  the amount of
income or  withholding  tax that would be payable upon the  remittance  of those
earnings.   However,  the  Company  does  not  anticipate  that  the  income  or
withholding  tax that  would be payable  upon  remittance  of the  undistributed
earnings of the non-U.S. subsidiaries would aggregate to a material amount.

Deferred  income tax assets  (liabilities)  are  attributable  to the  following
temporary differences as of December 31:


                                      -18-
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                                                1999        1998
                                                           ---------    ---------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>
Deferred income tax asset
Discounting and other loss reserve adjustments             $  30,647    $  27,152
Unearned premium income                                        8,657        6,862
Net operating losses                                          18,618           --
Lloyd's loss reserve accrual                                  22,980           --
Contingent interest note                                      11,514           --
Tax basis difference on portfolio securities                   3,938           --
Employee stock option and
   compensation plans                                          1,135          651
Foreign tax credit                                             7,722           --
Alternative minimum taxes                                      3,684        1,390
Currency translation adjustments                               1,603          197
Excess tax basis of foreign subsidiaries                      18,305          632
Foreign operations                                             6,207           --
Unrealized depreciation of
    investments available for sale                             3,907           --
Other                                                          2,206           --
                                                           ---------    ---------
Gross deferred income tax assets                             141,123       36,884
Less:  Valuation allowance                                   (23,982)          --
                                                           ---------    ---------
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance                117,141       36,884

Deferred income tax liability

Policy acquisition costs deferred                            (13,289)     (10,716)
Unrealized appreciation of
   investments available for sale                                 --      (10,622)
Earned but not reported premiums net of loss and expense      (2,358)          --
Accretion of market discount on debt
   securities                                                 (1,416)      (1,282)
Equity investment adjustments                                 (1,102)          --
Other                                                         (1,534)        (163)
                                                           ---------    ---------
Gross deferred income tax liabilities                        (19,699)     (22,783)
                                                           ---------    ---------
Net deferred income tax assets                             $  97,442    $  14,101
                                                           =========    =========
</TABLE>

During 1999, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $23,982,000 to reduce
its deferred  tax asset in  accordance  with the  provisions  of the  accounting
standard  "Accounting  For Income Taxes" (FASB 109). The valuation  allowance is
necessary because  sufficient  uncertainty exists regarding the realizability of
certain  foreign tax credits and other deferred tax assets related to the excess
tax basis of foreign  subsidiaries.  The Company  will  periodically  review the
adequacy of the  valuation  allowance  and will  recognize  benefits only as the
reassessment  indicates  that it is "more  likely than not" that these  benefits
will be realized.  In accordance  with the provisions of FASB 109, any reduction
in the valuation  allowance will be offset against goodwill.  Realization of the
related tax benefits will depend upon the  recognition  of future  earnings from
foreign  operations or a change in  circumstances  that cause the recognition of
these benefits to meet the "more likely than not" standard of FASB 109.


                                      -19-
<PAGE>


Note 7
Long-Term
Debt

Senior Notes

On March 27, 1998 Trenwick completed a private offering of $75,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of its 6.70% Senior Notes due April 1, 2003 (the Senior Notes).
Interest is payable  semi-annually  on April 1 and October 1 of each year, which
commenced  on October 1, 1998.  The Senior  Notes are not subject to  redemption
prior to maturity.  They are unsecured obligations and will rank senior in right
of payment to all existing  and future  subordinated  indebtedness  of Trenwick,
including  Trenwick's  obligations with respect to its 8.82% Junior Subordinated
Debentures  held by Trenwick  Capital Trust I in respect of the  $110,000,000 in
8.82%  Subordinated  Capital Income  Securities  issued by the Trust.  Under the
terms  of  the  Senior  Notes,   Trenwick  is  not  restricted   from  incurring
indebtedness,  but  is  subject  to  limits  on its  ability  to  incur  secured
indebtedness for borrowed money.

On March 17, 1994,  Chartwell completed a public offering of 10.25% Senior Notes
due 2004, having a total principal amount of $75,000,000.  On December 13, 1995,
the obligations were assumed by Chartwell Re Holdings Corporation  (Chartwell Re
Holdings).  Of the original balance,  Chartwell Re Holdings redeemed $26,250,000
on April 8, 1996 and repurchased $8,675,000 on November 24, 1999.

Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Capital Securities

On January 28, 1997,  Trenwick  completed a private  offering of $110,000,000 in
8.82% Subordinated Capital Income Securities through Trenwick Capital Trust I, a
Delaware statutory business trust. Trenwick owns all of the common securities of
the trust.  Concurrently with the issuance of the capital securities,  the trust
invested the proceeds of their sale, together with the consideration paid to the
trust by Trenwick for the common securities,  in Trenwick's junior  subordinated
debentures, whose terms are similar to those of the capital securities.

The trust was formed for the sole purpose of issuing the capital  securities and
the common securities, investing the proceeds thereof in the junior subordinated
debentures and making  distributions  to the holders of the capital  securities.
The  capital  securities  mature  on  February  1,  2037;  require  preferential
cumulative cash distributions at an annual rate of 8.82%, payable  semi-annually
on  February 1 and  August 1  (beginning  August 1,  1997)  from the  payment of
interest on the junior subordinated debentures;  and are guaranteed by Trenwick,
within certain  limits,  as to the payment of  distributions  and liquidation or
redemption payments. They are subject to mandatory redemption;  (i) in whole but
not in part at maturity,  upon repayment of the junior subordinated  debentures,
at a redemption  price equal to the greater of the principal amount plus accrued
and   unpaid   interest;   (ii)  in  whole   but  not  in  part  at  any   time,
contemporaneously  with  the  optional  prepayment  of the  junior  subordinated
debentures  upon  the  occurrence  and  continuation  of  certain  events,  at a
redemption  price  equal to the greater of the  principal  amount or the present
value of principal  and interest  payable to February 1, 2007,  plus accrued and
unpaid  interest and possible  additional  sums;  and (iii) in whole or in part,
after February 1, 2007,  contemporaneously  with the optional  prepayment of the
junior  subordinated  debentures,  at a redemption  price equal to the principal
amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and possible  additional  sums. Upon the
occurrence  and  continuation  of an event of default with respect to the junior
subordinated debentures, the capital securities shall have a preference over the
common  securities.  Upon the  occurrence of an event of default with respect to
the junior  subordinated  debentures which is attributable to Trenwick's failure
to make required payments or with respect to Trenwick's  guarantee,  the holders
of the capital  securities  may institute a direct action against  Trenwick.  In
accordance with their terms, the capital securities were subsequently  exchanged
for fully registered capital  securities,  which are not subject to restrictions
on transfer.


                                      -20-
<PAGE>


Convertible Debentures

On February 20, 1997, Trenwick called for redemption all $103,500,000  aggregate
principal amount of Trenwick's 6% convertible  debentures due December 15, 1999,
at a redemption  price of 102.57%  principal amount plus accrued interest to the
redemption date. Of the $103,500,000  principal amount of debentures outstanding
on that  date,  $45,819,000  principal  amount  were  redeemed  and  $57,681,000
principal  amount  were  converted  into an  aggregate  of  1,783,926  shares of
Trenwick's common stock.

As a result  of the  redemption,  Trenwick  recorded  an  extraordinary  loss of
$1,037,000 net of a tax benefit of $558,000 in 1997.

Senior Credit Facilities

On November 24, 1999 Trenwick entered into a $400,000,000  credit agreement with
various lending institutions, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
First Union  National Bank, as  Syndication  Agent,  and Fleet National Bank, as
Documentation  Agent. This new credit facility provides for a $170,000,000,  364
day revolving  credit facility with an option to pay out outstanding  borrowings
under such facility over the four years  following the expiration of the 364 day
period. In addition,  the credit facility provides for a $230,000,000 five year,
Lloyd's letter of credit facility, with a one year automatic renewal option. The
applicable  interest rate on borrowings  under the credit  facility is currently
1.3% above the London  Interbank  Offered Rate or The Chase Manhattan Bank prime
commercial  lending rate. A commitment fee is charged on the unutilized  portion
of the facility and is currently at .25%.  At the end of the  revolving  period,
all outstanding  revolving  loans will, at the option of Trenwick,  convert to a
four-year term loan facility,  subject to scheduled principal  amortization over
the  four-year  period.  As of December  31, 1999,  Trenwick  has  approximately
$94,501,000 of revolving loans  outstanding,  the proceeds of which were used to
retire  Chartwell  Re  Holdings'  syndicated  debt  facility  with First  Union,
repurchase  Trenwick  common  shares,  and redeem a portion of the  Chartwell Re
Holdings senior debt. The Letter of Credit Facility of $230,000,000 is available
in U.S.  Dollars or Pounds  Sterling and shall only be issued for the account of
Lloyd's to support Trenwick's syndicate participations. The unsecured letters of
credit  are in  force  for  five  years  and will  automatically  renew  for one
additional year on the anniversary of the November  closing date. The Applicable
Margin is charged on an annual  basis on the utilized  portion of the  facility,
which is currently  $208,000,000.  A commitment fee, which is currently .25%, is
charged on the unused portion of the Letter of Credit Facility.

The Chase credit facility contain general  covenants and restrictions as well as
financial covenants relating to, among other things,  minimum interest coverage,
debt to  capital  leverage,  minimum  earned  surplus  and  tangible  net worth.
Trenwick and the banks party to the credit facility executed an amendment to the
credit  facility,  dated as of December 31, 1999,  reducing the required minimum
consolidated  tangible net worth of Trenwick from  $325,000,000  to $290,000,000
until June 30, 2000.  After giving effect to the  amendment,  as of December 31,
1999, the Company is in compliance with the covenants.

Contingent Interest Notes

In conjunction with the 1999  acquisition of Chartwell,  the Company assumed all
of the obligations under the CI Notes,  which were originally issued by Piedmont
Management Company Inc. (Piedmont), INSCORP's former parent, to its stockholders
just prior to its  acquisition  by Chartwell  in 1995.  The CI Notes were issued
immediately  prior to Chartwell's  acquisition of Piedmont to protect  Chartwell
against the possibility of adverse  development of INSCORP's reserves for losses
and loss adjustment expenses and long-tail casualty exposures. The CI Notes were
issued in an aggregate  principal amount of $1,000,000,  with principal accruing
interest at a rate of 8% per annum,  compounded annually. Such interest will not
be


                                      -21-
<PAGE>


payable until maturity or earlier  redemption of the CI Notes. In addition,  the
CI Notes will entitle the holders thereof to receive at maturity,  in proportion
to the  principal  amount of the CI Notes  held by them,  an  aggregate  of from
$10,000,000 up to $55,000,000 in contingent interest. Settlement of the CI Notes
may be made by  payment  of cash or,  under  certain  specified  conditions,  by
delivery of shares of the Company's  common  stock.  The CI Notes mature on June
30, 2006.  At December 31, 1999,  the CI Notes are recorded at the present value
of the amount which is  reasonably  determined  to be payable at  maturity.  The
Company believes that INSCORP's  reserves for loss and loss adjustment  expenses
are an appropriate  estimate of projected  ultimate  losses and loss  adjustment
expenses  to be paid  and  therefore,  at  this  time,  the  maximum  amount  of
contingent  interest  on the CI  Notes  is  presently  expected  to be  paid  at
maturity.  The CI Notes contain  covenants,  which relate to the  maintenance of
certain records and limitations on certain indebtedness. As of December 31, 1999
the Company is in compliance with those covenants.

Future minimum payments on long term debt as of December 31, 1999 are as follows
(in thousands):

                                       1999
                                    --------
2000                                $ 94,501
2002                                   4,874
2003                                  75,000
2004                                  40,075
2006                                  34,699
                                    --------
                                    $249,149

Note 8
Commitment and
Contingencies

Letters of Credit

At December 31, 1999, Trenwick has outstanding standby letters of credit
totaling $208,000,000 as part of the senior credit facilities supporting CMA
syndicate participations. Additionally, INSCORP has a $3,100,000 letter of
credit to support the participation in Riverside Underwriters, plc. Both of
these standby letters of credit are in force for five years, and provide capital
to participate in certain Lloyd's syndicates for the 1996 to 2000 underwriting
years of account.

Lloyd's syndicate 839 has a letter of credit facility for $21,400,000,  which is
secured by its Sterling  Premium Trust Fund.  This letter of credit is deposited
in the United States Surplus Lines Trust Fund.

Letters  of credit  are also  provided  to support  domestic  and  international
reinsurance operations, totaling approximately $2,700,000.

Lines of Credit

Trenwick  International  has  established  a line of credit  under  which it can
borrow up to $1,618,000 at a rate of 2 1/2% above the lending  bank's base rate.
Chartwell UK also has  established a line of credit under which it can borrow up
to $1,618,000 at a rate of 1% above the lending bank's base rate. These lines of
credit  are  available  in the event  that  funds  are  required  to  supplement
short-term working capital.  There were no material borrowings under either line
of credit during 1999.

Lloyd's  syndicates  270,  741  and  2741  have  separate  lines  of  credit  of
$7,000,000,  $1,780,000  and  $485,000  respectively.  There  were  no  material
borrowings under these lines of credit during 1999.

Limited Partnership Investment



                                      -22-
<PAGE>


Chartwell  Reinsurance  has committed to invest  $15,000,000 in a private equity
fund, High Ridge Capital  Limited  Partnership,  which makes  investments in the
insurance industry.  The Company contributed a total of $13,300,000 to this fund
as of December 31, 1999.

Operating Lease Agreements

Trenwick leases office space under non-cancelable  operating leases which expire
at various dates through 2015. Trenwick's future minimum lease commitments as of
December 31, 1999 are as follows:

          2000 -                                           $ 5,659,633
          2001 -                                             5,250,608
          2002 -                                             5,139,674
          2003 -                                             5,303,349
          2004 -                                             5,453,766
          2005 and thereafter                               19,870,082

Total office rent expense for the years ended  December 31, 1999,  1998 and 1997
is $3,024,000, $2,042,000 and $917,000, respectively.

Litigation

The  Company  is party to various  legal  proceedings  generally  arising in the
normal  course of its  business.  The Company does not believe that the eventual
outcome  of any such  proceeding  will have a material  effect on its  financial
condition or results of operations or cash flows. The Company's subsidiaries are
regularly  engaged in the investigation and the defense of claims arising out of
the  conduct  of  their  business.  Pursuant  to  the  Company's  insurance  and
reinsurance arrangements,  disputes are generally required to be finally settled
by arbitration.

Note 9
Stockholders'
Equity

Preferred Stock

Trenwick has 2,000,000  shares of $.10 par value preferred stock  authorized and
none outstanding.

Common Stock

During the year,  Trenwick's Board of Directors approved an additional 3,000,000
shares to its stock  repurchase  program for a total of  4,600,000  shares.  The
program was originally  adopted on May 21, 1997.  During 1999,  2,176,200 shares
were repurchased at an average price of $21.42 per share.

Between  January 1, 2000 and March 30,  2000,  Trenwick  has  purchased  829,300
shares under its buyback plan, at an average price of $16.56 per share. Trenwick
has an authorization of 494,000 shares remaining under the plan.

Stockholder Rights Plan

During 1997, Trenwick adopted a new stockholder rights plan,  replacing the plan
adopted  in  1989,   and  redeemed  the  rights  issued  under  the  1989  plan.
Stockholders  of record at the close of business on September  24, 1997 received
$0.01 for each redeemed  right  (equivalent  to $0.00667 per share) and received
one new right for each share of common  stock held.  The rights are  exercisable
only if a  person  or  group  acquires  beneficial  ownership  of 15% or more of
Trenwick's   common  stock  or  commences  a  tender  or  exchange   offer  upon
consummation of which such person or group would beneficially own 15% or more of
Trenwick's  common stock.  Each right  entitles a stockholder  to buy 1/200 of a
share of Trenwick's Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock at an exercise
price of $125,  subject to adjustment.  Trenwick has reserved  200,000 shares of
such preferred stock for possible issuance under the plan.


                                      -23-
<PAGE>


In the event  that an  acquirer  accumulates  15% or more of  Trenwick's  common
stock,  all rights  holders  except the acquirer may purchase,  for the exercise
price, in lieu of the Series B Junior  Participating  Preferred Stock, shares of
common stock of Trenwick  having a market  value of twice the exercise  price of
each right.  If Trenwick is acquired in a merger or other  business  combination
after the  acquisition  of 15% of Trenwick's  common stock,  all rights  holders
except the acquirer may purchase the  acquirer's  shares at a similar  discount.
Trenwick is entitled to redeem the rights at $0.01 per right, subject to certain
restrictions. The rights will expire on September 23, 2007.

Note 10
Employee
Benefits and
Compensation
Arrangements

Retirement Plans

Trenwick  has  a  defined  contribution  plan  and a  401(k)  savings  plan  for
substantially  all  U.S.  full-time  employees.  Trenwick  contributes  8% of an
eligible  employee's  total  compensation  to  the  pension  plan;  no  employee
contributions  are  made  to the  plan.  Trenwick  matches  100%  of  employees'
contributions  to the savings plan up to 6% of each  eligible  employee's  total
compensation. Assets of both plans are administered by life insurance companies.
Trenwick's  contributions  to the  pension  plan  were  $429,000,  $463,000  and
$503,000 for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively; its contributions to the savings
plan were $365,000, $351,000 and $330,000 for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

A member of management will receive a supplemental  employee  benefit payable at
the earlier of age 65 or employment termination. The supplement will be equal to
the  aggregate  contributions  made  with  respect  to the  employee  to a trust
established  by the company.  Annual  contribution  to the trust is 13.5% of the
employee's  base  salary as  stated  in the  employment  agreement.  The  amount
expensed in 1999 for this employee benefit obligation is not material.

Trenwick  also  maintains a money  purchase  defined  contribution  pension plan
covering substantially all Trenwick International employees. Contributions under
this plan are determined on the basis of salary and age. Trenwick's contribution
to this plan in 1999 and 1998 was $1,427,000 and $997,000, respectively.

Chartwell U.K. operates  contributory  defined  contribution  plans for its U.K.
employees.  The level of the  contribution  varies  between 5% and 20% dependent
upon the age of each  participant  at the beginning of each calendar  year.  The
amount  expensed  in 1999 for the  obligation  under  these  plans  amounted  to
$435,000.

The defined  contribution  plan for  Chartwell's  U.S.  employees was terminated
immediately  prior to the consummation of the merger of Chartwell into Trenwick.
As a result,  certain former Chartwell employees became members of the Company's
plan  and,  in  certain  instances,  the  assets  held  by  those  employees  in
Chartwell's plan were transferred to the Company's plan.

Stock Options and Common Stock Warrants

Trenwick  has  several  plans  through  which it makes  options in common  stock
available to Trenwick  employees at the  discretion  of the Board of  Directors.
Non-employee  directors receive automatic grants under a separate plan. Exercise
prices are  generally  fixed at the market  value at the date of grant.  Options
vest and are  exercisable  on various  terms,  usually  either  over a five year
period or up to a ten year  period.  All  options  have an  expiration  date not
exceeding ten years.  Total authorized common stock reserved for future issuance
under  all  stock  benefit  plans at  December  31,  1999 is  1,827,527  shares.
Transactions  under  the  stock  option  plans  during  1999,  1998 and 1997 are
summarized as follows:



                                      -24-
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1999                 1998                 1997
                                                                               ----------           ----------           ----------
<S>                                                                            <C>                  <C>                  <C>
          Number of options

          Outstanding, beginning of year                                          907,210              911,195              981,195
          Issued in exchange for Chartwell options                              1,160,182                   --                   --
          Granted                                                                 175,960              124,210                8,250
          Cancelled                                                               (46,029)              (6,000)              (1,500)
          Exercised                                                                    --             (122,195)             (76,750)
                                                                               ----------           ----------           ----------
          Outstanding, end of year                                              2,197,323              907,210              911,195
                                                                               ==========           ==========           ==========
          Exercisable, end of year                                              1,387,789              210,112              312,807
                                                                               ==========           ==========           ==========

          Average exercise price

          Issued in exchange for Chartwell options                             $    30.57                   --                   --
          Granted                                                                   28.34           $    36.72           $    32.88
          Cancelled                                                                 29.41                29.70                30.92
          Exercised                                                                    --                12.57                12.46
          Outstanding, end of year                                                  29.80                29.07                25.82
          Exercisable, end of year                                                  30.30                27.87                21.81
</TABLE>


Included in the table above are options granted to certain senior officers under
the 1993 Stock  Option  Plan.  The  exercise  and  vesting of these  options are
accelerated if the price of Trenwick's  common stock achieves certain  specified
levels, subject to certain conditions.

At the time of Trenwick's  acquisition  of Chartwell,  all of the options issued
under Chartwell's stock option plans became fully vested.

At December  31,  1999,  there were  warrants  outstanding  which were issued in
exchange for Chartwell  warrants upon  consummation  of the  acquisition for the
purchase  of 275,989  shares of common  stock at an average  price of $25.45 per
share.

Pro Forma Information

Trenwick   applies  the  provisions  of  Accounting   Principles  Board  Opinion
"Accounting  for Stock  Issued to  Employees,"  and related  interpretations  in
accounting  for its  stock-based  compensation  plans.  Since stock  options and
warrants under  Trenwick's  plans are issued at fair market value on the date of
grant,  no  compensation  expense has been recognized for these stock options or
warrants.  Had Trenwick applied the fair value based method,  net income and net
income  per share  would  have been the pro forma  amounts  indicated  below (in
thousands, except per share data):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1999                     1998                    1997
                                                 ----------               ----------              ----------
<S>                                              <C>                      <C>                     <C>
Net income (loss)
   As reported                                   $  (11,048)              $   34,792              $   35,252
   Pro forma                                        (11,412)                  34,554                  35,056

Basic earnings (loss) per share
   As reported                                   $     (.94)              $     2.99              $     3.03
   Pro forma                                     $     (.97)              $     2.96              $     3.01
</TABLE>


The pro forma  adjustments  relate to options and warrants  granted from 1995 to
1999  for  which a fair  value on the date of grant  was  determined  using  the
Black-Scholes  option  pricing  model.  No effect has been given to options  and
warrants granted prior to 1995. Valuation and related assumption information are
presented below:


                                      -25-
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1999           1998          1997
                                                            ------         ------        ------
<S>                                                            <C>            <C>           <C>
Valuation Assumptions:
   Expected volatility
     Employees                                                  28%            23%           --
     Non-employee directors                                     49%            28%           18%
     Non-employee directors (former Chartwell)                  27%            --            --
     Stock warrants                                             37%            --            --
   Risk-free interest rate
     Employees                                                 6.1%           5.6%           --
     Non-employee directors                                    5.4%           5.2%          5.8%
     Non-employee directors (former Chartwell)                 6.1%            --            --
     Stock warrants                                            6.4%            --            --
Dividend Yield                                                 3.0%           3.1%          2.6%
</TABLE>

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the
fair  value  of  options  which  have no  vesting  restrictions  and  are  fully
transferable.  In addition,  option valuation models require the input of highly
subjective  assumptions  including the expected stock price volatility.  Because
Trenwick's stock options have characteristics significantly different from those
of traded options,  and because changes in the subjective input  assumptions can
materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing
models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of
its stock options.

Restricted Common Stock Awards

Trenwick awards restricted common stock to key employees, under the terms of the
1989 and 1993 Stock  Plans.  In 1999,  65,985  shares were awarded at an average
price of  $29.00  per share  (approximately  $1,914,000),  which  vest over five
years.  Shares  awarded  in 1998 and 1997  vest  over five  years.  Shares  were
repurchased  in 1999,  1998  and 1997 in  connection  with the  satisfaction  of
employees'  withholding  taxes  payable upon the vesting of  previously  awarded
shares. During 1999, 8,369 shares were repurchased at an average price of $31.54
per share (approximately $264,000). Trenwick has recognized compensation expense
of  $982,000,  $770,000  and  $543,000  for 1999,  1998 and 1997,  respectively,
determined  by the  award  value of the  shares  amortized  over the  applicable
vesting period.

Note 11
Comprehensive
Income

The components of accumulated other  comprehensive  income at December 31 are as
follows:

           (in thousands)                                  1999          1998
                                                         --------      --------

Unrealized investment gains (losses)                     $ (9,464)     $ 39,330
Realized investment gains included
   in net income                                           (1,916)       (9,016)
Foreign currency translation adjustment                    (3,854)         (552)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense                       5,509       (10,425)
                                                         --------      --------
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)            $ (9,725)     $ 19,337
                                                         ========      ========

The  income  tax  benefit  (expense)  applicable  to  each  component  of  other
comprehensive income are as follows:

(in thousands)                                       1999      1998       1997
                                                   -------   -------    -------

Unrealized investment gains (losses)               $13,880   $(2,810)   $(3,750)
Realized investment gains (losses) included
   in net income                                       649     3,091       (806)
Foreign currency translation adjustment              1,406       197         --
                                                   -------   -------    -------
Income tax benefit (expense) applicable to other
   comprehensive income (loss)                     $15,935   $   478    $(4,556)
                                                   =======   =======    =======


                                      -26-
<PAGE>


Note 12
Insurance
Regulation

Trenwick America Re, Chartwell Reinsurance, INSCORP, ReCor Insurance Company
(ReCor) and Dakota Specialty Insurance Company (Dakota) are subject to the
insurance laws and regulations of their respective domiciliary state insurance
departments which were, as of December 31, 1999, Connecticut, Minnesota, New
York, New York and North Dakota, respectively. Effective January 1, 2001, the
Connecticut, Minnesota, New York and North Dakota Insurance Departments will
adopt the Codification of Statutory Accounting Principles (the Codification).
The Codification provides guidance for areas where statutory accounting has been
silent and changes current statutory accounting in some areas. The Company has
not finalized the quantification of the effects of Codification on its statutory
financial statements.

Under the holding company  structure,  Trenwick is dependent upon the ability of
its operating  subsidiaries for the transfer of funds principally in the form of
cash dividends and tax reimbursements.

Under  the  applicable  provisions  of the  insurance  holding  company  laws of
Connecticut,  Minnesota  and  North  Dakota,  insurance  companies  may only pay
dividends without the approval of the applicable state insurance  regulator,  if
such dividends,  together with other dividends paid within the preceding  twelve
months,  are less than the  greater of (i) 10% of the  insurer's  policyholders'
surplus as of the end of the prior calendar year or (ii) the insurer's statutory
net income,  excluding realized capital gains, for the prior calendar year. As a
further restriction, the maximum amount of dividends insurers may pay is limited
to its earned  surplus,  also known as its  unassigned  funds.  Any  dividend in
excess of the amount  determined  pursuant  to the  foregoing  formula  would be
characterized as an "extraordinary dividend" requiring the prior approval of the
state insurance regulator.

Under New York law,  which is  applicable  to  INSCORP  and ReCor,  the  maximum
ordinary dividend payable in any twelve month period without the approval of the
New York Insurance Department is the lesser of (i) 10% of policyholders  surplus
as shown on the  company's  last annual  statement or any more recent  quarterly
statement or (ii) the company's  adjusted net  investment  income.  Adjusted net
investment  income is defined  as net  investment  income for the twelve  months
preceding  the  declaration  of the  dividend  plus the  excess,  if any, of net
investment  income  over  dividends  declared or  distributed  during the period
commencing  thirty-six  months prior to the  declaration or  distribution of the
current  dividend and ending twelve months prior thereto.  In any case, New York
law permits the payment of an ordinary  dividend by an insurer or reinsurer only
out of earned surplus.

In addition to the foregoing limitations,  the New York Insurance Department, as
is its practice in any change of control situation,  required Trenwick to commit
to preclude the acquired New  York-domiciled  insurers,  INSCORP and ReCor, from
paying any dividends for two years after the merger with Chartwell without prior
regulatory approval.  The foregoing restriction will expire on October 27, 2001.
Neither INSCORP nor ReCor paid any dividends in 1997, 1998 or 1999.

In 2000,  of  Trenwick's  U.S.  insurance  subsidiaries,  only Dakota  Specialty
Insurance  Company  could pay a dividend  or other  distribution  without  prior
approval of the  applicable  insurance  regulatory  authority.  In 2000,  Dakota
Specialty  could pay a dividend of  $2,800,000  without prior  approval.  During
1999,  1998  and  1997,  Trenwick  America  Re paid  dividends  of  $53,400,000,
$30,100,000 and $8,300,000,  respectively.  Chartwell Reinsurance paid dividends
of $30,300,000 in 1999 and $3,000,000 in 1997. Chartwell Reinsurance did not pay
any dividends in 1998. None of Trenwick's other U.S. insurance subsidiaries paid
any dividends in 1999, 1998 or 1997.

Under the applicable  laws of the United Kingdom,  Trenwick's U.K.  subsidiaries
may  make  distributions  only  from  accumulated   realized  profits,   net  of
accumulated realized losses. In addition,  under the UK Insurance Companies Act,
Trenwick  International  is not  permitted to make any  distribution  that would
reduce its net assets below the required  minimum margin of solvency  which,  as
determined under the U.K. Financial Services Authority's rules, is approximately
$16.7 million as of December 31, 1999. In addition,  Trenwick International must
also notify the U.K. Financial


                                      -27-
<PAGE>


Services  Authority  of any  proposal to declare or pay a dividend on any of its
share  capital.  Under Lloyd's  regulations,  Chartwell  Managing  Agents is not
permitted to make any distribution that would cause its assets to fall below any
of Chartwell Managing Agents' share capital, minimum net current asset margin or
minimum net asset  margin.  As of December  31,  1999,  the highest of the three
tests required Chartwell Managing Agents to maintain  approximately $1.1 million
of capital.

Trenwick  Group Inc.'s  reinsurance  and insurance  subsidiaries  file financial
statements prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed
or permitted by insurance regulators of their respective state of domicile.

     Combined net income and  statutory  surplus of Trenwick  Group Inc. were as
     follows:

     (in thousands)                   1999            1998           1997
                                   ---------       ---------      ---------

     Net income (loss)             $ (53,270)      $  40,930      $  42,797
     Statutory surplus               458,824         330,496

     The NAIC's model risk-based  capital regulation (the RBC Model Act) require
     insurance  companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based
     capital formula which measures statutory capital and surplus needs based on
     the risks in a company's mix of business and investment portfolio. Based on
     its  calculation as of December 31, 1999,  Trenwick  America Re,  Chartwell
     Reinsurance,  INSCORP,  ReCor and Dakota  each  exceeds  all of the capital
     levels prescribed in the RBC Model Act.

Note 13
Supplemental
Cash Flows
Information

     A  reconciliation  of cash provided by (used for)  operations for the three
     years ended December 31 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     (in thousands)                                                        1999        1998        1997
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>
     Net income (loss)                                                   $(11,048)   $ 34,792    $ 35,252
     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
        to net cash provided by (used for) operating
        activities:
        Equity in net earnings of investees                                  (188)         --          --
        Contingent interest                                                   642          --          --
        Amortization of premiums on
          investments, net                                                  1,832       4,219       2,557
        Deferred income taxes                                               2,935       1,329       3,224
        Net realized investment gains                                      (1,916)     (9,016)     (2,304)
        Depreciation expense                                                1,942         998         371
        Amortization of debt issuance costs                                   292         124          32
        Extraordinary loss on debt redemption                                  --          --       1,595
        Amortization expense                                                1,423          --          --
        Other                                                               1,013         908         558
     Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from purchase of
          subsidiary:

        Premiums in process of collection                                   8,906       2,543     (29,178)
        Deferred policy acquisition costs                                  (6,655)       (679)       (719)
        Current income taxes receivable/payable                           (24,748)      1,865      (1,759)
        Other assets                                                          109      (1,270)     (5,268)
        Unpaid claims and claims expenses,
          net of reinsurance recoverable balances                         (10,142)     (3,638)     32,621
        Unearned premium income, net of
          prepaid reinsurance premiums                                     27,393       3,552       5,073
        Other liabilities                                                 (44,088)      2,142       4,955
                                                                         --------    --------    --------
     Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities                $(52,298)   $ 37,869    $ 47,010
                                                                         ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>


                                      -28-
<PAGE>


Note 14
Fair Value of
Financial
Instruments


The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at which the
instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.
In the event that quoted market prices were not available, fair values were
based on estimates using discounted cash or other valuation techniques. Those
techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the
discount rates and estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows.
Accrued premiums have estimated payment dates ranging from 1999 to 2003. Premium
payment dates are estimated using the anticipated payout pattern of claims which
result in the additional premium due from ceding companies. The fair value is
estimated using cash flows discounted at an interest rate of 5%. These fair
value estimates may vary in the near term.

The following table presents in summary form the carrying amounts and estimated
fair values of Trenwick's financial instruments at December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     (in thousands)                                                       1999                              1998
                                                   ---------------------------       ---------------------------
                                                     Carrying             Fair         Carrying             Fair
                                                       Amount            Value           Amount            Value
                                                   ----------       ----------       ----------       ----------
<S>                                                <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
           Assets:

     Debt securities                               $1,311,361       $1,311,361       $  893,020       $  893,020
     Equity securities                                110,666          110,666           49,188           49,188
     Other investments                                 19,446           19,446               --               --
     Investments held by managed syndicates           137,745          137,745               --               --
     Cash and cash equivalents                        125,954          125,954           63,003           63,003
     Cash and cash equivalents held by
     managed syndicates                                44,687           44,687               --               --
     Accrued premiums                                 279,480          276,474          126,758          124,832
     Deposits                                          20,227           20,227               --               --

     Liabilities:

     6.70% senior notes due 2003                   $   75,000       $   74,153       $   75,000       $   78,750
     10.25% senior notes due 2004                      39,831           42,778               --               --
     7.67% senior credit facility due 2000             80,000           81,801               --               --
     6.94% senior credit facility due 2000             14,501           14,723               --               --
     Contingent interest notes                         34,699           34,699               --               --
     Other long term debt                               4,874            4,638               --               --

     Company-obligated

     mandatorily redeemable
     preferred capital securities
     of subsidiary trust holding
     solely junior subordinated
     debentures of Trenwick Group Inc.             $  110,000       $   91,982       $  110,000       $  110,150
</TABLE>

Note 15
Related-Party
Transactions

The Company holds an equity investment in certain managing general agents (MGAs)
through which it writes primary insurance business. Such investments are
accounted for under the equity method. At December 31, 1999, the carrying value
of the investments in Florida Intracoastal Underwriters (25% owned), HDR
Insurance Services (20% owned) Cambridge Alliance (35% owned), and Inter-Reco,
Inc. (49% owned) were $1,148,000, $654,000, $211,000 and $204,000 respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company incurred $6,238,000 of
commission expense payable to these MGAs. At December 31, 1999, the Company's
balance sheet includes $28,740,000 of agents' balances receivable from these
MGAs including installment premiums deferred and not yet due. The current
portion of balances due from these MGAs are settled on a monthly basis.


                                      -29-
<PAGE>
Note 16
Earnings
Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     (in thousands, except per share data)                              1999              1998            1997
                                                                    -----------          -------         -------
<S>                                                                 <C>                  <C>             <C>
     Income (loss) available to common stockholders:

     Income (loss) before extraordinary item (basic)                $   (11,048)         $34,792         $36,289
     Add interest on convertible debentures,
        net of income taxes                                                  --               --             578
                                                                    -----------          -------         -------
     Income (loss) before extraordinary item (diluted)              $   (11,048)         $34,792         $36,867
                                                                    ===========          =======         =======

     Net income (loss) (basic)                                      $   (11,048)         $34,792         $35,252
     Add interest on convertible debentures and
        loss on debt redemption, net of income taxes                         --               --           1,615
                                                                    -----------          -------         -------
     Net income (loss) (diluted)                                    $   (11,048)         $34,792         $36,867
                                                                    ===========          =======         =======

     Weighted average shares of common
        stock outstanding:

     Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)                         11,762           11,657          11,645
     Weighted average shares issuable on exercise of
        employee stock options and stock warrants net of
        assumed repurchases                                                  --              122             173
     Weighted average shares issuable on
        conversion of debt                                                   --               --             447
                                                                    -----------          -------         -------

     Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)                       11,762           11,779          12,265
                                                                    ===========          =======         =======

     Basic earnings (loss) per  share:

        Income (loss) before extraordinary item                     $      (.94)         $  2.99         $  3.12
                                                                    ===========          =======         =======
        Net income (loss)                                           $      (.94)         $  2.99         $  3.03
                                                                    ===========          =======         =======

     Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

        Income (loss) before extraordinary item                     $      (.94)         $  2.95         $  3.01
                                                                    ===========          =======         =======
        Net income (loss)                                           $      (.94)         $  2.95         $  3.01
                                                                    ===========          =======         =======
</TABLE>

Note 17
Segment
Information

In 1998, Trenwick adopted the accounting standard "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related  Information."  This statement  requires  reporting of
information  utilizing a  management  approach.  This  approach  designates  the
internal  organization that is used by management for making operating decisions
and assessing  performance as the source of the Company's  reportable  segments.
This statement also requires disclosures about products and services, geographic
areas and major  customers.  The adoption of this  statement  did not affect the
results of operations or financial position.

Trenwick has determined that its reportable segments are those that are based on
the Company's  method of internal  reporting,  which  segregates its business by
geographic  location.  Trenwick  has  four  reportable  business  segments:  (1)
Trenwick   America  Re,  (2)  Canterbury   Financial   Group  Inc  (3)  Trenwick
International and (4) CMA. Trenwick America Re underwrites treaty reinsurance of
property and  casualty  risks  primarily  written by U.S.  insurance  companies.
Trenwick America Re includes reinsurance  business of Chartwell  Reinsurance and
its subsidiaries since its acquisition on October 27, 1999. Canterbury Financial
Group   underwrites   specialty   insurance  in  the  United  States.   Trenwick
International   provides   specialty   insurance  and  treaty  and   facultative
reinsurance on a world-wide basis. CMA manages  Trenwick's  participation in the
Lloyd's market.
                                      -30-
<PAGE>


The summary financial results for Trenwick's operating segments for the year
ended December 31, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     (in thousands)                                                      1999                1998                1997
                                                                      ----------           ---------           ---------
<S>                              <C>                                     <C>               <C>                 <C>
Net premiums earned              Trenwick America Re                     166,906           $ 174,443           $ 190,156
                                 Canterbury Financial Group               10,343                  --                  --
                                 Trenwick International                  107,911              71,118                  --
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents                39,954                  --                  --
                                                                      ----------           ---------           ---------
                                                                         325,114             245,561             190,156

Net investment income            Trenwick America Re                      49,315              44,490              43,692
                                 Canterbury Financial Group                1,722                  --                  --
                                 Trenwick International                   11,253              10,614                  --
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents                 3,845                  --                  --
                                 Unallocated                                 259               1,212               4,710
                                                                       ----------           ---------           ---------
                                                                         66,394              56,316              48,402

Net realized investment          Trenwick America Re                         962               6,444               2,304
     gains (losses)              Canterbury Financial Group                    8                  --                  --
                                 Trenwick International                    1,098               1,794                  --
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents                  (152)                 --                  --
                                 Unallocated                                  --                 778                  --
                                                                      ----------           ---------           ---------
                                                                           1,916               9,016               2,304

Total revenues                   Trenwick America Re                     217,322             225,351             236,162
                                 Canterbury Financial Group               12,234                  --                  --
                                 Trenwick International                  120,028              83,961                  --
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents                44,233                  --                  --
                                 Unallocated                                 468               2,002               4,710
                                                                      ----------           ---------           ---------
                                                                         394,285             311,314             240,872

Underwriting profit (loss)       Trenwick America Re                     (39,118)             (3,167)              6,628
                                 Canterbury Financial Group                  974                  --                  --
                                 Trenwick International                  (10,946)             (2,432)                 --
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents               (13,817)                 --                  --
                                 Unallocated
                                                                              --                  --                  --
                                                                      ----------           ---------           ---------
                                                                         (62,907)             (5,599)              6,628

Interest expense and             Trenwick America Re                         112                   6                  --
     minority interest           Canterbury Financial Group                   76                  --                  --
                                 Trenwick International                    4,513               3,434                  --
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents
                                 Unallocated                              14,177              10,216               9,814
                                                                      ----------           ---------           ---------
                                                                          18,878              13,656               9,814

                                                                           4,369              44,320              52,644
                                                                           2,659                  --                  --
Income (loss) before income      Trenwick America Re                       1,171               6,977                  --
     taxes and extraordinary     Canterbury Financial Group               (9,537)                 --                  --
     item                        Trenwick International                  (19,882)             (8,260)             (5,114)
                                                                      ----------           ---------           ---------
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents               (21,220)             43,037              47,530
                                 Unallocated

</TABLE>


                                      -31-
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                                                            1999                1998                1997
                                                                       ----------          ----------          ----------
<S>                                                                     <C>                 <C>                    <C>
Income tax (benefit) expense     Trenwick America Re                       (3,104)              9,644              12,514
                                 Canterbury Financial Group                   979                  --                  --
                                 Trenwick International                       204               1,341                  --
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents                 (2,519)                 --                  --
                                 Unallocated                               (5,732)             (2,740)             (1,273)
                                                                       ----------          ----------          ----------
                                                                          (10,172)              8,245              11,241

Income (loss) before             Trenwick America Re                        7,473              34,676              40,130
     extraordinary item          Canterbury Financial Group                 1,680                  --                  --
                                 Trenwick International                       967               5,636                  --
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents                 (7,018)                 --                  --
                                 Unallocated                              (14,150)             (5,520)             (3,841)
                                                                       ----------          ----------          ----------
                                                                          (11,048)             34,792              36,289

Total investments                Trenwick America Re                    1,209,923             792,868
     and cash                    Canterbury Financial Group               104,216                  --
                                 Trenwick International                   215,846             211,599
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents                196,313                  --
                                 Unallocated                               23,561                 744
                                                                       ----------          ----------
                                                                        1,749,859           1,005,211

Total assets                     Trenwick America Re                    1,837,261           1,028,569
                                 Canterbury Financial Group               262,233                  --
                                 Trenwick International                   406,430             353,079
                                 Chartwell Managing Agents                533,455                  --
                                 Unallocated                              201,220              10,613
                                                                       ----------          ----------
                                                                        3,240,599           1,392,261
</TABLE>


Brokers and Ceding Companies

During   the   year   ended   December   31,   1999,    Trenwick    America   Re
received approximately  61% of its gross written premiums from three reinsurance
brokers of which AON Reinsurance  Agency  accounted for  approximately  37%, Guy
Carpenter  accounted  for  approximately  16%  and  E.W.  Blanch  accounted  for
approximately 8%. In 1998,  Trenwick America Re produced  approximately 37%, 10%
and 10% of its gross  written  premiums  from  three  reinsurance  brokers;  AON
Reinsurance Agency, Peglar and Associates,  Inc. and Willis Faber, respectively.
In 1997,  Trenwick  America Re produced  approximately  41%,  14% and 10% of its
gross written premiums from three reinsurance  brokers;  AON Reinsurance Agency,
Willis Faber, N.A. and G.J. Sullivan, respectively.

Two   reinsurance   brokers   accounted  for   approximately   13%  of  Trenwick
International's  1999 gross  written  premiums of which AON  Reinsurance  Agency
accounted for  approximately  8% and Alexander Forbes accounted for 5%. In 1998,
Nelson Hurst and AON Reinsurance  Agency accounted for approximately 15% and 12%
of gross written premiums, respectively.

Trenwick's  concentration of business in the U.S.  reinsurance  market through a
small number of sources is consistent with the concentration of the property and
casualty  broker  reinsurance  market,  in which a majority  of the  business is
written  through  the top  ten  largest  brokers  in the  reinsurance  industry.
Contrary  to  Trenwick  America  Re's  concentration,  Trenwick  International's
business  is  produced  from  a  variety  of  sources  including  insurance  and
reinsurance brokers.


                                      -32-
<PAGE>

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  1999,   Trenwick  America  Re  received
approximately  26% of its gross written  premiums from three ceding companies of
which Duncanson and Holt accounted for approximately 12%, American International
Group accounted for approximately 7% and CNA Insurance  Companies  accounted for
approximately 7%. In 1998,  Trenwick America Re produced  approximately 16%, 12%
and 10% of its gross written premiums from three ceding companies; Duncanson and
Holt, American  International Group and Fort Washington Holdings,  respectively.
In 1997,  Trenwick  America Re produced  approximately  11%,  11% and 10% of its
gross  written  premiums  from three ceding  companies;  American  International
Group,  Canal  Insurance  Company and  Travelers  Group.  No one ceding  company
accounted for more than 3% of Trenwick  International's gross written premium in
1999 and 1998.

Loss of all or a substantial  portion of the business  provided by these brokers
and ceding  companies  could have a material  adverse effect on the business and
operations  of Trenwick.  Trenwick does not believe,  however,  that the loss of
such  business  would have a  long-term  adverse  effect  because of  Trenwick's
competitive  position  within the  reinsurance  market and the  availability  of
business from other brokers and ceding companies.

Managing General Agencies

In 1999, Canterbury Financial Group wrote approximately 66% of its gross written
premiums through four managing general agents as follows: HDR Insurance Services
(23%), Florida Intracoastal  Underwriters,  Ltd. (19%), Inter-Reco,  Inc. (13%),
and  Professional  Insurance  Underwriters,   Inc.  (11%).  Loss  of  all  or  a
substantial  portion of the business provided by these managing general agencies
could have a material adverse effect on the business and operations of Trenwick.

Note 18
Unaudited
Quarterly
Financial Data


Summarized unaudited quarterly financial data is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               1999              1998              1997
                                                             --------           -------           ------
           <S>                              <C>              <C>                <C>               <C>
           Earned premiums                  December 31      $141,467           $63,612           $45,414
                                            September 30       58,608            65,161            43,723
                                            June 30            66,071            70,964            47,105
                                            March 31           58,968            45,824            53,914

           Net investment income            December 31        26,207            14,639            12,372
                                            September 30       13,047            14,317            12,178
                                            June 30            13,317            14,976            12,123
                                            March 31           13,823            12,384            11,729

           Net realized investment          December 31        (1,075)            7,572               388
           gains (losses)                   September 30          (38)              184                 -
                                            June 30               523               540                 1
                                            March 31            2,506               720             1,915

           Income (loss) before             December 31        (2,392)           11,329             9,122
           extraordinary item               September 30      (22,426)            5,243             8,773
                                            June 30             5,665             8,975             8,593
                                            March 31            8,105             9,245             9,801
<CAPTION>


           (in thousands except per share data)

                                                                1999              1998               1997
                                                               ------            ------             ------
           <S>                              <C>                 <C>                <C>                <C>
           Basic income (loss)              December 31          (.16)             1.03               .77
           before extraordinary item        September 30        (2.15)              .45               .74
           per share                        June 30               .54               .75               .72
                                            March 31              .75               .78               .90

           Diluted income (loss)            December 31          (.16)             1.02               .75
           before extraordinary item        September 30        (2.15)              .44               .73
           per share                        June 30               .53               .74               .71
                                            March 31              .74               .77               .81

</TABLE>


                                      -33-
<PAGE>


Amounts for 1999 reflect the results of Chartwell,  accounted for as a purchase,
from October 27,  1999,  the date of  acquisition.  Amounts for 1998 reflect the
results of Trenwick  International,  accounted for as a purchase,  from February
27, 1998, the date of acquisition. In the quarter ended March 31, 1997, Trenwick
had an extraordinary  loss on debt redemption of $1,037,000,  or $0.09 per basic
share, which was net of a $558,000 income tax benefit.

Note 19
Subsequent
Event

On March 1, 2000,  Chartwell Re Holdings  fully redeemed its 10.25% Senior Notes
due 2004 at a redemption price of 102.56% of par value. The net balance of these
notes as of December 31, 1999 was $40,075,000.








                                      -34-



<PAGE>


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Industry Overview

The trends  experienced by the property and casualty  insurance and  reinsurance
industry   during  the  past  five  years  continued  in  1999.  The  industry's
underwriting  margins continued to experience pressure due to highly competitive
conditions.   While  the  number  of  industry  participants  declined  further,
principally  because of industry  consolidation,  the  remaining  insurance  and
reinsurance industry  participants are larger and better capitalized.  Insurers'
and reinsurers' investment portfolios, which consist principally of fixed income
securities,  continued to  underperform  principally  due to low interest  rates
experienced  in recent years.  Operating cash flow declined as a result of lower
underwriting margins and continued deterioration in prior years' claim reserves.
There have recently been  indications of increases in insurance and  reinsurance
rates primarily  associated with international  property business;  however,  at
this time the  increases  reported are isolated and  sporadic,  and as such,  no
significant  improvement  in general  market  conditions is expected in the near
term.

Several years ago, in response to ongoing industry conditions, Trenwick embarked
on a strategy of  increasing  its size and the  diversity of its  insurance  and
reinsurance businesses in order to compete more effectively in the insurance and
reinsurance marketplace.

On October 27, 1999  Trenwick,  upon its merger with  Chartwell Re  Corporation,
became the  second-largest  independent  reinsurer  in the United  States on the
basis of surplus. The acquisition of Chartwell provided Trenwick with additional
cost-effective  means of augmenting  capital,  accelerating  premium  growth and
added structural  platforms for further  expansion.  The addition of Chartwell's
U.S.  reinsurance  business,   its  admitted  and  non-admitted  U.S.  insurance
companies  and its  operations  at  Lloyd's  continued  Trenwick's  strategy  of
entering new markets and product lines that began with Trenwick's acquisition of
Trenwick  International   (formerly  Sorema  U.K.  Limited)  in  1998.  Trenwick
International,  a London market  company,  underwrites  specialty  insurance and
treaty and facultative  reinsurance on a worldwide basis.  Trenwick expects that
the merger with  Chartwell  will produce  between $15 million and $25 million in
annual expense synergies in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

Trenwick's plan to diversify and broaden its markets continued with the December
19,  1999  announcement  by  Trenwick  and  LaSalle  Re  Holdings  Limited  of a
definitive  agreement to combine the two companies,  with  shareholders  of both
companies receiving shares in a new Bermuda holding company to be named Trenwick
Group Ltd. This transaction will create a new Bermuda-based global insurance and
reinsurance  underwriting  organization with an anticipated total capitalization
of approximately $1.1 billion. The new Trenwick is expected to have larger scale
and   stronger    competitive    capabilities   in   a   consolidating    global
insurance/reinsurance  market, add higher margin business to Trenwick's existing
mix, establish a stronger platform to enhance  shareholder  returns,  and expand
Trenwick's  management depth.  Trenwick anticipates that the combined enterprise
will have a strong presence in the three most significant  insurance  markets in
the world: the United States, London and Bermuda.

                                       1
<PAGE>

On a pro forma  basis,  Trenwick  would  have had assets of  approximately  $4.0
billion and shareholders' equity,  including minority interest, of approximately
$800 million as of December 31, 1999 and combined  1999 gross  written  premiums
for Trenwick,  Chartwell  and LaSalle of  approximately  $1.0  billion.  Premium
Trenwick's  gross and net premium  writings for its  domestic and  international
operations were as follows:


                                      1999              1998            1997
                                  ------------     -------------   -------------
Gross Premiums Written
     Trenwick America Re            $210,9211         $218,249        $248,662
     Trenwick International           171,698          105,114               -
     Chartwell Managing Agents        84,8343                -               -
     Canterbury Financial             38,0884                -               -
                                  =============    =============   =============
     Total                           $505,541         $323,363        $248,662
                                  =============    =============   =============

Net Premiums Written
     Trenwick America Re            $155,108(1)       $169,112        $195,230
     Trenwick International          129,399            81,107(2)            -
     Chartwell Managing Agents        64,462(3)              -               -
     Canterbury Financial              5,641(4)              -               -
                                  ==============   =============   =============
     Total                          $354,610          $250,219        $195,230
                                  ==============   =============   =============

(1) Includes reinsurance business of Chartwell  Reinsurance and its subsidiaries
since its  acquisition  on October 27, 1999.
(2) Includes Trenwick  International  business since its acquisition on February
27, 1998.
(3) Includes Chartwell Managing Agents business since its acquisition on October
27, 1999.
(4) Includes Canterbury  Financial business since its acquisition on October 27,
1999.

In 1999,  Trenwick  reported  net  premiums  written  of $354.6  million,  a 42%
increase  compared  to $250.2  million  in 1998.  Net  premiums  written in 1998
increased 28% compared to 1997.  Trenwick's  domestic net  reinsurance  premiums
written  decreased 8% in 1999 over 1998  compared to a 13% decrease in 1998 over
1997.


                                       2
<PAGE>

The decline in Trenwick's  domestic  reinsurance premium volume in 1999 and 1998
is primarily  attributable to a decline in net casualty  premium writings of 2%.
This decline  reflects  Trenwick  America Re's  withdrawal  from  accounts  when
pricing fell below what it believed to be acceptable rate levels. The decline in
net premiums  written was  magnified  by  Trenwick's  decision to buy  increased
reinsurance  protection in 1999,  1998 and 1997 at more favorable  terms than in
prior years.  Competition  among primary companies also caused cedants to reduce
their own premium writings or restructure their reinsurance  programs,  reducing
the amount of reinsurance they purchase. As a result of consolidation within the
industry,  many  ceding  companies  are now  larger  and  financially  stronger,
enabling them to retain more risk.

Trenwick  International  reported net premiums written of $129.4 million for the
year ended  December 31, 1999 compared to net premiums  written of $81.1 for the
post-acquisition  period ended December 31, 1998.  Trenwick  International's net
premium  writings  for the  full  year  1998  were  $100.8  million.  While  the
international  business is also highly competitive,  growth in this business has
occurred  as a result of  emerging  pockets  of  opportunity  and as a result of
Trenwick  International's  expansion  into  new  geographic  markets  previously
limited by its former parent.

During the period from October 28, 1999 to December 31, 1999, Chartwell Managing
Agents' syndicates reported net premiums written of $64.5 million. Including the
period prior to Chartwell  Managing Agents'  acquisition by Trenwick,  Chartwell
Managing Agents' syndicates  reported net premiums written of $190.4 million for
the year ended  December  31,  1999  compared to net  premiums  written of $64.9
million for the prior year. Prior to its acquisition by Trenwick,  Chartwell had
increased  significantly  the amount of capacity  it supplied to the  syndicates
managed by Chartwell Managing Agents,  resulting in the aforementioned  increase
in  premium  writings.  During  1999,  Trenwick  supplied  45.8% of the  overall
syndicate capacity for Chartwell Managing Agents.


                                       3
<PAGE>

From October 28, 1999 to December 31, 1999,  Canterbury  Financial  reported net
premiums  written of $5.6 million.  For the year ended December 31, 1999,  which
includes  the period  before  Canterbury  Financial  was  acquired by  Trenwick,
Canterbury  Financial reported net premiums of $43.8 million, a 7% decrease over
the year ended December 31, 1998. The decrease in net premium writings  resulted
principally from changes in certain reinsurance programs,  increasing the amount
of reinsurance purchased in 1999.

Operating Ratios
The following  table sets forth  Trenwick's  combined  ratios and its components
calculated on a GAAP basis for the periods indicated:

                            Claims
                            and       Policy       Under-
                            Claims   Acquisition   writing    Total
                            Expense    Expense     Expense    Expense
                            Ratio       Ratio      Ratio      Ratio     Combined
                           -------- ------------  --------   --------  ---------
1999

Trenwick America Re1          78.3%      36.9%       8.3%      45.2%      123.5%

Trenwick International        74.9%      21.0%      14.2%      35.2%      110.1%

Canterbury Financial2         55.7%       8.9%      26.0%      34.9%       90.6%

Chartwell Managing Agents(3)  93.4%      27.3%      13.9%      41.2%      134.6%

Trenwick Group                78.3%      29.6%      11.5%      41.1%      119.4%


1998

Trenwick America Re           60.5%      33.4%       7.9%      41.3%      101.8%

Trenwick International        67.0%      22.3%      14.1%      36.4%      103.4%

Trenwick Group                62.4%      30.2%       9.7%      39.9%      102.3%


1997

Trenwick America Re           57.6%      30.8%       8.1%      38.9%       96.5%

Trenwick Group                57.6%      30.8%       8.1%      38.9%       96.5%

- - ----------------------------------------
(1) Includes  reinsurance business of Chartwell Reinsurance and its subsidiaries
since its  acquisition  on  October  27,  1999
(2) Includes Canterbury  Financial business since its acquisition on October 27,
1999 3 Includes  Chartwell  Managing  Agents  business since its  acquisition on
October 27, 1999


                                       4

<PAGE>


The combined ratio is one means of measuring the profitability of a property and
casualty  insurance  or  reinsurance   company.   The  combined  ratio  reflects
underwriting  experience,  but does  not  reflect  income  from  investments  or
provisions for income taxes.  A combined  ratio below 100% indicates  profitable
underwriting,  and  a  combined  ratio  exceeding  100%  indicates  unprofitable
underwriting.   Although  an  insurer  or   reinsurer   may  have   unprofitable
underwriting   results,  the  reinsurer  may  still  be  profitable  because  of
investment income earned on its accumulated invested assets.

The most  significant  underwriting  cost  affecting an insurance or reinsurance
company's  underwriting  result is  represented by its claims and claims expense
ratio,  which is the ratio of incurred claims and claims adjustment  expenses to
net  earned  premiums.  The claims and  claims  expense  ratio is a function  of
estimates of claims  associated with business  written in the current period and
changes in estimates of claims on business written in prior periods.

Trenwick's claims and claims expense ratio increased from 62.4% in 1998 to 78.3%
in 1999.  Trenwick's claims and claims expense ratio deteriorated in 1999 due to
the effects of property  catastrophe  claims of approximately  $12.9 million and
adverse  development  of prior year  reserves  for claims and claims  expense of
approximately $14.6 million.

Trenwick America Re's claims and claims expense ratio was 78.3% in 1999 compared
to 60.5% in 1998 and 57.6% in 1997. The increase in Trenwick America Re's claims
and claims  expense ratio in 1999 is primarily  due to the reasons  described in
the paragraph above.


                                       5
<PAGE>

Trenwick  International's  claims  and  claims  expense  ratio was 74.9% in 1999
compared to 67.0% in 1998. The increase was due primarily to catastrophe  losses
associated  with the European  winter storms that occurred in the fourth quarter
of 1999.

Trenwick's  expense ratio,  which is the ratio of policy  acquisition  costs and
underwriting  expenses to net earned  premiums as determined in accordance  with
GAAP, increased in 1999 to 41.1% compared to 39.9% in 1998 and 38.9% in 1997. As
was the case in 1998,  the overall  increase in the expense ratio  reflected the
continued increase in costs associated with Trenwick America Re. During 1999 and
1998, insurance companies continued to increase commissions on business ceded to
reinsurers.  The increase  associated  with  domestic  reinsurance  business was
partially  offset by a reduction in Trenwick  International's  expense ratio and
the inclusion of  Canterbury  Financial  and  Chartwell  Managing  Agents in the
fourth quarter of 1999 whose underwriting  results, in aggregate,  carry a lower
expense ratio.  Trenwick's domestic  reinsurance expense ratio in 1999 was 45.2%
compared to 41.3% in 1998 and 38.9% in 1997.
Trenwick  International's  expense  ratio was 35.2% in 1999 compared to 36.4% in
1998.

Trenwick  America Re's statutory  combined  ratios for 1999,  1998 and 1997 were
165.5%,  102.3% and 95.9%  respectively.  Trenwick  America Re's 1999  statutory
combined  ratio  includes the results of  Chartwell  Reinsurance  Company,  both
before and after its  acquisition by Trenwick.  Trenwick  America Re's statutory
combined ratios were 50.9 percentage  points worse, 2.2 percentage points better
and 6.8  percentage  points  better,  respectively,  than the  weighted  average
statutory  combined  ratios for all  reinsurance  companies which reported their
results to the Reinsurance  Association of America ("RAA") in those periods. The
statutory combined ratios for this group of reinsurance  companies in 1999, 1998
and 1997 were 114.6%,  104.5% and 102.7%,  respectively.  The statutory combined
ratios as reported to the RAA by those companies, including Trenwick America Re,
which  primarily  accept  business  from brokers,  for 1999,  1998 and 1997 were
112.3%, 106.2% 104.6%, respectively.

                                       6
<PAGE>


Consolidated Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 1999 Compared With Year Ended December 31, 1998

Revenues
Total revenues for the year ended  December 31, 1999  increased  26.7% to $394.3
million,  compared to $311.3 million for the comparable period in 1998. Included
in  Trenwick's  consolidated  results  of  operations  for 1999 are  Chartwell's
operating results since its merger with Trenwick on October 27, 1999.


Net Premiums Earned

Net Premiums  earned for the year ended  December 31, 1999 were $325.1  million,
compared to $245.6 million in 1998, a 32.4% increase compared to the same period
in 1998. This increase reflects the inclusion of Chartwell's  business since its
acquisition  on October 27, 1999 and an  increase  in business  underwritten  by
Trenwick International,  offset in part by a decline in business underwritten by
Trenwick America Re.


Net Investment Income

Trenwick's  net  investment  income was $66.4  million in 1999 compared to $56.3
million in 1998. The overall increase in investment income in 1999 is due to the
continued growth in Trenwick's  invested asset base resulting primarily from the
acquisition of Chartwell's business,  offset by decreases resulting from funding
requirements  for the repurchase of Trenwick's  common stock,  reduced  business
written by Trenwick  America Re and lower interest rates on the  reinvestment of
securities at maturity.  Pre-tax yields on Trenwick's invested assets, excluding
equity  securities,  were 6.2% in 1999 compared to 6.4% in 1998. This decline in
1999 resulted primarily from the reinvestment of approximately $397.2 million of
maturing securities at lower yields. In 1999, maturing securities included $24.6
million  of  principal  repayments   associated  with  Trenwick's  portfolio  of
mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities,  compared to $32.0 million in 1998.
Principal  repayments  decreased in 1999 due to the  increase in interest  rates
from 1998.

                                       7
<PAGE>


Net Realized Investment Gains

Trenwick  realized  net  investment  gains of $1.9 million or $.16 per basic and
diluted  share for 1999  compared to $9.0  million or $.77 per basic and diluted
share for the same  period in 1998.  Included  in 1999 net  realized  investment
gains were $5.2 million of losses  related to the  write-down to net  realizable
value of certain  debt  securities  in  Trenwick's  portfolio.

Other Income and Equity  Earnings of  Investees
For the years ended  December 31, 1999 and 1998 other income was $.7 million and
$.4 million, respectively,  which consisted of foreign transaction gains. Equity
earnings of investees was $.2 million in 1999.


Claims and Claims Expenses Incurred

Trenwick's  principal expense,  claims and claims expenses incurred,  was $254.5
million for the year ended  December  31,  1999,  a 66.2%  increase  compared to
$153.1  million for the  comparable  period in 1998. The increase is principally
attributable  to an  increase  in premium  volume  following  the  inclusion  of
Chartwell's  business  since its  acquisition  on October 27, 1999. In addition,
claims and claims  expense  increased  as a result of  increases in estimates of
prior  accident  year claims of $14.6  million in 1999 and claims  arising  from
catastrophe losses in 1999 of $12.9 million.




                                       8
<PAGE>

Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy  acquisition  costs,  which vary directly with premium volume and consist
primarily of commissions  paid to ceding companies and agents and brokerage fees
paid to  intermediaries,  less  commissions  received on business ceded to other
reinsurers, were $96.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, compared to
$74.2 million for the same period in 1998. Policy acquisition costs expressed as
a percentage of net earned premiums (the acquisition  ratio) decreased  slightly
to 29.6% in 1999 from 30.2% in 1998.

Underwriting Expenses

In 1999,  Trenwick recorded  underwriting  expenses of $37.4 million compared to
$23.8 million in 1998. The reason for the increase in underwriting  expenses was
due to the inclusion of Chartwell's  business  since its  acquisition on October
27,  1999  and  certain  non-recurring   expenses,   including  severance  costs
associated with the acquisition of Chartwell.  As a result, Trenwick recorded an
underwriting  loss, which is net earned premiums less claims and claims expenses
incurred,  policy acquisition costs and underwriting  expenses, of $62.9 million
in 1999 compared to an underwriting loss of $5.6 million in 1998.

Other Expenses

Other expenses,  which include  amortization of goodwill and other  intangibles,
general and administrative  expenses,  interest expense and minority interest in
subsidiary  trust  were  $27.5  million  for the year ended  December  31,  1999
compared to $17.2 million for the same period in 1998. The increase reflects the
addition of goodwill and  increases in general and  administrative  expenses and
interest expense in conjunction with the acquisition of Chartwell.


                                       9

<PAGE>


Income Before Income Taxes
Trenwick  incurred a net loss before  income taxes of $21.2 million for the year
ended  December  31, 1999  compared to net income of $43.0  million for the same
period in 1998. The net loss occurred for the reasons described above.

Income Taxes

The income tax benefit for the year ended  December  31, 1999 was $10.2  million
compared  with a provision  for income taxes of $8.2 million for the same period
in 1998.  The effective tax rate was   48% and 19% for the years ended  December
31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.  The main reason for the increase in Trenwick's
effective  tax  rate  above  the  statutory  rate  of 35% in 1999  was the  loss
experienced  by Trenwick in 1999,  which  limited the benefits  recognizable  on
investments in tax-exempt securities.  The principal factor in the decline below
the  statutory  rate of 35% for 1998  results  from the  benefit  recognized  on
investments in tax-exempt securities.

As of December 31, 1999,  Trenwick has U.S. net operating loss  carryforwards of
$53.2 million  available to offset future regular  taxable income until 2019. Of
the total net operating  loss  carryforward,  $15.7 million was generated by The
Insurance  Corporation of New York prior to its acquisition by Chartwell in 1995
and is limited by Section 382 of the Internal  Revenue Code to an annual  amount
of $3.5 million to offset future taxable income each year.

During 1999,  Trenwick recorded a valuation allowance of $24.0 million to reduce
its deferred tax asset. The valuation  allowance is necessary because sufficient
uncertainty  exists  regarding the  realizability of certain foreign tax credits
and other  deferred  tax  assets  related  to the  excess  tax basis of  foreign
subsidiaries.  Any reduction in the valuation  allowance  will be offset against
goodwill.

                                       10
<PAGE>


Net Income

Trenwick  incurred a net loss of $11.0  million for the year ended  December 31,
1999 compared with a net profit of $34.8 million for the comparable 1998 period.
The basic  loss per  share  was $.94 for the year  ended  December  31,  1999 as
compared to basic net income of $2.99 per share for the same period in 1998. The
diluted  loss per share was $.94 per share  compared  to  diluted  net income of
$2.95 per share for the year ended December 31, 1998.

Year Ended December 31, 1998 Compared With Year Ended December 31, 1997

Revenues

Total revenues for the year ended  December 31, 1998  increased  29.2% to $311.3
million,  compared to $240.9 million for the comparable period in 1997. Included
in  Trenwick's   consolidated  results  of  operations  for  1998  are  Trenwick
International's operating results since its acquisition on February 27, 1998.



                                       11
<PAGE>


Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums  earned for the year ended  December 31, 1998 were $245.6  million,
compared to $190.2 million in 1997, a 29.1% increase compared to the same period
in 1997.  This  increase  reflects  the  inclusion  of Trenwick  International's
business since its acquisition on February 27, 1998.


Net Investment Income

Trenwick's  net  investment  income was $56.3  million in 1998 compared to $48.4
million in 1997.  The overall  increase in investment  income in 1998 was due to
the continued growth in Trenwick's  invested asset base resulting primarily from
the  acquisition  of Trenwick  International  offset in part by the  decrease in
Trenwick  America Re's invested asset base resulting from sales of approximately
$88.1 million of securities to fund the  acquisition  of Trenwick  International
and the  repurchase of  Trenwick's  common  stock.  Trenwick's  pre-tax yield on
invested assets,  excluding equity securities,  was 6.4% in 1998, unchanged from
1997.

Net Realized Investment Gains

Trenwick  realized  net  investment  gains of $9.0 million or $.77 per basic and
diluted share for 1998 compared to $2.3 million or $.20 per basic share and $.19
per diluted share for the same period in 1997.

Other Income

Other income was $.4 million for the year ended  December  31, 1998  compared to
$.01 million for the same period in 1997. This increase was due to the inclusion
of Trenwick International's foreign transaction gains and losses.


                                       12
<PAGE>



Claims and Claims Expenses Incurred

Trenwick's  principal  expense,  claims and claims expenses  incurred was $153.1
million for the year ended  December  31,  1998,  a 39.7%  increase  compared to
$109.6 million for the comparable  period in 1997. The increase was  principally
attributable  to  the  increase  in  premiums  written  by  Trenwick  due to the
inclusion of Trenwick International's underwriting results since its acquisition
on February 27, 1998.

Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy  acquisition  costs,  which vary directly with premium volume and consist
primarily of commissions  paid to ceding companies and agents and brokerage fees
paid to  intermediaries,  less  commissions  received on business ceded to other
reinsurers, were $74.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1998, compared to
$58.5 million for the same period in 1997. Policy acquisition costs expressed as
a percentage of net earned premiums (the  acquisition  expense ratio)  decreased
slightly to 30.2% in 1998 from 30.8% in 1997.

Underwriting Expenses
In 1998,  Trenwick recorded  underwriting  expenses of $23.8 million compared to
underwriting  expenses of $15.4 million in 1997.  The reason for the increase in
underwriting  expenses was due to the inclusion of higher  expenses  relating to
the business of Trenwick  International  since its  acquisition  on February 27,
1998. As a result,  Trenwick recorded an underwriting  loss, which is net earned
premiums less claims and claims expenses incurred,  policy acquisition costs and
underwriting  expenses,  of $5.6  million in 1998  compared  to an  underwriting
profit of $6.6 million in 1997.





                                       13

<PAGE>

Other Expenses
Other expenses related to underwriting operations, which include amortization of
goodwill,  general and  administrative  expenses,  interest expense and minority
interest in subsidiary  trust were $17.2 million for the year ended December 31,
1998  compared  to $9.8  million  for the  same  period  in 1997.  The  increase
reflected the addition of interest  expense  associated with the issuance of $75
million  in Senior  Notes on March 27,  1998 and a  reclassification  of certain
expenses as general and administrative  expenses in 1998, which were reported in
underwriting in 1997.

Income Before Income Taxes and Extraordinary Item Net income before income taxes
decreased  to $43.0  million for the year ended  December  31, 1998  compared to
$47.5 million for the same period in 1997. The decrease resulted  primarily from
after-tax charges of $5.7 million associated with catastrophe losses,  including
Hurricanes Mitch and Georges. There were no material catastrophe losses included
in the results for 1997.

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 1998 decreased to
$8.2  million  compared  with $11.2  million  for the same  period in 1997.  The
effective  tax rate was 19% and 24% for the years  ended  December  31, 1998 and
1997, respectively. The principal factor in the decline below the statutory rate
of 35% for both periods  resulted from the benefit  recognized on investments in
tax-exempt securities.


                                       14
<PAGE>

Extraordinary Loss
Trenwick incurred an extraordinary loss, net of the related tax benefit, of $1.0
million in 1997 in connection with the redemption of outstanding debt.

Net Income
Trenwick  realized a net profit of $34.8 million for the year ended December 31,
1998 compared with a net profit of $35.3 million for the comparable 1997 period.
Basic  earnings per share  decreased  1.3% to $2.99 per share for the year ended
December 31, 1998 from $3.03 per share for the same period in 1997.  Diluted net
income per share  decreased 2.0% to $2.95 per share from $3.01 per share for the
year ended December 31, 1998.

Investments
Trenwick's investment objective is to fund policyholder and other liabilities in
a  manner  that  enhances   shareholder  value,   subject  to  appropriate  risk
constraints.  Trenwick seeks to meet this investment  objective through a mix of
investments  that reflect the  characteristics  of the liabilities they support;
diversify the types of investment risks by interest rate, liquidity,  credit and
equity  price risk;  and  achieve  asset  diversification  by  investment  type,
industry,  issuer and geographic location.  Trenwick regularly projects duration
and  cash  flow   characteristics  of  its  liabilities  and  makes  appropriate
adjustments in its  investment  portfolios.  At December 31, 1999,  Trenwick had
investments,  cash and cash  equivalents  of $1.7 billion,  an increase of 74.0%
compared to investments,  cash and cash  equivalents of $1.0 billion at December
31, 1998. This increase resulted principally from the acquisition of Chartwell's
invested asset base. All debt and equity investments are classified as available
for sale and  reported at fair value with the  unrealized  gain or loss,  net of
income taxes,  reported in other comprehensive  income.  During 1999, the market
value of Trenwick's debt and equity investments  decreased by $41.7 million as a
result  of an  overall  increase  in  interest  rates,  the  effect of which was
amplified by the increase in 1999 of the size of Trenwick's asset base.


                                       15
<PAGE>

During 1999,  the proceeds from sales and  maturities of taxable and  tax-exempt
securities of $769.4  million were invested by Trenwick  America Re primarily in
tax-exempt   securities   in  the  amount  of  $69.6  million  and  by  Trenwick
International in debt securities issued by the British  Government in the amount
of $138.2  million.  Trenwick also purchased  mortgage-backed  and  asset-backed
securities in the amount of $6.6 million,  U.S. government and agency securities
of $31.4 million,  securities of other governments of $60.6 million,  investment
grade  corporate  bonds of $44.7 million and high yield corporate bonds of $29.2
million. In addition, Trenwick purchased and disposed of certificates of deposit
in the amount of $261.6  million  during 1999.  Also in 1999,  $29.7  million of
equities were purchased.

Trenwick's debt securities  consisted  primarily of investment grade securities,
with 79% having a quality  rating of Aa or better at  December  31,  1999.  High
yield,  or  non-investment  grade  debt  securities  carry  a  rating  of  below
BBB-/Baa3.  These securities,  along with unrated  securities,  represented less
than 2% of the  portfolio  at  December  31,  1999 and .5% of the  portfolio  at
December 31, 1998.

The average  maturity of Trenwick's debt securities at December 31, 1999 was 6.8
years  compared to 5.7 years at December  31, 1998 and 6.2 years at December 31,
1997.   The   shortening   during  1998   reflected  the  addition  of  Trenwick
International's  portfolio  which  had a  much  shorter  average  maturity.  The
lengthening  during 1999 reflects the longer  average  maturity of the Chartwell
portfolio along with the 1999 duration  extension of the Trenwick  International
portfolio.



                                       16
<PAGE>

Trenwick has not invested in derivative  financial  instruments such as futures,
forward  contacts,  swaps,  options or other financial  instruments with similar
characteristics  such as  interest  rate  caps or  floors  and  fixed-rate  loan
commitments. Trenwick's portfolio includes market sensitive instruments, such as
mortgage-backed  and  asset-backed  securities,  which amounted to approximately
$288.5 million at December 31, 1999 or 16.5% of cash and invested assets.  These
investments  are  classified  as available for sale and are not held for trading
purposes.  There are various  categories  of  mortgage-backed  and  asset-backed
securities  that are  subject  to  different  degrees  of risk from  changes  in
interest rates and, for those  mortgage-backed and asset-backed  securities that
are   not   agency-backed,   defaults.   Approximately   60.6%   of   Trenwick's
mortgage-backed  and asset-backed  securities holdings were backed by government
agencies,  such as GNMA,  FNMA and  FHLMC,  at  December  31,  1999 and 45.8% at
December 31, 1998. The principal risks inherent in holding  mortgage-backed  and
asset-backed  securities are prepayment and extension  risks related to dramatic
decreases  and  increases  in interest  rates,  resulting  in the  repayment  of
principal from the underlying  mortgages either earlier or later than originally
anticipated.   At  December   31,   1999,   approximately   .3%  of   Trenwick's
mortgage-backed   and   asset-backed   securities   holdings  were  invested  in
mortgage-backed and asset-backed  securities that are subject to more prepayment
and extension risk (such as interest- or principal-only strips) than traditional
mortgage-backed  and  asset-backed  securities.  At December 31,  1998,  no such
securities were held.


                                       17
<PAGE>

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows
Trenwick is a holding company whose principal  assets are its investments in the
common stock of its operating  subsidiaries.  As a holding  company,  Trenwick's
principal  source of funds  consists of  permissible  dividends,  tax allocation
payments  and  other  statutorily   permissible   payments  from  its  operating
subsidiaries  together  with  income  on  the  holding  company's   fixed-income
portfolio.  Trenwick's principal uses of cash are dividends to its stockholders,
servicing its debt  obligations and repurchases of its own common stock when the
pricing is  attractive.  Trenwick's  operating  subsidiaries  receive  cash from
premiums,  investment income and proceeds from sales and maturities of portfolio
investments.  They utilize cash to pay claims,  purchase  their own  reinsurance
protections,  meet operating and capital expenses and purchase  fixed-income and
equity securities.

Cash used in Trenwick's  operating activities in 1999 was $52.3 million compared
to cash provided by Trenwick's operating activities of $37.9 million in 1998 and
$47 million in 1997. The reduction in cash flow from  operations in 1999 was due
primarily  to a  cash  payment  of $56  million  in  premium  payments  for  the
reinsurance  policy which provides  protection  against  adverse  development of
Chartwell's  reserves  following  its  acquisition  by  Trenwick  and an overall
increase in claims and claims expenses paid.

In 1999, cash used for financing  activities was $24.4 million  compared to cash
provided  by  financing  activities  of  $29.0  million  in 1998.  Cash  used by
financing  activities in 1999 includes the repayment of long-term  debt of $48.4
million and the  repurchase  of common stock of $44.6  million,  offset by $94.5
million of borrowings under a credit facility established in 1999. Cash provided
by  financing  activities  in 1998  included  proceeds  from the issuance of $75
million  principal  amount of 6.70% senior notes partially offset by repurchases
of common stock of  approximately  $34.9  million.  Included in cash provided by
financing  activities  in  1997  was  $110  million  from  the  issuance  of the
Subordinated  Capital Income  Securities,  partially offset by the redemption of
convertible debt of approximately $47 million.




                                       18
<PAGE>

Trenwick's  current  liquidity  objectives  are to maximize the use of available
cash to fund ongoing operating needs, pay shareholder  dividends,  strategically
invest in core businesses and meet common stock  repurchase  objectives.  During
1999, net cash generated from investing,  financing and operating activities was
used to pay $44.6 million for common stock  repurchases and pay $12.8 million of
dividends to shareholders.  In 1998, net cash generated by investing,  financing
and  operating  activities  was  used to pay  $34.9  million  for  common  stock
repurchases and pay $11.7 million of dividends to shareholders.

Dividends
Trenwick paid a quarterly dividend of $.26 per share of common stock in 1999 and
$.25 per share of common stock in 1998.  Trenwick's  Board of Directors  reviews
Trenwick's common stock dividend each quarter.  Among the factors  considered by
the Board of Directors in determining the amount of each dividend are Trenwick's
results  of  operations   and  the  capital   requirements,   growth  and  other
characteristics of its businesses.

Financings, Financing Capacity and Capitalization
Substantially all of Trenwick's  borrowings and financings are conducted through
Trenwick  Group Inc.  Trenwick  continually  monitors  existing and  alternative
financing sources to support Trenwick's capital and liquidity needs,  including,
but  not  limited  to,  debt  issuance,  preferred  or  common  stock  issuance,
intercompany borrowings and pledging or selling of assets. Trenwick's total debt
to capital  ratio  (total debt divided by total debt and  shareholders'  equity,
adjusted  for  unrealized  gains  or  losses  on  available-for-sale  investment
securities)  was 43% at the end of  1999,  36% at the end of 1998 and 25% at the
end of 1997. The increases in 1999 and 1998 primarily  reflect the incurrence of
indebtedness in connection with the  acquisition of Trenwick  International  and
the assumption of indebtedness in connection with the Chartwell acquisition.


                                       19
<PAGE>

On November 24, 1999 Trenwick  entered into a $400 million credit agreement with
various lending institutions, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
First Union  National Bank, as  Syndication  Agent,  and Fleet National Bank, as
Documentation  Agent. This new credit facility provides for a $170 million,  364
day revolving  credit facility with an option to pay out outstanding  borrowings
under such facility over the four years  following the expiration of the 364 day
period. In addition,  the credit facility provides for a $230 million five year,
Lloyd's letter of credit facility, with a one year automatic renewal option. The
applicable  interest rate on borrowings  under the credit  facility is currently
1.3% above the London  Interbank  Offered Rate or The Chase Manhattan Bank prime
commercial lending rate. The credit facility's  representations,  warranties and
covenants  are typical  for  transactions  of this type and include  limitations
based upon Trenwick's leverage ratio,  interest coverage ratio, combined surplus
and  risk-based  capital.  Trenwick  and the banks party to the credit  facility
executed an  amendment  to the credit  facility,  dated as of December 31, 1999,
reducing the required minimum  consolidated  tangible net worth of Trenwick from
$325 million to $290 million until June 30, 2000.

In  addition  to the credit  facility,  Trenwick  has  outstanding  $75  million
aggregate  principal amount of 6.70% Senior Notes,  which are due April 1, 2003.
Interest  is  payable  semi-annually  on  April 1 and  October  1 of each  year;
interest  payments  commenced  on October 1, 1998.  The notes are not subject to
redemption prior to maturity.  They are unsecured obligations and rank senior in
right of  payment  to all  existing  and  future  subordinated  indebtedness  of
Trenwick.

                                       20

<PAGE>


Trenwick's  long-term debt  obligations  also include 8.82% Junior  Subordinated
Deferable Interest Debentures held by Trenwick Capital Trust I in respect of the
$110  million in 8.82%  Subordinated  Capital  Income  Securities  issued by the
Trust.  Under the  terms of the  debentures,  Trenwick  is not  restricted  from
incurring indebtedness, but is subject to limits on its ability to incur secured
indebtedness for borrowed money.

Upon  consummation of the acquisition of Chartwell in 1999,  Trenwick became the
successor obligor under Chartwell's Contingent Interest Notes due June 30, 2006.
The Contingent Interest Notes were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $1
million, which accrues interest at a rate of 8% per annum,  compounded annually.
The  interest is not payable  until the  maturity or earlier  redemption  of the
Contingent  Interest Notes. In addition,  the Contingent  Interest Notes entitle
their holders to receive at maturity,  in proportion to the principal  amount of
the Contingent  Interest Notes held by them, an aggregate of from $10 million up
to $55 million in contingent interest. The amount of contingent interest payable
under the Contingent Interest Notes is dependent upon the level of loss and loss
adjustment  expense  reserves  related to business  written by INSCORP  prior to
1996. Settlement of the Contingent Interest Notes may be made by payment of cash
or, under  certain  specified  conditions,  by delivery of shares of  Trenwick's
common stock.



                                       21
<PAGE>

Trenwick also assumed  Chartwell's 10.25% Senior Notes due 2004 upon the closing
of the  acquisition.  As of December 31, 1999, $40.1 million in principal amount
of the Senior Notes were  outstanding.  On March 1, 2000,  Trenwick redeemed the
remaining  outstanding  Senior Notes at a redemption price of 102.56% of the par
value of the Notes.


Common Stock Transactions
In May 1997,  Trenwick's  Board of Directors  authorized  the  repurchase of one
million shares of common stock.  In September 1998,  August 1999,  November 1999
and December 1999 the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of additional
shares,  increasing  the total number of shares of common  stock which  Trenwick
could  purchase  under the stock  repurchase  program to 4.6 million at purchase
prices not to exceed  Trenwick's book value.  Under the stock  repurchase  plan,
Trenwick repurchased 2,176,200 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately
$46.6 million in 1999 and an additional 829,300 shares of common stock at a cost
of  approximately  $13.7 million in January of 2000. Since May 1997 Trenwick has
purchased  an  aggregate  of  3,276,700  shares  of  common  stock  at a cost of
approximately $81.9 million under its stock repurchase program.

Trenwick issued 65,985 shares of common stock in 1999, 82,889 shares in 1998 and
9,782 shares in 1997 pursuant to employee benefit plans.



                                       22
<PAGE>


Restrictions on Certain Payments within Trenwick
Because Trenwick's operations are conducted through its operating  subsidiaries,
Trenwick is dependent upon the ability of its operating subsidiaries to transfer
funds,  principally in the form of cash dividends,  tax reimbursements and other
statutorily  permissible  payments. In addition to general legal restrictions on
payments of dividends and other distributions to shareholders  applicable to all
corporations,   Trenwick's   insurance   subsidiaries  are  subject  to  further
regulations that, among other things, restrict the amount of dividends and other
distributions that may be paid to their parent corporations. Management believes
that current levels of cash flow from  operations and assets held at the holding
company  level,  together with approval of one or more  extraordinary  dividends
from Trenwick's  operating  subsidiaries,  will provide Trenwick with sufficient
liquidity  to meet its  operating  needs in the  short  term  (over  the next 12
months).  Since the ability of Trenwick to meet its obligations in the long term
(beyond such 12-month  period) is dependent upon such factors as market changes,
insurance regulatory changes and economic conditions,  no assurance can be given
that the available net cash flow will be sufficient to meet its operating needs.
Trenwick  expects  that,  in order to repay  the  principal  amount  of  certain
currently outstanding indebtedness at maturity or otherwise, it will be required
to seek additional  financing or engage in asset sales or similar  transactions.
There  can be no  assurance  that  sufficient  funds  for  any of the  foregoing
purposes would be available to Trenwick at such time.

Under the  applicable  provisions of the insurance  holding  company laws of the
states of domicile of most of Trenwick's U.S. insurance companies, the insurance
companies may only pay dividends  without the approval of the  applicable  state
insurance regulator if such dividends, together with other dividends paid within
the  preceding  twelve  months,  are  less  than the  greater  of (i) 10% of the
insurer's  policyholders'  surplus as of the end of the prior  calendar  year or
(ii) the insurer's  statutory net income,  excluding realized capital gains, for
the  prior  calendar  year.  As a further  restriction,  the  maximum  amount of
dividends  most U.S.  insurers  may pay is limited to its earned  surplus,  also
known as its unassigned  funds. Any dividend in excess of the amount  determined
pursuant to the foregoing  formula would be characterized  as an  "extraordinary
dividend" requiring the prior approval of the state insurance regulator.



                                       23
<PAGE>

Under New York law, which is applicable to two of Trenwick's  insurance  company
subsidiaries,  INSCORP and ReCor  Insurance  Company Inc., the maximum  ordinary
dividend payable in any twelve month period without the approval of the New York
Insurance Department is the lesser of (i) 10% of policyholders  surplus as shown
on the company's last annual statement or any more recent quarterly statement or
(ii) the  company's  adjusted net  investment  income.  Adjusted net  investment
income is defined as net investment  income for the twelve months  preceding the
declaration of the dividend plus the excess,  if any, of net  investment  income
over dividends declared or distributed  during the period commencing  thirty-six
months prior to the  declaration  or  distribution  of the current  dividend and
ending  twelve  months  prior  thereto.  In any case,  New York law  permits the
payment of an ordinary  dividend by an insurer or  reinsurer  only out of earned
surplus.

In addition to the foregoing limitations,  the New York Insurance Department, as
is its practice in any change of control situation,  required Trenwick to commit
to preclude the acquired New  York-domiciled  insurers,  INSCORP and ReCor, from
paying any dividends for two years after the merger with Chartwell without prior
regulatory approval.  The foregoing restriction will expire on October 27, 2001.
Neither INSCORP nor ReCor paid any dividends in 1997, 1998 or 1999.

Moreover, insurance holding company laws generally provide that, notwithstanding
the  receipt of any  dividend  from a  subsidiary  insurer,  an insurer may make
dividend  payments  to its parent  only to the extent it is  permitted  to do so
under its applicable  dividend  restrictions.  In other words,  the ability of a
subsidiary  insurer to pay dividends without  restriction may be impaired if its
parent insurer cannot pay dividends without restriction.



                                       24
<PAGE>

The maximum  dividend  permitted  by law may not be  indicative  of an insurer's
actual ability to pay dividends,  which may be constrained by business and other
regulatory  considerations,  such as the impact of dividends  on surplus,  which
could  affect an  insurer's  ratings  or  competitive  position,  the  amount of
premiums  that  can  be  written  and  the  ability  to  pay  future  dividends.
Furthermore,  beyond the limits described in the preceding paragraph,  insurance
regulatory  authorities  often  have the  discretion  to limit  the  payment  of
dividends by insurance companies domiciled in their jurisdictions.

In 2000,  of  Trenwick's  U.S.  insurance  subsidiaries,  only Dakota  Specialty
Insurance  Company  could pay a dividend  or other  distribution  without  prior
approval of the  applicable  insurance  regulatory  authority.  In 2000,  Dakota
Specialty could pay a dividend of $2.8 million  without prior  approval.  During
1999, 1998 and 1997, Trenwick America Re paid dividends of $53.4 million,  $30.1
million and $8.3 million, respectively.  Chartwell Reinsurance paid dividends of
$30.3 million in 1999 and $3.0 million in 1997.  Chartwell  Reinsurance  did not
pay any dividends in 1998. None of Trenwick's other U.S. insurance  subsidiaries
paid any dividends in 1999, 1998 or 1997.

Under the applicable  laws of the United  Kingdom,  Trenwick  Holdings  Limited,
Chartwell   Holdings  Limited  and  their   respective   subsidiaries  may  make
shareholder  distributions  only  from  accumulated  realized  profits,  net  of
accumulated realized losses. In addition,  under the UK Insurance Companies Act,
Trenwick  International  is not  permitted to make any  distribution  that would
reduce its net assets below the required  minimum margin of solvency  which,  as
determined under the U.K. Financial Service  Authority's rules, is approximately
$16.7 million as of December 31, 1999.  Trenwick  International must also notify
the U.K.  Financial  Services  Authority  of any  proposal  to  declare or pay a
dividend  on any of its share  capital.  Under  Lloyd's  regulations,  Chartwell
Managing Agents is not permitted to make any  distribution  that would cause its
assets to fall below any of Chartwell  Managing  Agents' share capital,  minimum
net current asset margin or minimum net asset  margin.  As of December 31, 1999,
the highest of the three tests required  Chartwell  Managing  Agents to maintain
approximately $1.1 million of capital. Reinsurance


                                       25

<PAGE>

Trenwick's operating subsidiaries purchase reinsurance to reduce its exposure to
catastrophe  claims and the  frequency  and  severity  of claims in all lines of
business.  In 1999,  1998 and 1997 Trenwick  America Re's  reinsurance  treaties
consisted  principally of an excess of loss treaty for its facultative  casualty
business and property catastrophe  reinsurance treaties.  In addition,  Trenwick
America  Re  purchased  an annual  aggregate  excess of loss  ratio  treaty  for
casualty business  effective  January 1, 1999.  Except for property  catastrophe
reinsurance  treaties,  these  coverages were not renewed  effective  January 1,
2000. Trenwick International and Chartwell Managing Agents, as is customary with
companies  operating in the London market,  buy larger amounts of reinsurance to
protect  themselves.  Reinsurance and retrocessional  coverage is customized for
each class of business.  Canterbury  purchased specific reinsurance programs for
each of the programs  underwritten  by its insurance  companies.  As part of the
merger with  Trenwick,  Chartwell  purchased,  at the time of the closing of the
transaction,  a reinsurance  policy providing for up to $100 million in coverage
in order to indemnify  Trenwick against  unanticipated  increases in Chartwell's
reserves  for business  written on or before the date the merger was  completed.
The  reinsurance  policy applies to all of Chartwell's  business,  including its
operations at Lloyd's.  In addition,  as part of the merger,  Chartwell commuted
several aggregate stop-loss reinsurance treaties.

Reinsurance  agreements  provide for recovery of a portion of certain claims and
claims expenses from  reinsurers.  Trenwick remains liable in the event that the
reinsurer is unable to meet its  obligation;  however,  Trenwick  holds  partial
collateral under these agreements.

                                       26
<PAGE>


Regulatory Matters

Trenwick and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to regulatory oversight under
the  insurance  statutes  and  regulations  of the  jurisdictions  in which they
conduct  business,  including  all  states of the  United  States and the United
Kingdom.  These  regulations  vary from  jurisdiction  to  jurisdiction  and are
generally  designed to protect ceding insurance  companies and  policyholders by
regulating   Trenwick's   financial  integrity  and  solvency  in  its  business
transactions  and  operations.  Many of the insurance  statutes and  regulations
applicable to Trenwick's  subsidiaries relate to reporting and enable regulators
to closely monitor their  performance.  Reports typically required the inclusion
of information  concerning  Trenwick's capital structure,  ownership,  financial
condition and general business operations.  Trenwick International is subject to
the regulatory  authority of the United Kingdom  Financial  Services  Authority.
Both Chartwell  Managing Agents and Trenwick's  dedicated  Lloyd's  underwriting
entities,  as a Lloyd's  managing general agent and Lloyd's  corporate  members,
respectively,  are  subject to  regulation  and  supervision  by the  Council of
Lloyd's.  Lloyd's operates under a self-regulatory  regime under the Lloyd's Act
1982 and has the power to set,  interpret  and change the rules which govern the
operation of the Lloyd's market,  subject to regulation for solvency purposes by
the Financial Services Authority. Lloyd's prescribes, in respect of its managing
agents and  corporate  members,  certain  minimum  standards  relating  to their
management and control,  solvency and various other  requirements.  In addition,
Lloyd's  imposes  restrictions  against persons  becoming  controllers and major
shareholders  of managing  agents and corporate  members  without the consent of
Lloyd's  first  having  been  obtained.   The  United  Kingdom   government  has
established the Financial  Services Authority as a single regulator to supervise
securities,   banking  and  insurance  business,  including  Lloyd's.  When  the
Financial  Services  and Market Bill  becomes  law,  probably in late 2000,  the
Financial  Services  Authority  will have wide  authorization  and  intervention
powers in relation to Lloyd's. A consultation  process has commenced in relation
to Lloyd's regulatory framework.


                                       27
<PAGE>

The  National  Association  of  Insurance  Commissioners  ("NAIC")  has  adopted
Risk-Based  Capital  ("RBC")  requirements  for property and casualty  insurance
companies to evaluate the adequacy of statutory  capital and surplus in relation
to investment  and insurance  risks such as asset  quality,  asset and liability
matching,  loss reserve adequacy and other business factors.  The RBC formula is
used by state insurance regulators as an early warning tool to identify, for the
purpose of initiating  regulatory action,  insurance  companies that potentially
are inadequately  capitalized.  In addition, the formula defines minimum capital
standards that  supplement  the system of low fixed minimum  capital and surplus
requirements on a state-by-state basis. Regulatory compliance is determined by a
ratio of the  enterprise's  regulatory  total adjusted capital to its authorized
control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC.  Enterprises  below specific  trigger
points or ratios are classified  within certain  levels,  each of which requires
specific  corrective  action. The ratios of Total Adjusted Capital to Authorized
Control  Level  RBC for  each of  Trenwick's  United  States  insurance  company
subsidiaries  exceeded all of the RBC trigger points at December 31, 1999,  1998
and 1997.

In March  1998,  the NAIC  adopted  the  Codification  of  Statutory  Accounting
Principles ("Codification").  The Codification, which is intended to standardize
regulatory  accounting and reporting for the insurance industry,  is proposed to
be January 1, 2001. The Codification provides guidance for areas where statutory
accounting  has been silent and changes  current  statutory  accounting  in some
areas. However,  statutory accounting principles will continue to be established
by individual  state laws and permitted  practices.  Effective  January 1, 2001,
Connecticut,  New York,  Minnesota and North  Dakota,  the states of domicile of
Trenwick's U.S.  insurance  subsidiaries,  are adopting the Codification.  It is
uncertain what effect  adoption of the  Codification  for the preparation of the
statutory financial  statements of Trenwick's U.S. insurance  subsidiaries would
have on those statutory financial statements.



                                       28
<PAGE>

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
The following  sections  address the  significant  market risks  associated with
Trenwick's business activities as of the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.
The 1999 risk analysis  differs from that of 1998 because it includes the assets
and liabilities of the Chartwell  group. The 1998 comparative data only reflects
Trenwick  information.  Trenwick's  primary market risk  exposures are:  foreign
currency  exchange  risk,  in  particular  the U.S.  dollar to the British pound
sterling;  interest rate risk on fixed and variable rate U.S. dollar and British
pound sterling  denominated  short and long-term  instruments;  and equity price
risk.  With respect to the Trenwick  investment  portfolio,  the risk management
strategy is to place its  investments  with high credit  quality  issuers and to
limit  the  amount  of  credit  exposure  with  respect  to  particular  ratings
categories and any one issuer. Trenwick selects investments with characteristics
such as  duration,  yield,  currency  and  liquidity  to reflect the  underlying
characteristics of related estimated claim liabilities.

In 1999,  Trenwick  allocated  a portion  of its bond  portfolio  to high  yield
investments.  While these investments are more susceptible to credit risk, their
total market value represents less than 2% of total  investments,  and therefore
management  believes that the exposure to credit risk is not material.  Trenwick
has no derivatives  and its  investments do not contain terms that may result in
potential losses due to leverage.

Limited  information  is  available  with  respect  to the  investments  held by
Chartwell Managing Agents' syndicates,  and therefore, risk information provided
does not include such data.  Some or all of the risks  described in this section
may apply to the investments held by Chartwell Managing Agents' syndicates.


                                       29

<PAGE>

The investment  portfolio and borrowings of Trenwick are summarized in the notes
to the financial statements, and Item 1, Business.


Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Foreign  currency risk is the risk that Trenwick will incur economic  losses due
to adverse changes in foreign  currency  exchange  rates.  This risk arises from
Trenwick's international operations, debt obligations and securities denominated
in  foreign  currencies  and  foreign  equity  investments.  Trenwick  generally
conducts its international  businesses  through foreign operating entities which
generally  maintain  assets and liabilities in local  currencies,  substantially
limiting  exchange rate risk to net assets  denominated in the foreign  currency
which is the British pound sterling. At December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998,
Trenwick's net investment in foreign  subsidiaries was  approximately  $24.1 and
$133.9 million, respectively. Debt obligations denominated in foreign currencies
were $19.4 million and foreign equity  investments were $2.9 million at December
31, 1999.  Trenwick  did not hold any debt  obligations  denominated  in foreign
currencies  or foreign  equity  investments  at December  31,  1998.  Trenwick's
reinsurance,  international  insurance and Lloyd's operations all have exposures
to movements in various  currencies around the world,  (particularly the British
pound  sterling,  the Euro  and the  Canadian  dollar)  as such  businesses  are
denominated in those currencies.  Therefore,  changes in currency exchange rates
affect Trenwick's  Balance Sheet,  Statement of Operations and Statement of Cash
Flows.  This exposure is somewhat  mitigated by the fact that premiums  received
are invested in the same currency portfolios, to partially offset related unpaid
claims and claims expense liabilities denominated in the same currency.

                                       30
<PAGE>

Management  estimates  that a 10%  immediate  unfavorable  change in each of the
foreign currency  exchange rates to which Trenwick is exposed as of December 31,
1999 would decrease the fair value of Trenwick's foreign  denominated net assets
by approximately $9.1 million, which is comprised of $7.4 million to the British
pound  sterling,  $1.5  million to the  Canadian  dollar and an aggregate of $.2
million to all other  foreign  currencies.  At December 31,  1998,  the same 10%
shift in currency  exchange rates  (primarily the British pound  sterling) would
result in a  potential  loss in fair value of $18.2  million.  Trenwick  has not
experienced a 10% shift in currency exposure in either 1998 or 1999.

Interest Rate Risk
Trenwick's fixed maturity investments and indebtedness are subject to interest
rate risk.  Increases  and  decreases in  prevailing  interest  rates  generally
translate  into  decreases  and  increases  in the fair value of fixed  maturity
investments  and the interest  payable on Trenwick's  outstanding  variable rate
debt. Additionally, the fair value of interest rate sensitive instruments may be
affected by the  creditworthiness  of the issuer, a prepayment option,  relative
values of alternative investments, liquidity of the investment and other general
market conditions.

The table below summarizes the estimated  effects of hypothetical  increases and
decreases in interest  rates.  It is assumed that the changes occur  immediately
and uniformly to each category of instrument containing interest rate risks. The
hypothetical  changes in market interest rates reflect what could be deemed best
or worst case scenarios.  Significant  variations in market interest rates could
produce changes in the timing of repayments due to prepayment options available.
The fair  value of such  instruments  could be  affected  and  therefore  actual
results might differ from those reflected in the following table:

                                       31
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Estimated Fair Value    Estimated gain (loss)
                                                  Hypothetical Change in     After Hypothetical       after Hypothetical
                                                       Interest Rate             Change in                Change in
                              Fair Value at          (bp=basis points)          Interest Rate           Interest Rate
                            December 31, 1999
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets: (1)                                                     (dollars in thousands)
- - --------------------------
<S>                               <C>            <C>                             <C>                      <C>
U.S Treasury Securities           1,404,248      100 bp decrease                 1,467,926                  63,678
and Obligations of US                            100 bp increase                 1,343,017                 (61,231)
Government Corporation                           200 bp increase                 1,284,971                (119,276)
and Agencies and                                 300 bp increase                 1,226,926                (177,322)
Other fixed maturity
investments

Liabilities: (2)
- - --------------------------
Borrowings Under                   344,775       100 bp decrease                  356,579                   11,805
Investment Agreements                            100 bp increase                  334,419                  (10,355)
and other debt                                   200 bp increase                  325,231                  (19,544)
                                                 300 bp increase                  316,994                  (27,781)
                                ----------
Aggregate                       1,059,473        100 bp decrease                 1,111,347                  51,874
- - ---------                       =========
                                                 100 bp increase                 1,008,598                 (50,876)
                                                 200 bp increase                  959,741                  (99,733)
                                                 300 bp increase                  909,932                 (149,541)

<FN>

(1)  Excludes  investments held by Chartwell Managing Agents managed syndicates,
     as information is not available,  but includes preferred shares,  which are
     grouped  with  equities on the face of the Balance  Sheet but more  closely
     resemble debt instruments for risk analysis purposes.
(2) Liabilities include Trust Preferred for this analysis.
</FN>
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                            Estimated Fair Value    Estimated gain (loss)
                                                  Hypothetical Change in     After Hypothetical       after Hypothetical
                                                       Interest Rate             Change in                Change in
                              Fair Value at          (bp=basis points)          Interest Rate           Interest Rate
                            December 31, 1998
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets: (1)                                                     (dollars in thousands)
- - --------------------------
<S>                              <C>             <C>                              <C>                      <C>

U.S Treasury Securities          773,144         100 bp decrease                  802,195                   29,051
and Obligations of US                            100 bp increase                  743,831                  (29,313)
Government Corporation                           200 bp increase                  714,351                  (58,793)
and Agencies and                                 300 bp increase                  687,113                  (86,031)
Other fixed maturity
investments

Liabilities:
- - --------------------------
Borrowings Under                 188,900         100 bp decrease                  206,394                   17,494
Investment Agreements                            100 bp increase                  174,233                  (14,667)
and other debt                                   200 bp increase                  161,766                  (27,134)
                                                 300 bp increase                  151,033                  (37,867)
                                 -------
Aggregate                        584,244         100 bp decrease                  595,801                   11,557
                                 =======
                                                 100 bp increase                  569,598                  (14,646)
                                                 200 bp increase                  552,585                  (31,659)
                                                 300 bp increase                  536,080                  (48,164)
<FN>

(1)      Does not include Trenwick International assets.
</FN>
</TABLE>


Trenwick has not experienced  unrealized gains or losses to the extent indicated
on the table above.

                                       32
<PAGE>

Equity Price Risk
The carrying values of investments subject to equity price risks are based on
quoted market prices or  management's  estimates of fair value as of the balance
sheet date.  Market prices are subject to  fluctuation  and,  consequently,  the
amount realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ
from the reported  market value.  Fluctuation  in the market price of a security
may result from perceived changes in the underlying economic  characteristics of
the investee,  the relative price of alternative  investments and general market
conditions.  Furthermore,  amounts realized in the sale of a particular security
may be affected by the relative quantity of the security being sold.

Of  Trenwick's  $110.6  million  equity  portfolio at December  31, 1999,  $56.6
million of common equity  investments  is subject to equity risk. The total also
includes $54.0 million of preferred  shares,  which are included in the interest
rate  risk  analysis,  as  their  characteristics  more  closely  resemble  debt
instruments.   Additionally,   $19.5  million  of  other  investments  generally
represent  partnership  interests that more closely resemble equity investments.
Trenwick's  potential  exposure  on  equity  securities  of  $56.6  million  and
partnership interests of $19.5 million is estimated in terms of an immediate 10%
drop  in  equity  prices  across  all  equity  securities  holdings  from  those
prevailing  at  December  31, 1999 which would  result in a $7.6  million  loss.
Trenwick's  actual loss in fair value on a quarterly  basis never  exceeded this
amount  during 1999.  Trenwick's  common  equity  portfolio of $49.2  million at
December  31,  1998,  was subject to changes in value based on changes in equity
prices. Trenwick's potential exposure from those equity securities, estimated in
terms of fair value, to an immediate 10% drop in equity prices across all equity
securities  holdings from those  prevailing at December 31, 1998 would have been
$4.9 million.  Trenwick's  actual loss in fair value on a quarterly  basis never
exceeded this amount during 1998.

The fair  value  estimates  shown are  based on the  composition  of the  equity
security  portfolio at year-end and these  exposures  will change as a result of
ongoing portfolio activities in response to management's  assessment of changing
market conditions and available investment opportunities.

The above  analyses  do not take into  account  any  correlation  among  foreign
currency  exchange rates, or any  correlation  among various markets (i.e.,  the
fixed income markets and foreign exchange and equity markets). Trenwick's actual
experience  may  differ  from the  results  noted  above due to the  correlation
assumptions  utilized,  or if  events  occur  that  were  not  included  in  the
methodology,  such as significant  liquidity or market events.  The selection of
the amount of increases or decreases in currency exchange rates,  interest rates
and equity values in the above analyses  should not be construed as a prediction
of future market events,  but rather, to illustrate the potential impact of such
an event.


                                       33
<PAGE>

Goodwill and Other Acquired Intangible Assets
Goodwill  was $153.8  million at December 31, 1999,  or  approximately  33.3% of
consolidated shareholders' equity. Goodwill represents the unamortized excess of
purchase  price over the fair value of net assets of  acquired  entities.  Other
intangibles represent Trenwick's acquisition of its prospective participation of
$9.5  million on syndicate  839 which  entitles  one of its UK  subsidiaries  to
increase  its  syndicate  premium  limit for the 2000 year of  account to $344.0
million.  The amortization of goodwill and other acquired  intangible assets was
$1.4  million  in 1999,  or  approximately  6.7% of the  pretax  loss.  Trenwick
amortizes goodwill and other acquired  intangibles on a straight-line basis over
twenty-five  years and five years,  respectively.  The risk  associated with the
carrying  value of  goodwill  and other  acquired  intangible  assets is whether
future  operating  income  (before  amortization  of goodwill and other acquired
intangible  assets) will be sufficient on an  undiscounted  basis to recover the
carrying value.  Trenwick regularly evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and
other  acquired  intangible  assets and  believes  such  amounts  are  currently
recoverable.  However, any significant change in the useful lives of goodwill or
other  acquired  intangible  assets,  as estimated by  management,  could have a
material  adverse  effect on  Trenwick's  results of  operations  and  financial
condition. Accounting Standards

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - SFAS No. 133
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards ("SFAS") No. 133,  "Accounting for
Derivative  Instruments  and Hedging  Activities,"  which becomes  effective for
Trenwick on January 1, 2001. SFAS No. 133  establishes  accounting and reporting
standards for derivative  instruments,  including certain derivative instruments
embedded  in other  contracts,  and for  hedging  activities.  Trenwick  will be
required to recognize all  derivatives  as either assets or  liabilities  in the
statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. The
accounting  for a change in the fair value of a derivative  in earnings or other
comprehensive  income will depend on the intended use of the  derivative and the
resulting  designation.  Derivatives  can be  designated  as (a) a hedge  of the
exposure to changes in the fair value of a  recognized  asset or  liability or a
firm  commitment,  (b) a hedge  of the  exposure  to  variable  cash  flows of a
forecasted transaction, or (c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net
investment  in  foreign   operations,   an  unrecognized  firm  commitment,   an
available-for-sale  security,  or  a  foreign  currency  denominated  forecasted
transaction.

                                       34
<PAGE>


The difference  between a  derivative's  previous  carrying  amount and its fair
value at the date of  implementation  of SFAS No.  133  shall be  reported  as a
transition adjustment.  Such adjustment shall be reported in net income or other
comprehensive  income  as the  effect of a change in  accounting  principle  and
presented in a manner similar to the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle in accordance with APB Opinion No. 20, "Accounting  Changes." Trenwick
is currently  reviewing the impact of the  implementation of SFAS No. 133 on its
financial statements.

The Euro
On January 1, 1999, eleven of the fifteen member countries of the European Union
established  a fixed  conversion  ratio  between  their local  currencies  and a
newly-formed  currency,  the "Euro".  The Euro began trading on foreign currency
exchanges  on January  1,  1999.  Beginning  in  January  2002,  coins and paper
currency  denominated in Euros will be issued and local currencies of the eleven
countries  will  be  withdrawn  from   circulation.   As  Trenwick   conducts  a
considerable amount of business in countries participating in the Euro, work was
undertaken  in 1998 to ensure  that the  introduction  of the Euro would have no
adverse  effect on  Trenwick's  business.  Consequently,  Trenwick  modified its
computer systems to accommodate  transactions denominated in the Euro. The total
cost for implementing these changes was not material. Trenwick believes the Euro
conversion  will  not  have a  material  impact  on its  consolidated  financial
position or results from operations.



                                       35
<PAGE>

Safe Harbor  Disclosure
In  connection  with the "safe  harbor"  provisions  of the  Private  Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995,  Trenwick sets forth below cautionary  statements
identifying  important  risks and  uncertainties  that  could  cause its  actual
results to differ  materially from those that might be projected,  forecasted or
estimated in its "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,  made by or on behalf  of  Trenwick  in this  annual  report  and in press
releases, written statements or documents filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or in its communications and discussions with investors and analysts
in the normal course of business  through  meetings,  phone calls and conference
calls.  Such  statements  may include,  but are not limited to,  projections  of
premium revenue,  investment income, other revenue, losses,  expenses,  earnings
(including earnings per share), cash flows, plans for future operations,  common
shareholders'  equity (including book value per share),  investments,  financing
needs,  capital  plans,  dividends,  plans  relating  to products or services of
Trenwick and estimates  concerning the effects of litigation or other  disputes,
as well as  assumptions  for any of the foregoing and generally  expressed  with
words  such  as  "believes,"  "estimates,"  "expects,"  "anticipates,"  "plans,"
"projects,"   "forecasts,"  "goals,"  "could  have,"  "may  have,"  and  similar
expressions.  Trenwick,  as a matter  of  policy,  does  not  make any  specific
projections as to future earnings nor does it endorse any projections  regarding
future performance that may be made by others.


                                       36
<PAGE>

Forward-looking  statements  involve known and unknown risks and  uncertainties,
which  may  cause   Trenwick's   results   to   differ   materially   from  such
forward-looking  statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to, the following:

- - -  Changes  in the  level  of  competition  in the  domestic  and  international
reinsurance or primary insurance markets that affect the volume or profitability
of Trenwick's  property/casualty  business.  These changes include,  but are not
limited to,  changes in the  intensity  of price  competition,  the entry of new
competitors,  existing competitors exiting the market and the development of new
products by new and existing competitors;

- - - Changes in the demand for reinsurance,  including changes in ceding companies'
risk retentions and changes in the demand for excess and surplus lines insurance
coverages;

- - - The ability of Trenwick to execute  its  strategies  in its  property/casualty
operations;

- - - Catastrophe losses in Trenwick's domestic and international  property/casualty
businesses;

- - - Adverse development on property/casualty claims and claims expense liabilities
related to  business  written in prior  years,  including,  but not  limited to,
evolving  case law and its  effect  on  environmental  and other  latent  injury
claims, changing government regulations, newly identified toxins, newly reported
claims, new theories of liability,  such as possible Year 2000  computer-related
losses, or new insurance and reinsurance contract interpretations;

                                       37
<PAGE>


- - - Changes in  inflation  that affect the  profitability  of  Trenwick's  current
property/casualty  business or the adequacy of its property/casualty  claims and
claims  expense  liabilities  and policy  benefit  liabilities  related to prior
years' business;

- - - Changes in Trenwick's property/casualty retrocessional arrangements;

- - - Lower  than  estimated  retrocessional  or  reinsurance  recoveries  on unpaid
losses,  including,  but  not  limited  to,  losses  due  to a  decline  in  the
creditworthiness of Trenwick's retrocessionaires or reinsurers;

- - - Increases in interest  rates,  which may cause a reduction in the market value
of Trenwick's fixed income portfolio, and its common shareholders' equity;

- - - Decreases in interest  rates which may cause a reduction  of income  earned on
new cash flow from operations and the reinvestment of the proceeds from sales or
maturities of existing investments;

- - - Decline in the value of Trenwick's equity investments;

- - - Changes in the composition of Trenwick's investment portfolio;

- - - Credit losses on Trenwick's investment portfolio;

- - -  Adverse  results  in  litigation  matters,  including,  but not  limited  to,
litigation  related to  environmental,  asbestos and other  potential  mass tort
claims;

- - - The impact of mergers and acquisitions;

- - - Gains or losses related to changes in foreign  currency  exchange rates; and

- - - Changes in Trenwick's capital needs.

In  addition  to the  factors  outlined  above  that  are  directly  related  to
Trenwick's  businesses,  Trenwick  is also  subject to general  business  risks,
including, but not limited to, adverse state, federal or foreign legislation and
regulation,  adverse  publicity or news  coverage,  changes in general  economic
factors and the loss of key employees.

The  facts  set  forth  above  should  be  considered  in  connection  with  any
forward-looking statement contained in this Annual Report. The important factors
that could affect such  forward-looking  statements  are subject to change,  and
Trenwick  does  not  intend  to  update  any  forward-looking  statement  or the
foregoing list of important factors. By this cautionary note Trenwick intends to
avail itself of the safe harbor from liability  with respect of  forward-looking
statements provided by Section 27A and Section 21E referred to above.




                                       38



                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1


                       SUBSIDIARIES OF TRENWICK GROUP INC.

Name of Subsidiary                                 Jurisdiction of Incorporation

Trenwick America Corporation                       Delaware

Trenwick America Reinsurance Corporation           Connecticut
(subsidiary of Trenwick America Corporation)

Trenwick Holdings Limited                          United Kingdom

Trenwick International Limited                     United Kingdom
(subsidiary of Trenwick Holdings Limited)

Chartwell Re Holdings Corporation                  Delaware

Chartwell Reinsurance Company                      Minnesota

The Insurance Corporation of New York              New York



                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS




We  hereby  consent  to the  incorporation  by  reference  in  the  Registration
Statements  on Form  S-8 (No.  33-31115,  No.  33-68112,  No.  33-83092  and No.
33-83094) of Trenwick Group Inc. of our report dated  February 29, 2000,  except
as to Note 19 which is as of March 1, 2000,  appearing in the 1999 Annual Report
to  Stockholders  of Trenwick Group Inc.,  which is incorporated by reference in
this Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1999.  We also
consent to the  incorporation by reference of our report dated February 29, 2000
on the financial statement  schedules,  which appears on Page S-6 of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

New York, New York
March 30, 2000

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                                         7
<MULTIPLIER>                                    1,000

<S>                                          <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                  12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              Dec-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                                 Jan-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                   Dec-31-1999
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                          1,311,361
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                                0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                                  0
<EQUITIES>                                     110,666
<MORTGAGE>                                           0
<REAL-ESTATE>                                        0
<TOTAL-INVEST>                               1,579,218<F7>
<CASH>                                         170,641
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                             644,578<F1>
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                          78,896
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,240,599
<POLICY-LOSSES>                              1,964,139
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                            379,684
<POLICY-OTHER>                                       0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                                0
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                244,031
                          110,000
                                          0
<COMMON>                                         1,689
<OTHER-SE>                                     460,560
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,240,599
                                     325,114
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                             66,394
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                               1,916
<OTHER-INCOME>                                     861
<BENEFITS>                                     254,538
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                     96,095
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                            37,389
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (21,220)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   (10,172)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (11,048)
<EPS-BASIC>                                     (.94)<F2>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     (.94)
<RESERVE-OPEN>                               1,257,730<F3>
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                            239,910<F4>
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                               14,628
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                             (65,856)
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                              (230,493)
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                              1,207,436<F5>
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                        (36,715)<F6>

<FN>
1 Represents net reinsurance recoverable balances after offset of funds held
  and reinsurance balance payable.
2 Represents basic earnings per share.
3 Reflects net reserve at beginning of year for unpaid claims.  Also reflects
  Chartwell's net reserve in the amount of $808,466 at date of acquisition.
4 Includes effect of exchange rate in the amount of $(7121).
5 Reflects net reserve at end of year for unpaid claims.
6 Reflects gross redundancy in restated reserves.
7 Total investments include ivestments held by managed syndicates of $137,745
  and other investments of $19,446.
</FN>



</TABLE>


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