FRONTEER FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LTD
8-K, 1997-03-12
SECURITY BROKERS, DEALERS & FLOTATION COMPANIES
Previous: PUTNAM EUROPE GROWTH FUND, N-30D, 1997-03-12
Next: BRIDGE BANCORP INC, DEF 14A, 1997-03-12



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

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

       Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 25, 1997


                        Fronteer Financial Holdings, Ltd.
              ----------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        Colorado                      0-17637                   45-0411501
 ---------------------------    -------------------         -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission File No.)        (I.R.S. Employer
 of incorporation)                                           Identification No.)


         1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 3200, Denver, CO                     80203
         -------------------------------------------                   ---------
           (Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip Code)

                                 (303) 860-1700
               --------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)




                                       1
<PAGE>

Item 2. ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS.

On February 25, 1997 McLeod USA Publishing  Company  (McLeod,  formerly known as
Telecom USA Publishing Company) purchased six yellow page directories located in
North Dakota from Fronteer  Financial  Holdings,  Ltd. (Fronteer or the Company)
for  approximately  $3 million.  The purchase  price was pursuant to an existing
option agreement (Option Agreement) between McLeod and the Company and was based
on related  directory  revenues.  Of the proceeds,  $1 million was paid March 1,
1997 of which $.5  million  was in the form of a payoff of the loan given to the
Company pursuant to the Option  Agreement.  The remainder is expected to be paid
by August 1, 1997 upon publication of the related directories.

In  conjunction  with the  purchase,  Dennis  Olson,  currently  president and a
director of the Company, and certain other employees of the Company entered into
noncompete   agreements  with  McLeod  and  were  paid  additional   amounts  in
consideration  for  such  noncompetition  agreements.  Consideration  for  these
agreements was $1 million of which Mr.
Olson received $312,500.

Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

     (a)  Financial statements of business acquired.

          Not applicable

     (b)  Pro forma financial information.

          As of the  filing  date of this  Current  Report  on Form  8-K,  it is
          impracticable  for the  Company  to  provide  the pro forma  financial
          information  required by this Item 7(b). In accordance  with Item 7(b)
          of Form 8-K,  such pro forma  financial  information  will be filed by
          amendment to this Form 8-K no later than May 11, 1997.

     (c)  Exhibits.

          Exhibit 10.1

          Sale and  Purchase  Agreement  by and  between  McLeod USA  Publishing
          Company, formerly known as Telecom USA Publishing Company and Fronteer
          Financial  Holdings,  Ltd.,  Classified  Directories,  Inc.,  Larry A.
          Scott,  James  Greff,  Randall L. Gowin,  Edwin  Dresster  and certain
          directors,  officers and shareholders of Fronteer.  Included as a part
          of the Sale and Purchase  Agreement are Exhibits D, J and K. The other
          Exhibits to the Sale and Purchase  Agreement are described therein and
          are not being filed because the Company does not believe such Exhibits
          are material to an investment decision.  The Company agrees to furnish
          supplementally to the Commission upon request any omitted Exhibit.



                                       2
<PAGE>


                                   SIGNATURES



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


Date:  March 12, 1997



                                       FRONTEER FINANCIAL HOLDINGS, LTD.


                                       By:  /s/ R. A. Fitzner, Jr.
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          R. A. Fitzner, Jr.
                                          Chairman of the Board


                                       3
<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit  Description                                                   Page No.
- -------  -----------                                                   --------

 10.1    Sale  and  Purchase   Agreement  by  and  between  McLeod  USA    5
         Publishing  Company,  formerly known as Telecom USA Publishing
         Company and  Fronteer  Financial  Holdings,  Ltd.,  Classified
         Directories,  Inc.,  Larry A. Scott,  James Greff,  Randall L.
         Gowin,  Edwin  Dresster  and certain  directors,  officers and
         shareholders  of Fronteer.  Included as a part of the Sale and
         Purchase Agreement are Exhibits D, J and K. The other Exhibits
         to the Sale and Purchase  Agreement are described  therein and
         are not being filed  because the Company does not believe such
         Exhibits are material to an investment  decision.  The Company
         agrees  to  furnish  supplementally  to  the  Commission  upon
         request any omitted Exhibit.




                                       4

                           SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT


This Agreement is made this 27th day of January,  1997, by and between McLeodUSA
Publishing  Company,  formerly known as TelecomoUSA  Publishing Company, an Iowa
corporation   ("McLeod"),   Fronteer  Financial   Holdings,   Ltd.,  a  Colorado
corporation   ("Fronteer"),   Classified  Directories,   Inc.,  a  North  Dakota
corporation  ("Classified"),  Larry A. Scott  ("Scott"),  James Greff ("Greff"),
Randall L. Gowin ("Gowin"),  Edwin Dressler  ("Dressler") and certain directors,
officers and shareholders of Fronteer.

McLeod and Fronteer  entered into a Sale and Purchase  Agreement dated April 27,
1995 ("the Idaho Sale Agreement"),  also executed by Scott, Greff,  Dressler and
Gowin. McLeod and Fronteer entered into an Option Agreement dated April 27, 1995
("the Option Agreement"). Scott, Greff, Dressler and Gowin are the principal and
only  shareholders,  directors  and  officers  of  Classified.  McLeod and Scott
entered into a Covenant not to Compete and  Confidentiality  Agreement dated May
5, 1995,  pursuant to terms of the Idaho Sale Agreement and agreed to enter into
a separate  Covenant not to Compete and  Confidentiality  Agreement  pursuant to
terms of the Option  Agreement.  McLeod and Greff entered into a Covenant not to
Compete and  Confidentiality  Agreement dated May 2, 1995,  pursuant to terms of
the Idaho Sale  Agreement.  McLeod and  Dressler  entered into a Covenant not to
Compete and  Confidentiality  Agreement dated May 5, 1995,  pursuant to terms of
the Idaho Sale  Agreement  and agreed to enter into a separate  Covenant  not to
Compete and Confidentiality Agreement pursuant to terms of the Option Agreement.
McLeod and Gowin  entered  into a Covenant  not to Compete  and  Confidentiality
Agreement  dated April 28, 1995,  pursuant to terms of the Idaho Sale  Agreement
and agreed to enter into a separate Covenant not to Compete and  Confidentiality
Agreement pursuant to terms of the Option Agreement.

The parties desire to modify the various agreements described or mentioned above
(referred to collectively as "the Various Agreements").  The parties have agreed
to modify  certain  rights,  obligations,  terms and  conditions  of the Various
Agreements pursuant to this Agreement and as set out in this Agreement.

McLeod and Classified desire to purchase certain telephone directory business of
Fronteer.  Fronteer desires to sell certain of its telephone  directory business
to McLeod and  Classified  under the terms and  conditions  set out  below.  The
parties  desire to fully  resolve  all rights and  duties  regarding  Fronteer's
telephone  directories  listed on Exhibit "A" attached  hereto and  incorporated
herein (collectively referred to as the "Directories").

In  consideration  of the  representations  set  out  above  and  the  following
covenants, promises and representations, the parties agree as follows:

1.   VARIOUS  AGREEMENTS  
     This  Agreement  modifies,  replaces  and  supplements  certain  rights and
     obligations of the parties as set out in the Various  Agreements and to the
     extent any of the terms of this Agreement conflict with any of the terms of
     the Various Agreements this Agreement controls. In the event this Agreement
     is declared null and void pursuant to any provision of this Agreement,  all
     rights,  obligations,  terms and conditions of the Various Agreements shall
     remain in full force and effect without any modifications,  replacements or
     supplements.


<PAGE>



2.   DIRECTORIES TO BE PURCHASED BY McLEOD

     Fronteer  hereby sells and McLeod  hereby  purchases  Fronteer's  telephone
     directories designated on Exhibit "A" as being purchased by McLeod, and, in
     the event McLeod is required to pay the  consideration  due from Classified
     pursuant to Section 5 below, the Durum Triangle directory listed on Exhibit
     "A,"  (referred to as the "McLeod  Purchase  Directories"),  including  all
     product  designs  and  drawings  (subject  to  the  rights  of  advertising
     subscribers or third parties in such literary  property),  catalogs,  data,
     files,  records,  price lists, and other documents relating to suppliers of
     Fronteer,  and all customer  lists and  contracts,  catalogs and  marketing
     materials,  and contract lead systems used by Fronteer in  connection  with
     the McLeod Purchase  Directories.  This  transaction  includes all patents,
     trademarks,  licenses,  copyrights,  brand names,  and trade names (whether
     registered or subject to being registered),  including specifically and not
     by way of limitation, the name "Fronteer Directory Company" all proprietary
     information and all trade secrets used or owned by Fronteer, except (1) the
     licenses, copyrights and directory names used in connection with the "Durum
     Triangle,"  "Souris River," and "Southeast North Dakota"  directories,  and
     (2) the following corporate names:  Fronteer Financial  Holdings,  Fronteer
     Personnel Service and Fronteer Marketing Group.

     The  purchase   specifically   includes  Fronteer's  audiotex  and  similar
     equipment  associated  with or used in connection  with the McLeod Purchase
     Directories  or  audiotex  services   identified  in  the  McLeod  Purchase
     Directories, such equipment being listed on Exhibit "B" attached hereto and
     incorporated  herein,  which Fronteer  warrants is not presently in need of
     and on Closing (as described  below) will not be in need of  maintenance or
     service work. Such equipment shall be delivered by Bill of Sale in the form
     attached as Exhibit "C." After  Closing,  Fronteer  will use such  audiotex
     equipment is accordance with the provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement,
     but McLeod will perform all  maintenance  and service work on such audiotex
     equipment.

     The  above-described  items  relating  to the McLeod  Purchase  Directories
     published by Fronteer  prior to Closing  shall be delivered to McLeod on or
     before Closing.  The above-described  items relating to the McLeod Purchase
     Directories to be published by Fronteer after Closing shall be delivered to
     McLeod on the date each of the McLeod Purchase  Directories is delivered to
     a printer for printing.  Fronteer shall deliver to McLeod fifty (50) copies
     of the Fargo  directory  at Closing  and fifty  (50)  copies of each of the
     other  Directories  within  ten (10)  days  after  each such  Directory  is
     published.


                                        2

<PAGE>



     This transaction  does not include any receivables of Fronteer,  and McLeod
     is not assuming any  liabilities  of Fronteer.  Fronteer is entitled to all
     receivables in connection with the Directories  from the editions listed on
     Exhibit  "A" and prior  editions of the  Directories  sold,  published  and
     delivered by Fronteer. McLeod is entitled to all receivables generated from
     all future editions of the McLeod Purchase Directories.

3.   DIRECTORIES TO BE PURCHASED BY CLASSIFIED
     Fronteer  hereby sells and Classified  hereby  purchases  Fronteer's  Durum
     Triangle  directory,  designated  on  Exhibit  "A" as  being  purchased  by
     Classified,  including  all product  designs and  drawings  (subject to the
     rights  of  advertising  subscribers  or  third  parties  in such  literary
     property), catalogs, data, files, records, price lists, and other documents
     relating to suppliers of Fronteer for the Durum Triangle directory, and all
     customer  lists  and  contracts,  catalogs  and  marketing  materials,  and
     contract  lead  systems  used by  Fronteer  in  connection  with the  Durum
     Triangle directory. This transaction includes any licenses,  copyrights and
     the directory  name used by Fronteer in connection  with the Durum Triangle
     directory, but specifically does not include any right to use in any manner
     the name "Fronteer" or "Fronteer Directory Company."

     The above described items relating to the Durum Triangle directory shall be
     delivered to the purchaser of the Durum  Triangle  directory on the date of
     payment of consideration for the Durum Triangle  directory.  Fronteer shall
     deliver to the purchaser of the Durum Triangle  directory fifty (50) copies
     of the  Durum  Triangle  directory  within  ten (10)  days  after the Durum
     Triangle directory is published.

     McLeod hereby assigns to Classified its right,  title and interest in or to
     the Souris River and Southeast North Dakota  directories  and, in the event
     Classified pays the cash consideration for the Durum Triangle directory, in
     and to the Durum Triangle directory.

     This  transaction  does  not  include  any  receivables  of  Fronteer,  and
     Classified  is not  assuming  any  liabilities  of  Fronteer.  Fronteer  is
     entitled to all  receivables in connection  with the  Directories  from the
     editions listed on Exhibit "A" and prior editions of the Directories  sold,
     published  and  delivered  by  Fronteer.  Classified  is  entitled  to  all
     receivables generated from all future editions of the directories purchased
     by Classified.

4.   PAYMENT BY OF CONSIDERATION BY McLEOD
        
     The cash  consideration  from McLeod for this  Agreement is estimated to be
     $4,000,000.00,   which  is  based  upon   estimated  net  cash  revenue  of
     $3,700,000.00  from the first six  directories  listed on Exhibit "A", plus
     $300,000.00 over and above said estimated net cash revenue,  and is subject
     to the adjustment  requirements  of Section 6 below.  $1,000,000.00  of the
     consideration   from   McLeod   will   be   allocated   and   paid  to  the
     officers/shareholder/directors of Fronteer in exchange for the Covenant not
  
                                        3

<PAGE>


     to Compete and Confidentiality Agreements described and required below, and
     the remaining  consideration  will be allocated  and paid to Fronteer.  The
     consideration  from McLeod will be paid,  subject to the conditions set out
     in Sections 10, 13, 14 & 21 below, as follows:

          (1) $1,000,000.00 to Fronteer on March 1, 1997, to be paid in the form
     of $500,000.00 in cash and  $500,000.00 by payoff of the full amount of the
     promissory  note  given  to  McLeod  by  Fronteer  pursuant  to the  Option
     Agreement, which will then be marked by McLeod as paid on March 1, 1997,

          (2)   $1,000,000.00   to   officers/shareholders/directors,   in   the
     percentage  amounts  shown on Exhibit  "D," within five (5)  business  days
     after the  later of [a] the date when  Fronteer  certifies  to McLeod  that
     Fronteer  has  completed  publication  and  distribution  of the  Fargo and
     Badlands  (Dickinson)  directories  listed on Exhibit  "A," or [b] March 1,
     1997,

          (3)  $900,000.00  to  Fronteer  within  five (5)  business  days after
     Fronteer  certifies to McLeod that Fronteer has completed  publication  and
     distribution of the fifth directory listed on Exhibit "A," and,

          (4) all remaining  unpaid  consideration  to Fronteer  within five (5)
     business  days  after  [a]  Fronteer  certifies  that all  McLeod  Purchase
     Directories  have been  published and  distributed,  and, [b] the total net
     cash  revenue  for the  McLeod  Purchase  Directories  has been  determined
     pursuant to Section 6 below,  with the final payment  adjusted  pursuant to
     the provisions of Section 6 below.

5.   PAYMENT OF CONSIDERATION BY CLASSIFIED

     The cash  consideration  from Classified for this Agreement is equal to the
     net cash  revenue  from the  April,  1997  edition  of the  Durum  Triangle
     directory  listed  on  Exhibit  "A."  Twenty-five   percent  (25%)  of  the
     consideration   from   Classified   will  be  allocated  and  paid  to  the
     officers/shareholder/directors  of Fronteer  listed,  and in the percentage
     amounts  shown,  on Exhibit "D" in exchange for the Covenant not to Compete
     and  Confidentiality  Agreements  described  and  required  below,  and the
     remaining  consideration  will  be  allocated  and  paid to  Fronteer.  The
     consideration from Classified will be paid to Fronteer within fourteen (14)
     days after Fronteer  certifies that  publication  and  distribution  of the
     Durum Triangle  directory has been completed and the total net cash revenue
     for the Durum Triangle directory has been determined  pursuant to Section 6
     below, adjusted pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 below.

     In the event  Classified  fails to timely pay  consideration to Fronteer in
     accordance with this section,  Fronteer will notify McLeod of such fact and
     McLeod will pay to Fronteer the  consideration  due from Classified  within
     fourteen  (14) days of said notice.  Upon  payment by McLeod,  (1) Fronteer
     will convey to McLeod all right,  title and interest in the Durum  Triangle
     directory,  (2) the Durum Triangle  directory will thereafter be treated as

                                        4

<PAGE>



     though it were one of the McLeod Purchase  Directories and McLeod will have
     the same rights with respect to the Durum Triangle  directory as Classified
     had to the  Durum  Triangle  directory  and as it has in and to the  McLeod
     Purchase Directories, and, (3) all rights of Classified in and to the Durum
     Triangle  directory will be terminated and Classified  will have no further
     right, title or interest in or to the Durum Triangle directory.

6.   NET CASH REVENUE REQUIREMENT

     Fronteer  represents and warrants that the net cash revenue of the editions
     of each of the Directories  listed on Exhibit "A" was, or will, be as shown
     on Exhibit "A." Net cash revenue  shall  include all  contracted  for gross
     revenue in the form of cash paid or  accounts  receivable  (reduced  by any
     commissions  or share paid to any telephone  company),  including  national
     revenue, but shall exclude cancellations,  promotional  discounts,  payment
     plan/cash  discounts,  and any revenue  traded for value other than cash or
     accounts  receivables for each directory.  If the net cash revenue from any
     directory  listed on  Exhibit  "A" is more or less than as shown on Exhibit
     "A,"  the  consideration  paid,  as set out in  Section  4 or 5  above,  as
     applicable,  shall be  increased or reduced  accordingly  by one dollar for
     each dollar the net cash revenue for such  directory is above or below that
     shown on Exhibit  "A." McLeod and  Fronteer  shall  determine  the net cash
     revenue for each of the McLeod Purchase  Directories upon  certification of
     completion  of each such  directory  by Fronteer as  described in Section 8
     below and such  determination  shall be acceptable  to McLeod,  in its sole
     discretion.  Fronteer  and the  purchaser of the Durum  Triangle  directory
     shall determine the net cash revenue for the Durum Triangle  directory upon
     certification  of completion of such  directory by Fronteer as described in
     Section 8 below.

7.   CLOSING
     Closing  shall  take  place at  Fronteer's  offices at 216 North 23 Street,
     Bismarck,  North Dakota,  at 2:00 p.m.,  c.s.t., on January 27, 1997, or at
     such  other  time,  date,  and  place  as may  be  agreed  by  the  parties
     ("Closing").

8.   CONDUCT OF FRONTEER
     All  sales,  production  and  distribution  of the  Directories  set out on
     Exhibit "A" shall be (1) continued and completed by Fronteer, (2) completed
     no later than the last day of the month immediately  following the month of
     publication  set out on Exhibit "A," and (3) continued and completed in the
     same manner as the last published  editions of such Directories,  including
     but not limited to, the number of Directories  printed and  distributed (as
     set out on Exhibit "A" or,  where no number is set out,  the number will be
     the same  number of  directories  as  printed  and  distributed  during the
     immediately  preceding  calendar year), the distribution area, the pricing,
     the credit terms,  the quality and size of print and paper, and the general
     production standards.  Fronteer shall promptly pay all sales and production
     expenses for said editions of the Directories and for all prior editions of
     the Directories.

                                        5

<PAGE>


  
     Fronteer shall, at its cost, continue to provide all information,  updates,
     data and telephone lines for audiotex  service  described in, related to or
     associated  with any of the Directories for one year after the date each of
     the  Directories is published,  in the same manner as provided in the prior
     edition of each such directory. Fronteer will have the right to continue to
     use the audiotex equipment sold and transferred  pursuant to this Agreement
     at no charge.

     If McLeod determines,  in its sole discretion,  that Fronteer has failed to
     complete all sales,  production and  distribution  of the  Directories  and
     provision of all  elements of audiotex  service,  as set out above,  McLeod
     shall  have,  in  addition  to any other  right it may  have,  the right to
     terminate this Agreement,  declare this Agreement null and void and receive
     a full refund of any and all of the purchase price previously paid.

     Beginning  on the date  hereof,  McLeod  shall have the right to conduct an
     investigation  of Fronteer and its telephone  directory  business as McLeod
     deems  necessary.  Fronteer  shall  cooperate  fully  with  McLeod  in such
     investigation.

9.   PRE-SALES
     Fronteer  may  have  made  sales  for  editions  of  the  McLeod   Purchase
     Directories to be published by McLeod ("Pre-Sales"),  but will make no more
     Pre-Sales  after Closing.  McLeod will have the right to review and approve
     any such Pre-Sales,  but such approval shall not be unreasonably  withheld.
     All approved  receivables,  contracts,  cash,  trade  agreements,  finished
     copies  and any  other  items  held by  Fronteer  in  connection  with such
     approved  Pre-Sales  will be  delivered  on or before  Closing,  or as soon
     thereafter  as is  commercially  possible.  McLeod  will pay  Fronteer,  in
     addition  to the  consideration  set out in Section 4 above,  a  commission
     equal to 25% of the net cash amount of such approved Pre-Sales on or before
     the date of the last payment due under Section 4 above.

10.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FRONTEER
     Fronteer  hereby  covenants,  represents  and warrants to the other parties
     that:

     Due  Organization.  Fronteer  is  a  corporation  duly  organized,  validly
     existing,  and in good standing under the laws of the State of Colorado and
     has the power and authority, corporate and otherwise, to own its properties
     and conduct the business in which it is presently engaged.


                                        6

<PAGE>


     Authorization  of Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this  Agreement
     and  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement have
     been duly and validly  authorized by all necessary  corporate action on the
     part of Fronteer and this Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding
     obligation of Fronteer  enforceable  according to its terms.  The execution
     and  delivery  of  this  Agreement,   consummation   of  the   transactions
     contemplated  by this  Agreement  and  compliance  by Fronteer with all the
     provisions  of this  Agreement  will not (i) violate any  provision  of the
     terms of any applicable law, rule, or regulation of any  governmental  body
     having  jurisdiction;  (ii)  conflict  with or  result  in a breach  of any
     provision of Fronteer's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or constitute a
     default under any of the terms, conditions,  or provisions of, or result in
     the breach of, or accelerate or permit the  acceleration of the performance
     required by any note, bond, mortgage,  indenture,  license,  agreement,  or
     other  instrument or obligation of any nature  whatsoever to which Fronteer
     is a party; or (iii) violate any order, writ, injunction,  decree, statute,
     rule,  or  regulation  applicable  to  Fronteer  or any of its  property or
     assets.

     Payment of Taxes.  Fronteer  has filed all  federal,  state,  and local tax
     returns  required  to be filed,  and has made  timely  payment of all taxes
     shown by those  returns to be due and  payable.  All filed tax  returns are
     complete, true and correct in all material respects.

     No Adverse  Conditions.  There are no adverse  conditions or  circumstances
     that may interfere  with the use and enjoyment of or opportunity to operate
     the  directory  business of Fronteer to be purchased  and sold  pursuant to
     this Agreement.

     No  Omissions  or  Misrepresentations.   No  representation,   warranty  or
     statement of Fronteer  contains  any  misrepresentation  or  misstates  any
     material  fact or omits to state any material  fact  necessary to make each
     representation  or  warranty  or  statement  in this  Agreement,  or in any
     certificates or other  instruments  furnished or to be furnished to McLeod,
     accurate and not misleading in any material respect.

     Investigation by McLeod. No investigation  conducted by McLeod shall affect
     the  representations  and  warranties  of  Fronteer  herein,  and each such
     representation and warranty shall survive the execution and closing hereof.

     Title and liens. Fronteer on the date of delivery will own and deliver good
     and marketable title and all right,  title and interest,  free and clear of
     any and  all  liens  or  encumbrances,  in and to all  assets,  rights  and
     equipment to be sold and delivered pursuant to this Agreement.

     Consent of Creditors.  Fronteer has obtained,  or will obtain no later than
     February  28,  1997,  any and all  necessary  consents  with respect to the
     transactions  contemplated by this Agreement,  including and not limited to
     all necessary  consents  and/or  necessary  releases from all of Fronteer's
     lenders and said lenders have executed prior to Closing, or will execute no
     later than  February  28,  1997, a release of any and all liens or security
     interests  covering  the  Directories  and  the  audiotex  equipment  being
     purchased  pursuant  to the  terms of this  Agreement,  such  consents  are

                                        7

<PAGE>



     attached hereto as Exhibit "E." In the event the conditions set out in this
     section are not  satisfied,  or are violated in the sole opinion of McLeod,
     McLeod may declare this Agreement null and void and shall be entitled to an
     immediate return of all amounts paid by it pursuant to this Agreement.

     Publication   Agreements.   Fronteer   is  a  party  to   agreements   with
     telecommunications  carriers  listed on Exhibit  "F,"  attached  hereto and
     incorporated herein, in connection with the McLeod Purchase Directories and
     copies of those  agreements,  or written  explanation  of the agreements if
     oral, are attached to Exhibit "F."

     Corporate  Actions.  Fronteer  shall  take such  action  and shall file all
     documents  necessary to comply with all  federal,  state and local laws and
     regulations  which may require  shareholder or director consent or approval
     of this  Agreement  or the  transactions  contemplated  or required by this
     Agreement.

     Sales  Force.  Fronteer  presently  employs ten  individuals  in a position
     involving the sale of advertising in the  Directories,  which includes nine
     sales representatives and one sales manager and all individuals employed in
     a position  involving the sale of advertising in the Directories are listed
     on Exhibit "G."

11.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF McLEOD
     McLeod covenants, represents and warrants to the other parties:

     Due Organization. McLeod is a corporation duly organized, validly existing,
     and in good standing  under the laws of the State of Iowa and has the power
     and authority,  corporate and otherwise,  to own its properties and conduct
     the business in which it is presently engaged.

     Authorization  of Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this  Agreement
     and  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement have
     been duly and validly  authorized by all necessary  corporate action on the
     part of McLeod and this Agreement  constitutes a valid and legally  binding
     obligation of McLeod enforceable  according to its terms. The execution and
     delivery of this Agreement,  consummation of the transactions  contemplated
     by this  Agreement and compliance by McLeod with all the provisions of this
     Agreement will not (i) violate any provision of the terms of any applicable
     law, rule, or regulation of any governmental body having jurisdiction; (ii)
     conflict with or result in a breach of any  provision of McLeod's  Articles
     of  Incorporation or Bylaws or constitute a default under any of the terms,
     conditions,  or provisions of, or result in the breach of, or accelerate or
     permit the  acceleration  of the  performance  required by any note,  bond,
     mortgage,  indenture, license, agreement, or other instrument or obligation
     of any nature  whatsoever to which McLeod is a party;  or (iii) violate any
     order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, rule, or regulation applicable to
     McLeod or any of its property or assets.

                                        8

<PAGE>



12.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF CLASSIFIED
     Classified covenants, represents and warrants to the other parties that:

     Due  Organization.  Classified is a  corporation  duly  organized,  validly
     existing,  and in good standing under the laws of the State of North Dakota
     and has the  power  and  authority,  corporate  and  otherwise,  to own its
     properties and conduct the business in which it is presently engaged.

     Authorization  of Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this  Agreement
     and  consummation of the  transactions  contemplated by this Agreement have
     been duly and validly  authorized by all necessary  corporate action on the
     part of  Classified  and this  Agreement  constitutes  a valid and  legally
     binding  obligation of Classified  enforceable  according to its terms. The
     execution and delivery of this Agreement,  consummation of the transactions
     contemplated  by this Agreement and  compliance by Classified  with all the
     provisions  of this  Agreement  will not (i) violate any  provision  of the
     terms of any applicable law, rule, or regulation of any  governmental  body
     having  jurisdiction;  (ii)  conflict  with or  result  in a breach  of any
     provision of Classified's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or constitute
     a default under any of the terms,  conditions,  or provisions of, or result
     in  the  breach  of,  or  accelerate  or  permit  the  acceleration  of the
     performance  required  by any note,  bond,  mortgage,  indenture,  license,
     agreement,  or other  instrument or obligation of any nature  whatsoever to
     which Classified is a party; or (iii) violate any order, writ,  injunction,
     decree, statute, rule, or regulation applicable to Classified or any of its
     property or assets.

     Scope of  Directories.  Classified will not expand the white page coverage,
     yellow page coverage or  distribution  area of the Souris River,  Southeast
     North Dakota or Durum Triangle  directories beyond that of the last edition
     of the Souris River,  Southeast North Dakota or Durum Triangle  directories
     published by Fronteer, except, if any telecommunications carrier which is a
     party to a written,  valid, binding and enforceable  Publication  Agreement
     with  Classified  as of the  date of this  Agreement  purchases  additional
     exchanges,  and a copy of the  Publication  Agreement with such carrier has
     been  delivered  to McLeod on or before  February 28,  1997,  then,  to the
     limited extent of such purchase, the listings associated with the exchanges
     so purchases may be added to the white pages and yellow pages of the Souris
     River,   Southeast  North  Dakota  or  Durum  Triangle  directory  and  the
     subscribers  associated with the exchanges so purchased may be added to the
     distribution area of the same directory.

     Employees of Other Parties.  Classified will not hire, interview,  solicit,
     or attempt to interview or hire any  individual  employed in any  capacity,
     now or hereafter, by Fronteer or McLeod.

                                        9

<PAGE>



13.  ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT AND RIGHTS
     Fronteer  will deliver an  assignment  to McLeod,  in the form  attached as
     Exhibit "H," of the Publication Agreements with telecommunications carriers
     described  in Section 10 above and listed on Exhibit  "F,"  accompanied  by
     fully executed consents to the assignment,  in the form attached as Exhibit
     "I,"  executed  by no less  than  five of  those  seven  telecommunications
     carriers,  including specifically those associated with the Bismarck/Mandan
     Metro directory,  no later than February 28, 1997. Fronteer will assign any
     and all rights and privileges it may have in any non-compete  agreements it
     now has to the fullest  extent such  agreements  apply to the  distribution
     area of any directories published by McLeod,  including the McLeod Purchase
     Directories.  Fronteer will assign all its right, title and interest in the
     intellectual property,  proprietary information and trade secrets described
     in  Section 2 to McLeod at  Closing,  and  McLeod  hereby  grants a limited
     license to Fronteer to use such  property and  information  to complete the
     publication of the  Directories  in accordance  with this Agreement and the
     collection  of receives  generated  by such  publication.  In the event the
     conditions  set out in this section are not  satisfied,  or are violated in
     the sole opinion of McLeod, McLeod may declare this Agreement null and void
     and shall be entitled  to an  immediate  return of all  amounts  paid by it
     pursuant to this Agreement.

14.  EMPLOYEES AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

     McLeod has the right to interview and hire all of the Fronteer  sales force
     identified  on Exhibit  "G" and plans and desires to do so.  Fronteer  will
     assist McLeod in said interviewing and hiring.  Payment of any amount under
     this Agreement is contingent on McLeod  hiring,  no later than February 28,
     1997,  no less  than  seven of nine  sales  representatives  and the  sales
     manager  listed on Exhibit  "G," under  arrangements  for the same to begin
     employment with McLeod no later than seven days after the close of sales by
     Fronteer in the Bismarck/Mandan Metro directory. McLeod will not, as a term
     or condition of this Agreement,  assume any of Fronteer's  obligations with
     respect to employment  contracts or independent  contractor  contracts,  if
     any, and is not doing so by this Agreement.  Classified will not, as a term
     and  condition  of this  Agreement,  interview  or hire  any  employees  of
     Fronteer.  In the  event the  conditions  set out in this  section  are not
     satisfied,  or are  violated  in the sole  opinion  of  McLeod,  McLeod may
     declare this  Agreement null and void and shall be entitled to an immediate
     return of all amounts paid by it pursuant to this Agreement.

15.  PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
     Except to the extent disclosure,  filing, reporting or announcement of this
     Agreement is required by law,  including  any rules or  regulations  of any
     applicable governmental,  regulatory or stock exchange agency or authority,
     (i) no party shall make any public  announcement  of this  Agreement or the
     transactions  contemplated  hereby  prior to March 1, 1997,  and (ii) after
     that date  public  announcement  may be made only  after  notification  the
     content of such announcement has been approved by the other parties hereto,
     which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

                                       10

<PAGE>


16.  NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS

     In Favor of McLeod.  In  consideration  of McLeod's  purchase of the McLeod
     Purchase  Directories,  McLeod's  payment of cash  consideration,  McLeod's
     assignment of rights in and to the Souris River, Southeast North Dakota and
     possibly Durum Triangle  directories  and McLeod's  execution of a Covenant
     not to Compete and  Confidentiality  Agreement as described  below,  Scott,
     Greff,  Dressler  and  Gowin  each  execute,   jointly  with  execution  by
     Classified,  a Covenant  Not to Compete and  Confidentiality  Agreement  at
     Closing  substantially  in the form  attached  hereto as  Exhibit  "J," and
     Fronteer  and all other  Directors,  Officers  and  Shareholders  listed on
     Exhibit "D" will each execute a Covenant Not to Compete and Confidentiality
     Agreement  substantially  in the  form  attached  hereto  as  Exhibit  "K."
     Fronteer  will assign to McLeod,  in the form  attached as Exhibit "H," any
     and  all  non-competition  agreements  or  covenants  binding  upon  any of
     Fronteer's  sales  representatives  or sales managers to the fullest extent
     such non-competition  agreements apply to the current distribution areas of
     any directories published by McLeod, including the directories purchased by
     McLeod pursuant to this Agreement.

     In Favor of Classified.  In consideration of Classified's possible purchase
     of the Durum Triangle  directory and execution of a Covenant not to Compete
     and  Confidentiality  Agreement,  McLeod will execute at Closing a Covenant
     not to  Compete  and  Confidentiality  Agreement  in  favor  of  Classified
     substantially in the form attached as Exhibit "L."

17.  INDEMNIFICATION OF McLEOD
     Fronteer hereby  indemnifies and saves McLeod harmless from and against any
     and all costs,  liability,  or expenses,  including  reasonable  attorneys'
     fees, arising out of (i) any breach of warranty,  covenant,  agreement,  or
     representation made by Fronteer;  (ii) any nonfulfillment of any agreement,
     conditions   or  covenants  of  Fronteer   under  this   Agreement  or  any
     misrepresentation   in  or  omission  from  this   Agreement  or  from  any
     certificates  or other  instrument  furnished or to be furnished to McLeod;
     and (iii) all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments,
     costs, and expenses incident to any of the foregoing.

     Classified, Scott, Greff, Dressler and Gowin, jointly and severally, hereby
     indemnify  and hold  McLeod  harmless  from and  against any and all costs,
     liability,  or expenses,  including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out
     of (i) any breach of warranty, covenant,  agreement, or representation made
     by any of them; (ii) any  nonfulfillment of any condition or covenant under
     this  Agreement,   or  any  misrepresentation  in  or  omission  from  this
     Agreement,  or any  certificates  or other  instrument  furnished  or to be
     furnished to McLeod,  by any of them;  (iii) any cause of action or expense
     directly  or  indirectly  related  to  Classified's  sale,  publication  or
     distribution of directories published by Classified;  and (iv) all actions,
     suits, proceedings,  demands,  assessments,  judgments, costs, and expenses
     incident to any of the foregoing.

                                       11

<PAGE>



18.  INDEMNIFICATION OF FRONTEER
     McLeod hereby  indemnifies and saves Fronteer harmless from and against any
     and all costs,  liability,  or expenses,  including  reasonable  attorneys'
     fees, arising out of (i) any breach of warranty,  covenant,  agreement,  or
     representation  made by McLeod;  (ii) any  nonfulfillment of any agreement,
     condition   or   covenant   of  McLeod   under   this   Agreement   or  any
     misrepresentation   in  or  omission  from  this   Agreement  or  from  any
     certificates or other instrument  furnished or to be furnished to Fronteer;
     and (iii) all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, assessments, judgments,
     costs, and expenses incident to any of the foregoing.

     Classified, Scott, Greff, Dressler and Gowin, jointly and severally, hereby
     indemnify  and hold  Fronteer  harmless from and against any and all costs,
     liability,  or expenses,  including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out
     of (i) any breach of warranty, covenant,  agreement, or representation made
     by any of them; (ii) any  nonfulfillment of any condition or covenant under
     this  Agreement,   or  any  misrepresentation  in  or  omission  from  this
     Agreement,  or any  certificates  or other  instrument  furnished  or to be
     furnished to Fronteer, by any of them; (iii) any cause of action or expense
     directly  or  indirectly  related  to  Classified's  sale,  publication  or
     distribution of directories published by Classified;  and (iv) all actions,
     suits, proceedings,  demands,  assessments,  judgments, costs, and expenses
     incident to any of the foregoing.

19.  INDEMNIFICATION OF CLASSIFIED
     McLeod hereby  indemnifies and saves  Classified  harmless from and against
     any and all costs, liability, or expenses,  including reasonable attorneys'
     fees, arising out of (i) any breach of warranty,  covenant,  agreement,  or
     representation  made by McLeod;  (ii) any  nonfulfillment of any agreement,
     condition   or   covenant   of  McLeod   under   this   Agreement   or  any
     misrepresentation   in  or  omission  from  this   Agreement  or  from  any
     certificates  or  other   instrument   furnished  or  to  be  furnished  to
     Classified;   and  (iii)  all   actions,   suits,   proceedings,   demands,
     assessments,  judgments,  costs,  and  expenses  incident  to  any  of  the
     foregoing.

20.  CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

     Definition. For purposes of this Section,  "Confidential Information" means
     any information or compilation of information not generally known, which is
     proprietary  to the  business,  and  includes,  without  limitation,  trade
     secrets, inventions, and information pertaining to development,  marketing,
     sales,  accounting,  and  licensing of the business  products and services,
     customer  information  contained  in customer  records,  working  papers or
     correspondence  files, all financial  information  contained in federal and
     state tax returns, and the financial terms of this transaction. Information
     shall be treated as Confidential Information irrespective of its source and
  
                                       12

<PAGE>


     all  information  that is identified  by Fronteer,  McLeod or Classified as
     being  "confidential",  "trade secret", or is identified or marked with any
     similar reference,  or any information that Fronteer,  McLeod or Classified
     should  know  is  being  treated  by  Fronteer,  McLeod  or  Classified  as
     confidential, shall be presumed to be Confidential Information.

     Covenants by Parties. McLeod, Classified, Scott, Greff, Dressler, Gowin and
     Fronteer  agree and covenant with respect to all  Confidential  Information
     received or learned by any of them as follows:

          A. that they will treat as confidential all  Confidential  Information
     made   available   to  them  or  any  of   their   employees,   agents   or
     representatives;

          B. that they will maintain the same in a secure place and limit access
     to  the   Confidential   Information   to  those   employees,   agents  and
     representatives  to whom  it is  necessary  to  disclose  the  Confidential
     Information  in  furtherance  of  the  transactions  contemplated  by  this
     Agreement;

          C. that they and their employees,  agents and representatives will not
     copy  any  Confidential  Information  (unless  authorized),   disclose  any
     Confidential Information to any unauthorized party, or use any Confidential
     Information  for any purpose other than the  publication of the directories
     purchased pursuant to this Agreement,  including competition with the other
     party or solicitation of the other party's customers; and

          D.  that each  party  will  assume  liability  for any  breach of this
     paragraph by him or it, or any of its employees, agents or representatives.

21.  PRODUCTION SERVICES

     Following  the  Closing,  McLeod will  negotiate  with  Marlow  Lindblom at
     Fronteer to finalize an white page production  agreement between McLeod and
     Fronteer  for   Fronteer  to  produce  the  white  page   listings  of  the
     telecommunications  carriers who have executed consents pursuant to Section
     13 for a period of three years.  The agreement  will include the provisions
     that only Dennis W. Olson or Marlow  Lindblom will have direct contact with
     the telecommunications  carriers,  that the agreement is non-assignable and
     non-delegable  without  prior  written  consent  of  all  parties  to  that
     agreement,  and that the  agreement  can be  canceled by McLeod in its sole
     discretion  in the event of a change in control in Fronteer to anyone other
     than a group  including  Dennis W. Olson or Marlow  Lindblom.  Fronteer may
     also provide  production  services for  Classified  for  production  of the
     Souris  River,   Southeast   North  Dakota  and  possibly   Durum  Triangle
     directories to be published by Classified,  limited as described in Section
     12. Except as provided in this Section 20,  Fronteer will no longer publish
     the Directories.

                                       13

<PAGE>



22.  INVESTIGATION CONDITION
     McLeod's  obligations  hereunder  are  expressly  contingent  upon McLeod's
     successful   completion  of  its  investigation  of  Fronteer's   telephone
     directory business, as set out in Section 8 above.

23.  MISCELLANEOUS

     Broker or Finder.  The parties  represent that no person is entitled to any
     brokerage commission, finder's fee, or any other like payment in connection
     with any transaction contemplated by this Agreement by reason of the action
     of any party to this Agreement.

     Severability.  If any provision of this Agreement is held for any reason to
     be  unenforceable  by a court of competent  jurisdiction,  the remainder of
     this Agreement shall, nevertheless, remain in full force and effect.

     Applicable  Law. This Agreement  shall be construed in accordance  with the
     laws of the State of Iowa.  Venue for any action to enforce this  Agreement
     shall be in Iowa or in North Dakota, at the option of the party filing such
     action.

     Notices.  Any notices or other  communications  required or permitted under
     this  Agreement  shall be  sufficiently  given if sent by  certified  mail,
     return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

         McLeod:                    McLeodUSA Publishing Company
                                    P. O. Box 3162
                                    Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3162
                                    Attn: Arthur L. Christoffersen, President

         Fronteer:                  Fronteer Financial Holdings, Ltd.
                                    P.O.Box 5542
                                    Bismarck, ND 58502
                                    Attn: Dennis W. Olson, President

         Classified:                Classified Directories, Inc.
                                    1500 East Front Street
                                    Bismarck, ND 58504
                                    Attn: Larry Scott



                                       14

<PAGE>



         Scott:                     Larry A. Scott
                                    532 Macom Drive
                                    Bismarck, ND 58504

         Greff:                     James Greff
                                    3039 Greenwood Drive
                                    Bismarck, ND 58501

         Gowin:                     Randall L. Gowin
                                    1932 Adams Lane
                                    Bismarck, ND 58501

         Dressler:                  Edwin Dressler
                                    610 Easy Street
                                    Bismarck, ND 58504

     Captions.  The  captions  and  Section  numbers in this  Agreement  are for
     convenience of reference  only and shall not limit or otherwise  affect the
     meaning hereof.

     Signatures.  The parties hereto  expressly  consent to the use of facsimile
     signatures  and agree that such  facsimile  signatures  shall be binding as
     originals.  The  parties  hereto  expressly  consent to the use of multiple
     counterparts  each of which shall  constitute and original and all of which
     together will constitute one and the same instrument.

     Survival.  Each and every  provision,  representation  and warranty of this
     Agreement  shall survive the execution and closing  hereof and shall remain
     binding on the parties hereto until all performance called for hereunder is
     complete.

     Binding  Effect.  This Agreement and all of the provisions  hereof shall be
     binding  upon and inure to the  benefit  of the  parties  hereto  and their
     respective successors and assigns; provided,  however, that no party hereto
     may make any  assignment of this  Agreement or any interest  herein without
     the prior written consent of the other parties hereto.  Assignments without
     such consent shall be void.

     Executed effective the date first written above.


McLEODUSA PUBLISHING COMPANY                    FRONTEER DIRECTORY COMPANY, LTD.



By:/s/Arthur L. Christoffersen                  By:/s/Dennis W. Olson
   -----------------------------------             -----------------------------
   Arthur L. Christoffersen, President             Dennis W. Olson, President

                                       15

<PAGE>



Executed the date first above written.



/s/Dennis W. Olson                              /s/Roland Haux
- --------------------------------------         ---------------------------------
Dennis W. Olson                                Roland Haux



/s/Marlow E. Lindblom                          /s/James B. Qualls
- --------------------------------------         ---------------------------------
Marlow E. Lindblom                             James B. Qualls



/s/Calvin Helgesen                             /s/Lance L. Olson
- --------------------------------------         ---------------------------------
Calvin Helgesen                                Lance L. Olson





                                       16

<PAGE>


Executed the date first above written.


                                                /s/Edwin Dressler
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Edwin Dressler
CLASSIFIED DIRECTORIES, INC.



By:/s/Larry Scott                               /s/Larry A. Scott
   -----------------------------------         ---------------------------------
   Larry Scott, President                      Larry A. Scott



/s/James Greff                                  /s/Randal L. Gowin
- --------------------------------------         ---------------------------------
James Greff                                    Randal L. Gowin


                                       17
<PAGE>
                                   EXHIBIT "D"


       Allocation of Consideration to Directors, Officers and Shareholders
   Agreeing to Execute Covenants Not to Compete and Confidentiality Agreements


         Name                                Percentage of Payment
         ----                                ---------------------

         Dennis W. Olson                            31.25%

         Marlow Lindblom                            21.25%

         Roland Haux                                17.50%

         Larry Scott                                10.00%

         Lance Olson                                 6.25%

         James B. Qualls                             6.25%

         Edwin Dressler                              2.50%

         Randall Gowin                               2.50%

         Calvin "Kelly" Helgeson                     2.50%



<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT "J"

                             Covenant not to Compete
                          and Confidentiality Agreement

McLeodUSA  Publishing  Company,  an  Iowa  corporation,   ("McLeod"),   Fronteer
Financial  Holdings,  Ltd.,  a Colorado  corporation,  ("Fronteer"),  Classified
Directories,  Inc., a North Dakota corporation,  ("Classified"),  Larry A. Scott
("Scott"), James Greff ("Greff"), Edwin Dressler ("Dressler"),  Randall L. Gowin
("Gowin")  and certain  Directors,  Officers and  Shareholders  of Fronteer have
entered  into a Sale  and  Purchase  Agreement  dated  January  27,  1997  ("the
Agreement") which provides for the execution of this Covenant not to Compete and
Confidentiality Agreement.

In  fulfillment  of the  terms of the  Agreement,  ________________________  and
Classified,  jointly and severally, (referred to hereafter as "the undersigned,"
meaning any one, some or all of them) enter into this agreement with McLeod,  as
follows:

1.   For a period of three (3) years from the date hereof, the undersigned shall
     not  directly  or  indirectly,  as  a  shareholder,   proprietor,  partner,
     consultant, employee, agent, officer, director, associate, lender, investor
     or in any other  capacity,  engage in the telephone  directory  business in
     competition  with McLeod,  nor shall the undersigned  invest in, lend money
     to,  guarantee loans of, make gifts to, advise or by any other means assist
     or  contract  with any other  person or entity in the  telephone  directory
     business or to so compete with McLeod,  within the distribution area of any
     directory  published by McLeod,  including  those being purchased by McLeod
     from Fronteer  pursuant to the Agreement,  except to the extent the parties
     recognize  that   competition   currently   exists  within  the  geographic
     boundaries of the Jamestown, the Valley City and the Southeast North Dakota
     directories and the western-most portion of the Fargo directory,  and agree
     that  such  competition  will  continue  in the  future.  "Competition"  or
     "compete" does not include the sale of advertising in a directory published
     and distributed by the undersigned outside the distribution areas of McLeod
     directories to advertisers  within said  distribution  areas (also known as
     foreign  advertising),   so  long  as  directories  are  not  published  or
     distributed by the undersigned  within said distribution  areas of McLeod's
     directories.

2.   The undersigned  will not disclose any  Confidential  Information to others
     outside McLeod or use same for any  unauthorized  purposes  without written
     approval from an officer of McLeod.  "Confidential  Information"  means any
     information  or compilation of  information  not generally  known,  that is
     proprietary  to the  business  of McLeod or Fronteer or related to McLeod's
     publication  of any  directory  which is a subject  of the  Agreement,  and
     includes,  without  limitation,  trade  secrets,  inventions,   information
     pertaining to development,  marketing,  sales, accounting, and licensing of
     the business products and services, customer lists and contracts,  customer
     information   contained  in  or  related  to  customer   records,   papers,
     correspondence or files and all financial  information contained in federal


<PAGE>


     and  state  tax  returns.   Confidential   Information   does  not  include
     information that is independently  developed or received from a third party
     unrelated to McLeod or Fronteer. In addition,  the undersigned shall not be
     in  default  under  this  agreement  if  the  undersigned's  disclosure  of
     Confidential Information is pursuant to a subpoena or other court order.

3.   The  parties  acknowledge  and agree  that  customer  lists and  contracts,
     customer  information  and  customer  trust and good  will are the  primary
     assets of McLeod,  are the primary  assets  previously  purchased by McLeod
     from Fronteer and are the primary  assets being  purchased  pursuant to the
     Agreement. The parties desire and agree to protect these interests,  assets
     and information in order to maintain the adequacy of the  consideration for
     the  Agreement,  for this  agreement  and for the  payments  made by McLeod
     pursuant to the Agreement.

4    The  undersigned  acknowledges  that (i) McLeod is paying  substantial  and
     valuable  consideration  for  this  agreement,  (ii) the  undersigned  will
     directly  benefit from the  transactions  contemplated by the Agreement and
     the terms of the  Agreement,  described  above,  (iii) Scott,  Dressler and
     Gowin, as shareholders of Fronteer,  will benefit  directly and financially
     from the  Agreement,  (iv) that Scott,  Greff,  Dressler and Gowin,  as the
     principals  of  Classified,  will  benefit  directly  from the terms of the
     Agreement,  (v)  that  the  terms  of this  agreement  are  reasonable  and
     necessary  to  protect  the   legitimate   interests  of  McLeod  and  (vi)
     competition by the undersigned as herein prohibited would cause substantial
     loss and expense,  irreparable  damage and harm to McLeod, its assignees or
     successors, which cannot be fully compensated by monetary award.

5.   The parties agree that in the event the provisions of this agreement should
     ever be adjudicated to exceed the time or geographic  limitations permitted
     by law,  then such  provisions  shall be deemed  reformed by the parties to
     this agreement pursuant to this sentence to the maximum time and geographic
     limitation allowed by law.

6.   The undersigned agree that upon a violation of this agreement, McLeod or an
     assignee or successor in interest to it, shall have the  following  rights,
     which  are  cumulative,  separate  causes of  action  that may be  asserted
     against the undersigned,  jointly and severally.  McLeod, its successors or
     assigns,  in the event of violation by the  undersigned of this  agreement,
     may:

     6.1. Commence an action to secure an injunction  to enjoin the  undersigned
          from violating this agreement;

     6.2. Commence an action to require the undersigned to specifically  perform
          this agreement;

     6.3. Commence  an action to secure a  judgment  for  monetary  damages  for
          violation  of  this  agreement,  including,  if  applicable,  punitive
          damages; or

                                        2

<PAGE>



     6.4. Commence an action to assert any and all of the rights that McLeod, or
          its successor or assign, may have against the undersigned at such time
          because of any breach of this agreement.

     6.5. In addition,  McLeod, its successor or assignee, may secure reasonable
          attorney's  fees and costs incurred as a result of judgment,  order or
          injunction being rendered against the undersigned.

7.   No delay or omission by McLeod in exercising any right under this agreement
     shall  operate as a waiver of that or any other right.  A waiver or consent
     given  by  McLeod  on any one  occasion  shall  be  effective  only in that
     instance  and shall not be construed as a bar or waiver of any right on any
     other  occasion.  In case any provision of this agreement shall be invalid,
     illegal,  or otherwise  unenforceable,  the parties shall negotiate in good
     faith with respect to a substitute provision,  such unenforceable provision
     will be deemed  severable and all remaining  provisions will remain in full
     force and effect.

8.   The parties hereto  expressly  consent to the use of multiple  counterparts
     each of which shall  constitute an original and all of which  together will
     constitute one and the same instrument.

9.   This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance of the laws
     of the State of Iowa.

Dated: January 27, 1997

McLeodUSA Publishing Company                    Classified Directories, Inc.


By:                                             By:
   ----------------------------------               ----------------------------


- -------------------------------------
         name


                                        3

<PAGE>

                                   EXHIBIT "K"

                             Covenant not to Compete
                          and Confidentiality Agreement


McLeodUSA  Publishing  Company,  an  Iowa  corporation,   ("McLeod"),   Fronteer
Financial  Holdings,  Ltd.,  a Colorado  corporation,  ("Fronteer"),  Classified
Directories,  Inc., a North Dakota corporation,  ("Classified"),  Larry A. Scott
("Scott"), James Greff ("Greff"), Edwin Dressler ("Dressler"),  Randall L. Gowin
("Gowin")  and certain  Directors,  Officers and  Shareholders  of Fronteer have
entered  into a Sale  and  Purchase  Agreement  dated  January  27,  1997  ("the
Agreement") which provides for the execution of this Covenant not to Compete and
Confidentiality Agreement.

In  fulfillment  of the terms of the  Agreement,  ______________________________
enters into this agreement with McLeod, as follows:

1.   For a period of fifteen  (15) years from the date hereof,  the  undersigned
     shall not directly or indirectly,  as a shareholder,  proprietor,  partner,
     consultant, employee, agent, officer, director, associate, lender, investor
     or in any other  capacity,  engage in the telephone  directory  business in
     competition  with McLeod,  nor shall the undersigned  invest in, lend money
     to,  guarantee loans of, make gifts to, advise or by any other means assist
     or  contract  with any other  person or entity in the  telephone  directory
     business or to so compete with McLeod,  within the distribution area of any
     directory  published by McLeod,  including  those being purchased by McLeod
     from Fronteer  pursuant to the Agreement.  "Competition"  or "compete" does
     not include  production  services  for the Souris  River,  Southeast  North
     Dakota or Durum Triangle directories,  specifically limited in scope to the
     white page coverage, yellow page coverage and distribution area of the last
     edition  of  those  directories  published  by  Fronteer,  except,  if  any
     telecommunications  carrier which is a party to a written,  valid,  binding
     and enforceable Publication Agreement with Classified as of the date of the
     Agreement  purchases  additional  exchanges,  and a copy of the Publication
     Agreement  with  such  carrier  has been  delivered  to McLeod on or before
     February  28,  1997,  then,  to the limited  extent of such  purchase,  the
     listings  associated  with the  exchanges so purchased  may be added to the
     white pages and yellow pages of the Souris River, Southeast North Dakota or
     Durum Triangle directory and the subscribers  associated with the exchanges
     so purchased may be added to the  distribution  area of the same directory.
     The above restriction notwithstanding, Fronteer shall also have the limited
     right  to  contract  for  directory  production  service  as a third  party
     independent vendor for telephone directory publishers other than Classified
     and may conduct CMR business  limited to "A" advertising  accounts only, as
     those accounts are defined by the Yellow Pages Publishers Association.


                                        1

<PAGE>



2.   The undersigned  will not disclose any  Confidential  Information to others
     outside McLeod or use same for any  unauthorized  purposes  without written
     approval from an officer of McLeod.  "Confidential  Information"  means any
     information  or compilation of  information  not generally  known,  that is
     proprietary to the business of McLeod or related to McLeod's publication of
     any directory  which is a subject of the Agreement,  and includes,  without
     limitation,   trade   secrets,   inventions,   information   pertaining  to
     development,  marketing,  sales, accounting,  and licensing of the business
     products and services,  customer lists and contracts,  customer information
     contained  in or related to customer  records,  papers,  correspondence  or
     files and all  financial  information  contained  in federal  and state tax
     returns.  Confidential  Information  does not include  information  that is
     independently  developed or received from a third party unrelated to McLeod
     or Fronteer.  In addition,  the  undersigned  shall not be in default under
     this agreement if the undersigned's  disclosure of Confidential Information
     is pursuant to a subpoena or other court order.

3.   The  parties  acknowledge  and agree  that  customer  lists and  contracts,
     customer  information  and  customer  trust and good  will are the  primary
     assets of McLeod,  are the primary  assets  previously  purchased by McLeod
     from Fronteer and are the primary  assets being  purchased  pursuant to the
     Agreement. The parties desire and agree to protect these interests,  assets
     and information in order to maintain the adequacy of the  consideration for
     the  Agreement,  for this  agreement  and for the  payments  made by McLeod
     pursuant to the Agreement.

4.   The  undersigned  acknowledges  that (i) McLeod is paying  substantial  and
     valuable  consideration  for  this  agreement,  (ii) the  undersigned  will
     directly  benefit from the  transactions  contemplated by the Agreement and
     the terms of the Agreement, described above, (iii) McLeod has paid Fronteer
     a substantial sum of money for directories, (iv) ______________________, as
     a director  and/or  shareholder  of  Fronteer,  will  benefit  directly and
     financially  from the  Agreement,  (v) that the terms of this agreement are
     reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate  interests of McLeod and
     (vi)  competition  by the  undersigned  as herein  prohibited  would  cause
     substantial loss and expense,  irreparable  damage and harm to McLeod,  its
     assignees  or  successors,  which cannot be fully  compensated  by monetary
     award.

5.   The parties agree that in the event the provisions of this agreement should
     ever be adjudicated to exceed the time or geographic  limitations permitted
     by law,  then such  provisions  shall be deemed  reformed by the parties to
     this agreement pursuant to this sentence to the maximum time and geographic
     limitation allowed by law.

6.   The undersigned agree that upon a violation of this agreement, McLeod or an
     assignee or successor in interest to it, shall have the  following  rights,
     which  are  cumulative,  separate  causes of  action  that may be  asserted
     against the undersigned,  jointly and severally.  McLeod, its successors or
     assigns,  in the event of violation by the  undersigned of this  agreement,
     may:

                                        2

<PAGE>


     6.1. Commence an action to secure an injunction  to enjoin the  undersigned
          from violating this agreement;

     6.2. Commence an action to require the undersigned to specifically  perform
          this agreement;

     6.3. Commence  an action to secure a  judgment  for  monetary  damages  for
          violation  of  this  agreement,  including,  if  applicable,  punitive
          damages; or

     6.4. Commence an action to assert any and all of the rights that McLeod, or
          its successor or assign, may have against the undersigned at such time
          because of any breach of this agreement.

     6.5. In addition,  McLeod, its successor or assignee, may secure reasonable
          attorney's  fees and costs incurred as a result of judgment,  order or
          injunction being rendered against the undersigned.

7.   No delay or omission by McLeod in exercising any right under this agreement
     shall  operate as a waiver of that or any other right.  A waiver or consent
     given  by  McLeod  on any one  occasion  shall  be  effective  only in that
     instance  and shall not be construed as a bar or waiver of any right on any
     other  occasion.  In case any provision of this agreement shall be invalid,
     illegal,  or otherwise  unenforceable,  the parties shall negotiate in good
     faith with respect to a substitute provision,  such unenforceable provision
     will be deemed  severable and all remaining  provisions will remain in full
     force and effect.

8.   This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance of the laws
     of the State of Iowa.

Dated: January 27, 1997

McLeodUSA Publishing Company


By:
   ------------------------------------      -----------------------------------
                                             name



                                        3



© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission