COLLINS & AIKMAN CORP
10-Q, 1996-12-09
CARPETS & RUGS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              Washington D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

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

                     For the quarter ended October 26, 1996

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

                    For the transition period from           to

                         Commission File Number 1-10218




                          COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION



A Delaware Corporation                          (IRS Employer Identification
                                                             No. 13-3489233)



                              701 McCullough Drive
                         Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
                            Telephone (704) 547-8500





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 .

As of December 6, 1996, the number of outstanding shares of the Registrant's
common stock, $.01 par value, was 69,068,485 shares.



<PAGE>

                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION



ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                  COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                QUARTER ENDED                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                          OCTOBER 26,      OCTOBER 28,       OCTOBER 26,        OCTOBER 28,
                                                             1996              1995              1996              1995
<S>                                                     <C>              <C>                <C>             <C>          
Net sales........................................       $    371,027     $    298,072       $ 1,065,380     $     874,443
Cost of goods sold...............................            299,159          239,394           855,852           703,152
Selling, general and administrative
   expenses......................................             31,792           25,562            94,493            75,871
                                                             330,951          264,956           950,345           779,023
Operating income.................................             40,076           33,116           115,035            95,420

Interest expense, net............................             16,935            9,944            44,611            30,072
Loss on sale of receivables......................              1,658            2,024             4,800             6,273
Other (income)...................................             (1,815)               -            (1,584)                -

Income from continuing operations
   before income taxes...........................             23,298           21,148            67,208            59,075
Income taxes.....................................              9,601            3,044            27,372             8,209

Income from continuing operations................             13,697           18,104            39,836            50,866
Income from discontinued operations,
   net of income taxes of $1,322, $(444),
   $3,939 and $579...............................               2,225           2,536             6,749            14,120
                                                                                                            


Income before extraordinary loss.................             15,922           20,640            46,585            64,986
Extraordinary loss, net of income taxes of
   $4,709                                                          -                -            (6,610)                -

Net income.......................................     $       15,922   $       20,640    $       39,975    $       64,986

Net income per primary and fully diluted common share: 

   Continuing operations.........................     $                $                 $                 $
                                                                 .20              .25               .57             .71
   Discontinued operations.......................                .03              .04               .09             .20
   Extraordinary item............................               -                -                 (.09)           -
   Net income....................................     $           .23   $         .29    $          .57    $        .91
                                                                                             

Average common shares outstanding:
   Primary.......................................             69,933           71,125            69,986            71,467
   Fully diluted.................................             69,933           71,125            70,022            71,520
</TABLE>



                                      I-1



<PAGE>


                  COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
                                                                      OCTOBER 26,      JANUARY 27,
                              ASSETS                                  ------------    ------------
                                                                         1996             1996
Current Assets:
<S>                                                                 <C>                             
   Cash and cash equivalents...................................     $         2,541   $          977
   Accounts and notes receivable, net..........................             149,130          127,583
   Inventories.................................................             146,101          134,309
   Net assets of discontinued operations.......................             136,358           93,003
   Other.......................................................             119,594           73,127

     Total current assets......................................             553,724          428,999

Property, plant and equipment, net.............................             288,100          271,902
Deferred tax assets............................................             120,635          127,176
Goodwill, net..................................................             158,763          159,347
Other assets...................................................              54,595           49,313

                                                                    $     1,175,817    $   1,036,737

LIABILITIES AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current Liabilities:
   Notes payable...............................................     $         1,813    $       2,101
                                                                              
   Current maturities of long-term debt........................              32,147           51,508
   Accounts payable............................................             115,834          110,236
   Accrued expenses............................................             129,984           93,820

     Total current liabilities.................................             279,778          257,665

Long-term debt.................................................             812,711          713,514
Other, including postretirement benefit obligation.............             266,542          293,410
Commitments and contingencies..................................

Common stock (150,000 shares authorized,
   70,521 shares issued and 69,061 shares outstanding at
   October 26, 1996 and 70,521 shares issued and 69,074 
   outstanding at January 27, 7056) ...........................                 705              705
Other paid-in capital..........................................             585,212          585,469
Accumulated deficit............................................            (730,164)        (770,139)
Foreign currency translation adjustments.......................             (18,721)         (23,719)
Pension equity adjustment......................................              (9,090)          (9,090)
Treasury stock, at cost (1,460 shares at October 26, 1996
   and 1,447 shares at January 27, 1996).......................             (11,156)         (11,078)

     Total common stockholders' deficit........................            (183,214)        (227,852)
                                                                      $   1,175,817    $   1,036,737

</TABLE>


                                      I-2

  
<PAGE>


                  COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (UNAUDITED)
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                          QUARTER ENDED                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                    OCTOBER 26,     OCTOBER 28,    OCTOBER 26,     OCTOBER 28,
                                                                  --------------  -------------  --------------  --------------
                                                                        1996            1995           1996            1995
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>              <C>             <C> 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Income from continuing operations...............................  $      13,697       $18,104         $ 39,836      $ 50,866
Adjustments to derive cash flow from continuing operating
   activities:
     Depreciation and leasehold amortization....................          9,746         8,102           28,445        27,578
     Amortization of goodwill...................................          1,017             -            3,077             -
     Amortization of other assets...............................          1,696           831            5,423         2,689
     Decrease(increase)in accounts and notes receivable.........         (7,126)      (52,780)         (26,547)        2,291
     Decrease(increase )in inventories..........................        (13,381)          640          (11,792)        4,385
     Increase (decrease) in accounts payable....................         15,321         4,753            5,598       (17,311)
     Decrease in interest payable...............................         (4,498)       (3,667)          (1,027)       (2,934)
     Other, net.................................................          3,248         7,561           33,042        (2,597)

       Net cash provided by (used in) continuing operating
         activities.............................................         19,720       (16,456)          76,055        64,967

Cash provided by (used in) Wallcoverings and
   Floorcoverings discontinued operations.......................        (14,067)        3,825          (14,322)       (2,213)
Cash used in other discontinued operations......................         (6,794)       (1,536)          (6,306)      (20,382)

      Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations....        (20,861)        2,289          (20,628)      (22,595)

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Additions to property, plant and equipment......................        (20,941)      (30,361)         (63,663)      (72,527)
Sales of property, plant and equipment..........................            249         1,500            3,313         1,816
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired.................              -             -           (8,007)            -
Proceeds from sale-leaseback arrangement........................              -         7,769                -        25,414
Other, net .....................................................        (46,757)       (1,984)         (52,272)       (6,421)

       Net cash used in investing activities....................        (67,449)      (23,076)        (120,629)      (51,718)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of long-term debt......................................              -         6,664          400,229        11,020
Repayment of long-term debt.....................................         (6,496)       (8,525)        (285,473)      (11,356)
Proceeds from (reduction of) participating interests in
   accounts receivable..........................................         23,000        20,000            5,000        (8,000)
Net borrowings (repayments) on revolving credit facilities......         40,000        12,558          (35,000)       27,558
Net borrowings (repayments) on notes payable....................            270          (770)            (289)       (1,555)
Purchase of treasury stock......................................           (342)       (3,513)            (491)       (7,289)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options.........................            139            70              139           113
Other, net .....................................................             18            (3)         (17,349)          126

       Net cash provided by financing activities................         56,589        26,481           66,766        10,617

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents............        (12,001)      (10,762)           1,564         1,271
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period................         14,542        15,350              977         3,317

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period......................  $       2,541        $4,588         $  2,541     $   4,588
                                                                                               
</TABLE>


                                      I-3

<PAGE>



                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT
                                  (Unaudited)




A.       ORGANIZATION:

         Collins & Aikman Corporation (the "Company") (formerly Collins & Aikman
Holdings Corporation) is a Delaware corporation. Prior to July 13, 1994, the
Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Collins & Aikman Holdings II
Corporation ("Holdings II"). In connection with an initial public offering of
common stock ("Common Stock") and a recapitalization (the "Recapitalization"),
Holdings II was merged into the Company. Concurrently, Collins & Aikman Group,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Group"), was merged into its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Collins & Aikman Corporation, which changed its name to
Collins & Aikman Products Co. ("C&A Products"). On July 7, 1994, the Company
changed its name from Collins & Aikman Holdings Corporation to Collins & Aikman
Corporation.

         Prior to the Recapitalization, the Company was jointly owned by
Blackstone Capital Partners L.P. ("Blackstone Partners") and Wasserstein Perella
Partners, L.P. ("WP Partners") and their respective affiliates. As of October
26, 1996, Blackstone Partners and WP Partners and their respective affiliates
collectively own approximately 78% of the Common Stock.

         The Company conducts all of its operating activities through its
wholly-owned C&A Products subsidiary.

B.       BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

         The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, the accompanying
condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting
of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of
financial position and results of operations. Results of operations for interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. Certain
reclassifications have been made to these condensed consolidated financial
statements for the quarter and nine months ended October 28, 1995 to conform to
the fiscal 1996 presentation and are primarily related to the Wallcoverings
segment and Floorcoverings subsidiary being reclassified as discontinued
operations. See Note J.

         For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements
and footnotes thereto included in the Collins & Aikman Corporation Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996.

C.       INTEREST RATE PROTECTION PROGRAMS:

         The Company maintains a program designed to reduce its exposure to
changes in the cost of its variable rate borrowings by the use of interest rate
collar agreements. The Company has limited its exposure through April 2, 1998 on
$80 million of notional principal amount utilizing zero cost collars with 4.75%
floors and a weighted average cap of 7.86%. Payments to be received, if any, as
a result of these agreements are accrued as a reduction of interest expense.

         Amortization of certain interest rate protection agreements that
expired during October 1996 amounted to $.3 million and $.2 million during the
quarter ended October 26, 1996 and October 28, 1995, respectively. Amortization
of these agreements amounted to $.7 million and $.5 million during the nine
months ended October 26, 1996 and October 28, 1995, respectively.

                                      I-4

<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT (Continued)
                                  (Unaudited)


D.       GOODWILL:

         Goodwill, representing the excess of purchase price over the fair value
of net assets of the acquired entities, is being amortized on a straight-line
basis over the period of forty years. Amortization of goodwill applicable to
continuing operations for the third quarter of 1996 and nine months ended
October 26, 1996 was $1.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Accumulated
amortization at October 26, 1996 was $3.3 million. The carrying value of
goodwill will be reviewed periodically based on the nondiscounted cash flows and
pretax income of the entities acquired over the remaining amortization periods.
Should this review indicate that the goodwill balance will not be recoverable,
the Company's carrying value of the goodwill will be reduced. At October 26,
1996, the Company believes its goodwill of $158.8 million was not impaired.

E.       RECEIVABLES FACILITY:

         On March 31, 1995, C&A Products repaid and terminated the receivables
financing arrangement it entered into in connection with the Recapitalization
(the "Bridge Receivables Facility") and entered, through a trust (the "Trust")
formed by Carcorp, Inc., a wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote subsidiary of C&A
Products ("Carcorp"), into a new receivables facility (the "Receivables
Facility") comprised of (i) term certificates, which were issued on March 31,
1995, in an aggregate face amount of $110 million and have a term of five years
and (ii) variable funding certificates, which represent revolving commitments of
up to an aggregate of $75 million and have a term of five years. Carcorp
purchases on a revolving basis and transfers to the Trust virtually all trade
receivables generated by C&A Products and certain of its subsidiaries (the
"Sellers").

         Availability under the variable funding certificates at any time
depends primarily on the amount of receivables generated by the Sellers from
sales to the auto industry, the rate of collection on those receivables and
other characteristics of those receivables which affect their eligibility (such
as the bankruptcy or downgrading below investment grade of the obligor,
delinquency and excessive concentration). Based on these criteria, at October
26, 1996 approximately $26.3 million was available under the variable funding
certificates, $23.0 million of which was utilized.

         The term certificates bear interest at an average rate equal to
one-month LIBOR plus .34% per annum. The variable funding certificates bear
interest, at Carcorp's option, at LIBOR plus .40% per annum or a prime rate.

         As of October 26, 1996, the Trust's receivables pool was $196.1
million, net of allowances for doubtful accounts. As of October 26, 1996, the
holders of term certificates and variable funding certificates collectively
possessed a $133.0 million undivided senior interest (net of settlements in
transit) in the Trust's receivables pool and, accordingly, such receivables were
not reflected in the Company's accounts receivable balance as of that date.

         In connection with the Company's plan to spin off its Imperial
Wallcoverings Inc. subsidiary, as discussed in Note J, Wallcoverings was
terminated as a Seller on September 21, 1996.

         See Note J for loss on sale amounts allocated to discontinued
operations associated with the Receivables Facility.

                                      I-5

<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT (Continued)
                                  (Unaudited)


F.       INVENTORIES:

         Inventory balances are summarized as follows (in thousands):

                                             OCTOBER 26,       JANUARY 27,
                                                 1996             1996
          Raw materials...................$      83,447       $      75,529
          Work in process.................       23,358              21,636
          Finished goods..................       39,296              37,144
                                           $    146,101       $     134,309
G.       SUBORDINATED NOTES:

         On June 10, 1996, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, C&A Products,
issued at face value $400 million principal amount of 11-1/2% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2006 (the "Subordinated Notes"), which are guaranteed by
the Company. The Company used approximately $356.8 million of the total net
proceeds of $387.0 million to repay $348.2 million principal amount of
outstanding bank borrowings plus accrued interest on such borrowings and related
fees and expenses and used the remainder for general corporate purposes.

H.       INTEREST EXPENSE, NET:

         Interest expense allocated to continuing operations for the quarters
ended October 26, 1996 and October 28, 1995 is net of interest income of $1.3
million and $.6 million, respectively. Interest expense allocated to continuing
operations for the nine months ended October 26, 1996 and October 28, 1995 is
net of interest income of $2.8 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
See Note J for interest expense allocated to discontinued operations.

I.       FACILITY CLOSING COSTS:

         In the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, the Company provided for the cost
to exit one manufacturing facility in its Automotive Products segment.
Additionally, the Company provided for the cost to exit one manufacturing and
three distribution centers in its discontinued Wallcoverings segment. During the
third quarter and the nine months ended October 26, 1996, the Company expended
approximately $.2 million and $.3 million, respectively, related to closure and
disposal of idled facilities for continuing operations. Cash outlays for
facility closing costs related to discontinued operations during the nine months
ended October 26, 1996 were approximately $.4 million for severance benefits and
$.1 million for closing and disposal of idled facilities. There were no cash
outlays for facility closing costs related to discontinued operations during the
third quarter of 1996.

J.       DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

         On April 9, 1996, the Company announced a plan to spin off its Imperial
Wallcoverings, Inc. subsidiary ("Wallcoverings") to the stockholders of the
Company in the form of a stock dividend. The spin-off requires, among other
things, the final approval of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company
expects the spin-off to occur during the first half of 1997. The Company has
accounted for the financial results and net assets of Wallcoverings as a
discontinued operation. Accordingly, previously reported financial results for
all periods presented have been restated to reflect Wallcoverings as a
discontinued operation. For the nine months 


                                      I-6

<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT (Continued)
                                  (Unaudited)


ended October 26, 1996, Wallcoverings had income, net of income taxes, of $.4
million which relates to the quarter ended April 27, 1996. Wallcoverings'
results subsequent to the quarter ended April 27, 1996 have been charged to the
Company's existing discontinued operations reserves. For the quarter and nine
months ended October 28, 1995, Wallcoverings had a loss, net of income taxes, of
$.7 million and income, net of income taxes, of $3.3 million, respectively.

         During the second quarter, the Company announced its intention to sell
the Company's Floorcoverings subsidiary ("Floorcoverings") in order to more
aggressively pursue the Company's automotive growth strategy. As a result of
this plan, the Company has accounted for the financial results and net assets of
Floorcoverings as a discontinued operation. Accordingly, previously reported
financial results for all periods presented have been restated to reflect
Floorcoverings as a discontinued operation. The following is selected financial
data related to Floorcoverings for the periods presented (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                     FOR THE QUARTER ENDED             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                 OCTOBER 26,       OCTOBER 28,       OCTOBER 26,      OCTOBER 28,
                                                     1996              1995             1996              1995
           
           <S>                                 <C>              <C>               <C>               <C>   
           Net sales...........................$        34,723   $        30,564    $      103,446  $        90,945
           Cost of sales.......................         20,303            18,198            62,777           52,635
           Selling, general and administrative
             expenses..........................          8,011             6,882            22,283           20,909
           Other expense.......................              0                 0               427                0
           EBITDA (1)..........................          6,987             5,943            20,104           18,954

</TABLE>


         (1) EBITDA represents earnings before deductions for net interest
expense, loss on sale of receivables, income tax, depreciation, amortization and
the non-cash portion of non-recurring charges. EBITDA does not represent and
should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow from
operations as determined by generally accepted accounting principles.

         Net interest expense of discontinued operations including amounts
attributable to discontinued operations was $2.7 million and $7.2 million for
the quarter and nine months ended October 26, 1996, respectively, and $2.1
million and $5.7 million for the quarter and nine months ended October 28, 1995,
respectively. Interest expense of $2.6 million and $7.0 million for the quarter
and nine months ended October 26, 1996, respectively, and $1.9 million and $5.3
million for the quarter and nine months ended October 28, 1995, respectively,
was allocated to the Floorcoverings discontinued operations based upon the ratio
of net book value of the Floorcoverings discontinued operations to consolidated
invested capital.

         A portion of the loss on sale of receivables has been allocated to the
Floorcoverings discontinued operations based on the ratio of (x) receivables
included in the Trust's receivable pool related to Floorcoverings to (y) the
total Trust's receivables pool. For the quarter and nine months ended October
26, 1996, $240,000 and $630,000, respectively, of loss on sale of receivables
was allocated to the Floorcoverings discontinued operations. For the quarter and
nine months ended October 28, 1995, these allocated amounts were $260,000 and
$650,000, respectively.

K.       RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:

         Under the Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement among the
Company, C&A Products, Blackstone Partners and WP Partners, the Company pays
Blackstone Partners and WP Partners, or their respective affiliates, each an
annual monitoring fee of $1.0 million, which is payable quarterly. Wasserstein
Perella Securities, Inc., an affiliate of WP Partners, participated as a lead
underwriter in C&A Products' 

                                      I-7

<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT (Continued)
                                  (Unaudited)


offering of Subordinated Notes in June 1996 and was paid fees of approximately
$5.4 million by C&A Products in connection therewith.

L.  INFORMATION ABOUT INDUSTRY SEGMENTS OF THE COMPANY'S CONTINUING OPERATIONS:

         Information about the Company's continuing industry segments for the
third quarter and first six months of fiscal 1996 and of fiscal 1995 follows (in
thousands):


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                
QUARTER ENDED                                                                                  DEPRECIATION
OCTOBER 26, 1996                           NET              GROSS           OPERATING                AND                CAPITAL
                                          SALES            MARGIN             INCOME          AMORTIZATION (A)       EXPENDITURES

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

Automotive Products                    $    295,791     $      52,468    $      30,956        $          8,785        $    12,803
Decorative Fabrics                           75,236            19,400            9,120                   2,861              2,085
Corporate items (b)                               -                 -                -                     813              6,053
                                       $    371,027      $     71,868    $      40,076         $        12,459        $    20,941



                                                                                                
QUARTER ENDED                                                                                   DEPRECIATION
OCTOBER 28, 1995                           NET              GROSS           OPERATING                AND                CAPITAL
                                          SALES            MARGIN             INCOME          AMORTIZATION (A)       EXPENDITURES
Automotive Products                    $    230,761     $      41,160    $      25,496       $           6,263        $    12,492
Decorative Fabrics                           67,311            17,518            7,620                   1,559              6,375
Corporate items (b)                               -                 -                -                   1,111             11,494
                                       $    298,072     $      58,678    $      33,116       $           8,933        $    30,361

                                                                                               
NINE MONTHS ENDED                                                                               DEPRECIATION
OCTOBER 26, 1996                           NET              GROSS           OPERATING                AND                CAPITAL
                                          SALES            MARGIN             INCOME          AMORTIZATION (A)       EXPENDITURES
Automotive Products                   $     854,174      $    156,594    $      91,053        $         26,413         $   31,295
Decorative Fabrics                          211,206            52,934           23,982`                  7,685             10,057
Corporate items (b)                               -                 -                -                   2,847             22,311
                                      $   1,065,380      $    209,528     $    115,035        $         36,945         $   63,663



                                                                                                
NINE MONTHS ENDED                                                                                DEPRECIATION
OCTOBER 28, 1995                           NET              GROSS           OPERATING                AND                CAPITAL
                                          SALES            MARGIN             INCOME          AMORTIZATION (A)       EXPENDITURES
Automotive Products                    $    679,249      $    121,950     $     75,742        $         19,230       $     41,794
Decorative Fabrics                          195,194            49,341           19,678                   7,516             14,434
Corporate items (b)                               -                 -                -                   3,521             16,299
                                       $    874,443      $    171,291     $     95,420        $         30,267       $     72,527


</TABLE>


                                      I-8

<PAGE>

                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT (Continued)
                                  (Unaudited)

(a)      Includes the  amortization of goodwill and other assets and liabilities
         and excludes depreciation and amortization for discontinued operations.

(b)      Includes capital expenditures for discontinued operations for the third
         quarter of 1996 and 1995 of $6.0 million and $11.2 million,
         respectively. Capital expenditures for discontinued operations for the
         nine months ended October 26, 1996 and October 28, 1995 were $21.6
         million and $15.4 million, respectively.

         The geographic dispersion of the operations of the Company and its
subsidiaries did not change significantly from January 27, 1996 to October 26,
1996.

M.       COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

         See "PART II - OTHER INFORMATION, Item 1. Legal Proceedings." The
ultimate outcome of the legal proceedings to which the Company is a party will
not, in the opinion of the Company's management based on the facts presently
known to it, have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial
condition or results of operations.

         See also "PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION, Item 2. Management's 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

         C&A Products (or its predecessor, Group) has assigned leases related to
divested businesses. Although C&A Products has obtained releases from the
lessors of certain of these properties, C&A Products remains contingently liable
under most of the leases. C&A Products' future liability for these leases, in
management's opinion, based on the facts presently known to it, will not have a
material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of
operations.

N.       COMMON STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT:

         Activity in common stockholders' deficit is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                             FOREIGN
                                 COMMON        OTHER                        CURRENCY       PENSION
                                  STOCK       PAID-IN      ACCUMULATED     TRANSLATION      EQUITY       TREASURY
                                              CAPITAL        DEFICIT       ADJUSTMENTS    ADJUSTMENT      STOCK         TOTAL
<S>                          <C>           <C>          <C>              <C>              <C>        <C>          <C>

BALANCE AT JANUARY 27, 1996..  $       705 $   585,469  $     (770,139)    $  (23,719)    $  (9,090)   $ (11,078)   $ (227,852)
                                                                                
Compensation expense
   adjustment................           -           17                -              -            -             -            17
Net income...................           -            -           39,975              -            -             -        39,975
Purchases of treasury stock
   (75 shares) ..............           -            -                -              -            -          (491)         (491)
Exercise of stock options,
   (62 shares)...............                     (274)                                                       413           139
Foreign currency
   translation adjustments...           -            -                -          4,998            -             -         4,998

BALANCE AT OCTOBER 26, 1996..  $       705   $   585,212  $   (730,164)     $  (18,721)   $   (9,090)   $ (11,156)  $  (183,214)
                                                                         

</TABLE>


                                      I-9
<PAGE>

                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT (Continued)
                                  (Unaudited)


O.       EARNINGS PER SHARE:

         Earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding during each period and the assumed exercise
of employee stock options less the number of treasury shares assumed to be
purchased from the proceeds, including applicable deferred compensation expense.

P.       SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY:

         The Company conducts all of its operating activities through its
wholly-owned subsidiary C&A Products. The following represents summarized
consolidated financial information of C&A Products and its subsidiaries for the
following periods (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                          FOR THE QUARTER ENDED             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                      OCTOBER 26,       OCTOBER 28,       OCTOBER 26,      OCTOBER 28,
                                          1996             1995             1996              1995
<S>                                  <C>               <C>              <C>               <C> 

Net sales........................... $       371,027    $      298,072   $    1,065,380    $      874,443
Gross margin........................          71,868            58,678          209,528           171,291
Income from continuing operations...          13,533            18,155           39,485            51,145
Net income .........................          15,758            20,691           39,624            65,265

                                      OCTOBER 26,          JANUARY 27,
                                          1996                1996
Current assets...................... $       553,096    $      427,756
Noncurrent assets...................         621,836           607,738
Current liabilities.................         278,666           256,452
Noncurrent liabilities..............       1,076,671         1,004,342
</TABLE>

         Separate financial statements of C&A Products are not presented because
they would not be material to the holders of any debt securities of C&A Products
that have been or may be issued, there being no material differences between the
financial statements of C&A Products and the Company. The absence of separate
financial statements of C&A Products is also based upon the fact that any debt
of C&A Products issued, and the assumption that any debt to be issued, under the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by the Company and C&A Products
(Registration No. 33-62665) is or will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed
by the Company.

Q.       SUBSEQUENT EVENT

         On August 28, 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
JPS Automotive L.P. ("JPS Automotive") for an estimated purchase price, subject
to final adjustments, of $220 million consisting of approximately $196 million
of indebtedness of JPS Automotive and approximately $24 million in cash. The
acquisition is expected to close in early December and is subject to a number of
conditions. Concurrently with the acquisition of JPS Automotive, the Company
intends to acquire a minority interest in a JPS Automotive subsidiary for $10
million. In connection with the anticipated closing of the transactions in
December 1996, the Company amended its current credit facilities (effective upon
the closing) primarily to allow for the existence of the JPS Automotive 11-1/8%
Senior Notes due 2001 (the "JPS Automotive Senior Notes") and entered into a
standby credit facility (effective upon the closing) to be utilized for the
redemption of JPS Automotive Senior Notes that may be put by the holders to JPS
Automotive as a result of

                                      I-10

<PAGE>

                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REPORT (Concluded)
                                  (Unaudited)


the change in control or that may be acquired through other means and for the
refinancing of JPS Automotive Senior Notes previously acquired by the Company.

The Company is currently evaluating bids received in connection with the
proposed sale of Floorcoverings. On December 4, 1996, the Company announced it
is considering the sale of its Mastercraft Group. The Company has not made a
final determination as to whether it will pursue the sale of the Mastercraft
Group.

                                      I-11

<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations


RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

         On August 28, 1996, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire
JPS Automotive for an estimated purchase price, subject to final adjustments, of
$220 million consisting of approximately $196 million of indebtedness of JPS
Automotive and approximately $24 million in cash. The acquisition is expected to
close in early December and is subject to a number of conditions. Concurrently
with the acquisition of JPS Automotive, the Company intends to acquire a
minority interest in a JPS Automotive subsidiary for $10 million. In connection
with the anticipated closing of the transactions in December 1996, the Company
amended its current credit facilities (effective upon the closing) primarily to
allow for the existence of the JPS Automotive Senior Notes and entered into a
standby credit facility (effective upon the closing) to be utilized for the
redemption of JPS Automotive Senior Notes that may be put by the holders to JPS
Automotive as a result of the change in control or that may be acquired through
other means and for the refinancing of JPS Automotive Senior Notes previously
acquired by the Company.

         The Company is currently evaluating bids received in connection with
the proposed sale of Floorcoverings. On December 4, 1996, the Company announced
it is considering the sale of its Mastercraft Group. The Company has not made a
final determination as to whether it will pursue the sale of the Mastercraft
Group.

         The  Company  has determined to change its fiscal year end to the last
Saturday  of  December.  Fiscal 1996 will end on December 28, 1996.

         On June 10, 1996, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, C&A Products,
issued $400 million principal amount of the Subordinated Notes, which are
guaranteed by the Company. The Subordinated Notes were sold at a price equal to
100% of their principal amount. The Company used approximately $356.8 million of
the total net proceeds of $387.0 million to repay $348.2 million principal
amount of the outstanding bank borrowings plus accrued interest on such
borrowings and related fees and expenses and used the remainder for general
corporate purposes.

         On May 1, 1996, the Company acquired the business of BTR Fatati Limited
("Fatati"), a manufacturer and supplier of molded floor carpets and luggage
compartment trim for the European automotive market. The acquisition increases
the Company's carpet molding capacity and gives it a European base from which to
supply its new carpet molding plant in Austria. Fatati's customers include
General Motors, Saab and Toyota.


GENERAL

         The Company's continuing business segments consist of Automotive
Products, which supplies textile and plastic interior trim products and
convertible top systems to the North American and, increasingly, the European
automotive industry; and Decorative Fabrics, which manufactures residential
upholstery in the United States. The Decorative Fabrics segment was formerly
reported as the Interior Furnishings segment. However, as a result of the
Company's decision to classify the Company's Floorcoverings subsidiary as a
discontinued operation, this segment was renamed Decorative Fabrics. The
Wallcoverings segment, which produces residential and commercial wallpaper in
North America, has also been classified as a discontinued operation.
Accordingly, all prior year segment information has been restated.

                                      I-12

<PAGE>



                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (continued)


         The Company's net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 1996 were $371.0
million, with approximately $295.8 million (79.7%) in Automotive Products and
$75.2 million (20.3%) in Decorative Fabrics. All references to fiscal year 1996
or any fiscal year thereafter with respect to the Company refer to the fiscal
year of the Company ending the last Saturday of December. All references to
fiscal year 1995 or any fiscal year prior thereto refer to the fiscal year of
the Company which ended on the last Saturday of January of the following year.

         The industries in which the Company competes are cyclical. Automotive
Products is primarily influenced by the level of North American vehicle
production. Decorative Fabrics is directly influenced by the level of retail
furniture sales, which in turn is primarily influenced by the level of
residential construction and renovation and by consumer confidence.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Discussion of results of each of the Company's operating segments follows:

AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                           QUARTER ENDED
                                                 OCTOBER 26, 1996  OCTOBER 28, 1995
                                                 AMOUNT  PERCENT   AMOUNT    PERCENT
                                                     (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

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

Net sales.....................................$ 295,791   100.0%  $230,761    100.0%
Cost of goods sold............................  243,323    82.3    189,601     82.2
Gross margin..................................   52,468    17.7     41,160     17.8
Selling, general & administrative expenses       21,512     7.2     15,664      6.8

Operating income..............................$  30,956    10.5%  $ 25,496     11.0%
EBITDA (1)....................................$  39,741    13.4%  $ 31,759     13.8%

                                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                OCTOBER 26, 1996   OCTOBER 28, 1995
                                              AMOUNT   PERCENT      AMOUNT   PERCENT
                                                   (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

Net sales.....................................$ 854,174  100.0%  $ 679,249   100.0%
Cost of goods sold............................  697,580   81.7     557,299    82.0
Gross margin..................................  156,594   18.3     121,950    18.0
Selling, general & administrative expenses       65,541    7.6      46,208     6.8

Operating income..............................$  91,053   10.7%  $  75,742    11.2%
EBITDA (1)....................................$ 117,466   13.8%  $  94,972    14.0%

</TABLE>

                                      I-13


<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)


               (1) EBITDA represents earnings before deductions for net interest
expense, loss on sale of receivables, income tax, depreciation, amortization and
the non-cash portion of non-recurring charges. EBITDA does not represent and
should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow from
operations as determined by generally accepted accounting principles.

NET SALES: Automotive Products' net sales increased 28.2% to approximately
$295.8 million in the third quarter of 1996, up $65.0 million over the
comparable 1995 quarter. The overall increase was due to the acquisition of
Manchester Plastics in January 1996, as well as increased sales in convertible
top systems, molded carpet, accessory mats and luggage compartment trim,
partially offset by a reduction in sales of approximately $13 million to General
Motors due to the Canadian Auto Workers' and the United Auto Workers' strikes
against General Motors in October 1996 and by decreased sales of automotive
bodycloth. The overall increase in the segment's sales compares with a 3%
increase in the North American vehicle build over the comparable quarter of the
prior year. For the remainder of the year, the Company currently does not expect
any increase in the North American vehicle build versus last year.

For the first nine months of 1996, Automotive Products' net sales of $854.2
million were $174.9 million higher than the comparable period in 1995. This
overall increase was due primarily to the acquisition of Manchester Plastics in
January 1996 and the Fatati business in May 1996 as well as the items discussed
above. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in first quarter and
third quarter sales to General Motors resulting from the strikes against General
Motors in March and October 1996.

Convertible top system sales increased 132.5% and 95.9% in the quarter and nine
months ended October 26, 1996, respectively, over the prior year periods
principally due to increased shipments of the Chrysler Sebring. These increases
were partially offset by the planned discontinuance of the Chrysler LeBaron
convertible and reduced sales to the Ford Mustang in the third quarter.

Molded carpet sales increased 0.8% and 7.3% in the quarter and nine months ended
October 26, 1996, respectively, over the prior year periods. Increased sales to
the Chrysler Caravan/Voyager, T300 pickup, Sebring and Breeze were partially
offset by reduced sales to the Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Camaro and Lumina and
Pontiac Grand Prix as well as reduced sales to General Motors in the third and
first quarters as a result of the strikes during the year.

Manchester Plastics, which was acquired in January 1996, contributed $57.4
million and $136.1 million in sales of plastic interior trim components in the
quarter and nine months ended October 26, 1996, respectively. Manchester's sales
for the nine months ended October 26, 1996 were negatively impacted by the
General Motors strike in the first and third quarters and delays in the launch
of certain new programs which were partially offset by increased sales to the
Honda Civic.

Accessory mat sales increased 11.2% and 14.4% in the quarter and nine months
ended October 26, 1996, respectively, over the prior year periods. The overall
increase is attributable to increased sales to the Chrysler Caravan/Voyayer and
T-300, Subaru Legacy and Honda Civic and Accord. These increases were partially
offset by reduced sales to the Toyota Corolla, Chrysler Cirrus and Chevrolet
Camaro.

Luggage compartment trim sales increased 17.1% and 10.3% in the quarter and nine
months ended October 26, 1996, respectively, over the prior year periods.
Increased sales to the Honda Civic, the Subaru Legacy and the Chrysler Sebring
and Breeze were partially offset by reduced sales to the Chrysler Cirrus, the
Honda 


                                      I-14
<PAGE>



                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)


Accord and the Mercury Cougar and decreased sales to General Motors in the
third and first quarters.

Automotive bodycloth sales declined 22.3% and 18.1% in the quarter and nine
months ended October 26, 1996, respectively, over the prior year periods. The
decreased sales resulted primarily from reduced sales to the Chevrolet Cavalier,
Ford Mustang, Thunderbird, Escort and F-Series truck and the Honda Civic and
decreased sales to General Motors in the first and third quarters. These
decreases were partially offset by increased sales to the Mercury Sable, the
Chrysler Grand Cherokee and Breeze, the Chevrolet Blazer and the Pontiac Grand
Am.

Of the segment's sales, approximately 15.0% and 14.1% in the quarter and nine
months ended October 26, 1996, respectively, were attributable to vehicles built
outside of North America and other miscellaneous product lines.

The above factors resulted in the Company's average sales content per vehicle
built in North America of approximately $64 for the third quarter and first nine
months of 1996 compared to an average of approximately $54 for the fiscal 1995
year.

GROSS MARGIN: For the third quarter of 1996, gross margin was 17.7%, down from
17.8% in the comparable period in 1995. The decrease in gross margin is
attributable primarily to lower sales to General Motors and the previously
anticipated lower margins in plastic components partially offset by the increase
in higher margin convertible top system sales. The Company currently anticipates
margins in its plastic interior trim business will increase during the remainder
of the year. For the nine months ended October 26, 1996, gross margin was 18.3%,
up from 18.0% in the comparable period in 1995. The increase was due to the same
factors mentioned above, as well as increased sales of accessory mats partially
offset by decreased sales to General Motors in the first quarter and third
quarter.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: Automotive Products' selling,
general and administrative expenses increased 37.3% to $21.5 million in the
third quarter of 1996, up $5.8 million over the comparable 1995 period. Selling,
general and administrative expenses increased to $65.5 million for the nine
months ended October 26, 1996, up $19.3 million over the comparable 1995 period.
The increase is primarily due to the acquisition of Manchester Plastics and Amco
Convertible Fabrics and the expansion of the Company's carpet business in Europe
and convertible top system business in Mexico.

                                      I-15

<PAGE>



                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)



DECORATIVE FABRICS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                         QUARTER ENDED
                                                      OCTOBER 26, 1996                   OCTOBER 28, 1995
                                                  AMOUNT           PERCENT            AMOUNT           PERCENT
                                                                 (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

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

Net sales..................................... $      75,236         100.0%       $      67,311          100.0%
Cost of goods sold............................        55,836          74.2               49,793           74.0
Gross margin..................................        19,400          25.8               17,518           26.0
Selling, general & administrative expenses            10,280          13.7                9,898           14.7

Operating income..............................$        9,120          12.1%      $        7,620           11.3%
EBITDA (1)....................................$       11,981          15.9%      $        9,179           13.6%

                                                                       NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                      OCTOBER 26, 1996                   OCTOBER 28, 1995
                                                  AMOUNT           PERCENT            AMOUNT           PERCENT
                                                                 (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

Net sales.....................................  $    211,206         100.0%        $    195,194          100.0%
Cost of goods sold............................       158,272          74.9              145,853           74.7
Gross margin..................................        52,934          25.1               49,341           25.3
Selling, general & administrative expenses            28,952          13.7               29,663           15.2

Operating income.............................. $      23,982          11.4%       $      19,678           10.1%
EBITDA (1).................................... $      31,667          15.0%       $      27,194           13.9%
</TABLE>

(1) EBITDA represents earnings before deductions for net interest expense, loss
on sale of receivables, income tax, depreciation, amortization and the non-cash
portion of non-recurring charges. EBITDA does not represent and should not be
considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations as
determined by generally accepted accounting principles.

NET SALES: Decorative Fabrics' net sales increased 11.8% to $75.2 million in the
third quarter of 1996, up $7.9 million compared to the third quarter of 1995.
Net sales for the nine months ended October 26, 1996 were $211.2 million, up
8.2% over the comparable period in 1995.

Decorative Fabrics' sales increase was principally in the segment's Mastercraft
division, which makes flatwoven upholstery fabrics. Mastercraft's sales
increased approximately 11.0% in the third quarter of 1996 as compared to the
prior year period even though the average selling prices decreased due to
changes in sales mix towards the Company's lower priced product lines. The
Mastercraft and Contract product lines experienced the largest sales increases
in the third quarter of 1996 over the prior year period. The segment also
benefited from increased demand for Mastercraft's Advantage product, which was
introduced in August of 1994. Velvet furniture fabric sales for the quarter and
nine months ended October 26, 1996 increased 21.8% and 6.6%, respectively, over
the prior year periods as a result of increased jacquard velvet sales.


                                      I-16
<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)


GROSS MARGIN: Decorative Fabrics' gross margin for the third quarter of 1996
decreased to 25.8% of sales from 26.0% in the comparable prior year period. The
decrease reflects the continued increased demand for the more moderately priced
products which have lower gross margins. This decrease was partially offset by
overall higher production levels which improved the absorption of overhead
costs. In addition, the segment continues to benefit from the improved
efficiencies as a result of the Mastercraft loom modernization program.

Decorative Fabrics' gross margin for the nine months ended October 26, 1996 was
25.1% of sales, down from 25.3% for the comparable period in 1995. This decline
resulted from lower sales volume in the first quarter of 1996 and increased raw
material prices of approximately $1.5 million as well as the shift to lower
margin products discussed above.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: Decorative Fabrics' selling,
general and administrative expenses increased 3.9% to $10.3 million in the third
quarter of 1996, an increase of $.4 million from the third quarter of 1995. This
increase is primarily due to higher selling expenses as a result of the
increased sales levels. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased
$.7 million to $29.0 million for the nine months ended October 26, 1996 as
compared to the same period in 1995. This decrease is primarily due to lower
administrative costs partially offset by higher selling expenses.


COMPANY AS A WHOLE

NET SALES: Net sales increased 24.5% to $371.0 million in the third quarter of
1996, up $73.0 million over the third quarter of 1995. Net sales for the nine
months ended October 26, 1996 increased 21.8% to $1,065.4 million, up $190.9
million over the comparable period in 1995. The overall net sales increase
reflects continued sales increases in the Company's Automotive Products segment
and the second and third quarter sales increases in the Decorative Fabrics
segment as previously discussed.

GROSS MARGIN: Gross margin increased to $71.9 million or 19.4% of sales in the
third quarter of 1996, up from $58.7 million or 19.7% of sales in the third
quarter of 1995. The third quarter 1996 decrease in gross margin as a percentage
of sales results primarily from lower margins in plastic interior trim
components in the Automotive Products segment and reduced margins within
Decorative Fabrics, partially offset by increased convertible top system sales.
Gross margin increased to $209.5 million or 19.7% of sales for the nine months
ended October 26, 1996, up from $171.3 million or 19.6% of sales for the same
period in 1995. This increase resulted primarily from increased Automotive
Products sales partially offset by a decrease in the gross margin percentage of
the Decorative Fabrics segment in the nine months ended October 26, 1996 as
discussed above. The Company expects that raw material price increases announced
in 1995 will affect operating results in the remainder of fiscal 1996 and
beyond, although the Company believes that the impact can be somewhat reduced by
price increases to customers, the continued results of the Company's value
engineering/value analysis and cost improvement programs and by continued
reductions in the cost of nonconformance.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: Selling, general and
administrative expenses of $31.8 million in the third quarter of 1996 were $6.2
million higher than the comparable period in 1995. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased to $94.5 million for the nine months ended
October 26, 1996, up from $75.9 million in the same period in 1995. The increase
is primarily attributable to the acquisitions of Manchester


                                      I-17
<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)



Plastics in January 1996, the Fatati business in May 1996 and Amco Convertible
Fabrics in October 1995.

INTEREST EXPENSE: Interest expense allocated to continuing operations, net of
interest income of $1.3 million in the third quarter of 1996 and $.6 million in
the third quarter of 1995, increased $7.0 million to $16.9 million in the third
quarter of 1996 from $9.9 million in the third quarter of 1995. Interest expense
allocated to continuing operations, net of interest income of $2.8 million for
the nine months ended October 26, 1996 and $2.2 million for the nine months
ended October 28, 1995, increased to $44.6 million for the nine months ended
October 26, 1996 as compared to $30.1 million for the same period in 1995. The
overall increase in interest expense was due to a higher amount of overall
outstanding indebtedness, primarily related to the $197 million credit facility
that was entered into in connection with the acquisition of Manchester Plastics
in January 1996 (the "Term Loan B Facility") as well as the higher interest
rates associated with the Subordinated Notes issued in June 1996.

LOSS ON THE SALE OF RECEIVABLES: The Company sells on a continuous basis,
through its Carcorp subsidiary, interests in a pool of accounts receivable. In
connection with the receivables sales, a loss of $1.7 million was allocated to
continuing operations in the third quarter of 1996 compared to a loss of $2.0
million in the prior year quarter. Losses of $4.8 million and $6.3 million were
allocated to continuing operations for the nine months ended October 26, 1996
and October 28, 1995, respectively. See Note E to Condensed Consolidated
Financial Report.

OTHER INCOME: The Company in the third quarter of 1996 and nine months ended
October 26, 1996 recognized $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, in net
foreign currency transaction gains related to obligations to be settled in
currencies other than the functional currency of its foreign operations.

INCOME TAXES: In the quarter ended October 26, 1996, the provision for income
taxes was $9.6 million compared with $3.0 million in the prior year quarter. For
the nine months ended October 26, 1996 and October 28, 1995, the provisions for
income taxes were $27.4 million and $8.2 million, respectively. The increase in
the Company's tax expense and reported rate results from the Company's 1995
recognition of net deferred tax assets of $150 million. In the third quarter and
first nine months of 1996 and 1995, income tax expense consisted of foreign,
state, franchise and federal taxes.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: The Company's discontinued Floorcoverings subsidiary
had income of $2.2 million in the third quarter of 1996 as compared to income of
$2.5 million for the discontinued Wallcoverings segment and Floorcoverings
subsidiary for the same period in 1995. Income from discontinued operations for
the nine months ended October 26, 1996 and October 28, 1995 was $6.7 million and
$14.1 million, respectively. Results of operations for the Wallcoverings
subsidiary subsequent to April 27, 1996 have been charged to the Company's
existing discontinued operations reserves. In addition, the decline in income
from discontinued operations relates primarily to increased income taxes and
allocated interest expense.

EXTRAORDINARY LOSS: During the second quarter of 1996, the Company recognized a
non-cash extraordinary charge of $6.6 million, net of income taxes of $4.7
million, related to the refinancing of its bank facilities. The refinancing was
done in conjunction with C&A Products' offering of the Subordinated Notes.

NET INCOME: The combined effect of the foregoing resulted in net income of $15.9
million in the third quarter of 1996 compared to net income of $20.6 million for
the comparable period of 1995. Net income for the nine months ended October 26,
1996 and October 28, 1995 was $40.0 million and $65.0 million, respectively.

                                      I-18
<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         The Company and its subsidiaries had cash and cash equivalents totaling
$2.5 million and $1.0 million at October 26, 1996 and January 27, 1996,
respectively. The Company had a total of $199.9 million of borrowing
availability under its credit arrangements as of October 26, 1996. The total was
comprised of $185.2 million under the Bank Credit Facilities (as defined below),
$3.3 million under the Receivables Facility and approximately $11.4 million
under demand lines of credit in Canada and Austria.

         The Company currently anticipates that it will complete the acquisition
of JPS Automotive (the "JPS Automotive Acquisition")and the purchase of a
minority interest of a JPS Automotive subsidiary in December 1996. JPS
Automotive estimates it will have as of the date of closing approximately $196
million of indebtedness outstanding which includes approximately $180 million of
indebtedness related to the JPS Automotive Senior Notes. Holders of the JPS
Automotive Senior Notes have the right to put their notes to JPS Automotive at a
price of 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest as a result of the
JPS Automotive Acquisition. In connection with the anticipated closing of the
JPS Automotive Acquisition, in early December 1996 the Company amended the
Credit Agreement Facilities, as defined below, (effective upon closing),
primarily to allow for the existence of the JPS Automotive Senior Notes and to
allow the Company to retain the proceeds from the sale of Floorcoverings.
Additionally, in early December 1996 the Company entered into a $200 million
delayed draw term loan (the "Delayed Draw Term Loan") (effective upon closing)
to finance the purchase of any JPS Automotive Senior Notes that may be put by
the holders to JPS Automotive as a result of the change in control or that may
be acquired through other means and for the refinancing of JPS Automotive Senior
Notes previously acquired by the Company. In connection with the anticipated
closing of the JPS Automotive Acquisition, the Company or a subsidiary acquired
in open market purchases JPS Automotive Senior Notes with face amount of
approximately $64.5 million which will be redeemed by JPS Automotive and
refinanced with proceeds from the Delayed Draw Term Loan. The Company will
operate JPS Automotive as a restricted subsidiary under the Bank Credit
Facilities (as defined below) and the indenture governing the Subordinated
Notes. The cash portion of the purchase price of the JPS Automotive Acquisition
and the remaining $16 million of indebtedness at JPS Automotive that will be
repaid at the time of closing will be funded through the Company's Revolving
Facility described below.

         The indenture governing the JPS Automotive Senior Notes generally
prohibits JPS Automotive from making certain payments and investments
(generally, dividends and distributions on its equity interests; purchases or
redemptions of its equity interests; purchases of any indebtedness subordinated
to the JPS Automotive Senior Notes; and investments other than as permitted)
unless certain financial ratios are satisfied (the "JPS Automotive Restricted
Payments Tests"). It is currently expected that such ratios will be satisfied
immediately following the closing of the JPS Automotive Acquisition. Except for
transactions permitted under the JPS Automotive Restricted Payments Tests,
transactions between JPS Automotive, on the one hand, and the Company or C&A
Products or the Company's principal stockholders, on the other hand, generally
must be on terms no less favorable to JPS Automotive than those that would have
been obtained in a comparable transaction by JPS Automotive with an unrelated
person. The indenture governing the JPS Automotive Senior Notes also contains
other restrictive covenants (including, among others, limitations on the
incurrence of indebtedness and preferred stock and sales of assets) which are
customary for such securities. These covenants are also subject to a number of
exceptions.

         Assuming the JPS Automotive Acquisition is consummated as anticipated,
the Delayed Draw Term Loan will be available for one year to allow C&A Products
the opportunity to purchase JPS Automotive Senior 

                                      I-19
<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)



Notes in the open market as well as finance the purchase of any JPS Automotive
Senior Notes that are put to JPS Automotive as a result of the JPS Automotive
Acquisition during the change of control offer. The Delayed Draw Term Loan is a
5.25 year term loan of which up to $180 million of the proceeds will be
available to refinance the principal amount of JPS Automotive Senior Notes put
as a result of the JPS Automotive Acquisition or otherwise acquired. It is
anticipated that as of closing, $20 million of the Delayed Draw Term Loan will
be available for general corporate purposes, including premiums and accrued
interest on the JPS Automotive Senior Notes. The Delayed Draw Term Loan's
security, interest rate and restrictive covenants are identical to those in the
Credit Agreement Facilities (as defined below).

         As part of the Recapitalization, the Company entered into credit
facilities consisting of (i) a Term Loan Facility, (ii) a Revolving Facility
(together with the Term Loan Facility, the "Credit Agreement Facilities") and
(iii) a bridge receivables facility, which was terminated and replaced with the
Receivables Facility described below. On December 22, 1995, the Company and C&A
Products entered into the Term Loan B Facility to finance the January 1996
purchase of Manchester Plastics. The restrictive covenants contained in the Term
Loan B Facility were identical to those in the Credit Agreement Facilities.

         As discussed above, on June 10, 1996 C&A Products issued $400 million
principal amount of Subordinated Notes, which mature in 2006. The Subordinated
Notes are guaranteed by the Company. The indenture governing the Subordinated
Notes generally prohibits the Company, C&A Products and any Restricted
Subsidiary (as defined) from making certain payments and investments (generally,
dividends and distributions on their capital stock; repurchases or redemptions
of their capital stock; repayment prior to maturity of debt subordinated to the
Subordinated Notes; and investments (other than permitted investments))
("Restricted Payments") if (i) there is a default under the Subordinated Notes
or (ii) after giving pro forma effect to the Restricted Payment, C&A Products
could not incur at least $1.00 of additional indebtedness under the indenture's
general test for the incurrence of indebtedness, which is a specified ratio
(currently 2 to 1) of cash flow to interest expense or (iii) the aggregate of
all such Restricted Payments from the issue date exceeds a specified threshold
(based, generally, on 50% of cumulative consolidated net income since the
quarter in which the issue date occurred plus 100% of the net proceeds of
capital contributions to C&A Products from stock issuances by the Company). The
prohibition is subject to a number of significant exceptions, including
dividends to stockholders of the Company not exceeding $10 million in any fiscal
year or $20 million in the aggregate until the maturity of the Subordinated
Notes and dividends to the Company to permit it to pay its operating and
administrative expenses. The Subordinated Notes indenture also contains other
restrictive covenants (including, among others, limitations on the incurrence of
indebtedness, asset dispositions and transactions with affiliates) which are
customary for such securities. These covenants are also subject to a number of
significant exceptions.

         On June 3, 1996, the Company and C&A Products entered into an amendment
and restatement (the "Amendment") of the Credit Agreement Facilities and the
Term Loan B Facility (collectively, the "Bank Credit Facilities"). The Amendment
was effected in connection with the sale of the Subordinated Notes and the use
of proceeds from such sale to repay various outstanding loans under the Credit
Agreement Facilities. As a result of the Amendment, the Bank Credit Facilities
consist of (i) the Term Loan Facility, in an aggregate principal amount of $195
million (including a $45 million facility in Canada), payable in installments
until final maturity on July 13, 2002, (ii) the Term Loan B Facility, in the
principal amount of $195.8 million, payable in installments until final maturity
on December 31, 2002, and (iii) the Revolving Facility, having an aggregate
principal amount of up to $250 million and maturing on July 13, 2001. The Bank
Credit Facilities, which are guaranteed by the Company and its U.S. subsidiaries
(subject to certain exceptions), contain restrictive 

                                      I-20


<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)


covenants including maintenance of EBITDA (i.e. earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges) and interest coverage
ratios, leverage and liquidity tests and various other restrictive covenants
which are customary for such facilities. In addition, C&A Products is generally
prohibited from paying dividends or making other distributions to the Company
except (x) to the extent necessary to allow the Company to pay taxes and
ordinary expenses, (y) for permitted repurchases of shares or options from
employees and directors and (z) to make permitted investments in finance,
foreign or acquired subsidiaries. In addition, the Company and C&A Products are
permitted to pay dividends and repurchase shares of the Company in any fiscal
year in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of (i) $12 million and (ii) if
certain financial ratios are satisfied, 25% of the Company's consolidated net
income for the previous fiscal year, and are permitted to pay additional
dividends in amounts representing certain net proceeds from any sale of
Wallcoverings in the event the spin-off is not effected.

         On March 31, 1995, C&A Products entered, through the Trust formed by
Carcorp, into the Receivables Facility, comprised of (i) term certificates,
which were issued on March 31, 1995, in an aggregate face amount of $110 million
and have a term of five years and (ii) variable funding certificates, which
represent revolving commitments of up to an aggregate of $75 million and have a
term of five years. Carcorp purchases on a revolving basis and transfers to the
Trust virtually all trade receivables generated by C&A Products and certain of
its subsidiaries (the "Sellers"). The certificates represent the right to
receive payments generated by the receivables held by the Trust.

         In connection with the proposed spin-off of Wallcoverings,
Wallcoverings was terminated as a seller of receivables under the Receivables
Facility on September 21, 1996. Receivables sold by Wallcoverings prior to the
termination will remain in the Trust. As of October 26, 1996, the Trust has not
been required to redeem the term certificates resulting from the Trust's
collection of Wallcoverings receivables. The Company also anticipates
terminating Floorcoverings as a seller of receivables under the Receivables
Facility in connection with the Company's announced intention to sell
Floorcoverings. The Company believes that approximately $20 million face value
of term certificates will be redeemed as the Trust collects the Floorcoverings
receivables.

         Availability under the variable funding certificates at any time
depends primarily on the amount of receivables generated by the Sellers from
sales to the auto industry, the rate of collection on those receivables and
other characteristics of those receivables which affect their eligibility (such
as the bankruptcy or downgrading below investment grade of the obligor,
delinquency and excessive concentration). Based on these criteria, at October
26, 1996 approximately $26.3 million was available under the variable funding
certificates, $23.0 million of which was utilized.

         The proceeds received by Carcorp from collections on receivables, after
the payment of expenses and amounts due on the certificates, are used to
purchase new receivables from the Sellers. Collections on receivables are
required to remain in the Trust if at any time the Trust does not contain
sufficient eligible receivables to support the outstanding certificates. The
Receivables Facility contains certain other restrictions on Carcorp (including
maintenance of $25 million net worth) and on the Sellers (including limitations
on liens on receivables, modifications of the terms of receivables, and changes
in credit and collection practices) customary for facilities of this type. The
commitments under the Receivables Facility will terminate prior to their term
upon the occurrence of certain events, including payment defaults, breach of
covenants, bankruptcy, insufficient eligible receivables to support the
outstanding certificates, default by C&A Products

                                      I-21
<PAGE>



                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)


in servicing the receivables and, in the case of the variable funding
certificates, failure of the receivables to satisfy certain performance
criteria.

         The Company has a master equipment lease agreement for a maximum of $50
million of machinery and equipment. At October 26, 1996, the Company had $20.0
million of potential availability under this master lease for future machinery
and equipment requirements of the Company subject to the lessor's approval. The
Company has made lease payments of approximately $2.1 million and $6.0 million
in the quarter and nine months ended October 26, 1996, respectively, for
machinery and equipment sold and leased back under this master lease. The
Company expects lease payments under this master lease to be $2.1 million during
January 1997.

         The Company's principal sources of funds are cash generated from
continuing operating activities, borrowings under the Bank Credit Facilities and
the sale of receivables under the Receivables Facility. Net cash provided by the
operating activities of the Company's continuing operations was $19.7 million
and $76.1 million for the quarter and nine months ended October 26, 1996.

         The Company's principal uses of funds for the next several years will
be to fund interest and principal payments on its indebtedness, net working
capital increases, capital expenditures, and acquisitions. At October 26, 1996,
the Company had total outstanding indebtedness of $844.9 million (excluding
approximately $24.8 million of outstanding letters of credit and $.6 million of
indebtedness of the discontinued Wallcoverings segment) at an average interest
rate of 9.5% per annum. Of the total outstanding indebtedness, $823.6 million
relates to the Bank Credit Facilities and the Subordinated Notes.

         The Company's Board of Directors authorized the expenditure of up to
$12 million in 1996 to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock. The
Company believes it has sufficient liquidity under its existing credit
arrangements to effect the repurchase program. The Company spent an aggregate of
$342,000 and $491,000 to repurchase shares during the quarter and nine months
ended October 26, 1996, respectively.

         Indebtedness under the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Facility
bears interest at a per annum rate equal to the Company's choice of (i) Chase
Bank's Alternate Base Rate (which is the highest of Chase's announced prime
rate, the Federal Funds Rate plus .5% and Chase's base certificate of deposit
rate plus 1%) plus a margin ranging from 0% to .75% or (ii) the offered rates
for Eurodollar deposits ("LIBOR") of one, two, three, six, nine or twelve
months, as selected by the Company, plus a margin ranging from 1% to 1.75%.
Margins, which are subject to adjustment based on changes in the Company's
ratios of senior funded debt to EBITDA and cash interest expense to EBITDA, were
1.75% in the case of the "LIBOR Margin" and .75% in the case of the "ABR Margin"
on October 26, 1996. Such margins will increase by .25% over the margins then in
effect on July 13, 1999. Indebtedness under the Term Loan B Facility bears
interest at a per annum rate equal to the Company's choice of (i) Chase Bank's
Alternate Base Rate (as described above) plus a margin of 1.25% or (ii) LIBOR of
one, two, three or six months, as selected by the Company, plus a margin of
2.25%. The weighted average rate of interest on the Bank Credit Facilities at
October 26,



                                      I-22
<PAGE>



                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)



1996 was 7.64%. The weighted average interest rate on the sold interests under
the Receivables Facility at October 26, 1996 was 5.97%. Under the Receivables
Facility, the term certificates bear interest at an average rate equal to one
month LIBOR plus .34% per annum and the variable funding certificates bear
interest, at Carcorp's option, at LIBOR plus .40% per annum or a prime rate.
Cash interest paid during the third quarter of fiscal 1996 and 1995 was $24.5
million and $15.4 million, respectively. Cash interest paid during the nine
months ended October 26, 1996 and October 28, 1995 was $53.2 million and $38.7
million, respectively. The Subordinated Notes bear interest at a rate of 11.5%
per annum. Indebtedness under the Delayed Draw Term Facility, if it becomes
effective, will bear interest at the same rate as the Term Loan Facility and
the Revolving Facility.

         Due to the variable interest rates under the Bank Credit Facilities and
the Receivables Facility, the Company is sensitive to increases in interest
rates. Accordingly, during April 1996, the Company limited its exposure through
April 2, 1998 on $80 million of notional principal amount utilizing zero cost
collars with 4.75% floors and a weighted average cap of 7.86%. Based upon
amounts outstanding at October 26, 1996, a .5% increase in LIBOR (5.5% at
October 26, 1996) would impact interest costs by approximately $2.1 million
annually on the Bank Credit Facilities and $.7 million annually on the
Receivables Facility.

         The current maturities of long-term debt primarily consist of the
current portion of the Bank Credit Facilities, vendor financing, industrial
revenue bonds and other miscellaneous debt. Repayments of indebtedness under the
Bank Credit Facilities commenced in the third fiscal quarter of 1995.

         The maturities of long-term debt of the Company's continuing
operations, adjusted for the change in fiscal year end, during the remainder of
1996 and for 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000 are $1.0 million, $31.7 million, $44.2
million $51.6 million and $56.4 million, respectively. If the JPS Automotive
Acquisition is consummated as anticipated, the JPS Automotive Senior Notes, to
the extent not previously put to JPS Automotive or otherwise acquired by the
Company, will mature in 2001. In addition, the Bank Credit Facilities provide,
and the Delayed Draw Term Loan if it becomes effective will provide, for
mandatory prepayments of the Term Loan and Term Loan B Facilities and the
Delayed Draw Term Loan if it becomes effective with certain excess cash flow of
the Company, net cash proceeds of certain asset sales or other dispositions by
the Company other than proceeds generated from the sale of Floorcoverings, net
cash proceeds of certain sale/leaseback transactions and net cash proceeds of
certain issuances of debt obligations. The indenture governing the Subordinated
Notes provides that in the event of certain asset dispositions, C&A Products
must apply net proceeds (to the extent not reinvested in the business) first to
repay Senior Indebtedness (as defined, which includes the Bank Credit Facilities
and will include the Delayed Draw Term Loan if it becomes effective) and then,
to the extent of remaining net proceeds, to make an offer to purchase
outstanding Subordinated Notes at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued
interest. C&A Products must also make an offer to purchase outstanding
Subordinated Notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest if a
Change in Control (as defined) of the Company occurs. In addition, the Delayed
Draw Term Loan, if it becomes effective, will require a payment of $27 million
on the anniversary date of the initial draw and equal quarterly payments in
annual amounts equal to $38 million in year 2, $41 million in year 3, $42
million in year 4, $41 million in year 5 and $11 million at termination. In
addition, net proceeds from the sale of assets of JPS Automotive will be
required to be applied, under the indenture governing the JPS Automotive Senior
Notes, to offer to purchase JPS Automotive Senior Notes, to the extent not
applied within 270 days of such asset sale to an investment in capital
expenditures or other long term tangible assets of JPS Automotive, to
permanently reduce senior indebtedness of JPS Automotive or to purchase JPS
Automotive Senior Notes in the open market.

         The Company makes capital expenditures on a recurring basis for
replacements and improvements. As of October 26, 1996, the Company's continuing
operations had approximately $32.2 million in outstanding capital expenditure
commitments. The Company currently anticipates that its capital expenditures for
continuing operations in fiscal 1996 will aggregate approximately $60-70
million, a portion of which may be financed through leasing. The Company's
capital expenditures in future years will depend upon demand for 


                                      I-23
<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)


the Company's products and changes in technology.

         The Company is sensitive to price movements in its raw material supply
base. During the first nine months of 1996, prices for most of the Company's
primary raw materials remained constant with price levels at January 27, 1996.
While the Company may not be able to pass on future raw material price increases
to its customers, it believes that a significant portion of the increased cost
can be offset by continued results of its value engineering/value analysis and
cost improvement programs and by continued reductions in the cost of
nonconformance.

         The Company currently expects to expend approximately $35 million
through the date of the spin-off of Wallcoverings to fund Wallcoverings' future
working capital and capital expenditure requirements and to replace
Wallcoverings' receivables previously sold to Carcorp. Amounts actually required
for these purposes could differ from expected amounts due to, among other
things, changes in Wallcoverings' operating results and the availability of
outside financing for Wallcoverings. As of October 26, 1996, Wallcoverings and
Floorcoverings had approximately $5.0 million and $.9 million, respectively, in
outstanding capital expenditure commitments. The Company does not expect to
expend cash to fund Floorcoverings' operations during the remainder of 1996.

         The Company has significant obligations relating to postretirement,
casualty, environmental, lease and other liabilities of discontinued operations.
In connection with the sale and acquisition of certain businesses, the Company
has indemnified the purchasers and sellers for certain environmental
liabilities, lease obligations and other matters. In addition, the Company is
contingently liable with respect to certain lease and other obligations assumed
by certain purchasers and may be required to honor such obligations if such
purchasers are unable or unwilling to do so. Management currently anticipates
that the net cash requirements of its discontinued operations, excluding
Wallcoverings and Floorcoverings, will be approximately $20.0 million in fiscal
1996. However, because the requirements of the Company's discontinued operations
are largely a function of contingencies, it is possible that the actual net cash
requirements of the Company's discontinued operations could differ materially
from management's estimates. Management believes that the Company's cash needs
relating to discontinued operations can be provided by operating activities from
continuing operations and by borrowings under the Bank Credit Facilities.

TAX MATTERS

         The Company recognized a $150 million tax benefit in fiscal 1995 by
reducing the valuation allowance related to its deferred tax assets to reflect
the amount the Company expects to be realized in the future. The valuation
allowance was reduced as a result of management's reassessment of the Company's
improved financial performance since its recapitalization and initial public
offering in July 1994, management's outlook for the Company's continuing
businesses, and the planned spin-off of the Company's Wallcoverings subsidiary
to its shareholders. While the Company's reported tax rate in financial
statements subsequent to fiscal 1995 is expected to approximate the statutory
tax rate, the actual amount of taxes to be paid will be significantly less than
the Company's tax expense until the Company utilizes its remaining net operating
loss carryforwards ("NOLs") and tax credits.

         At January 27, 1996, the Company had outstanding NOLs of approximately
$286.5 million for Federal income tax purposes, which excludes $9.0 million
related to the Company's discontinued Wallcoverings subsidiary. Substantially
all of these NOLs expire over the period from 2000 to 2008. The Company also has
unused Federal tax credits of approximately $15.6 million, $6.9 million of which
expire during the period 1996 


                                      I-24
<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Continued)



to 2003. The Company estimates that it will generate tax deductions of
approximately $45.0 million in connection with the ultimate disposition of
assets and liabilities of its discontinued businesses during the period 1996
to 1998, which were previously accrued for financial reporting purposes. The
Company anticipates that utilization of these NOLs, tax credits and deductions
will result in the payment of minimal Federal income taxes until these NOLs and
tax credits are exhausted.

         Approximately $79.8 million of the Company's NOLs and $6.9 million of
the Company's unused Federal tax credits may be used only against the income and
apportioned tax liability of the specific corporate entity that generated such
losses or credits or its successors. The Company believes that a substantial
portion of these tax benefits will be realized in the future. Future sales of
common stock by the Company or its principal shareholders, or changes in the
composition of its principal shareholders, could constitute a "change in
control" that would result in annual limitations on the Company's use of its
NOLs and unused tax credits. Management cannot predict whether such a "change in
control" will occur. If such a "change in control" were to occur, the resulting
annual limitations on the use of NOLs and tax credits would depend on the value
of the equity of the Company and the amount of "built-in gain" or "built-in
loss" in the Company's assets at the time of the "change in control", which
cannot be known at this time.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

         The Company is subject to Federal, state and local environmental laws
and regulations that (i) affect ongoing operations and may increase capital
costs and operating expenses and (ii) impose liability for the costs of
investigation and remediation and otherwise related to on-site and off-site soil
and groundwater contamination. The Company's management believes that it has
obtained, and is in material compliance with, all material environmental permits
and approvals necessary to conduct its various businesses. Environmental
compliance costs for continuing businesses currently are accounted for as normal
operating expenses or capital expenditures of such business units. In the
opinion of management, based on the facts presently known to it, such
environmental compliance costs will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

         The Company is legally or contractually responsible or alleged to be
responsible for the investigation and remediation of contamination at various
sites. It also has received notices that it is a potentially responsible party
("PRP") in a number of proceedings. The Company may be named as a PRP at other
sites in the future, including with respect to divested and acquired businesses.
The Company is currently engaged in investigation or remediation at certain
sites. In estimating the total cost of investigation and remediation, the
Company has considered, among other things, the Company's prior experience in
remediating contaminated sites, remediation efforts by other parties, data
released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the professional
judgment of the Company's environmental experts, outside environmental
specialists and other experts, and the likelihood that other parties which have
been named as PRPs will have the financial resources to fulfill their
obligations at sites where they and the Company may be jointly and severally
liable. Under the theory of joint and several liability, the Company could be
liable for the full costs of investigation and remediation even if additional
parties are found to be responsible under the applicable laws. It is difficult
to estimate the total cost of investigation and remediation due to various
factors including incomplete information regarding particular sites and other
PRPs, uncertainty regarding the extent of environmental problems and the
Company's share, if any, of liability for such problems, the selection of
alternative compliance approaches, the complexity of environmental laws and
regulations and changes in cleanup standards and techniques. When it has been
possible to provide reasonable estimates of the


                                      I-25
<PAGE>


                 COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations (Concluded)



Company's liability with respect to environmental sites, provisions have been
made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. As of October
26, 1996, including sites relating to the acquisition of Manchester Plastics and
excluding sites at which the Company's participation is anticipated to be de
minimis or otherwise insignificant or where the Company is being indemnified by
a third party for the liability, there are 16 sites where the Company is
participating in the investigation or remediation of the site, either directly
or through financial contribution, and 9 additional sites where the Company is
alleged to be responsible for costs of investigation or remediation. As of
October 26, 1996, the Company's estimate of its liability for these 25 sites
which exclude sites related to Wallcoverings, is approximately $29.2 million. As
of October 26, 1996, the Company has established reserves of approximately $40.7
million for the estimated future costs related to all its known environmental
sites, excluding sites related to Wallcoverings. In the opinion of management,
based on the facts presently known to it, the environmental costs and
contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
consolidated financial condition or results of operations. However, there can be
no assurance that the Company has identified or properly assessed all potential
environmental liability arising from the activities or properties of the
Company, its present and former subsidiaries and their corporate predecessors.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

         This Report on Form 10-Q contains statements which, to the extent they
are not historical fact, constitute 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 (the "Safe Harbor Acts"). All forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements in
this document are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided
by the Safe Harbor Acts.

         Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary
materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included in
this document include dependence on significant automotive customers and car
models, vulnerability to changes in consumer tastes in automotive seat fabrics
and decorative fabrics, competition in the industries in which the Company
competes, substantial leverage of the Company and its subsidiaries and
limitations imposed by the Company's credit facilities. For a discussion
identifying these and other important factors which may affect the Company's
operations, products and markets, see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed by the Company and C&A Products
(Registration No. 33-62665) and see also the Company's Securities and Exchange
filings, including without limitation "ITEM 1. BUSINESS" and "ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended January 27, 1996.

                                      I-26

<PAGE>


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

         There have been no material developments in legal proceedings involving
the Company or its subsidiaries since those reported in the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996 except as
described in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
July 27, 1996.

ITEM 5.        OTHER INFORMATION.

               CHANGE IN FISCAL YEAR

               On November 22, 1996, the Company determined that it is changing
its fiscal year end to the last Saturday of December. Accordingly, fiscal 1996
will end on December 28, 1996. The Form on which the report covering the
transition period will be filed will be Form 10-K.

ITEM 6.        EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(A)      EXHIBITS.

         Please note that in the following description of exhibits, the title of
any document entered into, or filing made, prior to July 7, 1994 reflects the
name of the entity a party thereto or filing, as the case may be, at such time.
Accordingly, documents and filings described below may refer to Collins & Aikman
Holdings Corporation, Collins & Aikman Group, Inc. or Wickes Companies, Inc., if
such documents and filings were made prior to July 7, 1994.

                                      II-1

<PAGE>


EXHIBIT
NUMBER                      DESCRIPTION

2.1      -        Equity Purchase Agreement by and among JPSGP, Inc., Foamex -
                  JPS Automotive L.P. and Collins & Aikman Products Co. dated
                  August 28, 1996 is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                  2.1 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-Q for
                  the fiscal quarter ended July 27, 1996.

3.1      -        Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
                  of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-Q for the
                  fiscal quarter ended July 30, 1994.

3.2      -        By-laws of Collins & Aikman Corporation, as amended, are
                  hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                  ended January 27, 1996.

3.3      -        Certificate of Elimination of Cumulative Exchangeable
                  Redeemable Preferred Stock of Collins & Aikman Corporation is
                  hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal
                  quarter ended October 28, 1995.

4.1      -        Specimen Stock Certificate for the Common Stock is hereby
                  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of Amendment No. 3 to
                  Collins & Aikman Holdings Corporation's Registration Statement
                  on Form S-2 (Registration No. 33-53179) filed June 21, 1994.

4.2      -        Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Collins &
                  Aikman Products Co., Collins & Aikman Corporation and First
                  Union National Bank of North Carolina, as Trustee, is hereby
                  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation's Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
                  April 27, 1996.

4.3      -        First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1996,
                  between Collins & Aikman Products Co., Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation and First Union National Bank of North Carolina,
                  as Trustee, is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3
                  of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-Q for the
                  fiscal quarter ended April 27, 1996.

4.4      -        Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 3,
                  1996, among Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Borrower,
                  Collins & Aikman Canada Inc., as Canadian Borrower, Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation, as Guarantor, the lenders named therein,
                  Bank of America N.T.S.A. and NationsBank, N.A., as Managing
                  Agents, and Chemical Bank, as Administrative Agent, is hereby
                  incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 7, 1996.

4.5      -        Amendment, dated as of December 5, 1996, to the Amended and
                  Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 3, 1996, among
                  Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Borrower, Collins & Aikman
                  Canada Inc., as Canadian Borrower, Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation, as Guarantor, the Lenders parties thereto, and
                  The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent.

4.6      -        Credit Agreement, dated as of December 5, 1996, among
                  Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Borrower, Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation, as Guarantor, the Lenders named therein and The
                  Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent.

                  Collins & Aikman Corporation agrees to furnish to the
                  Commission upon request in accordance with Item 601 (b)(4)
                  (iii) (A) of Regulation S-K copies of instruments defining the
                  rights of holders of long-term debt of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, which debt does


                                      II-2
<PAGE>


                  not exceed 10% of the total assets of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

10.1     -        Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement dated as of June
                  29, 1994 among the Company, Collins & Aikman Group, Inc.,
                  Blackstone Capital Partners L.P. and Wasserstein Perella
                  Partners, L.P. is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                  10.1 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-K for
                  the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995.

10.2      -       Employment Agreement dated as of July 18, 1990 between
                  Wickes Companies, Inc. and an executive officer is hereby
                  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Wickes Companies,
                  Inc.'s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
                  26, 1991.

10.3      -       Letter Agreement dated as of May 16, 1991 and Employment
                  Agreement dated as of July 22, 1992 between Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation and an executive officer is hereby incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Collins & Aikman Holdings
                  Corporation's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                  January 30, 1993.

10.4     -        First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of February
                  24, 1994 between Collins & Aikman Corporation and an executive
                  officer is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of
                  Collins & Aikman Holdings Corporation's Registration Statement
                  on Form S-2 (Registration No. 33-53179) filed April 19, 1994.

10.5     -        Letter Agreement dated as of May 16, 1991 between Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation and an executive officer is hereby
                  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Collins & Aikman
                  Holdings Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-2
                  (Registration No. 33-53179) filed April 19, 1994.

10.6     -        Employment Agreement dated as of April 6, 1995 between
                  Collins & Aikman Products Co. and an executive officer is
                  hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                  ended January 28, 1995.

10.7     -        Letter Agreement dated as of June 30, 1995 between Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation and an executive officer is hereby
                  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
                  January 27, 1996.

10.8     -        Lease, executed as of the 1st day of June 1987, between Dura
                  Corporation and Dura Acquisition Corp. is hereby incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Amendment No. 5 to Collins &
                  Aikman Holdings Corporation's Registration Statement on Form
                  S-2 (Registration No. 33-53179) filed July 6, 1994.

10.9     -        Collins & Aikman Corporation 1996 Executive Incentive
                  Compensation Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.9 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Report on Form
                  10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 27, 1996.

10.10    -        Collins & Aikman Corporation Supplemental Retirement Income
                  Plan is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of
                  Amendment No. 5 to Collins & Aikman Holdings Corporation's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-2 (Registration No. 33-53179)
                  filed July 6, 1994.

10.11    -        1993 Employee Stock Option Plan, as amended, is hereby
                  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation's Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
                  April 29, 1995.

10.12    -        1994 Employee Stock Option Plan is hereby incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 10.14 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's
                  Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 29,
                  1995.

                                      II-3
<PAGE>


10.13    -        1994 Directors Stock Option Plan is hereby incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 10.15 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's
                  Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28,
                  1995.

10.14    -        Excess Benefit Plan of Collins & Aikman Corporation is
                  hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                  ended January 28, 1995.

10.15    -        Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of
                  March 30, 1995 among Collins & Aikman Products Co.,
                  Ack-Ti-Lining, Inc., WCA Canada Inc., Imperial Wallcoverings,
                  Inc., The Akro Corporation, Dura Convertible Systems Inc.,
                  each of the other subsidiaries of Collins & Aikman Products
                  Co. from time to time parties thereto and Carcorp, Inc. is
                  hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-K to the fiscal year
                  ended January 28, 1995.

10.16    -        Servicing Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among
                  Carcorp, Inc., Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Master
                  Servicer, each of the subsidiaries of Collins & Aikman
                  Products Co. from time to time parties thereto and Chemical
                  Bank, as Trustee is hereby incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.19 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Report on Form
                  10-K to the fiscal year ended January 28, 1995.

10.17    -        Pooling Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among
                  Carcorp, Inc., Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Master
                  Servicer and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, is hereby incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation's Report on Form 10-K to the fiscal year ended
                  January 28, 1995.

10.18    -        Series 1995-1 Supplement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among
                  Carcorp, Inc., Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Master
                  Servicer and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, is hereby incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation's Report on Form 10-K to the fiscal year ended
                  January 28, 1995.

10.19    -        Series 1995-2 Supplement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among
                  Carcorp, Inc., Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Master
                  Servicer, the Initial Purchasers parties thereto, Societe
                  Generale, as Agent for the Purchasers and Chemical Bank, as
                  Trustee is hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22
                  of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-K to the
                  fiscal year ended January 28, 1995.

10.20    -        Amendment No. 1, dated September 5, 1995, among Carcorp,
                  Inc., as Company, Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Master
                  Servicer, and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, to the Pooling
                  Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among the Company, the
                  Master Servicer and Trustee is hereby incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's
                  Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 29,
                  1995.

10.21    -        Amendment No. 2, dated October 25, 1995, among Carcorp,
                  Inc., as Company, Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Master
                  Servicer, and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, to the Pooling
                  Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among the Company, the
                  Master Servicer and the Trustee is hereby incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's
                  Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 28,
                  1995.

10.22    -        Amendment No. 1, dated February 29, 1996, to the Series
                  1995-1 Supplement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among Carcorp,
                  Inc., Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Master Servicer, and
                  Chemical Bank, as Trustee, is hereby incorporated by reference
                  to Exhibit 10.20 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Report on
                  Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996.


                                      II-4

<PAGE>


10.23    -        Amendment No. 1, dated February 29, 1996, to the Series
                  1995-2 Supplement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among Carcorp,
                  Inc., Collins & Aikman Products Co., as Master Servicer,
                  Societe Generale, as agent, and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, is
                  hereby incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of Collins &
                  Aikman Corporation's Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
                  ended January 27, 1996.

10.24    -        Master Equipment Lease Agreement dated as of September 30,
                  1994, between NationsBanc Leasing Corporation of North
                  Carolina and Collins & Aikman Products Co. Is hereby
                  incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of Collins & Aikman
                  Corporation's Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended
                  October 29, 1994.

10.25    -        Underwriting Agreement dated June 5, 1996 between Collins &
                  Aikman Products Co., Collins & Aikman Corporation, Wasserstein
                  Perella Securities, Inc., Chase Securities Inc. and BA
                  Securities, Inc. is hereby incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 1.1 of Collins & Aikman Corporation's Current Report
                  on Form 8-K dated June 7, 1996.

10.26    -        Second Amendment, dated as of October 3, 1996, to the
                  Employment Agreement, dated as of July 22, 1992, as amended,
                  between Collins & Aikman Products Co. and an executive
                  officer.

11 -     Computation of Earnings Per Share.

27 -     Financial Data Schedule.




(B)    REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

               No current reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter for
which this report Form 10-Q is filed.

                                      II-5

<PAGE>




                                    SIGNATURE


         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 thereunto duly authorized.

                                    COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION
                                    (Registrant)



Dated:  December 9, 1996       By:    /s/  J. Michael Stepp
                                      ---------------------
                                    J. Michael Stepp
                                    Chief Financial Officer and
                                    Executive Vice President
                                    (On behalf of the Registrant and as
                                    Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


<PAGE>




                                                                  EXECUTION COPY
                                    AMENDMENT


        AMENDMENT, dated as of December 5, 1996 (this "Amendment"), to
the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 3, 1996, (as amended
prior to the date hereof and as further amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among COLLINS & AIKMAN
PRODUCTS CO., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), COLLINS & AIKMAN CANADA
INC. (f/k/a WCA Canada Inc.), a Canadian corporation (the "Canadian Borrower"),
COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION, a Delaware coporation ("Holdings"), the financial
institutions parties thereto (the "Lenders") and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK (as
successor by merger to Chemical Bank), a New York banking corporation, as agent
to the lenders thereunder (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent").


                              W I T N E S S E T H:


                 WHEREAS, the Borrower,  the Canadian Borrower and Holdings have
requested the Lenders to amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement as set
forth  herein in  connection  with the JPS  Automotive  Acquisition  (as defined
herein); and

                 WHEREAS,  the Lenders are willing to amend the Credit Agreement
on and subject to the terms and conditions thereof;

                 NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt
and  sufficiency of which is hereby  acknowledged by each of the parties hereto,
the parties agree as follows:

                 SECTION 1. Definitions. As used in this Amendment, terms
defined in the preamble hereof,  the recitals hereto and Section 2 hereof are
used herein as so defined,  terms  defined  in the  Credit  Agreement  are used
herein as therein defined and the following terms shall have the following
meanings:

                 "Amendment Effective Date": as defined in Section 16 hereof.

                 SECTION 2. Amendment to Section 1.01 (Defined Terms).  (a)
Section 1.01 of the Credit  Agreement  is hereby  amended by inserting in such
Section in the appropriate alphabetical order the following defined terms:

                  "'Applicable Share' shall mean (i) the sum of the aggregate
         amount of outstanding Tranche A Term Loans, Tranche B Term Loans and
         Canadian Term Loans DIVIDED BY (ii) the sum of (A) the aggregate amount
         of outstanding JPS Automotive Acquisition Loans and (B) the sum of the
         aggregate amount of outstanding Tranche A Term Loans, Tranche B Term
         Loans and Canadian Term Loans."

<PAGE>


                  "'Cramerton' shall mean Cramerton Automotive Products, L.P., a
         Delaware limited partnership and a subsidiary of JPS Automotive.

                  "'Floorcoverings Disposition' shall mean the sale by the
         Borrower of the Floorcoverings business conducted by Collins & Aikman
         Floor Coverings, Inc."

                  "'JPS Automotive' shall mean JPS Automotive L.P., a limited
         partnership organized under the laws of the state of Delaware."

                  "'JPS Automotive Acquisition' shall mean the acquisition by
         the Borrower or a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Borrower of 100% of
         (a) the issued and outstanding equity interests of JPS Automotive and
         (b) the minority interest of Cramerton not owned by JPS Automotive
         pursuant to the Equity Purchase Documents. As a result of the JPS
         Automotive Acquisition, JPS Automotive and Cramerton will become
         wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Borrower."

                  "'JPS Automotive Acquisition Loans' shall mean the term loans
         made pursuant to the JPS Automotive Credit Agreement."

                  "'JPS Automotive Amendment Date'  shall mean December 4, 1996.

                  "'JPS Automotive Credit Agreement' shall mean the Credit
         Agreement, dated as of December 4, 1996, among Collins & Aikman
         Products Co., Collins & Aikman Corporation, the lenders named therein
         and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent."

                  "'JPS Automotive Senior Note Indenture' shall mean the
         indenture pursuant to which the JPS Automotive Senior Notes are
         issued."

                  "'JPS Automotive Senior Notes' shall mean the 11-1/8% Senior
         Notes of JPS Automotive due June 15, 2001."

                  "'Perstorp Acquisition' shall mean the acquisition by the
         Borrower or a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Borrower of the companies
         operating the North American, Spanish and United Kingdom components
         subsidiaries of Perstorp."

                  (b) the definition of "Current Liabilities" that occurs in
Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting immediately
after the phrase "the Recapitalization Transactions " that occurs in clause (iv)
thereof the phrase "and the JPS Automotive Acquisition".

<PAGE>




                  (c) the definition of "Excess Cash Flow" that occurs in
Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting such
definition in its entirety and substituting therefor the following new
definition:

                  "'EXCESS CASH FLOW' shall mean for any period (i) the Net
         Income for such period PLUS (minus) (ii) the amount of depreciation,
         depletion, amortization of intangibles, deferred taxes, accreted and
         zero coupon bond interest and other noncash expenses (revenues) which,
         pursuant to GAAP, were deducted (added) in determining such Net Income
         MINUS (plus) (iii) additions (reductions, other than reductions
         attributable solely to Specified Asset Sales) to working capital for
         such period (I.E., the increase or decrease in Current Assets of
         Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries minus Current Liabilities of
         Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries from the beginning to the end
         of such period, as adjusted to exclude reductions attributable solely
         to Specified Asset Sales) MINUS (iv) the amount of Capital Expenditures
         for such period paid by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries in
         cash from funds other than from the proceeds of Borrowings MINUS (v)
         the sum of (a) scheduled Loan repayments made during such period
         pursuant to Section 2.11, (b) optional prepayments of the Tranche A
         Term Loans, the Canadian Term Loans, the Tranche B Term Loans and the
         JPS Automotive Acquisition Loans made during such period pursuant to
         Section 2.12(a) and Section 2.12(a) of the JPS Automotive Credit
         Agreement and (c) Revolving Credit Loan repayments made during such
         period that were required to be made as a result of voluntary
         reductions of the Revolving Commitment pursuant to Section 2.09(b)
         MINUS (vi) scheduled mandatory payments of principal of Indebtedness of
         Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries other than the Loans made
         during such period and repayments of Indebtedness in connection with
         the termination or reduction of commitments under a facility permitted
         under Section 6.01(u) MINUS (vii) fees and expenses paid in cash in
         connection with the Recapitalization Transactions, the Transactions and
         the JPS Automotive Acquisition to the extent not deducted in
         determining Net Income and provided that such amounts are paid from
         reserves established by the Borrower on or existing as of the JPS
         Automotive Amendment Date MINUS (viii) amounts paid in cash for
         liabilities relating to discontinued operations which were discontinued
         prior to the 1994 Closing Date to the extent not deducted in
         determining Net Income, provided that such amounts are paid from
         reserves established by the Borrower for such liabilities prior to the
         1994 Closing Date MINUS (ix) cash payments described in the Preliminary
         Prospectus related to the Wallcoverings Disposition MINUS (x) until
         such time as no JPS Automotive Senior Notes are outstanding, any gain
         from any asset sale or other disposition by JPS Automotive or any of
         its subsidiaries."

                  (d) the definition of "Funded Debt" that occurs in Section
1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting immediately after
the clause "that all Loans" the clause "and all Loans under the JPS Automotive
Credit Agreement".

                  (e) the definition of "Guarantors" that occurs in Section 1.01
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the
following clause:


<PAGE>





                 "(other than JPS Automotive and its  subsidiaries to the extent
         prohibited by the JPS Automotive Senior Note Indenture)."

                  (f) the definition of "Net Income" that occurs in Section 1.01
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the clause "the
consummation of the Recapitalization Transactions and the Transactions" that
occurs at the end thereof and substituting therefor the following clause:

                 "the  consummation of the  Recapitalization  Transactions,  the
         Transactions and the JPS Automotive Acquisition."

                  (g) the definition of "Net Proceeds" that occurs in Section
1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting immediately after
the word "thereof" that occurs at the end of clause "(y)" thereof the following
new clause:

                 "or  (z) be  applied  under  the  JPS  Automotive  Senior  Note
         Indenture"

                  (h) the definition of "Permitted Acquisition Indebtedness"
that occurs in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
inserting immediately at the end thereof the following clause:

                  " or (u)."

                  (i) the definition of "Permitted Business Acquisitions" that
occurs in Section 1.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i)
inserting the clause ", except as provided in Section 5.09," in the following
two locations in clause (iii): (A) immediately after the clause "or a Domestic
Restricted Subsidiary and" and (B) immediately after the clause "counterpart to
the Guarantee Agreement, and"; and (ii) inserting the following sentence at the
end of such definition:

                 "The  JPS  Automotive   Acquisition  is  a  Permitted  Business
         Acquisition."

                  (j) the definition of "subsidiary" that occurs in Section 1.01
of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting immediately after the
clause ", otherwise Controlled " the clause "(except Controlled pursuant to any
joint venture documentation)"

                 SECTION 3.   Amendment of Section 2.12 (Prepayment). (a)
Section 2.12(e) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting
immediately after the clause "Applicable Asset Sale Prepayment Percentage of
the" the clause "Applicable Share of the";

         (b) Section 2.12(f) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
inserting immediately after the clause "calculated) of the amount of the" the
clause "Applicable Share of the".

<PAGE>




                 SECTION 4.  Amendment of Section 3.01 (Organization, Corporate
Powers). Section 3.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
first sentence thereof in its entirety and substituting therefor the following
new sentence:

                  "Each of Holdings and each Restricted Subsidiary (i) is duly
         organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing under the
         laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized, (ii) has all
         requisite corporate or partnership power and authority, as applicable,
         and all material licenses, permits, franchises, consents and approvals,
         to own or lease its property and assets and to carry on its business as
         now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, (iii) is qualified and
         in good standing as a foreign entity to do business in every
         jurisdiction where such qualification is necessary, except where the
         failure so to qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect and (iv)
         has the corporate or partnership power and authority, as applicable, to
         execute, deliver and perform each of the Loan Documents and each
         agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby to which it is
         or will be a party."

                 SECTION 5.   Amendment of Section 3.19 (Employee Benefit
Plans). Section 3.19 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the
number "$15,000,000" that occurs therein and substituting therefor the number
"$17,500,000".

                 SECTION 6.   Amendment of Section 5.09 (Further Assurances).
Section 5.09 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (a) inserting
immediately after the clause "a subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or of a
foreign subsidiary" that occurs in clause (i) thereof the following clause:

                 "or,  to  the  extent  prohibited  by  the  terms  of  the  JPS
         Automotive Senior Notes, of JPS Automotive"; and

                  (b) inserting immediately after the clause "an Unrestricted
Subsidiary or a foreign subsidiary" that occurs in clause (ii) thereof the
following clause:

                 "or,  to  the  extent  prohibited  by  the  terms  of  the  JPS
         Automotive Senior Notes, JPS Automotive or any of its subsidiaries"

               SECTION 7.   Amendment of Section 6.01 (Indebtedness). (a)
Section 6.01(k) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) deleting the
number "$50,000,000" that occurs therein and substituting therefor the following
number "$250,000,000"; and (ii) inserting at the end thereof the following
clause:

                  "(it being understood that JPS Automotive Senior Notes owned
         by the Borrower and its subsidiaries (and pledged under the Pledge
         Agreement) shall not be deemed to be outstanding)";

<PAGE>



                  (b) Section 6.01(l) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended
by deleting that Section in its entirety and substituting therefor the following
new Section 6.01(l):

                  "Indebtedness of the Borrower incurred after the date hereof,
         which Indebtedness is created or incurred in connection with any
         Permitted Business Acquisition; provided that the aggregate principal
         amount of Indebtedness which may be created or incurred under this
         paragraph (l) shall not exceed $200,000,000;"

                  (c) Section 6.01(n) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended
by inserting immediately after the clause "under clause (l) above" the clause
"and clause (u) below";

                 (d) Section  6.01(r) of the Credit  Agreement is hereby amended
by deleting the "and" that occurs at the end thereof;

                  (e) Section 6.01(t) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended
by (i) deleting the period that occurs at the end thereof; and (ii) substituting
therefor the clause "; and";

                  (f) Section 6.01 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
inserting at the end thereof the following new clause (u):

                  "(u) Indebtedness of the Borrower incurred after the date
         hereof in respect of revolving credit facilites having a maturity of
         364 days or less in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000;"

                 SECTION 8.  Amendment  of Section  6.04  (Liens).  Section
6.04 of the Credit  Agreement is hereby amended by (a) deleting the "and" that
occurs at the end of clause "(s)";  (b) inserting "; and" at the end of clause
"(t)";  and (c) inserting the following new clause (u):

                  "(u) Liens representing the pledge of equity interests in
         joint ventures to secure call options with joint venture partners and
         to finance such joint ventures, provided that the aggregate amount of
         investment in such equity interests does not exceed $25,000,000."

                 SECTION 9.   Amendment of Section 6.05 (Priority of Loan
 Payments). Section 6.05(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by:

                  (a) deleting the "and" that occurs at the end of clause (iv);
                  (b) deleting the period that occurs at the end of clause (v)
                  and substituting therefor a ";";
                  (c) inserting immediately after clause (v) the
                  following new clauses:

                  "(vi) so long as the Tranche A Term Loans, the Canadian Term
         Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans are ratably prepaid in the same
         proportion, optional prepayments of the JPS Automotive Acquisition
         Loans; and

<PAGE>



                  (vii)    prepayment of Indebtedness permitted under Section
         6.01(k) (subject to Section 6.07 (n)), (s) and (u)."

                 SECTION 10. Amendment of Section 6.07 (Investments, Loans and
Advances). Section 6.07 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (a)
deleting the "and" that occurs at the end of clause (l); (b) deleting the period
that occurs at the end of clause (m); (c) inserting the clause "; and" at the
end of clause (m); and (d) inserting immediately after clause (m) the following
new clause (n):

                  "(n) the purchase of any JPS Automotive Senior Notes not put
         pursuant to the change of control provision relating thereto, provided
         that the aggregate premium paid by the Borrower and its subsidiaries
         for all JPS Automotive Senior Notes outstanding on the JPS Automotive
         Amendment Date shall not exceed $20,000,000."

                 SECTION 11. Amendment of Section 6.08 (Mergers,
Consolidations,  Sales of Assets and  Acquisitions).  Section  6.08 of the
Credit  Agreement  is hereby amended by:

                  (a) deleting the "and" that occurs at the end of clause (j);
                  (b) deleting the period that occurs at the end of clause (k);
                  (c) inserting the clause "; and" at the end of clause (k); and
                  (d) inserting immediately after clause (k) the following:

                  "(l) the Borrower may consummate the Floorcoverings
         Disposition the Net Proceeds of which the Borrower may retain in its
         sole discretion.

                  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.08, Holdings and
its subsidiaries shall not be permitted to sell any JPS Automotive Senior Notes
held by them (except for sales to Restricted Subsidiaries)."

                 SECTION 12. Amendment of Section 6.10 (Subordinated
Indebtedness). Section 6.10 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by
inserting immediately after the clause "(other than Indebtedness incurred
hereunder" the clause " and under the JPS Automotive Credit Agreement".

                 SECTION 13.  Amendment  of  Section  6.12  (Business  of
Holdings  and Restricted Subsidiaries). Section 6.12 of the Credit Agreement is
hereby amended by inserting  after the clause "under the Loan  Documents" that
occurs in clause (iii) thereof the following clause:

                  "and the JPS Automotive Credit Agreement"

                 SECTION 14.  Amendment of Section 6.13 (Restrictive Agreement).
Section 6.13 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (a) deleting the
clause "or (iii)" that occurs therein and substituting therefor the clause ",
(iii)"; and (b) inserting at the end of such Section the following new clause
(iv):

<PAGE>


                  "or (iv) on the granting of pledges with respect to the
         Borrower's ownership interest in joint ventures contained in any joint
         venture documentation."

                 SECTION 15. Amendment of Section 6.16 (Leverage Ratio). Section
6.16 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the table that occurs
therein in its entirety and substituting therefor the following table:

       "QUARTER ENDING:                                     RATIO:

       1996 Fourth Quarter                                  2.75 to 1.00*
       1997 First Quarter                                   2.50 to 1.00*
       1997 Second Quarter - Fiscal year 1997               2.50 to 1.00
       Fiscal year 1998                                     2.25 to 1.00
       Thereafter                                           2.00 to 1.00

;provided, that if the Floorcoverings Disposition shall not have been
consummated and the JPS Automotive Acquisition and the Perstorp Acquisition have
been consummated, the maximum Leverage Ratio for the 1996 Fourth Quarter and the
1997 First Quarter shall be 3.50 and 3.00, respectively."

                 SECTION 16.    Representations   and   Warranties.    To
induce   the Administrative  Agent and the Lenders to enter into this  Amendment
and agree to the amendments  herein,  the parties hereto hereby  represent and
warrant to the Administrative  Agent and each Lender that after giving effect to
the amendments contained herein, each party hereto hereby confirms,  reaffirms
and restates the representations  and warranties set forth in Article III of the
Credit Agreement as if  made on and as of the  Amendment  Effective  Date,
except  as  they  may specifically relate to an earlier date;  provided that
such  representations and warranties  shall  be and  hereby  are  amended  so
that all  references  to the Agreement therein shall be deemed a reference to
(i) the Credit Agreement,  (ii) this Amendment and (iii) the Credit Agreement as
amended by this Amendment.

                 SECTION 17. Conditions Precedent. This Amendment shall become
effective as of the date that each of the conditions  precedent set forth below
shall have been  fulfilled  to the  satisfaction  of the Required  Lenders (the
"Amendment Effective Date"), provided that the Amendment Effective Date may not
occur later than December 20, 1996:

                  (a) Amendment. The Administrative Agent shall have received
this Amendment, executed and delivered by a duly authorized officer of each of
the Borrower, the Canadian Borrower, Holdings, the Lenders with Tranche A Term
Loans, Canadian Term Loans and Tranche B Term Loans representing at least 80% of
the aggregate principal amount of the Tranche A Term Loans, Canadian Term Loans
and Tranche B Term Loans outstanding, and Lenders with Revolving Credit
Commitments representing at least 80% of the aggregate Revolving Credit
Commitments in effect.

<PAGE>



                  (b) No Default or Event of Default. On and as of the Amendment
Effective Date and after giving effect to this Amendment and the transactions
contemplated hereby, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing.

                  (c) Representations and Warranties. The representations and
warranties made by the Borrower and the Canadian Borrower in the Credit
Agreement and herein after giving effect to this Amendment and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as
of the Amendment Effective Date as if made on such date, except where such
representations and warranties relate to an earlier date in which case such
representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such earlier
date.

                 (d) JPS Automotive Credit Agreement.  The JPS Automotive Credit
Agreement shall have been duly executed and the conditions  precedent thereunder
shall have been fully satisfied.

                  (e) Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received
a Certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, dated the Amendment
Effective Date, certifying the matters referred to in paragraphs (b) through (d)
above.

                  (f) Acknowledgement, Consent and Amendment. The Administrative
Agent shall have received from each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Canadian
Borrower with respect to each Loan Document to which it is a party a duly
executed Acknowledgment, Consent and Amendment, substantially in the form of
Exhibit A hereto.

                 (g)  Amendment  Fees.  The  Administrative   Agent  shall  have
received for the account of each Lender  executing this Amendment,  an amendment
fee equal to 0.125%  of the  aggregate  loans  and  unused  Commitments  of such
Lender.


                  SECTION 18. Continuing Effect of Credit Agreement. This
Amendment shall not constitute an amendment or waiver of any provision of the
Credit Agreement not expressly referred to herein and shall not be construed as
an amendment, waiver or consent to any action on the part of any party hereto
that would require an amendment, waiver or consent of the Administrative Agent
or the Lenders except as expressly stated herein. Except as expressly amended
and waived hereby, the provisions of the Credit Agreement are and shall remain
in full force and effect.

                  SECTION 19. Expenses. The Borrower and the Canadian Borrower
agree to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent for all of its reasonable
out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with (a) the
negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment and any other
documents prepared in connection herewith, and consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby, including the fees and expenses of Simpson
Thacher & Bartlett, counsel to the Administrative Agent, and (b) the enforcement
or preservation of any rights under this Amendment and any other such documents.


<PAGE>

                 SECTION 20. GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT  SHALL BE GOVERNED
BY, AND CONSTRUED AND  INTERPRETED  IN ACCORDANCE  WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF
NEW YORK.

                 SECTION 21. Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in
any number of counterparts by the parties hereto, each of which counterparts
when so executed  shall  be an  original,  but all  counterparts  taken together
shall constitute one and the same instrument.


<PAGE>


                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Amendment to be duly executed and delivered by their respective duly authorized
officers as of the day and year first above written.


                                          COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.


                                          By /s/ J. Michael Stepp
                                            Name: J. Michael Stepp
                                            Title: Executive Vice President
                                                   & CFO


                                          COLLINS & AIKMAN CANADA INC.


                                          By /s/ Ronald T. Lindsay
                                            Name: Ronald T. Lindsay
                                            Title: Vice President


                                          COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION


                                          By /s/ J. Michael Stepp
                                            Name: J. Michael Stepp
                                            Title: Executive Vice President 
                                                   & CFO


                                          THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                            as Administrative Agent and
                                              as a Lender

                                          By____________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:









<PAGE>

                                       BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND
                                        SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, as Managing Agent


                                         by /s/ Linda A. Carper
                                                Name: Linda A. Carper
                                                Title: Managing Director




<PAGE>



                                      NATIONSBANK, N.A., as Managing Agent


                                        by /s/ J. Timothy Martin
                                               Name:
                                               Title:



<PAGE>




                                      AERIES FINANCE LTD., as a Lender

                                      By /s/ Andrew Wignall
                                               Name: Andrew Ian Wignall
                                               Title: Director

                                      Address for Notices
                                      Aeries Finance Ltd.
                                      c/o Moore Management Services Limited
                                      Elizabeth House, Castle Street
                                      St. Helier, Jersey
                                      Channel Islands, Great Britain
                                      Attention:  Director

                                      with a copy to:

                                      Aeries Finance Ltd.
                                      c/o Chancellor LGT Senior Secured
                                         Management, Inc.
                                      1166 Avenue of the Americas - 27th Floor
                                      New York, New York  10036
                                      Attention:  Christopher E. Jansen
                                      Telecopy:  (212) 279-9619








<PAGE>


                               CERES FINANCE LTD., as a Lender


                                 By /s/ Darren P. Riley
                                        Name: Darren P. Riley
                                        Title: Director

                               Address for Notices
                               Ceres Finance Ltd.
                               c/o Deutsche Morgan Grenfell (Cayman) Limited
                               P.O. Box 1984 GT, Elizabethan Square
                               Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
                               Attention:  Director

                               with a copy to:
                               Ceres Finance Ltd.
                               c/o Chancellor LGT Senior Secured
                                Management, Inc.
                               1166 Avenue of the Americas
                               27th Floor
                               New York, New York  10036
                               Attention:  Christopher E. Jansen
                               Telecopy:  (212) 278-9619


                               STRATA FUNDING LTD., as a Lender


                                 By /s/ Darren P. Riley
                                        Name: Darren P. Riley
                                        Title: Director

                               Address for Notices
                               Strata Funding Ltd.
                               c/o Deutsche Morgan Grenfell (Cayman) Limited
                               P.O. Box 1984 GT, Elizabethan Square
                               Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
                               Attention:  Director

                               with a copy to:
                               Strata Funding Ltd.
                               c/o Chancellor LGT Senior Secured
                                Management, Inc.
                               1166 Avenue of the Americas
                               27th Floor
                               New York, New York  10036
                               Attention:  Christopher E. Jansen
<PAGE>

                               Telecopy:  (212) 278-9619




<PAGE>



                              KEYPORT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, as a Lender

                              By:  Chancellor LGT Senior Secured Management,
                                   Inc., as Portfolio Advisor


                              By /s/ Stephen M. Alfieri
                                 Name: Stephen M. Alfieri
                                 Title:   Managing Director



                             Address for Notices
                             153 East 53rd Street
                             25th Floor
                             New York, New York  10022
                             Attention:  Steve Alfieri
                             Telecopy:  (212) 891-6619


                             RESTRUCTURED OBLIGATIONS BACKED BY
                             SENIOR ASSETS B.V., as a Lender

                             By: Chancellor LGT Senior Secured
                                 Management, Inc., as Portfolio Advisor


                            By /s/ Stephen M. Alfieri
                                 Name: Stephen M. Alfieri
                                 Title: Managing Director



                             Address for Notices
                             153 East 53rd Street
                             25th Floor
                             New York, New York  10022
                             Attention:  Steve Alfieri
                             Telecopy:  (212) 891-6619

<PAGE>



                             BANK OF IRELAND - GRAND CAYMAN BRANCH,
                             as a Lender


                             By /s/ John Cusack
                               Name: John G. Cusack
                               Title: A.V.P.



                            Address for Notices
                            640 Fifth Avenue
                            New York, New York  10019
                            Attention:  John Cusack
                            Telecopy:  (212) 586-7752


<PAGE>


                             THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Lender


                               By /s/ Ann Marie Beeble
                                      Name: Ann Marie Beeble
                                      Title: Assistant Vice President



                             Address for Notices
                             One Wall Street
                             22nd Floor
                             New York, New York  10286
                             Attention:  Ann Marie Beeble
                             Telecopy:  (212) 635-6434





<PAGE>



                                    THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Lender



                                      By /s/ W. E. Zarrett
                                             Name: William E. Zarrett
                                             Title: Senior Relationship Manager



                                    Address for Notices
                                    The Bank of Nova Scotia
                                    Atlanta Agency
                                    Suite 2700
                                    600 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                                    Atlanta, Georgia 30308
                                    Attention:  W.E. Zarrett
                                    Telecopy:  (404) 888-8998



<PAGE>


                                    BANK OF SCOTLAND, as a Lender


                                      By /s/ Elizabeth Wilson
                                             Name: Elizabeth Wilson
                                             Title: Vice President & Branch
                                                    Manager



                                    Address for Notices
                                    565 Fifth Avenue
                                    New York, New York  10017
                                    Attention:  Catherine M. Oniffrey
                                    Telecopy:  (212) 682-5720



<PAGE>


                                    BANK OF TOKYO - MITSUBISHI TRUST
                                    COMPANY, as a Lender


                                      By /s/ J.B. Meredith
                                             Name: J. Bruce Meredith
                                             Title: SVP & Manager



                                    Address for Notices
                                    1251 Avenue of the Americas
                                    New York, New York  10020
                                    Attention:  Christopher Wilkens
                                    Telecopy:  (212) 782-6445



<PAGE>

                                       BANQUE PARIBAS, as a Lender


                                         By
                                                Name:
                                                Title:



                                       Address for Notices
                                       787 Seventh Avenue
                                       32nd Floor
                                       New York, New York  10019
                                       Attention:  Douglas Gouchoe
                                       Telecopy:  (212)  841-2363







<PAGE>


                                       BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY,
                                        as a Lender


                                         By /s/ Thatcher L. Townsend
                                                Name: Thatcher L. Townsend
                                                Title: Vice President



                                       Address for Notices
                                       110 South Stratford Road
                                       Suite 301
                                       Winston-Salem, North Carolina  27103
                                       Attention:  Thatcher Townsend
                                       Telecopy:  (910) 733-3254






<PAGE>


                                      CHL HIGH YIELD LOAN PORTFOLIO
                                      (a unit of The Chase Manhattan Bank)



                                        By /s/ Richard W. Stewart
                                               Name: Richard W. Stewart
                                               Title: Vice President



                                      Address for Notices
                                      380 Madison Avenue
                                      12th Floor
                                      New York, New York  10017
                                      Attention:  Richard W. Stewart
                                      Telecopy:  (212) 622-3797


<PAGE>


                                       CIBC INC., as a Lender


                                         By /s/ Roger Colden
                                                Name: Roger Colden
                                                Title: Director



                                       Address for Notices
                                       Two Paces West
                                       2727 Paces Ferry Road
                                       Suite 1200
                                       Atlanta, Georgia  30339
                                       Attention:  Roger Colden
                                       Telecopy:  (770) 319-4954




<PAGE>


                                   COMPAGNIE FINANCIERE DE CIC
                                    ET DE L'UNION EUROPEENNE, as a Lender


                                     By /s/ Sean Mounier       /s/ Marcus Edward
                                            Name: Sean Mounier     Marcus Edward
                                            Title: First Vice President
                                            Title: Vice President



                                       Address for Notices
                                       520 Madison Avenue
                                       37th Floor
                                       New York, New York  10022
                                       Attention:  Sean Mounier
                                       Telecopy:  (212) 715-4535




<PAGE>


                                        CREDIT LYONNAIS, NEW YORK BRANCH AND
                                        CREDIT LYONNAIS ATLANTA AGENCY,
                                         as a Lender


                                          By /s/ R. Ivosevich
                                                 Name: Robert Ivosevich
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President


                                          By /s/ R. Ivosevich
                                                 Name: Robert Ivosevich
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President


                                        Address for Notices
                                        303 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                                        Suite 4400
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30308
                                        Attention:  David Edge
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 584-5249




<PAGE>




                                        CREDITANSTALT CORPORATE FINANCE,
                                         INC., as a Lender


                                          By /s/ Craig Stamm
                                                 Name: W. Craig Stamm
                                                 Title: Senior Associate



                                        Address for Notices
                                        Two Ravinia Drive
                                        Suite 1680
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30346
                                        Attention:  Bob Birringer
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 390-1851


                                        CREDITANSTALT CORPORATE FINANCE, INC.,
                                        as a Lender

                                        By: /s/ Carl G. Drake
                                            Name: Carl G. Drake
                                            Title: Senior Associate

<PAGE>



                                        CRESCENT/MACH I PARTNERS, L.P.,
                                         as a Lender

                                        By:      TCW Asset Management Company
                                                 its Investment Manager


                                          By
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:



                                        Address for Notices
                                        200 Park Avenue, Suite 220
                                        New York, New York  10166
                                        Attention:  Mark Gold
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 297-4159


<PAGE>




                                        CRESTAR BANK, as a Lender


                                          By /s/ C. Gray Key
                                                 Name: C. Gray Key
                                                 Title: Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        919 East Main Street
                                        Richmond, Virginia  23219
                                        Attention:  Gray Key
                                        Telecopy:  (804) 782-5413


<PAGE>




                                        DRESDNER BANK, A.G. NEW YORK AND
                                         GRAND CAYMAN BRANCHES, as a
                                         Lender


                                          By /s/ Thomas J. Nadramia
                                                 Name: Thomas J. Nadramia
                                                 Title: Vice President


                                          By /s/ John W. Sweeney
                                                 Name: John W. Sweeney
                                                 Title: A.V.P.



                                        Address for Notices
                                        190 South LaSalle Street
                                        Suite 2700
                                        Chicago, Illinois  60603
                                        Attention:  Brian Bodeur
                                        Telecopy:  (312) 444-1305


<PAGE>




                                        EATON VANCE PRIME RATE, as a Lender


                                          By
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:



                                        Address for Notices
                                        24 Federal Street
                                        6th Floor
                                        Boston, Massachusetts  02110
                                        Attention:  Jane Nelson
                                        Telecopy:  (617) 695-9594


<PAGE>




                                        FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF
                                         NORTH CAROLINA, as a Lender


                                          By /s/ David Silander
                                                 Name: David Silander
                                                 Title: VP



                                        Address for Notices
                                        301 South Tryon Street
                                        Floor M-2
                                        Charlotte, North Carolina  28288-0145
                                        Attention:  David Trotter
                                        Telecopy:  (704) 374-4000

                                        and

                                        201 South College Street
                                        Suite 1300
                                        Charlotte, North Carolina  28288-0656
                                        Attention:  Portfolio Management
                                        Telecopy:  (704) 374-4820

<PAGE>


                                        FUJI BANK, as a Lender


                                          By /s/ Telji Teramoto
                                                 Name: Telji Teramoto
                                                 Title: Vice President &
                                                        Manager



                                        Address for Notices
                                        2 World Trade Center
                                        79th Floor
                                        New York, New York  10028
                                        Attention:  Vincent Ingato
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 912-0516




<PAGE>




                                        GIROCREDIT BANK, as a Lender


                                          By
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:



                                        Address for Notices
                                        65 East 55th Street
                                        New York, New York  10022
                                        Attention:  John Redding
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 644-0644


<PAGE>



                                        INDOSUEZ CAPITAL FUNDING II LTD.,
                                         as a Lender

                                        By Indosuez Capital, as Portfolio
                                              Advisor



                                          By /s/ F. Berthelot
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:



                                        Address for Notices
                                        1211 Avenue of the Americas
                                        11th Floor
                                        New York, New York  10036
                                        Attention:  Michael Arougheti
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 276-2203



<PAGE>



                                        THE INDUSTRIAL BANK OF JAPAN,
                                         LTD., as a Lender


                                          By /s/ Junri Oda
                                                 Name: Junri Oda
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President
                                                        and Senior Manager



                                        Address for Notices
                                        245 Park Avenue
                                        New York, New York  10167
                                        Attention:  Jennifer McNamara
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 682-2870


<PAGE>





                                        THE LONG-TERM CREDIT BANK OF
                                        JAPAN LTD., NEW YORK BRANCH, as a
                                        Lender


                                          By /s/ S. Tajima
                                                 Name: Shuichi Tajima
                                                 Title: Deputy General Manager



                                        Address for Notices
                                        165 Broadway
                                        49th Floor
                                        New York, New York  10006
                                        Attention:  Jay Shankar
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 335-4524
<PAGE>



                                        MERRILL LYNCH SENIOR FLOATING
                                        RATE FUND, INC.


                                          By /s/ R. Douglas Henderson
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:


                                        MERRILL LYNCH PRIME RATE PORTFOLIO
                                        By:  Merrill Lynch Asset
                                              Management, L.P.,
                                              as Investment Advisor

                                          By /s/ R. Douglas Henderson
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:


                                        SENIOR HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO, INC.



                                          By /s/ R. Douglas Henderson
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:


                                        SENIOR HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO, INC.,
                                         as successor in interest to SENIOR
                                         HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO II, INC.



                                          By /s/ R. Douglas Henderson
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:
<PAGE>

                                        SENIOR HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO, INC.,
                                         as successor in interest to
                                         SENIOR STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.



                                          By /s/ R. Douglas Henderson
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:


                                        Address for Notices
                                        800 Scudders Mill Road
                                        Plainsboro, New Jersey  08536
                                        Attention:  Doug Henderson
                                        Telecopy:  (609) 262-2756


<PAGE>



                                        THE MITSUBISHI TRUST AND BANKING
                                         CORPORATION, as a Lender


                                          By /s/ Patrica Loret de Mola
                                                 Name: Patricia Loret de Mola
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        520 Madison Avenue
                                        26th Floor
                                        New York, New York  10022
                                        Attention:  Jay Kato
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 644-6825



<PAGE>



                                        NBD BANK, as a Lender


                                         By /s/ Russell H. Liebetrau, Jr.
                                                Name: Russell H. Liebetrau, Jr.
                                                Title: Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        611 Woodward Avenue
                                        Detroit, Michigan  48226
                                        Attention:  Philip Lowman
                                        Telecopy:  (313) 225-2649



<PAGE>



                                        NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY
                                         CORPORATION, as a Lender


                                         By /s/ Adam Clemens
                                                Name: Adam G. Clemens
                                                Title: Investment Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        51 Madison Avenue
                                        New York, New York  10010
                                        Attention:  Steven Benevento
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 447-4122




                                        NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
                                        as a lender

                                         By /s/ Adam Clemens
                                                Name: Adam G. Clemens
                                                Title: Investment Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        51 Madison Avenue
                                        New York, New York  10010
                                        Attention:  Steven Benevento
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 447-4122



<PAGE>





                                        THE NIPPON CREDIT BANK, LTD.,
                                            as a Lender


                                          By /s/ Clifford Abramsky
                                                 Name: Clifford Abramsky
                                                 Title: Senior Manager



                                        Address for Notices
                                        245 Park Avenue
                                        30th Floor
                                        New York, New York  10167
                                        Attention:  Cliff Abramsky
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 490-3895

<PAGE>



                                        SOCIETE GENERALE, as a Lender



                                          By /s/ Ralph Saheb
                                                 Name: Ralph Saheb
                                                 Title: Vice President & Manager



                                        Address for Notices
                                        Trammell Crow Center
                                        Suite 4800
                                        2001 Ross Avenue
                                        Dallas, Texas  75201
                                        Attention:  Meredith Carlisle
                                        Telecopy:  (214-754-0171)

                                        with a copy to:
                                        303 Peachtree Street
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30308
                                        Attention:  Jerome Jacques
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 865-7419



<PAGE>

                                        THE SUMITOMO TRUST & BANKING CO.,
                                         LTD., as a Lender



                                          By /s/ Suraj P. Bhatia
                                                 Name: Suraj P. Bhatia
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President
                                                        Manager, Corporate
                                                        Finance Department




                                        Address for Notices
                                        527 Madison Avenue
                                        New York, New York  10022
                                        Attention:  Kristin Condon
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 418-4848




<PAGE>

                                        SUNTRUST BANK, ATLANTA, as a Lender



                                          By /s/ Jeffrey D. Drucker
                                                 Name: Jeffrey D. Drucker
                                                 Title: Banking Officer


                                          By /s/ Brian K. Peters
                                                 Name: Brian K. Peters
                                                 Title: Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        25 Park Place N.E., 26th Floor
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30303
                                        Attention:  Jeffrey Drucker
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 658-4905





<PAGE>

                                        TORONTO DOMINION (NEW YORK), INC.,
                                         as a Lender


                                          By /s/ Wade C. Jacobson
                                                 Name: Managing Director
                                                 Title:



                                        Address for Notices
                                        909 Fannin Street
                                        Houston, Texas 77010
                                        Attention:  Debbie Greene
                                        Telecopy:  (713) 951-9921





<PAGE>

                                        THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY,
                                         as a Lender


                                          By
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:











                                        THE TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY,
                                         as a Lender



                                          By
                                                 Name:
                                                 Title:



                                        Address for Notices
                                        1 Tower Square
                                        Hartford, Connecticut  06183
                                        Attention:  Pam Westmoreland
                                        Telecopy:  (203) 954-5243

<PAGE>





                                        UNITED STATES NATIONAL BANK
                                        OF OREGON, as a Lender


                                          By /s/ J. Stephen Mitchell
                                                 Name: Stephen Mitchell
                                                 Title: Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        555 SW Oak Street
                                        Suite 400
                                        Portland, Oregon  97204
                                        Attention:  Stephen Mitchell
                                        Telecopy:  (503) 275-4267

<PAGE>




                                        VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL
                                        PRIME RATE INCOME TRUST, as a Lender


                                          By /s/ J. Maillet
                                                 Name: Jeffrey W. Maillet
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President
                                                        & Director




                                        Address for Notices
                                        One Parkview Plaza
                                        Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois  60181
                                        Attention:  Jeffrey Maillett
                                        Telecopy:  (708) 684-6740





<PAGE>




                                        WACHOVIA BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA,
                                        N.A., as a Lender


                                          By /s/ Sarah T. Warren
                                                 Name: Sarah T. Warren
                                                 Title: Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        400 S. Tryon Street
                                        31st Floor
                                        Charlotte, North Carolina  28202-1915
                                        Attention:  Sarah Warren
                                        Telecopy:  (704) 378-5035


<PAGE>




                                        WELLS FARGO BANK, as a Lender


                                          By /s/ Delia B. Fance
                                                 Name: Delia B. Fance
                                                 Title: Vice President



                                        Address for Notices
                                        333 S. Grand Ave., 9th Floor
                                        MAC2064-090
                                        Los Angeles, California  90071
                                        Attention:  Delia Fance
                                        Telecopy:  (213) 626-6140



<PAGE>



                                        THE YASUDA TRUST & BANKING CO.,
                                         LTD., as a Lender



                                          By /s/ M. Tagawa
                                                 Name: Makoto Tagawa
                                                 Title: Deputy General Manager



                                        Address for Notices
                                        666 5th Avenue
                                        Suite 801
                                        New York, New York 10013
                                        Attention:  Richard Ortiz
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 373-5797


<PAGE>









                                                                    EXHIBIT A TO

                                                                    AMENDMENT

                     ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, CONSENT AND AMENDMENT

          Each of the undersigned corporations hereby:

         (a) acknowledges and consents to the execution, delivery and
performance of (i) the Amendment, dated as of December 5, 1996 (the "Amendment")
to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 3, 1996, (as the
same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the
"Credit Agreement"), among Collins & Aikman Canada Inc. (f/k/a WCA Canada Inc.)
(the "Canadian Borrower") Collins & Aikman Products Co. (the "Borrower"),
Collins & Aikman Corporation ("Holdings"), the several banks and other
institutions from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement (the "Lenders")
and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as administrative agent to the lenders thereunder
(in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent"), (ii) the Credit Agreement, dated
as of December 5, 1996 among Collins & Aikman Products Co. (the "Borrower"),
Collins & Aikman Corporation ("Holdings"), the several banks and other
institutions from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement (the "Lenders")
and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as administrative agent to the lenders thereunder
(in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent"), (as the same may be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "JPS Acquisition
Credit Agreement") and (iii) all of the documents and transactions contemplated
by the Amendment and the JPS Acquisition Credit Agreement;

         (b) agrees that such execution, delivery and performance shall not in
any way affect such corporation's obligations under any Loan Document (as
defined in the Credit Agreement) to which such corporation is a party, which
obligations on the date hereof remain absolute and unconditional and are not
subject to any defense, set-off or counterclaim;

Dated:  December 5, 1996
                                    COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.


                                    By:
                                       Name:
                                       Title:

                                    COLLINS & AIKMAN CANADA INC.
                                  
                                      


                                    By:
                                      Name:
                                     Title:

                                    COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION
                                     
                                   


                                   By:
                                      Name:
                                     Title:

<PAGE>


                                   PACJ, INC.


                                   By:
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  THE AKRO CORPORATION
                                   


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  DURA CONVERTIBLE SYSTEMS, INC.
                                   
                                  


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  IMPERIAL WALLCOVERINGS, INC.
                                 
                                      


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  MARKETING SERVICE, INC.
                                  


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  GREFAB, INC.


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:



<PAGE>




                                  WICKES ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
                                   
                                      


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  COLLINS & AIKMAN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                                     
                                  
                                   

                                 By:__________________________
                                     Name:               
                                     Title:


                                 WICKES  MANUFACTURING COMPANY 
                                 
                                     


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  WICKES REALTY, INC
                                  .


                                   By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:



                                 ACK-TI-LINING, INC.
                                      


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  COLLINS & AIKMAN FLOOR COVERINGS,  INC.
                                  
                                   
                                     


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:

<PAGE>



                                 AMCO CONVERTIBLE  FABRICS, INC.
                                   
                                 
                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  MANCHESTER  PLASTICS, INC.
                                   
                                      


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                  HUGHES PLASTICS, INC.
                                 


                                  By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                 COLLINS & AIKMAN FLOOR COVERINGS GROUP, INC.
                                  
                                   
                                   


                                 By:_________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


<PAGE>

                                                                 EXECUTION COPY














                                       
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


                          Dated as of December 5, 1996


                                      Among


                         COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.,
                                  as Borrower,



                          COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION,
                                  as Guarantor,


                            THE LENDERS NAMED HEREIN,


                                       And


                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                             as Administrative Agent











<PAGE>










                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

ARTICLE      SECTION                                                                                           PAGE
<S>         <C>                                                                                         <C>       

I.
                                   DEFINITIONS

             SECTION 1.01.  DEFINED TERMS.......................................................................  1
             SECTION 1.02.  TERMS GENERALLY..................................................................... 18

II.

                                   THE CREDITS

             SECTION 2.01.  COMMITMENTS......................................................................... 18
             SECTION 2.02.  LOANS............................................................................... 18
             SECTION 2.03.  NOTICE OF BORROWINGS................................................................ 19
             SECTION 2.04.  NOTES; REPAYMENT OF LOANS........................................................... 19
             SECTION 2.05.  FEES................................................................................ 20
             SECTION 2.06.  INTEREST ON LOANS................................................................... 20
             SECTION 2.07.  DEFAULT INTEREST.................................................................... 20
             SECTION 2.08.  ALTERNATE RATE OF INTEREST.......................................................... 21
             SECTION 2.09.  TERMINATION AND REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS............................................ 21
             SECTION 2.10.  CONVERSION AND CONTINUATION OF BORROWINGS........................................... 21
             SECTION 2.11.  REPAYMENT OF BORROWINGS............................................................. 22
             SECTION 2.12.  PREPAYMENT.......................................................................... 22
             SECTION 2.13.  RESERVE REQUIREMENTS; CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES....................................... 23
             SECTION 2.14.  CHANGE IN LEGALITY.................................................................. 25
             SECTION 2.15.  INDEMNITY........................................................................... 25
             SECTION 2.16.  PRO RATA TREATMENT.................................................................. 25
             SECTION 2.17.  PAYMENTS............................................................................ 26
             SECTION 2.18.  TAXES............................................................................... 26

III.

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

             SECTION 3.01.  ORGANIZATION, CORPORATE POWERS...................................................... 28
             SECTION 3.02.  AUTHORIZATION....................................................................... 28
             SECTION 3.03.  ENFORCEABILITY...................................................................... 28
             SECTION 3.04.  JPS AUTOMOTIVE ACQUISITION.......................................................... 29
             SECTION 3.05.  USE OF PROCEEDS..................................................................... 29
             SECTION 3.06.  FEDERAL RESERVE REGULATIONS......................................................... 29
             SECTION 3.07.  PLEDGE AGREEMENT.................................................................... 29
             SECTION 3.08.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................................................ 29
             SECTION 3.09.  NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE.......................................................... 30
             SECTION 3.10.  TITLE TO PROPERTIES; POSSESSION UNDER LEASES........................................ 30
             SECTION 3.11.  SUBSIDIARIES........................................................................ 30
             SECTION 3.12.  LITIGATION; COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.................................................... 30
             SECTION 3.13.  AGREEMENTS.......................................................................... 31
             SECTION 3.14.  INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT.............................................................. 31
             SECTION 3.15.  PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT.................................................. 31
             SECTION 3.16.  TAX RETURNS......................................................................... 31

                                        i

<PAGE>




ARTICLE      SECTION                                                                                           PAGE

             SECTION 3.17.  NO MATERIAL MISSTATEMENTS........................................................... 31
             SECTION 3.18.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.............................................................. 32
             SECTION 3.19.  LABOR MATTERS....................................................................... 32
             SECTION 3.20.  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS............................................................... 32
             SECTION 3.21.  SOLVENCY............................................................................ 33
             SECTION 3.22.  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS..................................................... 34
             SECTION 3.23.  NO FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL REGULATION VIOLATION...................................... 34
             SECTION 3.24.  INSURANCE........................................................................... 34
             SECTION 3.25.  CERTAIN OTHER REPRESENTATIONS....................................................... 34
             SECTION 3.26.  PERMITTED ACQUISITION INDEBTEDNESS.................................................. 34
             SECTION 3.27.  SENIOR DEBT......................................................................... 34

IV.

                                   CONDITIONS

             SECTION 4.01.  EACH EXTENSION OF CREDIT
             SECTION 4.02....................................................................................... 35

V.

                                               AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS............................................ 38

             SECTION 5.01.  EXISTENCE; BUSINESSES AND PROPERTIES................................................ 38
             SECTION 5.02.  INSURANCE........................................................................... 38
             SECTION 5.03.  TAXES............................................................................... 38
             SECTION 5.04.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, REPORTS, AMENDMENTS, ETC...................................... 39
             SECTION 5.05.  LITIGATION AND OTHER NOTICES........................................................ 40
             SECTION 5.06.  ERISA............................................................................... 41
             SECTION 5.07.  MAINTAINING RECORDS; ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND INSPECTIONS........................... 41
             SECTION 5.08.  USE OF PROCEEDS..................................................................... 41
             SECTION 5.09.  FURTHER ASSURANCES.................................................................. 41
             SECTION 5.10.  CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP................................................................. 42
             SECTION 5.11.  FISCAL YEAR; ACCOUNTING............................................................. 42
             SECTION 5.12.  DIVIDENDS........................................................................... 42
             SECTION 5.13.  RATE PROTECTION AGREEMENTS.......................................................... 42
             SECTION 5.14.  CORPORATE SEPARATENESS.............................................................. 42
             SECTION 5.15.  BUSINESS OF RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES................................................. 42

VI.

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

             SECTION 6.01.  INDEBTEDNESS........................................................................ 43
             SECTION 6.02.  DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS......................................................... 45
             SECTION 6.03.  CAPITAL EXPENDITURES................................................................ 46
             SECTION 6.04.  LIENS............................................................................... 46
             SECTION 6.05.  PRIORITY OF LOAN PAYMENTS........................................................... 48
             SECTION 6.06.  SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTIONS.................................................... 49
             SECTION 6.07.  INVESTMENTS, LOANS AND ADVANCES..................................................... 49
             SECTION 6.08.  MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, SALES OF ASSETS AND ACQUISITIONS........................... 50
             SECTION 6.09.  TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND STOCKHOLDERS....................................... 51
             SECTION 6.10.  SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS........................................................... 52

                                       ii
           

<PAGE>




ARTICLE      SECTION                                                                                           PAGE

             SECTION 6.11.  AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTIVE DOCUMENTS; CHANGE IN CORPORATE STRUCTURE.................. 52
             SECTION 6.12.  BUSINESS OF HOLDINGS AND RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES.................................... 52
             SECTION 6.13.  RESTRICTIVE AGREEMENTS.............................................................. 52
             SECTION 6.14.  INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO............................................................. 52
             SECTION 6.15.  EBITDA.............................................................................. 53
             SECTION 6.16.  LEVERAGE RATIO...................................................................... 53
             SECTION 6.17.  CURRENT RATIO....................................................................... 53
             SECTION 6.18.  TAX SHARING......................................................................... 53
             SECTION 6.19.  SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES............................................................ 53
             SECTION 6.20.  INACTIVE SUBSIDIARIES............................................................... 53

VII.

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

VIII.

                            THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

IX.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

             SECTION 9.01.  NOTICES............................................................................. 58
             SECTION 9.02.  SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENT............................................................... 58
             SECTION 9.03.  BINDING EFFECT...................................................................... 58
             SECTION 9.04.  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.............................................................. 58
             SECTION 9.05.  EXPENSES; INDEMNITY................................................................. 61
             SECTION 9.06.  RIGHT OF SETOFF; SHARING............................................................ 62
             SECTION 9.07.  APPLICABLE LAW...................................................................... 62
             SECTION 9.08.  WAIVERS; AMENDMENT.................................................................. 62
             SECTION 9.09.  INTEREST RATE LIMITATION............................................................ 63
             SECTION 9.10.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.................................................................... 63
             SECTION 9.11.  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL................................................................ 63
             SECTION 9.12.  SEVERABILITY........................................................................ 63
             SECTION 9.13.  COUNTERPARTS........................................................................ 64
             SECTION 9.14.  HEADINGS............................................................................ 64
             SECTION 9.15.  JURISDICTION; CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS......................................... 64
             SECTION 9.16.  CONFIDENTIALITY..................................................................... 64

</TABLE>

                                       iii
           
<PAGE>










EXHIBITS

Exhibit A         Note
Exhibit B         Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit C         Administrative Questionnaire
Exhibit D         Form of Opinion of Cravath, Swaine & Moore,
                  Elizabeth R. Philipp, Esq.
Exhibit E         Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit F         Form of Acknowledgement and Consent



SCHEDULES

1.01(A)           Applicable Margin
1.01(B)           Additional Designated Persons
1.01(C)           Subordination Terms
2.01              Commitments
2.11(a)           Term Loan Amortization Schedule
3.11(a)           Subsidiaries of Holdings
3.11(b)           Outstanding Commitments Relating to Capital Stock
3.16              Tax Matters
6.01              Existing Indebtedness
6.04              Existing Liens
6.07              Existing Investments


                                       iv

<PAGE>




                   CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of December 5, 1996, among COLLINS
              & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO., a Delaware corporation (the "BORROWER"),
              COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("HOLDINGS"),
              the financial institutions listed in Schedule 2.01 hereto (the
              "LENDERS"), and THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, a New York banking
              corporation ("CHASE"), as administrative agent for the Lenders (in
              such capacity, the "ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT").

         The Borrower has requested the Lenders to extend credit in order to
enable the Borrower, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to
borrow on a term basis, during the Delayed Draw Availability Period (as defined
herein) an aggregate principal amount not in excess of $200,000,000. The
proceeds of such borrowings are to be used as described herein. The Lenders are
willing to extend such credit to the Borrower on the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein.

         The Loans hereunder are hereby designated "Designated Senior
Indebtedness" under the Senior Subordinated Note Indenture (as defined herein).

         Accordingly, the Borrower, Holdings, the Lenders and the Administrative
Agent agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I.

                                   DEFINITIONS

     SECTION 1.01.  DEFINED TERMS.  In addition to the terms defined  above,  as
used in this  Agreement  the following  terms shall have the meanings  specified
below:

              "ABR BORROWING" shall mean a Borrowing comprised of ABR Loans.

              "ABR LOAN" shall mean any Loan bearing interest at a rate
         determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate in accordance with
         the provisions of Article II.

              "ACKNOWLEDGEMENT" shall mean the Acknowledgement substantially in
         the form of Exhibit A to the Intercreditor Agreement to be executed by
         the Administrative Agent, the effect of which is to entitle the 1996
         Credit Agreement Creditors to the benefits of the Intercreditor
         Agreement, the Guarantee Agreement and the Pledge Agreement on the
         terms set forth therein.

              "ADJUSTED LIBO RATE" shall mean, with respect to any Eurodollar
         Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum (rounded
         upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to the product of
         (a) the LIBO Rate in effect for such Interest Period and (b) Statutory
         Reserves. For purposes hereof, (a) if at least two offered rates for
         deposits in dollars for a period comparable to the applicable Interest
         Period appear on page 3750 (or any successor page) of the Dow Jones
         Telerate Screen as of 11:00 a.m., London time, on the day that is two
         Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, the term
         "LIBO RATE" shall mean the arithmetic mean of all such offered rates
         and (b) if fewer than two such offered rates so appear on page 3750 (or
         any successor page) of the Dow Jones Telerate Screen, the term "LIBO
         RATE" shall mean the rate (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next
         1/16 of 1%) at which dollar deposits approximately equal in principal
         amount to Chase's portion (or, if Chase shall not have any portion, the
         portion of the Lender having the largest applicable Type of Loan) of
         the applicable Eurodollar Borrowing and for a period comparable to the
         applicable Interest Period are offered to Chase's office in which its
         eurodollar operations in respect of eurodollar loans are being
         conducted in immediately available funds in the eurodollar market at
         approximately 11:00 a.m., New York time, on the day that is two
         Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period.

               "ADMINISTRATIVE   QUESTIONNAIRE"  shall  mean  an  Administrative
        Questionnaire substantially in the form of Exhibit C.




<PAGE>


                                        2



              "AFFILIATE" shall mean, when used with respect to a specified
         person, another person that directly, or indirectly through one or more
         intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control
         with the person specified.

              "AGENCY FEES" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
         Section 2.05(b).

              "ALTERNATE BASE RATE" shall mean, for any day, a rate per annum
         (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to the
         greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Base CD
         Rate in effect on such day plus 1% and (c) the Federal Funds Effective
         Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%. For purposes hereof, "PRIME
         RATE" shall mean the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from
         time to time by Chase as its prime rate in effect at its principal
         office in New York City; each change in the Prime Rate shall be
         effective on the date such change is publicly announced as being
         effective. "BASE CD RATE" shall mean the sum of (a) the product of (i)
         the Three-Month Secondary CD Rate and (ii) Statutory Reserves and (b)
         the Assessment Rate. "THREE-MONTH SECONDARY CD RATE" shall mean, for
         any day, the secondary market rate for three-month certificates of
         deposit reported as being in effect on such day (or, if such day shall
         not be a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day) by the Board
         through the public information telephone line of the Federal Reserve
         Bank of New York (which rate will, under the current practices of the
         Board, be published in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519)
         during the week following such day), or, if such rate shall not be so
         reported on such day or such next preceding Business Day, the average
         of the secondary market quotations for three-month certificates of
         deposit of major money center banks in New York City received at
         approximately 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on such day (or, if such
         day shall not be a Business Day, on the next preceding Business Day) by
         the Administrative Agent from three New York City negotiable
         certificate of deposit dealers of recognized standing selected by it.
         "FEDERAL FUNDS EFFECTIVE RATE" shall mean, for any day, 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 on the next succeeding 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
         the day of such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from
         three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it. If
         for any reason the Administrative Agent shall have determined (which
         determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that it is
         unable to ascertain the Base CD Rate or the Federal Funds Effective
         Rate or both for any reason, including the inability or failure of the
         Administrative Agent to obtain sufficient quotations in accordance with
         the terms thereof, the Alternate Base Rate shall be determined without
         regard to clause (b) or (c), or both, of the first sentence of this
         definition, as appropriate, until the circumstances giving rise to such
         inability no longer exist. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to
         a change in the Prime Rate, the Base CD Rate or the Federal Funds
         Effective Rate shall be effective on the effective date of such change
         in the Prime Rate, the Base CD Rate or the Federal Funds Effective
         Rate, respectively.

              "APPLICABLE ASSET SALE PREPAYMENT PERCENTAGE" shall mean 50%.

              "APPLICABLE EXCESS CASH FLOW PREPAYMENT PERCENTAGE" shall mean
         initially 50% or, if the Applicable Level at any time is higher than
         Level I, the Excess Cash Flow Prepayment Percentage set forth below
         opposite the Applicable Level in effect on the last day of the fiscal
         year to which the prepayment relates:

===============================================================================
                                             Excess Cash Flow Prepayment
Applicable Level                                      Percentage
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level I                                                  50%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level II                                                 25%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level III                                                25%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level IV                                                 10%
===============================================================================

          

                                                                 

<PAGE>


                                   3



               "APPLICABLE LEVEL" shall mean at any time the highest of Level I,
          Level II, Level III and Level IV in effect  determined  in  accordance
          with Schedule 1.01(A).
           
              "APPLICABLE MARGIN" means (i) for any date on or after the Closing
         Date to but excluding the first day of the first full fiscal quarter
         commencing after the Closing Date, with respect to Eurodollar Loans,
         1-3/4%, and with respect to ABR Loans, 3/4 of 1%, and (ii) for any date
         on or after the first day of the first full fiscal quarter commencing
         after the Closing Date, with respect to any Eurodollar Loans or ABR
         Loans, as the case may be, the applicable margin set forth on Schedule
         1.01(A) opposite the Applicable Level, in each case as of the last day
         of the Borrower's fiscal quarter most recently ended as of such date.

              "APPLICABLE SHARE" shall mean (i) the aggregate amount of
         outstanding Loans DIVIDED BY (ii) the sum of (A) the aggregate amount
         of outstanding Loans and (B) the aggregate amount of outstanding
         Existing Term Loans.

              "ASSESSMENT RATE" shall mean for any date the annual rate (rounded
         upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) most recently estimated
         by the Administrative Agent as the then current net annual assessment
         rate that will be employed in determining amounts payable by Chase to
         the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (or any successor) for
         insurance by such Corporation (or such successor) of time deposits made
         in dollars at Chase's domestic offices.

              "ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE" shall mean an assignment and
         acceptance entered into by a Lender and an assignee, and accepted by
         the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit B or
         such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent.

              "AVAILABLE WALLCOVERINGS PROCEEDS" shall mean the Net Proceeds of
         any sale (in whole or in part) of Wallcoverings Subsidiaries other than
         Net Proceeds required to be applied in accordance with Section 6.08(k).

               "BLACKSTONE"  shall mean  Blackstone  Capital  Partners  L.P.,  a
          Delaware limited partnership.

               "BLACKSTONE  ENTITIES" shall mean Blackstone,  Blackstone  Group,
          Blackstone   Management   Partners,    L.P.,   Blackstone   Management
          Associates, L.P. or any of their Affiliates.

               "BLACKSTONE  GROUP"  shall  mean The  Blackstone  Group  L.P.,  a
          Delaware limited partnership.

              "BOARD" shall mean the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
         System of the United States (or any successor).

               "BORROWER  COMMON STOCK" shall have the meaning  assigned to that
          term in Section 3.07(a).

              "BORROWING" shall mean a group of Loans of a single Type made
         hereunder as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

              "BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day (other than a day which is a
         Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday in the State of New York) on which
         banks are open for business in New York City; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that,
         when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term "BUSINESS DAY"
         shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in
         dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

               "C&A CANADA"  shall mean Collins & Aikman Canada Inc., a Canadian
          corporation.

              "CAPITAL EXPENDITURES" shall mean, for any person in any period,
         the aggregate amount of all capital expenditures of such person during
         such period (but not including Permitted Business Acquisitions or
         Investments permitted pursuant to subsection 6.07(l)). For the purposes
         hereof, the amount of any Capital Expenditure SHALL NOT INCLUDE (i) an
         amount equal to that portion of the proceeds received upon any sale,


<PAGE>


                                        4



         transfer or other disposition of assets or properties pursuant to
         Section 6.08(a), (g) or (i) which is applied to the purchase of
         replacement assets or properties within 12 months of the receipt
         thereof, (ii) expenditures that are accounted for as capital
         expenditures of such person and that actually are paid for by a third
         party (excluding Holdings or any subsidiary thereof) and for which
         neither Holdings nor any subsidiary thereof has provided or is required
         to provide, directly or indirectly, any consideration to such third
         party or any other person (whether before, during or after such
         period), (iii) the book value of any asset owned by such person prior
         to or during such period to the extent that such book value is included
         as a capital expenditure during such period as a result of such person
         reusing or beginning to reuse such asset during such period without a
         corresponding expenditure actually having been made in such period,
         PROVIDED that any expenditure necessary in order to permit such asset
         to be reused shall be included as a Capital Expenditure during the
         period that such expenditure actually is made or (iv) expenditures of
         insurance proceeds or condemnation awards received in connection with
         the loss, damage, destruction or condemnation of property of Holdings
         or its subsidiaries.

              "CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS" of any person shall mean the
         obligations of such person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease
         of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal
         property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to
         be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of
         such person under GAAP and, for the purposes hereof, the amount of such
         obligations at any time shall be the capitalized amount thereof at such
         time determined in accordance with GAAP.

              "CASH INTEREST EXPENSE" shall mean Interest Expense paid or
         required to be paid in cash (but excluding any amortization of debt
         discounts and fees included in the calculation of Interest Expense).

              A "CHANGE IN CONTROL" shall be deemed to have occurred if (a)
         Holdings shall cease to directly own, beneficially and of record, free
         and clear of any and all Liens (other than Liens in favor of the
         Collateral Agent pursuant to the Pledge Agreement), 100% of the issued
         and outstanding capital stock of the Borrower; (b) any person or group
         (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5 of the Securities and Exchange
         Commission as in effect on the date hereof) (other than (i) any
         Designated Person or (ii) any combination of Designated Persons) shall
         own beneficially, directly or indirectly, shares representing more than
         25% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued
         and outstanding capital stock of Holdings at a time when Designated
         Persons or any combination of Designated Persons do not beneficially
         own shares representing at least 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting
         power represented by the issued and outstanding capital stock of
         Holdings; or (c) the Continuing Directors shall cease to occupy a
         majority of the seats (excluding vacant seats) on the Board of
         Directors of Holdings. For purposes of clause (b) of this definition,
         the term "Designated Person" shall be deemed to include any other
         holder or holders of shares of Holdings having ordinary voting power if
         any Blackstone Entity or WP Entity shall hold the irrevocable general
         proxy of each such holder in respect of the shares held by such holder.

         "CHARGES" shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Section 9.09.

              "CLOSING DATE" shall mean the date on which the conditions
         precedent specified in Article IV shall have been satisfied.

              "CODE"  shall mean the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended
         from time to time.

               "COLLATERAL  AGENT" shall mean Chase,  as Collateral  Agent under
          the Pledge Agreement and the Guarantee Agreement.

              "COMMITMENT" shall mean, with respect to each Lender, the
         commitment of such Lender to make Loans hereunder as set forth in
         Schedule 2.01, as the same may be reduced from time to time pursuant to
         Section 2.09.

              "COMMITMENT FEE" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
        Section 2.05(a).


<PAGE>


                                        5




               "COMPLIANCE  CERTIFICATE" shall have the meaning assigned to such
          term in Section 5.04(c).

              "CONTAMINANTS" means those substances which are regulated by or
         form the basis of liability under any Environmental Law, including
         asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, Hazardous Materials, pollutants or
         solid wastes.

              "CONTINUING DIRECTORS" shall mean the collective reference to (i)
         all members of the Board of Directors of Holdings who have held office
         continuously since the 1994 Closing Date and (ii) all members of the
         Board of Directors of Holdings who assumed office after the 1994
         Closing Date and whose election and nomination for election by
         Holdings' shareholders was approved by a vote of a majority of the then
         Continuing Directors.

              "CONTROL" shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of
         the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or
         policies of a person, whether through the ownership of voting
         securities, by contract or otherwise, and "Controlling" and
         "Controlled" shall have meanings correlative thereto.

              "CRAMERTON" shall mean Cramerton Automotive Products, L.P., a
         Delaware limited partnership and a subsidiary of JPS Automotive.

              "CSI" shall mean Chase Securities Inc.

              "CURRENT ASSETS" shall mean, with respect to any person at any
         date, the consolidated aggregate amount of all assets of such person
         which would be classified as current assets at such date, other than
         cash and cash equivalents.

              "CURRENT LIABILITIES" shall mean, with respect to any person at
         any date, the consolidated aggregate amount of all liabilities of such
         person (including tax and other proper accruals) which would be
         classified as current liabilities at such date, other than (without
         duplication) (i) the current portion of long-term debt, (ii) accruals
         of Interest Expense (excluding Interest Expense which is due and
         unpaid) and losses or expenses on the sale of receivables to the
         Finance Subsidiary, (iii) revolving loans under the Existing Credit
         Agreement classified as current, (iv) accruals of transaction costs
         resulting from the Previous Transactions and the Transactions and (v)
         accruals of any costs or expenses related to severance or termination
         of employees accrued prior to the date hereof.

              "CURRENT RATIO" shall mean, with respect to Holdings on any date,
         the ratio of (a) Current Assets plus (without duplication) the accounts
         receivable owned by any Finance Subsidiary or related trust to (b)
         Current Liabilities.

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

              "DELAYED DRAW AVAILABILITY PERIOD" shall mean the period from and
         including the Closing Date to and including the first anniversary of
         the Closing Date.

              "DESIGNATED PERSONS" shall mean any one or more of the Blackstone
         Entities, the WP Entities and the persons listed on Schedule 1.01(B).

               "DIVIDEND  CONDITION"  shall mean that the Applicable Level is at
          least Level II.

              "DOLLARS" or "$" shall mean lawful money of the United States of
         America. All Loans and Letters of Credit shall be denominated in
         dollars and all payment obligations of the Borrower under the Loan
         Documents shall be in dollars.



<PAGE>


                                        6



              "DOLLAR EQUIVALENT AMOUNT" shall mean with respect to the amount
         of any Indebtedness of a Foreign Restricted Subsidiary under Section
         6.01(r) or (s) (i) denominated in a Foreign Currency on any date, the
         equivalent amount in dollars of such amount of Foreign Currency, as
         determined by the Administrative Agent using the Exchange Rate and (ii)
         denominated in dollars, such amount in dollars.

              "DOMESTIC RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" means any Restricted Subsidiary
         incorporated or organized under the laws of the United States of
         America or any state thereof at least 90% of the capital stock of which
         is owned directly or indirectly by the Borrower.

              "EBITDA" shall mean, without duplication, for any fiscal period,
         the sum of the amounts for such fiscal period of (i) Net Income, (ii)
         provision for taxes based on income, (iii) depreciation expense, (iv)
         total interest expense (whether shown as interest expense or as loss
         and expenses on sales of receivables), (v) amortization expense and
         (vi) other non-cash items reducing Net Income, all as determined on a
         consolidated basis for Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries in
         conformity with GAAP; provided, however, that for purposes of
         calculating the Leverage Ratio under Section 6.16, EBITDA shall
         include, in addition, the PRO FORMA EBITDA of any person (calculated as
         aforesaid but with respect to such person and its subsidiaries on a
         consolidated basis and after giving effect to PRO FORMA adjustments)
         prior to the date it became a Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings or is
         merged into or is consolidated with Holdings or any of the Restricted
         Subsidiaries or that person's assets are acquired by Holdings or any of
         the Restricted Subsidiaries.

              "ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIM" means any written accusation, allegation,
         notice of violation, claim, demand, order, directive, cost recovery
         action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority or, if any
         Responsible Officer of Holdings has knowledge of it, by any person for
         damages, injunctive or equitable relief, personal injury (including
         sickness, disease or death), remedial action costs, tangible or
         intangible property damage, damage to the environment or natural
         resources, nuisance, pollution, contamination or other adverse effects
         on the environment, or for fines, penalties or restrictions, resulting
         from or based upon (i) the existence, or the continuation of the
         existence, of a Release (including sudden or non-sudden, accidental or
         non-accidental Releases) of, or exposure to, any Contaminant or odor,
         (ii) the presence, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or
         the disposal of Contaminants in connection with the operation of the
         facilities to which such Release relates or (iii) the violation or
         alleged violation of any Environmental Law.

              "ENVIRONMENTAL LAW" means any and all applicable treaties, laws,
         regulations, enforceable requirements, binding determinations, orders,
         decrees, judgments, injunctions, permits, approvals, authorizations,
         licenses, variances, permissions, notices or binding agreements issued,
         promulgated or entered by any Governmental Authority, relating to the
         environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources or to the
         management, Release or threatened Release of Contaminants or noxious
         odor, including the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C.
         ss.ss. 1801 ET SEQ., Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
         and Liability Act of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and
         Reauthorization Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. ss.ss. 9601 ET SEQ., Solid Waste
         Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
         of 1976 and Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, 42 U.S.C.
         ss.ss. 6901, ET SEQ., Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended
         by the Clean Water Act of 1977, 33 U.S.C. ss.ss. 1251 ET SEQ., Clean
         Air Act of 1970, as amended 42. U.S.C. ss.ss. 7401 ET SEQ., Toxic
         Substances Control Act of 1976, 15 U.S.C. ss.ss. 2601 ET SEQ.,
         Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C.
         ss.ss. 11001 ET SEQ., National Environmental Policy Act of 1975, 42
         U.S.C. ss.ss. 4321 ET SEQ., Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as
         amended, 42 U.S.C. ss.ss. 300(f) ET SEQ., and any similar or
         implementINg state or foreign law, and all amendments or regulations
         promulgated thereunder.

              "ENVIRONMENTAL PERMIT" means any permit, approval, authorization,
         license, variance, or permission required from any Governmental
         Authority pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law.

              "EQUITY PURCHASE DOCUMENTS" means the equity purchase agreement
         pursuant to which the JPS Automotive Acquisition is to be consummated.



<PAGE>


                                        7



              "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
         1974, as the same may be amended from time to time.

              "ERISA AFFILIATE" with respect to any person shall mean any trade
         or business (whether or not incorporated) that is a member of a group
         of which such person is a member and which is treated as a single
         employer under Section 414 of the Code.

              "ESOP" shall mean any employee stock ownership plan to be
         established by the Borrower or a subsidiary Guarantor thereof to make
         the ESOP Investment.

              "ESOP INVESTMENT" shall mean the issuance and sale of shares of
         Holdings Common Stock to, or the purchase of shares of Holdings Common
         Stock in open market or privately negotiated transactions by, the ESOP
         from time to time.

              "ESOP LOANS" shall mean a loan or loans to be made from time to
         time by the Borrower to the ESOP in an aggregate amount not to exceed
         $25,000,000, solely to enable the ESOP to effect the ESOP Investment.

               "EURODOLLAR BORROWING" shall mean a Borrowing comprised of
          Eurodollar Loans.

              "EURODOLLAR LOAN" shall mean any Loan bearing interest at a rate
         determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate in accordance with
         the provisions of Article II.

               "EVENT OF DEFAULT"  shall have the meaning  assigned to such term
          in Article VII.

              "EXCESS CASH FLOW" shall mean for any period (i) the Net Income
         for such period PLUS (minus) (ii) the amount of depreciation,
         depletion, amortization of intangibles, deferred taxes, accreted and
         zero coupon bond interest and other noncash expenses (revenues) which,
         pursuant to GAAP, were deducted (added) in determining such Net Income
         MINUS (plus) (iii) additions (reductions, other than reductions
         attributable solely to Specified Asset Sales) to working capital for
         such period (I.E., the increase or decrease in Current Assets of
         Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries minus Current Liabilities of
         Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries from the beginning to the end
         of such period, as adjusted to exclude reductions attributable solely
         to Specified Asset Sales) MINUS (iv) the amount of Capital Expenditures
         for such period paid by Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries in
         cash from funds other than from the proceeds of Borrowings MINUS (v)
         the sum of (a) scheduled Loan repayments made during such period
         pursuant to Section 2.11, (b) optional prepayments of the Loans and the
         Existing Term Loans made during such period pursuant to Section 2.12(a)
         and Section 2.12(a) of the Existing Credit Agreement and (c) Existing
         Revolving Credit Loan repayments made during such period that were
         required to be made as a result of voluntary reductions of the
         Revolving Commitment pursuant to Section 2.09(b) of the Existing Credit
         Agreement MINUS (vi) scheduled mandatory payments of principal of
         Indebtedness of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries other than the
         Loans made during such period and repayments of Indebtedness in
         connection with the termination or reduction of commitments under a
         facility permitted under Section 6.01(u) MINUS (vii) fees and expenses
         paid in cash in connection with the Transactions and the Previous
         Transactions to the extent not deducted in determining Net Income and
         provided that such amounts are paid from reserves established by the
         Borrower on or existing as of the Closing Date MINUS (viii) amounts
         paid in cash for liabilities relating to discontinued operations which
         were discontinued prior to the 1994 Closing Date to the extent not
         deducted in determining Net Income, provided that such amounts are paid
         from reserves established by the Borrower for such liabilities prior to
         the 1994 Closing Date MINUS (ix) cash payments described in the
         Preliminary Prospectus related to the Wallcoverings Disposition MINUS
         (x) until such time as no JPS Automotive Senior Notes are outstanding,
         any gain from any asset sale or other disposition by JPS Automotive or
         any of its subsidiaries.

              "EXCHANGE RATE" shall mean with respect to any Foreign Currency on
         any Business Day, the rate at which such Foreign Currency may be
         exchanged into dollars, as set forth in the Wall Street Journal on such

          

<PAGE>


                                        8



         Business Day. In the event that such rate does not appear in the Wall
         Street Journal on such Business Day, the "Exchange Rate" with respect
         to such Foreign Currency shall be determined by reference to such
         publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be
         agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower or, in the
         absence of such agreement, such "Exchange Rate" shall instead be the
         Administrative Agent's spot rate of exchange in the interbank market
         where its foreign currency exchange operations in respect of such
         Foreign Currency are then being conducted, at or about 10:00 A.M.,
         local time, at such date for the purchase of dollars with such Foreign
         Currency, for delivery two Business Days later; provided, that if at
         the time of any such determination, no such spot rate can reasonably be
         quoted, the Administrative Agent may use any reasonable method as it
         deems applicable to determine such rate, and such determination shall
         be conclusive absent manifest error (without prejudice to the
         determination of the reasonableness of such method).

              "EXECUTIVE OFFICER" of any corporation shall mean the president,
         any senior vice president or any vice president of such person.

              "EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT" shall mean the Amended and Restated
         Credit Agreement dated as of June 3, 1996, among Holdings, the
         Borrower, C&A Canada and the financial institutions named therein, as
         amended and in effect from time to time.

              "EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT CREDITORS" shall mean the 1996 Agent
         and the lenders under the Existing Credit Agreement.

               "EXISTING  LOANS"  shall  mean the  Existing  Term  Loans and the
         Existing Revolving Credit Loans.

               "EXISTING  REVOLVING  CREDIT  LOANS" shall mean  Revolving  Loans
         under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement.

              "EXISTING TERM LOANS" the Canadian Terms Loans, the Tranche A Term
         Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans all under and as defined in the
         Existing Credit Agreement.

              "FEES" shall mean the Agency Fees and the Commitment Fee.

               "FINANCE  SUBSIDIARY"  shall  mean  Carcorp,  Inc.  and any other
         wholly-owned  subsidiary  of the  Borrower  that is formed for the sole
         purpose of engaging in Permitted Receivables Financings.

              "FINANCIAL OFFICER" of any corporation shall mean the chief
         financial officer, Senior Vice President-Finance and Accounting, Vice
         President-Finance, Controller, or Treasurer of such corporation.

              "FLOORCOVERINGS DISPOSITION" shall mean the sale by the Borrower
         of the Floorcoverings business conducted by Collins & Aikman Floor
         Coverings, Inc.

              "FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATION AMOUNT" means, with respect to any
         Indebtedness of a Foreign Restricted Subsidiary incurred pursuant to
         Section 6.01(r) or (s), an increase in the Dollar Equivalent Amount of
         the principal amount of such Indebtedness resulting from foreign
         currency fluctuations after the incurrence of such Indebtedness not to
         exceed 5% of the original Dollar Equivalent Amount of the principal
         amount of such Indebtedness.

              "FOREIGN RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any Restricted
         Subsidiary not organized or incorporated under the laws of the United
         States of America or any state thereof at least 90% of the capital
         stock of each class of which is owned directly or indirectly by the
         Borrower.

              "FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY LETTER OF CREDIT" shall mean a Letter of
         Credit issued under the Existing Credit Agreement to support
         Indebtedness of a Foreign Subsidiary incurred pursuant to Section
         6.01(r).


               
<PAGE>


                                        9



              "FUNDED DEBT" shall mean, as applied to any person, all
         Indebtedness for borrowed money (including, without limitation, Capital
         Lease Obligations and unreimbursed drawings under letters of credit) or
         evidenced by a note, bond, debenture or similar instrument of that
         person (it being understood that all Loans and all extensions of credit
         for borrowed money under the Existing Credit Agreement shall at all
         times constitute "Funded Debt" for all purposes hereunder) but
         excluding all intercompany obligations that would be eliminated in a
         consolidated balance sheet of such person determined in accordance with
         GAAP.

               "GAAP" shall mean United  States  generally  accepted  accounting
         principles.

              "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY" shall mean any international, Federal,
         state, regional, local or foreign court or governmental agency,
         authority, instrumentality or regulatory body.

              "GUARANTEE" of or by any person shall mean (i) any obligation,
         contingent or otherwise, of such person guaranteeing or having the
         economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other person
         (the "PRIMARY OBLIGOR") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly,
         and including any obligation of such person, direct or indirect, (a) to
         purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment
         of) such Indebtedness (whether arising by virtue of partnership
         arrangements, by agreement to keep well, to purchase assets, goods,
         securities or services, to take-or-pay or otherwise) or to purchase (or
         to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the
         payment of such Indebtedness, (b) to purchase property, securities or
         services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness of
         the payment of such Indebtedness, (c) to maintain working capital,
         equity capital or other financial statement conditions or liquidity of
         the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such
         Indebtedness or (d) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any
         other manner the holders of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or
         to protect such holders against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in
         part), or (ii) any Lien on any assets of such person securing any
         Indebtedness of any other person, whether or not such Indebtedness is
         assumed by such person; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the term Guarantee
         shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either
         case in the ordinary course of business.

              "GUARANTEE AGREEMENT" shall mean the Guarantee Agreement dated as
         of July 13, 1994 made by Holdings, the Borrower and each other
         Guarantor in favor of the Collateral Agent, as amended and in effect
         from time to time.

              "GUARANTORS" shall mean Holdings and each Restricted Subsidiary
         (other than Inactive Subsidiaries) incorporated or organized under the
         laws of the United States or any State thereof (other than JPS
         Automotive and its subsidiaries to the extent prohibited by the JPS
         Automotive Senior Note Indenture).

              "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" means all explosive or regulated radioactive
         materials or substances, hazardous or toxic wastes or substances,
         petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof) or petroleum
         distillates, asbestos or material containing asbestos and all materials
         regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law, including materials listed
         in 49 C.F.R. Section 172.101 and materials defined as hazardous
         pursuant to Section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental
         Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.

               "HOLDINGS  COMMON STOCK" shall mean the Common  Stock,  par value
         $.01 per Share, of Holdings.

              "INACTIVE SUBSIDIARY" shall mean the Restricted Subsidiaries
         listed as Inactive Subsidiaries on Schedule 3.12(a) and which
         Restricted Subsidiaries (i) individually and in the aggregate have no
         material net assets and (ii) do not engage in any operating activity
         (other than payroll or the leasing of immaterial property).

              "INDEBTEDNESS" of any person shall mean, without duplication, (a)
         all indebtedness of such person for borrowed money or for the deferred
         purchase price of property or services (other than current trade
         liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business), (b) any other
         indebtedness of such person which is evidenced by a note, bond,
         debenture or similar instrument, (c) all Capital Lease Obligations of
         such person, (d) all obligations of such person in respect of bankers'
         acceptances issued or created for the account of

         
<PAGE>


                                       10



         such person, (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which
         the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or
         otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on any property owned or acquired
         by such person even though such person has not assumed or otherwise
         become liable for the payment thereof, (f) all obligations of such
         person in respect of Interest Rate Agreements which, in accordance with
         the definition of Interest Rate Agreement, constitute (or would upon
         early termination constitute) Indebtedness and (g) all Guarantees by
         such person of Indebtedness of others. The Indebtedness of any person
         shall include the Indebtedness of any partnership in which such person
         is a general partner; PROVIDED that, if the sole asset of such person
         is its general partnership interest in such partnership, the amount of
         such Indebtedness shall be deemed equal to the value of such general
         partnership interest and the amount of any Indebtedness in respect of
         any Guarantee of such partnership Indebtedness shall be limited to the
         same extent as such Guarantee may be limited.

               "INDEMNITEE"  shall  have the  meaning  assigned  to that term in
         Section 9.05(b).

              "INTERCOMPANY NOTE" shall mean an intercompany note evidencing
         Indebtedness owed by the Borrower or any of its wholly-owned
         subsidiaries to the Borrower or any of its wholly-owned subsidiaries
         and pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement in accordance with Section
         6.01(d), in substantially the form of Exhibit A-6 to the Existing
         Credit Agreement or the 1994 Credit Agreement.

              "INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT" shall mean the Master Collateral and
         Intercreditor Agreement dated as of July 13, 1994 among the Guarantors,
         the 1994 Agent and the Collateral Agent, as amended and in effect from
         time to time.

              "INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO" shall mean, for any period of four
         consecutive fiscal quarters, the ratio of (a) EBITDA on a consolidated
         basis for such period to (b) the sum of Cash Interest Expense of
         Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for
         such period and losses or expenses on the sale of receivables to the
         Finance Subsidiary.

              "INTEREST EXPENSE" shall mean, with respect to any person for any
         period, the gross interest expense of such person for such period
         determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently
         applied, including (a) the amortization of debt discounts, (b) the
         amortization of all fees (including fees with respect to interest rate
         protection agreements) payable in connection with the incurrence of
         Indebtedness to the extent included in interest expense and (c) the
         portion of any payments or accruals with respect to Capital Lease
         Obligations allocable to interest expense, net of all interest income
         for such period (except for purposes of the definition of Cash Interest
         Expense, in which case only interest income paid or required to be paid
         in cash shall be netted against cash interest expense). For purposes of
         the foregoing, gross interest expense shall be determined after giving
         effect to any net payments made or received by such person with respect
         to interest rate protection agreements entered into as a hedge against
         interest rate exposure.

              "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE" shall mean, (a)(i) with respect to any
         Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the
         Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar
         Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months' duration,
         each day that would have been an Interest Payment Date had successive
         Interest Periods of three months' duration been applicable to such
         Borrowing, and, in addition, the date of any prepayment, refinancing or
         conversion of such Borrowing with or to a Borrowing of a different Type
         and (ii) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last day of each March,
         June, September and December and (b) the Loan Maturity Date.

              "INTEREST PERIOD" shall mean (a) as to any Eurodollar Borrowing,
         the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing or on the last day
         of the immediately preceding Interest Period applicable to such
         Borrowing, as the case may be, and ending on the numerically
         corresponding day (or, if there is no numerically corresponding day, on
         the last day) in the calendar month that is 1, 2, 3 or 6 months
         thereafter, as the Borrower may elect and (b) as to any ABR Borrowing,
         the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing or Loan or on the
         last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period applicable to
         such
                                                   

<PAGE>


                                       11



         Borrowing or Loan, as the case may be, and ending on the earliest of
         (i) the next succeeding March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31,
         (ii) the Loan Maturity Date, and (iii) the date such Borrowing is
         converted to a Borrowing of a different Type in accordance with Section
         2.10 or repaid or prepaid in accordance with Section 2.11 or 2.12;
         PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if any Interest Period would end on a day other
         than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next
         succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing
         only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar
         month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next
         preceding Business Day. Interest shall accrue from and including the
         first day of an Interest Period to but excluding the last day of such
         Interest Period.

              "INTEREST RATE AGREEMENT" shall mean any interest rate swap
         agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement,
         currency hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement
         designed to protect the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
         against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates;
         PROVIDED that the calculation of payments for early termination shall
         be made on a reasonable basis in accordance with customary industry
         practices; PROVIDED FURTHER that all obligations to make such payments
         for early termination (guaranteed or unguaranteed) shall, to the extent
         matured, constitute Indebtedness.

              "JPS AUTOMOTIVE" shall mean JPS Automotive L.P., a limited
         partnership organized under the laws of the state of Delaware.

              "JPS AUTOMOTIVE ACQUISITION" shall mean the acquisition by the
         Borrower or a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Borrower of 100% of (a)
         the issued and outstanding equity interests of JPS Automotive and (b)
         the minority interest of Cramerton not owned by JPS Automotive pursuant
         to the Equity Purchase Documents. As a result of the JPS Automotive
         Acquisition, JPS Automotive and Cramerton will become wholly-owned
         subsidiaries of the Borrower.

              "JPS AUTOMOTIVE SENIOR NOTE INDENTURE" shall mean the indenture
         pursuant to which the JPS Automotive Senior Notes were issued.

              "JPS AUTOMOTIVE SENIOR NOTES" shall mean the 11-1/8% Senior Notes
         of JPS Automotive due June 15, 2001.

              "LEVERAGE RATIO" shall mean, with respect to Holdings and the
         Restricted Subsidiaries on the last day of any fiscal quarter, the
         ratio of (a) Funded Debt of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries
         (other than the Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness) as of such date to
         (b) EBITDA for the period of twelve consecutive fiscal months then
         ended.

              "LIEN" shall mean, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage,
         deed of trust, lien, pledge, encumbrance, charge or security interest
         in or on such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any
         conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement
         relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase
         option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such
         securities.

               "LOAN  DOCUMENTS"  shall mean this  Agreement and the Notes,  the
         Pledge  Agreement,   the  Guarantee  Agreement  and  the  Intercreditor
         Agreement.

              "LOAN MATURITY DATE" shall mean January 13, 2002.

               "LOAN  REPAYMENT  DATE" shall have the  meaning  assigned to such
         term in Section 2.11.

              "LOANS" shall mean the loans made to the Borrower pursuant to
         Section 2.01. Each Loan shall be a Eurodollar Loan or an ABR Loan.

               "MARGIN STOCK" shall have the meaning assigned to such term under
         Regulations G and U.


<PAGE>


                                       12




              "MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT" shall mean (a) a materially adverse
         effect on the business, assets, properties, operations or financial
         condition of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a
         whole, (b) a material impairment of the ability of Holdings or any
         Subsidiary of Holdings to perform any of its material obligations under
         any Loan Document to which it is or will be a party or to consummate
         the Transactions or (c) an impairment of the validity or enforceability
         of, or material impairment of the rights, remedies or benefits
         available to the Credit Agreement Creditors under, any Loan Document.

              "MAXIMUM RATE" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in
         Section 9.09.

              "MULTIEMPLOYER PLAN" with respect to any person shall mean a
         multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which
         such person or any ERISA Affiliate of such person (other than one
         considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m) or (o) of
         Section 414 of the Code) is making or accruing an obligation to make
         contributions, or has within any of the preceding five plan years made
         or accrued an obligation to make contributions.

              "NET INCOME" shall mean, for any fiscal period, the net income (or
         loss) of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries and the Finance
         Subsidiary on a consolidated basis for such fiscal period taken as a
         single accounting period determined in conformity with GAAP; PROVIDED
         that there shall be excluded (i) the income (or loss) of any
         Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than the Finance Subsidiary) or any
         person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) in which any other person
         (other than Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries) has a joint
         interest, but shall include the amount of dividends or other
         distributions (including return of capital or any other cash receipt in
         respect of ownership or beneficial interest) actually paid to Holdings
         or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries by such Unrestricted Subsidiary
         or such person during such period, (ii) the income (or loss) of any
         person (other than any person acquired in connection with a Permitted
         Business Acquisition solely for the purpose of calculating the Leverage
         Ratio under Section 6.16) accrued prior to the date it becomes a
         Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings or is merged into or consolidated
         with Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries or that person's
         assets are acquired by Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries
         and (iii) the income of any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings to the
         extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar
         distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that income is not at
         the time permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any
         agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
         governmental regulation after tax gains or losses attributable to
         Specified Asset Sales; PROVIDED FURTHER, that, solely for the purposes
         of determining EBITDA, there shall be excluded any charges, losses,
         fees or expenses to Net Income incurred in connection with the
         consummation of the Transactions and the Previous Transactions.

              "NET PROCEEDS" shall mean with respect to any sale, transfer or
         other disposition (including by casualty, loss or condemnation) of any
         assets or properties or any other Prepayment Event (a "PROCEEDS
         TRANSACTION") (i) the gross amount of any cash paid to or received by
         Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of such
         Proceeds Transaction (including insurance proceeds, condemnation awards
         and payments from time to time in respect of installment obligations,
         if applicable), less (ii) the amount, if any, of (a) Holdings' good
         faith best estimate of all taxes attributable to such Proceeds
         Transaction which it in good faith expects to be paid in the taxable
         year in which such Proceeds Transaction shall occur or in the next
         taxable year, (b) reasonable and customary fees, discounts,
         commissions, costs and other expenses (other than those payable to
         Holdings or any Affiliate of Holdings, except that Blackstone and WP
         and their respective Affiliates may receive customary fees on terms no
         less favorable to Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries than
         would be obtained in a comparable arm's-length transaction for acting
         as financial advisor in connection with such Proceeds Transaction)
         which are incurred in connection with such Proceeds Transaction and are
         payable by Holdings or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries and (c) in
         the case of a Proceeds Transaction that is a sale, transfer or other
         disposition of assets or properties, proceeds required to (x) discharge
         Liens in respect of such assets or properties permitted by Section 6.04
         or (y) to repay, or compensate for reductions in availability under,
         any Permitted Receivables Financing as a result thereof or (z) be
         applied under the JPS Automotive Senior Note Indenture; PROVIDED,
         HOWEVER, that Net Proceeds shall not include (1) any amount that
         otherwise would constitute Net Proceeds to the extent such amount is
         excluded from the definition of the term "Capital Expenditures"
         pursuant to clause (i) or (iv) of


<PAGE>


                                       13



         the second sentence thereof; or (2) any amount being reserved for
         application as contemplated in clause (i) or (iv) of such second
         sentence, except that in the event any amount so reserved is not in
         fact so applied or contractually committed to be applied within the
         permitted 12-month period, such amount shall be deemed for all purposes
         (including the definition of Excess Cash Flow and Section 2.12(f)) to
         be Net Proceeds of a Proceeds Transaction received upon such Proceeds
         Transaction.

              "1996 AGENT" shall mean The Chase Manhattan Bank in its capacity
         as administrative agent under the Existing Credit Agreement.

              "1994 CLOSING DATE" July 13, 1994.

              "1994 CREDIT AGREEMENT" the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22,
         1994, among the Borrower, Collins & Aikman Canada Inc. (f/k/a WCA
         Canada Inc.), Holdings, the lenders parties thereto and Chemical Bank
         (now known as The Chase Manhattan Bank), as administrative agent (the
         "1994 AGENT"), as amended and restated by the Existing Credit
         Agreement.

               "1996 CREDIT AGREEMENT  CREDITORS" shall mean the  Administrative
         Agent and the Lenders hereunder.

              "NOTE" shall mean a promissory note of the Borrower, substantially
         in the form of Exhibit A, evidencing Loans.

              "OBLIGATIONS" shall mean all obligations defined as "Guaranteed
         Obligations" in the Guarantee Agreement and "Secured Obligations" in
         the Pledge Agreement in each case owing by the Borrower and the other
         Guarantors, or any of them, as the context may require, to any 1996
         Credit Agreement Creditor.

              "OPERATING LEASE" shall mean a lease which is not required to be
         accounted for or classified as a capital lease under GAAP. The "amount"
         of any Operating Lease shall be the amount that, if such Operating
         Lease were accounted for as a Capital Lease Obligation, would be
         recorded as a liability in accordance with GAAP.

               "OTHER  TAXES"  shall have the  meaning  assigned to such term in
         Section 2.18.

              "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
         referred to and defined in ERISA (or any such successor).

              "PERMITTED ACQUISITION INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean Indebtedness of
         the Borrower permitted by Section 6.01(l) or (u).

              "PERMITTED BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS" shall mean acquisitions of all
         or substantially all of the assets of, or shares or other equity
         interests in, a person or division or line of business of a person
         engaged in the same business as Holdings and the Restricted
         Subsidiaries or in a related business if immediately after giving
         effect thereto: (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
         and be continuing, (ii) all transactions related thereto shall be
         consummated in accordance with applicable laws, (iii) at least 90% of
         the outstanding capital stock or other ownership interests of any
         acquired or newly formed corporation or other entity must be owned
         directly by the Borrower or a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary and,
         except as provided in Section 5.09, such corporation or entity shall
         become a Restricted Subsidiary and a Guarantor and execute a
         counterpart to the Guarantee Agreement, and, except as provided in
         Section 5.09, all capital stock or other equity interest created or
         acquired in connection with such acquisition shall be duly and validly
         pledged to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Lenders,
         and (iv) (A) Holdings shall be in compliance, on a PRO FORMA basis,
         with the covenants contained in Sections 6.14, 6.16 and 6.17 recomputed
         as at the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of
         Holdings, and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative
         Agent an officers' certificate to such effect, together with all
         relevant financial information for such acquired corporation, entity or
         assets, and (B) the acquired corporation or entity shall not be liable
         for any Indebtedness (except for Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01
         and the Guarantee Agreement).


<PAGE>


                                       14



         For purposes of Section 6, any Restricted Subsidiary satisfying the
         requirements of clause (iii) above shall be deemed to be a "WHOLLY
         OWNED SUBSIDIARY". The JPS Automotive Acquisition is a Permitted
         Business Acquisition.

              "PERMITTED INVESTMENTS" shall mean:

              (a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and
         interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States
         of America (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are
         backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America),
         in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition
         thereof;

              (b) marketable general obligations issued by any state of the
         United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state
         or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within six months from
         the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having
         one of the two highest ratings generally obtainable from either
         Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or Moody's Investors Service, Inc.;

              (c) investments in commercial paper maturing no more than six
         months from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of
         acquisition, a credit rating of A-1 or higher from Standard & Poor's
         Ratings Group or P-1 or higher from Moody's Investors Service, Inc.;

              (d) investments in domestic and Eurodollar certificates of
         deposit, banker's acceptances and time deposits maturing within six
         months from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or
         placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by (w)
         any domestic office of any commercial bank organized or licensed under
         the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof which has
         a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than
         $500,000,000, (x) any Lender, (y) any branch of any Lender or any
         commercial bank organized under the laws of the United Kingdom, Canada,
         France or Japan having combined capital, surplus and undivided profits
         (less any undivided losses) of not less than $500,000,000 or (z) other
         than in the case of banker's acceptances, any domestic commercial bank
         whose deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
         Corporation (or any successor) and with whom deposits maintained by
         Holdings or any of its subsidiaries do not exceed the amount so
         guaranteed; and

              (e) investments in money market funds or other mutual funds that
         invest in the types of Permitted Investments described in clauses (a)
         through (d) above.

              "PERMITTED RECEIVABLES FINANCING" shall mean any sale by the
         Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary of accounts receivable to a Finance
         Subsidiary intended to be (and which shall be treated for the purposes
         hereof as) a true sale transaction with customary limited recourse
         based upon the collectibility of the receivables sold and the
         corresponding sale or pledge of such accounts receivable (or an
         interest therein) by the Finance Subsidiary, in each case without any
         Guarantee by Holdings or any other subsidiary thereof, including,
         without limitation, the transactions contemplated by the Amended and
         Restated Receivables Sales Agreement dated as of March 30, 1995 among
         the Borrower, as master servicer, the Sellers parties thereto and
         Carcorp, Inc., as amended from time to time, and the documents executed
         in connection therewith; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the terms, conditions
         and structure (including the legal and organizational structure of the
         Finance Subsidiary and the restrictions imposed on its activities) of
         and the documentation incident to any such transactions entered into
         after the date hereof must be reasonably acceptable to the
         Administrative Agent.

              "PERMITTED SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean the collective
         reference to (a) the Senior Subordinated Notes and (b) additional
         unsecured subordinated indebtedness of the Borrower or Holdings having
         no amortization of principal and a scheduled final maturity no earlier
         than December 31, 2003 and having subordination terms at least as
         favorable to the Lenders as set forth on Schedule 1.01(D) and other
         terms and conditions (including, covenants, events of default, interest
         rate) as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Required Lenders in
         the exercise of their sole discretion.


<PAGE>


                                       15




              "PERMITTED TAX PAYMENT" means for any taxable year of the Borrower
         in which it joins in filing a consolidated federal income tax return
         with Holdings, a payment by the Borrower to Holdings in an amount not
         in excess of the amount required to be paid by the Borrower under the
         Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1989, between Holdings
         and the Borrower, as in effect on the date hereof, as amended solely to
         reflect the mergers described in clause (iii) of the definition of
         "Recapitalization Transactions" in the Existing Credit Agreement;
         PROVIDED that within 20 days of receipt of such payment Holdings
         applies the amount thereof to satisfy such tax liability or its
         obligations under the Tax Sharing Agreement or to make an equity
         contribution or loan to the Borrower.

              "PERSON" shall mean any natural person, corporation, business
         trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership or government,
         or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

              "PERSTORP" shall mean Perstorp A.B.

              "PERSTORP ACQUISITION" shall mean the acquisition by the Borrower
         or a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Borrower of the companies operating
         the North American, Spanish and United Kingdom components subsidiaries
         of Perstorp.

              "PLAN" with respect to any person shall mean any pension plan
         (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV
         of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code which is maintained for employees
         of such person or any ERISA Affiliate of such person.

              "PLEDGE AGREEMENT" shall mean the Pledge Agreement dated as of
         July 13, 1994 made by Holdings, the Borrower and each other Pledgor
         named therein in favor of the Collateral Agent, as amended and in
         effect from time to time.

               "PLEDGED SECURITIES" shall have the meaning assigned to such term
         in the Pledge Agreement.

              "PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS" shall mean the preliminary prospectus of
         the Borrower dated May 14, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange
         Commission in connection with the offering of the Senior Subordinated
         Notes, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

              "PREPAYMENT EVENT" shall mean (i) any Specified Asset Sale, (ii)
         any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction deemed to be a Prepayment Event
         pursuant to Section 6.06, and (iii) the incurrence by Holdings or any
         Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness
         permitted by Section 6.01), PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that for purposes of
         Section 2.12(c) (a) a Prepayment Event shall not be deemed to occur
         until the aggregate Net Proceeds from Prepayment Events not yet applied
         pursuant to Section 2.12(c) by reason of the corresponding proviso of
         the Existing Credit Agreement equals or exceeds $5,000,000, at which
         time a Prepayment Event shall, except as set forth in clause (b) below,
         be deemed to occur having Net Proceeds equal to the aggregate Net
         Proceeds from Prepayment Events not yet so applied and (b) with respect
         to Specified Asset Sales, a Prepayment Event shall be deemed to occur
         only with respect to that portion of the Net Proceeds thereof required
         to be repaid pursuant to Section 6.08(i).

              "PURCHASE MONEY INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean Indebtedness incurred for
         capital expenditures, which may be secured in compliance with Section
         6.04(i).

              "PREVIOUS TRANSACTIONS" shall mean the Recapitalization
         Transactions and the Transactions, each as defined in the Existing
         Credit Agreement.

               "REGISTER" shall have the meaning given such term in Section 
         9.04(d).

              "REGULATION D" shall mean Regulation D of the Board as from time
         to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations
         thereunder or thereof.



<PAGE>


                                       16



              "REGULATION G" shall mean Regulation G of the Board as from time
         to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations
         thereunder or thereof.

              "REGULATION T" shall mean Regulation T of the Board as from time
         to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations
         thereunder or thereof.

              "REGULATION U" shall mean Regulation U of the Board as from time
         to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations
         thereunder or thereof.

              "REGULATION X" shall mean Regulation X of the Board as from time
         to time in effect and all official rulings and interpretations
         thereunder or thereof.

              "RELEASE" means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping,
         injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching, emanation
         or migration in, into, onto or through the environment (including
         ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface, subsurface
         strata or workplace), including the movement of any Contaminant through
         or in the air, soil, surface water or ground water.

              "REMEDIAL ACTION" means (i) "remedial action" as such term is
         defined in 42 U.S.C. Section 9601(24) and (ii) all other actions
         required or voluntarily undertaken to (x) clean up, remove, treat,
         abate or in any other way address any Contaminant in the environment or
         workplace, (y) prevent the Release or threat of Release, or minimize
         the further Release of any Contaminant so it does not migrate or
         endanger or threaten to endanger public health or welfare of the
         environment or workplace, or (z) perform studies and investigations in
         connection with (x) or (y) above.

              "REPORTABLE EVENT" shall mean any reportable event as defined in
         Section 4043(b) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with
         respect to a Plan (other than a Plan maintained by an ERISA Affiliate
         which is considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection (m)
         or (o) of Section 414 of the Code).

              "REQUIRED LENDERS" shall mean, at any time, Lenders with Loans and
         unused Commitments representing at least a majority of the sum of the
         aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding and unused
         Commitments at such time.

              "RESPONSIBLE OFFICER" of any corporation shall mean any Executive
         Officer or Financial Officer of such corporation and any other officer
         or similar official thereof responsible for the administration of the
         obligations of such corporation in respect of this Agreement. Unless
         the context otherwise requires, Responsible Officer shall mean a
         Responsible Officer of Holdings.

              "RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" shall mean each Subsidiary in existence as
         of the 1994 Closing Date and any direct or indirect Subsidiary formed
         or acquired after the 1994 Closing Date, in each case, other than
         Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

               "SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTION" shall have the meaning assigned
         to that term in Section 6.06.

              "SECURED PARTIES" shall mean the 1996 Credit Agreement Creditors,
         any holders, if any, of any other Permitted Acquisition Indebtedness
         which have executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent an
         Acknowledgement to the Intercreditor Agreement in the form of Exhibit A
         thereto and the Existing Credit Agreement Creditors.

              "SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES" shall mean the 11 1/2% unsecured
         Senior Subordinated Notes of the Borrower due 2006 in an aggregate
         initial principal amount of $400,000,000.

              "SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DOCUMENTS" shall mean the Senior
         Subordinated Notes, the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture and each
         other document and agreement executed in connection with the Senior
         Subordinated Notes.


<PAGE>


                                       17




              "SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES INDENTURE" shall mean the Indenture
         dated as of June 1, 1996 among First Union Bank of North Carolina, as
         trustee, the Borrower, as issuer, and Holdings, as guarantor, pursuant
         to which the Senior Subordinated Notes are issued.

              "SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARY" shall mean the Borrower, C&A Canada and
         any subsidiary of Holdings that at the date of any determination (i)
         accounts for 5% or more of the consolidated assets of Holdings, (ii)
         has accounted for 5% or more of the consolidated EBITDA of Holdings for
         each of the two consecutive periods of four fiscal quarters immediately
         preceding the date of determination or (iii) has been designated by the
         Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent as a Significant
         Subsidiary.

              "SPECIFIED ASSET SALE" shall mean any sale, lease, transfer,
         assignment or other disposition of assets, business units or property
         of Holdings or any of its subsidiaries for Net Proceeds in excess of
         $100,000 in any transaction or series of related transactions described
         in paragraph (i) or (k) (only to the extent required by the proviso
         thereto) of Section 6.08.

              "STATUTORY RESERVES" shall mean a fraction (expressed as a
         decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator
         of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve
         percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental
         reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board and any other
         banking authority to which the Administrative Agent is subject (a) with
         respect to the Base CD Rate (as such term is used in the definition of
         "Alternate Base Rate"), for new negotiable nonpersonal time deposits in
         dollars of over $100,000 with maturities approximately equal to three
         months, and (b) with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, for
         Eurocurrency Liabilities (as defined in Regulation D of the Board).
         Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such
         Regulation D. Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute
         Eurocurrency Liabilities and to be subject to such reserve requirements
         without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets which
         may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation
         D. Statutory Reserves shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the
         effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

              "SUBSIDIARY" shall mean, with respect to any person (herein
         referred to as the "parent"), any corporation, partnership, association
         or other business entity (a) of which securities or other ownership
         interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of
         the ordinary voting power or more than 50% of the general partnership
         interests are, at the time any determination is being made, owned,
         controlled or held, or (b) which is, at the time any determination is
         made, otherwise Controlled (except Controlled pursuant to any joint
         venture documentation), by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of
         the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

              "SUBSIDIARY" shall mean any subsidiary of Holdings.

              "TAXES" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 
         2.18.

              "TOTAL INDEBTEDNESS" shall mean, without duplication, all
         outstanding Indebtedness of Holdings and its subsidiaries, on a
         consolidated basis.

               "TRANSACTIONS"  shall have the meanings  assigned to such term in
         Section 3.02.

              "TYPE", when used in respect of any Loan or Borrowing, shall refer
         to the Rate by reference to which interest on such Loan or on the Loans
         comprising such Borrowing is determined. For purposes hereof, "RATE"
         shall include the Adjusted LIBO Rate and the Alternate Base Rate.

              "UCC" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code of New York.

              "UNRESTRICTED SUBSIDIARY" shall mean (i) each Finance Subsidiary,
         (ii) any Subsidiary of Holdings (other than the Borrower) none of the
         Capital Stock or other ownership interest of which is owned by the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, provided that Holdings has
         notified the Administrative Agent of its


<PAGE>


                                       18



         acquisition or creation of such Subsidiary and its ownership interest
         therein concurrently with such acquisition or creation and the intended
         purposes of such Subsidiary and (iii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted
         Subsidiary. Each Unrestricted Subsidiary, other than a non-U.S.
         Unrestricted Subsidiary, shall have entered into the existing Tax
         Sharing Agreement with Holdings and the Borrower (or another tax
         sharing agreement containing terms which, in the reasonable judgment of
         the Administrative Agent, are customary in similar circumstances to
         provide an appropriate allocation of tax liabilities and benefits).

                   The Unrestricted Subsidiaries shall be capitalized solely
         from the following sources: (a) any Investment in such Unrestricted
         Subsidiary by any Person other than Holdings and the Restricted
         Subsidiaries; (b) Indebtedness issued by such Unrestricted Subsidiary,
         or proceeds thereof; (c) capital stock of any Unrestricted Subsidiary,
         or proceeds thereof; (d) capital stock of Holdings issued by Holdings
         after the 1994 Closing Date, or proceeds thereof; and (e) Investments
         permitted to be made in Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to Section
         6.07(l).

              "WALLCOVERINGS DISPOSITION" shall mean (a) the sale of, or
         distribution to Holdings shareholders of, the stock of the
         Wallcoverings Subsidiaries or the assets and liabilities of the
         Borrower's wallcoverings business and (b) concurrently with such sale
         or distribution, the release of (x) the stock of the Wallcoverings
         Subsidiaries from the Pledge Agreement and (y) the Wallcoverings
         Subsidiaries from the Guarantee Agreement and (c) related transactions
         as described in the Preliminary Prospectus or to effectuate
         Wallcoverings' acquisition of the stock of Imperial Wallcoverings
         (Canada) Inc. owned by the Canadian Borrower or of the stock of
         Imperial Wallcoverings Limited from Collins & Aikman United Kingdom
         Limited or to repay the Wallcoverings Subsidiaries' indebtedness to the
         Canadian Borrower or to Collins & Aikman United Kingdom Limited;
         PROVIDED that the aggregate net Investment by Holdings and the other
         Restricted Subsidiaries in the Wallcoverings Subsidiaries subsequent to
         June 3, 1996 does not exceed $55,000,000, PLUS an amount equal to all
         operating losses or capital expenditures funded by the Borrower prior
         to the Wallcoverings Disposition.

              "'WALLCOVERINGS SUBSIDIARIES" shall mean Imperial Wallcoverings,
         Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Wallcoverings"), Imperial Wallcoverings
         (Canada) Inc., a Canadian corporation, Imperial Wallcoverings Limited,
         a United Kingdom corporation, and Marketing Service, Inc., a Delaware
         corporation.

              "WITHDRAWAL LIABILITY" shall mean liability to a Multiemployer
         Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such
         Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E
         of Title IV of ERISA.

              "WP" shall mean Wasserstein Perella Partners, L.P.

              "WP ENTITIES" shall mean WP, WPMP or any of their Affiliates.

              "WPMP" shall mean Wasserstein Perella Management Partners, Inc.

         SECTION 1.02. TERMS GENERALLY. The definitions in Section 1.01 shall
apply equally to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.
Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding
masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words "include", "includes" and
"including" shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation".
All references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be
deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to,
this Agreement unless the context shall otherwise require. For all purposes of
this Agreement (other than preparation of the financial statements to be
delivered pursuant to Section 5.04), all terms of an accounting or financial
nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect on the date of
this Agreement applied on a basis consistent with the application used in
preparing Holdings' audited financial statements for its fiscal year ended
January 27, 1996 referred to in Section 3.09.



                                           

<PAGE>


                                       19



                                   ARTICLE II.

                                   THE CREDITS

         SECTION 2.01. COMMITMENTS. Subject to the terms and conditions and
relying upon the representations and warranties set forth herein, each Lender
agrees, severally and not jointly, to make a Loan or Loans to the Borrower at
any time and from time to time during the Delayed Draw Availability Period or
until the earlier termination of its Commitment in accordance with the terms
hereof, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed such Lender's Commitment
set forth opposite its name in Schedule 2.01, as the same may be reduced from
time to time pursuant to Section 2.09. Amounts paid or prepaid in respect of
Loans may not be reborrowed. Any portion of the Commitments not drawn by the end
of the Delayed Draw Availability Period shall automatically terminate on the
last day of the Delayed Draw Availability Period.

         SECTION 2.02. LOANS. (a) Each Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing
consisting of Loans made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their
respective Commitments; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the failure of any Lender to
make any Loan shall not in itself relieve any other Lender of its obligation to
lend hereunder (it being understood, however, that no Lender shall be
responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make any Loan required to be
made by such other Lender). The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall be in
an aggregate principal amount which is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and
not less than $5,000,000; PROVIDED that the aggregate amount of any Loans
comprising a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be subject to a minimum principal amount
of $5,000,000 and shall be an integral multiple of $1,000,000.

         (b) Each Borrowing shall be comprised of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans,
as the Borrower may request pursuant to Section 2.03. Each Lender may at its
option fulfill its Commitment with respect to any Eurodollar Loan by causing any
domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan;
PROVIDED that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the
Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and
the Note payable to such Lender. Borrowings of more than one Type may be
outstanding at the same time; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Borrower shall not be
entitled to request any Borrowing which, if made, would result in an aggregate
of more than 12 separate Loans of any Lender being outstanding hereunder at any
one time. For purposes of the foregoing, Loans having different Interest
Periods, regardless of whether they commence on the same date, shall be
considered separate Loans.

         (c) Each Lender shall make a Loan in the amount of its pro rata
portion, as determined under Section 2.16, of each Borrowing hereunder by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent in New York,
New York, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, and the Administrative
Agent shall credit the amounts so received to the general deposit account of the
Borrower with the Administrative Agent or, if a Borrowing shall not occur on
such date because any condition precedent herein specified shall not have been
met, return the amounts so received to the respective Lenders. Unless the
Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the date
of the proposed Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the
Administrative Agent such Lender's portion of such Borrowing, the Administrative
Agent may assume that such Lender has made such portion available to the
Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with this
paragraph (c) and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such
assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount.
If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have made such portion available
to the Administrative Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to
repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount
together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made
available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid by the Borrower
or such Lender to the Administrative Agent at (i) in the case of the Borrower,
the interest rate applicable at the time to the Loans comprising such Borrowing
and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Effective Rate. If such
Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount
together with the applicable interest thereon, such amount shall constitute such
Lender's Loan as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement and the
Borrower's obligations under the preceding sentence shall terminate. If the
Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount
together with the applicable interest thereon, then such amount shall not
constitute a Loan hereunder and the Borrower shall have no further obligations
hereunder in respect thereof.



<PAGE>


                                       20



         SECTION 2.03. NOTICE OF BORROWINGS. The Borrower shall give the
Administrative Agent written notice (or telephone notice promptly confirmed in
writing) (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon,
New York City time, three Business Days before the proposed Borrowing and (b) in
the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, one
Business Day before the proposed Borrowing. Such notice shall be irrevocable and
shall in each case refer to this Agreement and specify (i) whether such
Borrowing is to be a Eurodollar Borrowing or an ABR Borrowing; (ii) the date of
such Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day) and the amount thereof; and (iii)
if such Borrowing is to be a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period with
respect thereto. If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified in any
such notice, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no
Interest Period with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing is specified in any
such notice, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest
Period of one month's duration. The Administrative Agent shall promptly advise
the Lenders of any notice given pursuant to this Section 2.03 and of each
Lender's portion of the requested Borrowing.

         SECTION 2.04. NOTES; REPAYMENT OF LOANS. (a) The Borrower hereby
unconditionally promises to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of
each Lender the principal amount of the Loan of such Lender, in 18 consecutive
installments, payable in accordance with Section 2.11 (or the then unpaid
principal amount of such Loan, on the date that the Loans become due and payable
pursuant to Article VII). The Borrower hereby further agrees to pay interest on
the unpaid principal amount of the Loans made to it from time to time
outstanding from the date hereof until payment in full thereof at the rates per
annum, and on the dates, set forth in Section 2.06.

              (b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual
practice an account or accounts evidencing indebtedness of the Borrower to such
Lender resulting from each Loan of such Lender from time to time, including the
amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to
time under this Agreement.

              (c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain the Register pursuant
to Section 9.04(d), and a subaccount therein for each Lender, in which shall be
recorded (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Type thereof and each
Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest
due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender
hereunder and (iii) both the amount of any sum received by the Administrative
Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender's share thereof.

              (d) The entries made in the Register and the accounts of each
Lender maintained pursuant to Section 2.04(b) shall, to the extent permitted by
applicable law, be PRIMA FACIE evidence of the existence and amounts of the
obligations of the Borrower therein recorded; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the
failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain the Register or
any such account, or any error therein, shall not in any manner affect the
obligation of the Borrower to repay (with applicable interest) the Loans made to
the Borrower by such Lender in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

              (e) The Borrower agrees that, upon the request to the
Administrative Agent by any Lender, the Borrower will execute and deliver to
such Lender a Note with appropriate insertions as to date and principal amount.

         SECTION 2.05. FEES. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to each Lender,
through the Administrative Agent, on the last day of March, June, September and
December during the Delayed Draw Availability Period, a commitment fee (a
"COMMITMENT FEE") of 1/2 of 1% (or, at any time when the Applicable Level is
numerically higher than Level I, 3/8 of 1%) per annum on the average daily
unused amount of the Commitment of such Lender during the preceding quarter (or
shorter period ending with the last day of the Delayed Draw Availability
Period). All Commitment Fees shall be computed on the basis of the actual number
of days elapsed in a year of 365 or 366 days. The Commitment Fee due to each
Lender shall commence on the date hereof, or, if later, the date such entity
becomes a Lender pursuant to Section 9.04, and shall cease to accrue on the date
on which the Commitment of such Lender shall be terminated as provided herein.

         (b) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own
account, on the Closing Date and thereafter at the times previously agreed, the
fees (the "AGENCY FEES") in the amounts previously agreed to be payable to the
Administrative Agent for its own account in accordance with the fee letter
between Chase, CSI and Holdings.



<PAGE>


                                       21



         (c) All Fees shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available
funds, to the Administrative Agent for distribution, if and as appropriate,
among the Lenders. Once paid, none of the Fees shall be refundable under any
circumstances.

         SECTION 2.06. INTEREST ON LOANS. (a) Subject to the provisions of
Section 2.07, the Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest
(computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365
or 366 days, as the case may be, when determined by reference to the Prime Rate
and over a year of 360 days at all other times) at a rate per annum equal to the
Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin.

         (b) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.07, the Loans comprising
each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the
actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days) at a rate per annum equal
to the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing
plus the Applicable Margin.

         (c) Interest on each Loan shall be payable on the Interest Payment
Dates applicable to such Loan and as otherwise provided in this Agreement. The
applicable Alternate Base Rate and Adjusted LIBO Rate for each Interest Period
or day within an Interest Period, as the case may be, shall be determined by the
Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest
error.

         SECTION 2.07. DEFAULT INTEREST. If the Borrower shall default in the
payment of the principal of or interest on any Loan or any other amount becoming
due hereunder, by acceleration or otherwise, the Borrower shall on demand from
time to time pay interest, to the extent permitted by law, on such defaulted
amount up to (but not including) the date of actual payment (after as well as
before judgment) at a rate per annum (computed on the basis of the actual number
of days elapsed over a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, when
determined by reference to the Prime Rate and over a year of 360 days at all
other times) equal to the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin plus 2%
per annum.

         SECTION 2.08. ALTERNATE RATE OF INTEREST. In the event, and on each
occasion, that on the day two Business Days prior to the commencement of any
Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing the Administrative Agent shall have
determined that dollar deposits in the principal amounts of the Loans comprising
such Borrowing are not generally available in the interbank eurodollar market,
or that the rates at which such dollar deposits are being offered will not
adequately and fairly reflect the cost to any Lender of making or maintaining
its Eurodollar Loan during such Interest Period, or that reasonable means do not
exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Administrative Agent shall,
as soon as practicable thereafter, give written or telex or telecopy notice of
such determination to the Borrower and the Lenders. In the event of any such
determination, any request by the Borrower for a Eurodollar Borrowing pursuant
to Section 2.03 or 2.10 shall, until the Administrative Agent shall have advised
the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice
no longer exist, be deemed to be a request for an ABR Borrowing. Each
determination by the Administrative Agent hereunder shall be conclusive absent
manifest error.

         SECTION 2.09. TERMINATION AND REDUCTION OF COMMITMENTS. (a) All
Commitments shall automatically terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
December 20, 1996, unless the Closing Date occurs on or prior to such date. All
unutilized Commitments shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the
first anniversary of the Closing Date.

         (b) Upon at least three Business Days' prior irrevocable written notice
to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower may at any time in whole permanently
terminate, or from time to time in part permanently reduce, the Commitments;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that each partial reduction of any such Commitments shall be
in an integral multiple of $1,000,000.

         (c) Each reduction in the Commitments hereunder shall be made ratably
among the applicable Lenders in accordance with their respective applicable
Commitments. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account
of the applicable Lenders, on the date of each termination or reduction, the
Commitment Fees on the amount of the Commitments so terminated or reduced
accrued through the date of such termination or reduction.



<PAGE>


                                       22



         SECTION 2.10. CONVERSION AND CONTINUATION OF BORROWINGS. The Borrower
shall have the right at any time upon prior irrevocable notice to the
Administrative Agent (i) not later than 12:00 (noon), New York City time, one
Business Day prior to conversion, to convert any Eurodollar Borrowing into an
ABR Borrowing, (ii) not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, three
Business Days prior to conversion or continuation, to convert any ABR Borrowing
into a Eurodollar Borrowing, or to continue any Eurodollar Borrowing as a
Eurodollar Borrowing for an additional Interest Period and (iii) not later than
10:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days prior to conversion, to
convert the Interest Period with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing to another
permissible Interest Period, subject to the following conditions:

              (a) each conversion or continuation shall be made pro rata among
         the applicable Lenders in accordance with the respective principal
         amounts of the Loans comprising the converted or continued Borrowing;

              (b) if less than all the outstanding principal amount of any
         Borrowing shall be converted or continued, the aggregate principal
         amount of such Borrowing converted or continued shall be not less than
         $1,000,000; PROVIDED that the aggregate principal amount of each
         Eurodollar Borrowing resulting from any such conversion or continuation
         shall not be less than $1,000,000;

              (c) each conversion shall be effected by each applicable Lender by
         such Lender converting its applicable Loan (or portion thereof), and
         accrued interest on a Loan (or portion thereof) being converted shall
         be paid by the Borrower at the time of conversion;

              (d) if any Eurodollar Borrowing is converted at a time other than
         the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the Borrower shall
         pay, upon demand, any amounts due to the applicable Lenders pursuant to
         Section 2.15;

               (e) any portion of a Borrowing  maturing or required to be repaid
         in less than one month may not be  converted into or continued as a 
         Eurodollar Borrowing;

              (f) any portion of a Eurodollar Borrowing which cannot be
         converted into or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing by reason of
         clause (e) above shall be automatically converted at the end of the
         Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing into an ABR Borrowing;

              (g) no Interest Period may be selected for any Eurodollar
         Borrowing that would end later than a Loan Repayment Date occurring on
         or after the first day of such Interest Period if, after giving effect
         to such selection, the aggregate outstanding amount of (i) the
         Eurodollar Borrowings, with Interest Periods ending on or prior to such
         Loan Repayment Date, and (ii) the ABR Borrowings, would not be at least
         equal to the principal amount of Borrowings to be paid on such Loan
         Repayment Date; and

              (h) a Borrowing may not be converted into or continued as a
         Eurodollar Borrowing if a Default or an Event of Default has occurred
         and is continuing and the Required Lenders have determined such
         conversion or continuation is not appropriate.

         Each notice pursuant to this Section 2.10 shall be irrevocable and
shall refer to this Agreement and specify (i) the identity and amount of the
Borrowing that the Borrower requests be converted or continued, (ii) whether
such Borrowing is to be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing or
an ABR Borrowing, (iii) if such notice requests a conversion, the date of such
conversion (which shall be a Business Day) and (iv) if such Borrowing is to be
converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period with
respect thereto. If no Interest Period is specified in any such notice with
respect to any conversion to or continuation as a Eurodollar Borrowing, the
Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month's
duration. The Administrative Agent shall promptly advise the other Lenders of
any notice given pursuant to this Section 2.10 and of each Lender's portion of
any converted or continued Borrowing. If the Borrower shall not have given
notice in accordance with this Section 2.10 to continue any Borrowing into a
subsequent Interest Period (and shall not otherwise have given notice in
accordance with this Section 2.10 to convert such Borrowing), such Borrowing
shall, at the end of the


<PAGE>


                                       23



Interest Period applicable thereto (unless repaid pursuant to the terms hereof),
automatically be continued into a new Interest Period as an ABR Borrowing.

         SECTION 2.11. REPAYMENT OF BORROWINGS. (a) The Borrowings shall be
payable as to principal in such number of consecutive installments, payable on
such dates (each a "LOAN REPAYMENT DATE") and in such amounts as set forth on
Schedule 2.11(a). For purposes of Schedule 2.11(a), any Commitment hereunder not
drawn by the end of the Delayed Draw Availability Period shall be treated as a
mandatory prepayment in the amount not drawn pursuant to Section 2.12(c).

         (b) To the extent not previously paid, all Borrowings shall be due and
payable on the Loan Maturity Date. Each payment of Eurodollar Borrowings repaid
pursuant to this Section 2.11 shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the
principal amount paid to but excluding the date of payment.

         SECTION 2.12. PREPAYMENT. (a) The Borrower shall have the right at any
time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing, in whole or in part, upon,
in the case of Eurodollar Borrowings, at least three Business Days', and in the
case of ABR Borrowings, at least one Business Day's, prior written notice (or
telephone notice promptly confirmed by written notice) to the Administrative
Agent; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that each partial prepayment of ABR Loans shall be in
a minimum principal amount of $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000
in excess thereof.

         (b) Each notice of prepayment shall specify the prepayment date and the
principal amount of each Borrowing (or portion thereof) to be prepaid, shall be
irrevocable and shall commit the Borrower to prepay such Borrowing by the amount
stated therein on the date stated therein. All prepayments under this Section
2.12 shall be subject to Section 2.15 but otherwise without premium or penalty.
All prepayments under this Section 2.12 shall be accompanied by accrued interest
on the principal amount being prepaid to the date of payment.

         (c) Substantially simultaneously with (and in any event not later than
the Business Day next following) the occurrence of a Prepayment Event, the
Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent (for application to the
prepayment of Loans in accordance with Section 2.12(e)) an amount equal to the
Applicable Asset Sale Prepayment Percentage of the Applicable Share of Net
Proceeds from such Prepayment Event.

         (d) Not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the
Borrower commencing with the first full fiscal year beginning after the date
hereof, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent (for application to
the prepayment of the Existing Term Loans and the Loans, in each case ratably
according to the aggregate outstanding amounts thereof in accordance with
Section 2.12(e)) an amount equal to the Applicable Excess Cash Flow Prepayment
Percentage (as of the last day for the fiscal year for which Excess Cash Flow is
calculated) of the amount of the Applicable Share of Excess Cash Flow for such
fiscal year.

         (e) Each prepayment of principal of the Borrowings shall be applied to
reduce scheduled payments of principal due under Section 2.11 after the date of
such prepayment (i) in the chronological order of maturity in the case of
prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.12(a) or (d) and (ii) pro rata in
accordance with the remaining scheduled amount of each such payment in the case
of prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.12(c).

         (f) In the event the amount of any prepayment required to be made above
shall exceed the aggregate principal amount of the applicable outstanding ABR
Loans (the amount of any such excess being called the "EXCESS AMOUNT"), the
Borrower shall have the right, in lieu of making such prepayment in full, to
prepay all the outstanding applicable ABR Loans and to deposit an amount equal
to the Excess Amount with the Collateral Agent in a cash collateral account
maintained (pursuant to documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent)
by and in the sole dominion and control of the Collateral Agent. Any amounts so
deposited shall be held by the Collateral Agent as collateral for the
Obligations and applied to the prepayment of the applicable Eurodollar Loans at
the end of the current Interest Periods applicable thereto. On any Business Day
on which (x) collected amounts remain on deposit in or to the credit of such
cash collateral account after giving effect to the payments made on such day
pursuant to this Section 2.12(f) and (y) the Borrower shall have delivered to
the Collateral Agent a written request or a telephonic request (which shall be
promptly confirmed in writing) that such remaining collected amounts be invested


<PAGE>


                                       24



in the Permitted Investments specified in such request, the Collateral Agent
shall use its reasonable efforts to invest such remaining collected amounts in
such Permitted Investments; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Collateral Agent shall
have continuous dominion and full control over any such investments (and over
any interest that accrues thereon) to the same extent that it has dominion and
control over such cash collateral account and no Permitted Investment shall
mature after the end of the Interest Period for which it is to be applied. The
Borrower shall not have the right to withdraw any amount from such cash
collateral account until the applicable Eurodollar Loans and accrued interest
thereon are paid in full or if a Default or Event of Default then exists or
would result.

         SECTION 2.13. RESERVE REQUIREMENTS; CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES. (a)
Notwithstanding any other provision herein, if after the date of this Agreement
any change in applicable law or regulation or in the interpretation or
administration thereof by any governmental authority charged with the
interpretation or administration thereof (whether or not having the force of
law) shall change the basis of taxation of payments to any Lender of the
principal of or interest on any Eurodollar Loan made by such Lender or any Fees
or other amounts payable hereunder (other than changes in respect of (taxes
imposed on the overall net income of such Lender by the jurisdiction in which
such Lender has its principal office or by any political subdivision or taxing
authority therein and (ii) any Taxes described in Section 2.18), or shall
impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar
requirement against assets or deposits with or for the account of or credit
extended by such Lender (except any such reserve requirement which is reflected
in the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or shall impose on such Lender or the interbank
eurodollar market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar
Loans made by such Lender, and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to
increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan or
to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender hereunder
or under the Notes (whether of principal, interest or otherwise) by an amount
deemed by such Lender to be material, then the Borrower will pay to such Lender
upon demand such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender for
such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

         (b) If any Lender shall have determined that the adoption after the
date hereof of any law, rule, regulation or guideline regarding capital
adequacy, or any change after the date hereof in any of the foregoing or in the
interpretation or administration of any of the foregoing by any Governmental
Authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance by any Lender (or any lending office of
such Lender) or any Lender's holding company with any request or directive
regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) made or
issued after the date hereof by any such authority, central bank or comparable
agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such
Lender's capital or on the capital of such Lender's holding company, if any, as
a consequence of this Agreement or its obligations pursuant hereto to a level
below that which such Lender or such Lender's holding company would have
achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration
such Lender's policies and the policies of such Lender's holding company with
respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by such Lender to be material,
then from time to time the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional
amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender's holding
company for any such reduction suffered.

         (c) A certificate of each Lender setting forth such amount or amounts
as shall be necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company as
specified in paragraph (a) or (b) above, as the case may be, shall be delivered
to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent and shall be conclusive absent
manifest error. The Borrower shall pay each Lender the amount shown as due on
any such certificate delivered by it within 10 days after its receipt of the
same.

         (d) In the event any Lender delivers a notice pursuant to paragraph (e)
below, the Borrower may require, at the Borrower's expense and subject to
Section 2.15, such Lender to assign, at par plus accrued interest and fees,
without recourse (in accordance with Section 9.04) all its interests, rights and
obligations hereunder (including, in the case of a Lender, all of its Commitment
and the Loans at the time owing to it and its Notes held by it) to a financial
institution specified by the Borrower provided that (i) such assignment shall
not conflict with or violate any law, rule or regulation or order of any court
or other Governmental Authority, (ii) the Borrower shall have received the
written consent of the Administrative Agent, which consent shall not
unreasonably be withheld, to such assignment, and (iii) the Borrower shall have
paid to the assigning Lender all monies accrued and owing hereunder to it
(including pursuant to this Section).

           

<PAGE>


                                       25




         (e) Promptly after any Lender has determined, in its sole judgment,
that it will make a request for increased compensation pursuant to this Section,
such Lender will notify the Borrower thereof. Failure on the part of any Lender
so to notify the Borrower or to demand compensation for any increased costs or
reduction in amounts received or receivable or reduction in return on capital
with respect to any period shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender's right
to demand compensation with respect to such period or any other period; PROVIDED
that the Borrower shall not be under any obligation to compensate any Lender
under Section 2.13(b) with respect to increased costs or reductions with respect
to any period prior to the date that is six months prior to such request if such
Lender knew or could reasonably have been expected to be aware of the
circumstances giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of the fact
that such circumstances would in fact result in such increased costs or
reduction; PROVIDED, FURTHER, that, the foregoing limitation shall not apply to
any increased costs or reductions arising out of the retroactive application of
any law, regulation, rule, guideline or directive as aforesaid within such six
month period. The protection of this Section shall be available to each Lender
regardless of any possible contention of the invalidity or inapplicability of
the law, rule, regulation, guideline or other change or condition which shall
have occurred or been imposed.

         SECTION 2.14. CHANGE IN LEGALITY. (a) Notwithstanding any other
provision herein, if the adoption of or any change in any law or regulation or
in the interpretation thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the
administration or interpretation thereof shall make it unlawful for any Lender
to make or maintain any Eurodollar Loan or to give effect to its obligations as
contemplated hereby with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, then, by written notice
to the Borrower and to the Administrative Agent, such Lender may:

                (i) declare that Eurodollar Loans will not thereafter be made by
         such Lender hereunder, whereupon any request by the Borrower for a
         Eurodollar Borrowing shall, as to such Lender only, be deemed a request
         for an ABR Loan unless such declaration shall be subsequently
         withdrawn; and

                (ii) require that all outstanding Eurodollar Loans made by it be
         converted to ABR Loans, in which event all such Eurodollar Loans shall
         be automatically converted to ABR Loans as of the effective date of
         such notice as provided in paragraph (b) below.

In the event any Lender shall exercise its rights under (i) or (ii) above, all
payments and prepayments of principal which would otherwise have been applied to
repay the Eurodollar Loans that would have been made by such Lender or the
converted Eurodollar Loans of such Lender shall instead be applied to repay the
ABR Loans made by such Lender in lieu of, or resulting from the conversion of,
such Eurodollar Loans.

         (b) For purposes of this Section 2.14, a notice to the Borrower by any
Lender shall be effective as to each Eurodollar Loan, if lawful, on the last day
of the Interest Period currently applicable to such Eurodollar Loan; in all
other cases such notice shall be effective on the date of receipt by the
Borrower.

         SECTION 2.15. INDEMNITY. The Borrower shall indemnify each Lender
against any loss or expense (other than taxes) which such Lender may sustain or
incur as a consequence of (a) any failure by the Borrower to fulfill on the date
of the proposed Borrowing hereunder the applicable conditions set forth in
Article IV, (b) any failure by the Borrower to borrow or to refinance, convert
or continue any Loan hereunder after irrevocable notice of such Borrowing,
refinancing, conversion or continuation has been given pursuant to Section 2.03
or 2.10, (c) any payment, prepayment or conversion of a Eurodollar Loan required
by any other provision of this Agreement or otherwise made or deemed made on a
date other than the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (d) any
default in payment or prepayment of the principal amount of any Loan or any part
thereof or interest accrued thereon, as and when due and payable (at the due
date thereof, whether by scheduled maturity, acceleration, irrevocable notice of
prepayment or otherwise) or (e) the occurrence of any Event of Default,
including, in each such case, any loss or reasonable expense sustained or
incurred or to be sustained or incurred in liquidating or employing deposits
from third parties acquired to effect or maintain such Loan or any part thereof
as a Eurodollar Loan. Such loss or reasonable expense shall exclude loss of
margin hereunder but shall include an amount equal to the excess, if any, as
reasonably determined by such Lender, of (i) its cost of obtaining the funds for
the Loan being paid, prepaid, converted or not borrowed, converted or continued
(assumed to be the Adjusted LIBO Rate applicable thereto) for the period from
the date of such payment, prepayment, conversion or failure to borrow, convert
or continue to the last day of the


<PAGE>


                                       26



Interest Period for such Loan (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert
or continue, the Interest Period for such Loan which would have commenced on the
date of such failure) over (ii) the amount of interest (as reasonably determined
by such Lender) that would be realized by such Lender in reemploying the funds
so paid, prepaid, converted or not borrowed, converted or continued for such
period or Interest Period, as the case may be. A certificate of any Lender
setting forth any amount or amounts which such Lender is entitled to receive
pursuant to this Section (and the reasons therefor) shall be delivered to the
Borrower through the Administrative Agent and shall be conclusive absent
manifest error.

         SECTION 2.16. PRO RATA TREATMENT. Except as required under Section
2.14, each Borrowing, each payment or prepayment of principal of any Borrowing,
each payment of interest on the Loans, each payment of the Commitment Fees, each
reduction of the Commitments and each refinancing of any Borrowing with,
conversion of any Borrowing to or continuation of any Borrowing as a Borrowing
of any Type shall be allocated pro rata among the Lenders in accordance with
their respective applicable Commitments (or, if such Commitments shall have
expired or been terminated, in accordance with the respective principal amounts
of their applicable outstanding Loans). Each Lender agrees that in computing
such Lender's portion of any Borrowing to be made hereunder, the Administrative
Agent may, in its discretion, round each Lender's percentage of such Borrowing,
computed in accordance with Section 2.01, to the next higher or lower whole
dollar amount.

         SECTION 2.17. PAYMENTS. (a) The Borrower shall make each payment
without set-off or counterclaim (including principal of or interest on any
Borrowing or any Fees or other amounts) required to be made by it hereunder and
under any other Loan Document not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on
the date when due in dollars to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 270
Park Avenue, New York, New York, Attention of Wholesale Loan Services, in
immediately available funds, for credit to The Chase Manhattan Bank, ABA Number
021000128, Account Number 323-5-02059.

         (b) Whenever any payment (including principal of or interest on any
Borrowing or any Fees or other amounts) hereunder or under any other Loan
Document shall become due, or otherwise would occur, on a day that is not a
Business Day, such payment may be made on the next succeeding Business Day
(except in the case of payment of principal of a Eurodollar Borrowing if the
effect of such extension would be to extend such payment into the next
succeeding month, in which event such payment shall be due on the immediately
preceding Business Day), and such extension of time shall in such case be
included in the computation of interest or Fees, if applicable.

         SECTION 2.18. TAXES. (a) Any and all payments by the Borrower to the
Administrative Agent or the Lenders hereunder or under the other Loan Documents
shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.17 free and clear of and without
deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions,
charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, EXCLUDING (i)
in the case of each Lender and the Administrative Agent, taxes that would not be
imposed but for a connection between such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as
the case may be) and the jurisdiction imposing such tax, other than a connection
arising solely by virtue of the activities of such Lender or the Administrative
Agent (as the case may be) pursuant to or in respect of this Agreement or under
any other Loan Document, including, without limitation, entering into, lending
money or extending credit pursuant to, receiving payments under, or enforcing,
this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and (ii) in the case of each Lender
and the Administrative Agent, any United States withholding taxes payable with
respect to payments hereunder or under the other Loan Documents under laws
(including, without limitation, any statute, treaty, ruling, determination or
regulation) in effect on the Initial Date (as hereinafter defined) for such
Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, but not excluding any
United States withholding taxes payable solely as a result of any change in such
laws occurring after the Initial Date (all such non-excluded taxes, levies,
imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being hereinafter
referred to as "TAXES"). For purposes of this Section 2.18, the term "Initial
Date" shall mean (i) in the case of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, the
date on which such person became a party to this Agreement and (ii) in the case
of any assignment including any assignment by a Lender to a new lending office,
the date of such assignment. If any Taxes shall be required by law to be
deducted from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any other Loan
Document to any Lender or the Administrative Agent (i) the sum payable by the
Borrower shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all
required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable
under this Section 2.18) such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case
may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have


<PAGE>


                                       27



received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such
deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the
relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with applicable
law. The Borrower shall not, however, be required to pay any amounts pursuant to
clause (i) of the preceding sentence to any Lender or the Administrative Agent
(in the case of payments to be made by the Borrower) not organized under the
laws of the United States of America or a state thereof if such Lender or the
Administrative Agent fails to comply with the requirements of paragraphs (f) or
(g), as the case may be, and paragraph (h) of this Section 2.18.

         (b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp
or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar
levies which arise from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise
with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document (hereinafter referred
to as "OTHER TAXES").

         (c) The Borrower will indemnify each Lender and the Administrative
Agent for the full amount of Taxes and Other Taxes (including any Taxes or Other
Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.18)
paid by such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, and any
liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with
respect thereto whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or
legally asserted. Such indemnification shall be made within 10 days after the
date any Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, makes written
demand therefor. If a Lender or the Administrative Agent shall become aware that
it is entitled to receive a refund or is reasonably requested by the Borrower to
pursue a claim for a refund in respect of Taxes or Other Taxes, it shall
promptly notify the Borrower of the availability of such refund (unless
instructed to pursue a claim by the Borrower) and shall, within 30 days after
receipt of a request by the Borrower, pursue or timely claim such refund at the
Borrower's expense; PROVIDED that such Lender shall not be required to pursue or
claim such refund if such Lender reasonably determines that the pursuit or claim
of such refund will have a disadvantageous impact upon such Lender. If any
Lender or the Administrative Agent receives a refund in respect of any Taxes or
Other Taxes for which such Lender or the Administrative Agent has received
payment from the Borrower hereunder, it shall promptly notify the Borrower of
such refund and shall, within 30 days after receipt of a request by the Borrower
(or promptly upon receipt, if the Borrower has requested application for such
refund pursuant hereto), repay such refund (plus any interest received) to the
Borrower, provided that the Borrower, upon the request of such Lender or the
Administrative Agent, agrees to return such refund (plus any penalties, interest
or other charges required to be paid) to such Lender or the Administrative Agent
in the event such Lender or the Administrative Agent is required to repay such
refund.

         (d) Within 30 days after the date of any payment of Taxes or Other
Taxes withheld by the Borrower in respect of any payment to any Lender or the
Administrative Agent, the Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent, at
its address referred to in Schedule 2.01, the original or a certified copy of a
receipt evidencing payment thereof.

         (e) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement contained
herein, the agreements and obligations contained in this Section 2.18 shall
survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder and the
termination of the Commitments.

         (f) Each Lender and the Administrative Agent that is not organized
under the laws of the United States of America or a state thereof agrees that at
least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date following the Initial
Date in respect of such Lender, it will deliver to the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent (if appropriate) two duly completed copies of either (i)
United States Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or 4224 or successor applicable
form, as the case may be, certifying in each case that such Lender or the
Administrative Agent, as the case may be, is entitled to receive payments under
this Agreement and the Notes payable to it without deduction or withholding of
any United States federal income taxes and backup withholding taxes or is
entitled to receive such payments at a reduced rate pursuant to a treaty
provision or (ii) in the case of a Lender that is not a "bank" within the
meaning of Section 881(c)(3) of the Code, United States Internal Revenue Service
Form W-8 or successor applicable form and a statement from such Lender
certifying to the fact that interest payable to it hereunder (A) will not be
described in Section 871(h)(3)(A) or Section 881(c)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the
Code and (B) will not be effectively connected with a trade or business carried
on in the United States by such Lender. Each Lender and the Administrative Agent
required to deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a Form 1001,
4224 or W-8 pursuant to the

               
<PAGE>


                                       28



preceding sentence further undertakes to deliver to the Borrower and the
Administrative Agent (if appropriate) two further copies of Form 1001, 4224 or
W-8, or successor forms, or other similar manner of certification and such
extensions or renewals thereof as may reasonably be requested by the Borrower
and, in the case where a Form W-8 has been delivered, a further statement
certifying to the fact set forth in clause (B) of the preceding sentence (i) at
the times reasonably requested by the Borrower, (ii) after the occurrence of an
event requiring a change in the most recent form or statement previously
delivered by it to the Borrower or (iii) in the case of Form 1001, 4224 or W-8,
on or before the date that any such form expires or becomes obsolete, and, in
the case of Form 1001 or 4224, certifying that such Lender is entitled to
receive payments under this Agreement without deduction or withholding of any
United States federal income taxes and backup withholding taxes or is entitled
to receive such payments at a reduced rate pursuant to a treaty provision,
unless such Lender advises the Borrower that it is unable lawfully to provide
such forms and other certifications and notifies the Borrower to such effect.
Unless the Borrower and the Administrative Agent have received forms,
certificates and other documents satisfactory to them indicating that payments
hereunder or under or in respect of the Notes to or for any Lender not
incorporated under the laws of the United States or a state thereof are not
subject to United States withholding tax or are subject to such tax at a rate
reduced by an applicable tax treaty, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent
shall withhold such taxes from such payments at the applicable statutory rate.

         (g) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this
Section 2.18 shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with legal and regulatory
restrictions) to file any certificate or document requested by the Borrower to
change the jurisdiction of its applicable lending office if the making of such a
filing or change would avoid the need for or reduce the amount of any such
additional amounts which may thereafter accrue and would not, in the sole
determination of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

                                  ARTICLE III.

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Each of Holdings and the Borrower represents and warrants to each of
the Lenders that (it being agreed that as used in this Article III (other than
Sections 3.08(a) and 3.16) and in the term Material Adverse Effect as used
herein references to subsidiaries, Subsidiaries and Restricted Subsidiaries
shall include JPS Automotive and its subsidiaries to the extent they would have
been included had the JPS Automotive Acquisition been consummated prior to the
date hereof; provided, however, that any representation or warranty with respect
to JPS Automotive and its subsidiaries is made by Holdings and the Borrower to
their knowledge based on information they have received from JPS Automotive):

         SECTION 3.01. ORGANIZATION, CORPORATE POWERS. Each of Holdings and each
Restricted Subsidiary (i) is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is organized, (ii)
has all requisite corporate or partnership power and authority, as applicable,
and all material licenses, permits, franchises, consents and approvals, to own
or lease its property and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted
and as proposed to be conducted, (iii) is qualified and in good standing as a
foreign entity to do business in every jurisdiction where such qualification is
necessary, except where the failure so to qualify would not have a Material
Adverse Effect and (iv) has the corporate or partnership power and authority, as
applicable, to execute, deliver and perform each of the Loan Documents and each
agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby to which it is or will be
a party. None of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Holdings has any
assets or business, or is a party to any material contract within the meaning of
Item 6.01(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
other than as disclosed or referred to in (a) Holdings' Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996 and its Reports on Form 10-Q for
the fiscal quarters ending April 27, 1996 and July 27, 1996 and (b) JPS
Automotive's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1995 and its Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1996, June
30, 1996 and September 30, 1996 or as contemplated hereby and thereby.

         SECTION 3.02. AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery and performance of
each of the Loan Documents, the borrowings hereunder and the consummation of the
JPS Automotive Acquisition and the other transactions contemplated by any of the
foregoing  (collectively,  the  "TRANSACTIONS") (i) have been duly authorized by
all requisite

                                                 

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                                       29



action and (ii) will not (x) violate (A) any provision of law, statute, rule or
regulation (including, without limitation, Regulations G, T, U and X) or the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or similar governing documents) of any
of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (B) any applicable order of any
court or any rule, regulation or order of any Governmental Authority or (C) any
indenture, certificate of designation for preferred stock, agreement or other
instrument to which any of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party or
by which any of them or any of their property is bound, (y) be in conflict with,
result in a breach of or constitute (with notice or lapse of time or both) a
default under any such indenture, agreement or other instrument where any such
conflict, violation, breach or default referred to in clause (ii)(x) or (ii)(y)
of this Section, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Material Adverse
Effect or (z) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property
or assets of Holdings or any subsidiary of Holdings, except for Liens created by
the Pledge Agreement.

         SECTION 3.03. ENFORCEABILITY. This Agreement has been duly executed and
delivered by each of Holdings and the Borrower and constitutes, and each other
Loan Document when executed and delivered by any of Holdings, the Borrower or
the Subsidiary Guarantors that is or is to be a party thereto will constitute, a
legal, valid and binding obligation of such party enforceable against such party
in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization or other similar laws
affecting creditors' rights generally and except as enforceability may be
limited by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

         SECTION 3.04. JPS AUTOMOTIVE ACQUISITION. On the Closing Date, the JPS
Automotive Acquisition will be consummated by the Borrower in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the Equity Purchase Documents and this Agreement. On
the Closing Date, all consents and approvals of, filings and registrations with,
and other actions in respect of, all Governmental Authorities required in order
to make or consummate the Transactions will have been obtained, given, filed or
taken and will be in full force and effect, other than any such consents,
approvals, filings or other actions, the failure to obtain or make which could
not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. On the
Closing Date, all applicable waiting periods with respect to the JPS Automotive
Acquisition will have expired or been terminated without, in all such cases, any
action being taken by any competent authority which restrains, prevents, or
imposes material adverse conditions upon the consummation of the Transactions.
On the Closing Date, there will not exist any judgment, order, or injunction
prohibiting or imposing material adverse conditions upon the Transactions or the
performance by any Credit Party of its obligations under the Loan Documents and
the Equity Purchase Documents.

         SECTION  3.05.  USE OF PROCEEDS.  The Borrower will use the proceeds of
the Loans only for the purposes
set forth in Section 5.08.

         SECTION 3.06. FEDERAL RESERVE REGULATIONS.  (a) None of Holdings or any
subsidiary  of  Holdings  is  engaged  principally,  or as one of its  important
activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying Margin Stock.

         (b) The making of the Loans hereunder and the use of the proceeds
thereof as contemplated hereby and the other Transactions will not violate or be
inconsistent with the provisions of the Regulations of the Board, including
Regulations G, T, U and X.

         SECTION 3.07. PLEDGE AGREEMENT. Upon delivery of the duly completed
Acknowledgment to the Collateral Agreement, the security interests created in
favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, under the Pledge
Agreement will at all times constitute first-priority, perfected security
interests in the Pledged Securities, and such Pledged Securities will be subject
to no Liens or security interests of any other person. No filings or recordings
are or will be required in order to perfect the security interests in the
Pledged Securities created under the Pledge Agreement.

         SECTION 3.08. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. (a) (i) Holdings has heretofore
furnished to each of the Lenders consolidated balance sheets and consolidated
statements of income and cash flow of Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries
as of and for the fiscal years ended January 27, 1996 and January 28, 1995,
certified by Arthur Andersen L.L.P., independent public accountants for Holdings
and (ii) Holdings has heretofore furnished to each of the Lenders


<PAGE>


                                       30



unaudited consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income and
cash flow of Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries as of and for the twenty
six weeks ended July 27, 1996. Such balance sheets and statements of income and
cash flows present fairly the financial condition and results of operations of
Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the
dates and for the periods indicated. Except as disclosed in Holdings' Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27, 1996 and its Reports
on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ending April 27, 1996 and July 27, 1996,
neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries had, at the date of the most recent
balance sheet referred to above, any material Guarantee, contingent liability or
liability for taxes, or any long-term lease or unusual forward or long-term
commitment, including, without limitation, any interest rate or foreign currency
swap or exchange transaction, which is not reflected in the foregoing statements
or in the notes thereto. The financial statements referred to in this Section
3.08(a) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent
basis.

         (b) The pro forma consolidating balance sheet of Holdings (showing
Holdings, JPS Automotive, the transactions contemplated by the Perstorp
Acquisition and acquisition adjustments) as of September 30, 1996 (in the case
of JPS Automotive), as of August 31, 1996 (in the case of Perstorp) and as of
October 26, 1996 (in the case of Holdings) previously delivered to the Lenders
is the unaudited consolidating balance sheet of Holdings as of such date,
adjusted to give effect (as if such events had occurred on such date) to the
Transactions and other identified pro forma adjustments set forth therein,
including the payment of all fees and expenses expected to be incurred in
connection therewith (as estimated at the time of the preparation of such
balance sheet), based upon the assumptions specified therein. Such pro forma
consolidating balance sheet presents fairly, on a pro forma basis, the
consolidated financial position of Holdings as of such dates assuming that the
events specified in the preceding sentence had actually occurred or are true, as
the case may be, on such date and has been prepared based upon reasonable
assumptions and in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis.

         SECTION 3.09. NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. There has been no material
adverse change in the business, properties, assets, operations or financial
condition of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since
January 27, 1996.

         SECTION 3.10. TITLE TO PROPERTIES; POSSESSION UNDER LEASES. (a) Each of
Holdings, the Borrower and the Significant Subsidiaries has good and marketable
title to, or valid leasehold interests in, or easements on or other limited
property interests in, all their respective material properties and assets,
except for minor defects in title and limitations on property interests that do
not interfere with their respective ability to conduct their respective business
as currently conducted or to utilize such properties and assets for their
intended purposes. All such material properties and assets are free and clear of
Liens, other than Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.04.

         (b) Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Significant Subsidiaries has
complied with all obligations under all material leases to which it is a party,
except where the failure to comply would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and
all such leases are in full force and effect, except leases in respect of which
the failure to be in full force and effect would not have a Material Adverse
Effect. Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Significant Subsidiaries enjoys
peaceful and undisturbed possession under all such material leases.

         (c) Each of Holdings, the Borrower and the Significant Subsidiaries
owns or possesses, or could obtain ownership or possession of, on terms not
materially adverse to it, all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names,
copyrights, licenses and rights with respect thereto necessary for the present
conduct of its business, without any known conflict with the rights of others,
and free from any burdensome restrictions, except where such conflicts and
restrictions would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material
Adverse Effect.

         SECTION 3.11.  SUBSIDIARIES.  (a) Schedule 3.11(a) sets forth as of the
Closing Date a list of all Subsidiaries of Holdings and the percentage ownership
interest of  Holdings  therein and whether  such  Subsidiaries  are  Significant
Subsidiaries.

         (b) There are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls,
rights or other agreements or commitments (other than stock options granted to
employees, consultants or directors and directors' qualifying shares)


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                                       31



of any nature relating to any capital stock of any subsidiary of Holdings,
except for the Pledge Agreement or as provided in Schedule 3.11(b).

         SECTION 3.12. LITIGATION; COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. (a) Except as described
in Holdings' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 27,
1996 and its Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ending April 29, 1996
and July 29, 1996, there are not any actions, suits or proceedings at law or in
equity or by or before any court or Governmental Authority now pending or, to
the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, threatened against or affecting
Holdings or any of its subsidiaries or any property or rights of Holdings or any
of its subsidiaries as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse
determination and which (i) if adversely determined, could individually or in
the aggregate result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) involve the Loan
Documents or (iii) if adversely determined could materially adversely affect the
JPS Automotive Acquisition.

         (b) None of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries is in default with
respect to any law, order, judgment, writ, injunction, decree, rule or
regulation of any Governmental Authority where such default could have a
Material Adverse Effect. The Borrowings hereunder, the use of the proceeds
thereof as described in Section 5.08 and the Transactions will not violate any
applicable law or regulation or violate or be prohibited by any judgment, writ,
injunction, decree or order of any court or Governmental Authority or subject
Holdings or any of its subsidiaries to any civil or criminal penalty or fine.

         SECTION  3.13.  AGREEMENTS.   (a)  None  of  Holdings  or  any  of  its
Subsidiaries  is a party  to any  agreement  or  instrument  or  subject  to any
corporate  restriction  that has  resulted  or could  reasonably  be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect.

         (b) None of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries is in default in any
manner under any provision of any indenture or other agreement or instrument
evidencing Indebtedness or any other material agreement or instrument to which
it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets are or may be
bound, in either case where such default could result in a Material Adverse
Effect. After giving effect to the Transactions, no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing.

         SECTION  3.14.  INVESTMENT  COMPANY ACT. None of Holdings or 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.

         SECTION 3.15. PUBLIC UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT. None of Holdings or
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.

         SECTION 3.16. TAX RETURNS. Each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries has
filed or caused to be filed all Federal, and all material state and local, tax
returns required to have been filed by it and has paid or caused to be paid all
taxes shown thereon to be due and payable, and any assessments in excess of
$2,000,000 in the aggregate received by it, except taxes that are being
contested in accordance with Section 5.03 and taxes, assessments, charges,
levies or claims in respect of property taxes for property that Holdings or one
of its Subsidiaries has determined to abandon where the sole recourse for such
tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim is to such property. Each of Holdings and
its Subsidiaries has paid in full or made adequate provision (in accordance with
GAAP) for the payment of all taxes due with respect to the periods ending on or
before January 28, 1995, which taxes, if not paid or adequately provided for,
would have a Material Adverse Effect. The tax returns of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries have been examined by relevant Federal tax authorities for all
periods through January 25, 1992, and all deficiencies asserted as a result of
such examinations have been paid. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.16, as of
the Closing Date, with respect to each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, (i) no
material claims are being asserted in writing with respect to any taxes, (ii) no
presently effective waivers or extensions of statutes of limitation with respect
to taxes have been given or requested, (iii) no tax returns are being examined
by, and no written notification of intention to examine has been received from,
the Internal Revenue Service or any other taxing authority and (iv) no currently
pending issues have been raised in writing by the Internal Revenue Service or
any other taxing authority. For


<PAGE>


                                       32



purposes hereof, "taxes" shall mean any present or future tax, levy, impost,
duty, charge, assessment or fee of any nature (including interest, penalties and
additions thereto) that is imposed by any Governmental Authority.

         SECTION 3.17. NO MATERIAL MISSTATEMENTS. (a) The information, reports,
financial statements, exhibits and schedules furnished by or on behalf of
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates to the Administrative Agent or
any Lender in connection with the negotiation of any Loan Document or included
therein or delivered pursuant thereto, when taken as a whole, did not contain,
and as they may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time, will not
contain, as of the Closing Date any material misstatement of fact and did not
omit, and as they may be amended, supplemented or modified from time to time,
will not omit, to state as of the Closing Date any material fact necessary to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were, are or will be made, not materially misleading in their presentation of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

         (b) All financial projections concerning Holdings and its Subsidiaries
that are or have been made available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender
by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, unless otherwise
disclosed, have been or will be prepared in good faith based upon assumptions
believed by Holdings and the Borrower to be reasonable.

         SECTION 3.18. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Each of Holdings and the
Restricted Subsidiaries and each of their ERISA Affiliates is in compliance in
all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the
regulations and published interpretations thereunder except for such
noncompliance which would not be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Effect. No Reportable Event has occurred as to which Holdings or any of the
Restricted Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates was required to file a
report with the PBGC, other than reports for which the 30 day notice requirement
is waived, reports that have been filed and reports the failure of which to file
would not result in a Material Adverse Effect and as of the Closing Date, the
present value of all benefit liabilities under each Plan of Holdings and the
Restricted Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates (on a termination basis
and based on those assumptions used to fund such Plan) did not, as of the last
annual valuation report applicable thereto, exceed by more than $17,500,000 the
value of the assets of such Plan on a termination basis. None of Holdings or any
of the Restricted Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates has incurred or
could reasonably be expected to incur any Withdrawal Liability that could result
in a Material Adverse Effect. None of Holdings or any of the Restricted
Subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates has received any notification that
any Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or has been terminated within the
meaning of Title IV of ERISA, and no Multiemployer Plan is reasonably expected
to be in reorganization or to be terminated where such reorganization or
termination has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result, through
increases in the contributions required to be made to such Plan or otherwise, in
a Material Adverse Effect.

         SECTION 3.19. LABOR MATTERS. There are no strikes against Holdings or
any of its Subsidiaries pending, other than any strikes which, individually or
in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect. The hours worked and payment made to employees of Holdings and
each of its Subsidiaries have not been in violation in any material respect of
the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable law dealing with such
matters. All material payments due from Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or
for which any claim may be made against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, on
account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits
have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of Holdings or such
subsidiary to the extent required by GAAP. The consummation of the Transactions
will not give rise to a right of termination or right of renegotiation on the
part of any union under any collective bargaining agreement to which Holdings or
any of its Subsidiaries (or any predecessor) is a party or by which Holdings or
any of its subsidiaries (or any predecessor) is bound, other than collective
bargaining agreements which, individually or in the aggregate, are not material
to Holdings and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

         SECTION 3.20. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. (a) Except as disclosed in writing
to the Administrative Agent and each Lender prior to the date of this Agreement,
which disclosed matters individually and in the aggregate are not reasonably
expected by Holdings or the Borrower to have a Material Adverse Effect, (i)
Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries has complied in all respects with all
applicable Federal, state, local and other statutes, ordinances, orders,
judgments, rulings and regulations relating to environmental pollution or to
environmental regulation or control, except to the extent of any failure so to
comply which alone and together with other such failures is not


<PAGE>


                                       33



reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) none of
Holdings or any Subsidiary of Holdings has received notice of any failure so to
comply which alone or together with other such failures is reasonably expected
to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) none of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries manages, transports or stores any hazardous wastes, hazardous
substances, hazardous materials, toxic substances or toxic pollutants, as those
terms are used in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, the Hazardous Materials
Transportation Act, the Toxic Substance Control Act, the Clean Air Act or the
Clean Water Act, in violation of any applicable regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto or of any other applicable law where such violation is reasonably likely
to result, individually or together with other violations, in a Material Adverse
Effect.

         (b) Except with respect to matters that, individually and in the
aggregate, Holdings and the Borrower reasonably believe would not have a
Material Adverse Effect, as of the Closing Date: (i) the operations of Holdings
and each of its Subsidiaries comply in all respects with all Environmental Laws
and, to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower after inquiry, no conditions
exist (including at properties leased or subleased to third persons) which would
subject Holdings or its Subsidiaries to damages, liabilities, penalties,
injunctive relief or clean-up costs under any Environmental Law or which require
or are reasonably likely to require any Remedial Action under any Environmental
Law; (ii) each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries has obtained all Environmental
Permits necessary for its operation or required by any Environmental Law, and
all such Environmental Permits are in good standing, and none of Holdings or its
Subsidiaries has been cited by a Governmental Authority for violating any terms
or conditions of such Environmental Permits within the five-year period prior to
the Closing Date; (iii) none of Holdings or its Subsidiaries is subject or a
party to any Environmental Claim; (iv) with respect to present facilities and
operations, none of Holdings or its Subsidiaries, or, to the knowledge of
Holdings or the Borrower, any predecessor of such persons, is subject to any
outstanding written order or agreement with any Governmental Authority or
private party respecting (A) any Environmental Law, (B) any Remedial Action
under any Environmental Law, or (C) any Environmental Claim; (v) to the
knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower, none of the operations of any of Holdings
or its Subsidiaries is the subject of any investigation by a Governmental
Authority evaluating whether any Remedial Action under any Environmental Law is
needed; (vi) none of Holdings or its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of
Holdings or the Borrower, any predecessor of such persons has filed any notice
under any Environmental Law indicating past or present treatment, storage or
disposal of a hazardous waste as defined under 40 C.F.R. Parts 260 through 270
(in effect as of the Closing Date) or any state equivalent, or reporting a
Release of a Contaminant; (vii) to the knowledge of Holdings or the Borrower
except as permitted under any Environmental Law, none of Holdings or its
Subsidiaries has experienced a Release of any Contaminant, and there has been no
voluntary disposal, use, storage, recycling or treatment on, under or at any
property of such person (or in tanks or other facilities thereon) of any
Contaminant which, if known to be present on such property, or present in soils
or groundwater, would require Remedial Action under any Environmental Law; and
(viii) no Lien in favor of any Governmental Authority for (A) any liability
under any Environmental Law or (B) damages arising from or costs incurred by
such Governmental Authority in response to a Release of a Contaminant into the
environment has been recorded with respect to any property of Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries. For purposes of this Section 3.20(b), "knowledge" means the
actual knowledge of any Responsible Officer of Holdings or any Restricted
Subsidiary, any officer of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary with
responsibility for environmental compliance, or any plant or facilities manager
with responsibility for overall management of such plant or facility of Holdings
or any of its Subsidiaries.

         (c) Each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries reasonably believes that
Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis have made adequate
provision (in accordance with GAAP) for all damages, liabilities, penalties or
costs that they reasonably expect to incur in connection with any Environmental
Claim or any Remedial Action existing or, to the knowledge of Holdings or the
Borrower, reasonably anticipated as of the date of this Agreement.

         SECTION 3.21. SOLVENCY. (a) The fair salable value of the assets of the
Borrower exceeds the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of
the existing debts and other liabilities (including contingent liabilities) of
the Borrower as they mature. The assets of the Borrower do not constitute
unreasonably small capital to carry out its business as conducted or as proposed
to be conducted. The Borrower does not intend to, and does not believe that it
will, incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking
into account the Transactions).


              
<PAGE>


                                       34



              (b) Upon consummation of the Transactions, the fair salable value
of the assets of the Borrower and its subsidiaries taken as a whole will exceed
the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the existing
debts and other liabilities (including contingent liabilities) of the Borrower
and its subsidiaries.

              (c) The assets of the Borrower and its subsidiaries taken as a
whole do not, and upon consummation of the Transactions will not, constitute
unreasonably small capital for the Borrower and its subsidiaries, to carry out
their respective businesses as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted
including the capital needs of the Borrower and its subsidiaries taking into
account the particular capital requirements of the business conducted by the
Borrower and each of its subsidiaries, and projected capital requirements and
capital availability thereof.

              (d) The Borrower does not intend to, and does not intend to permit
any of its subsidiaries to, incur debts beyond their respective ability to pay
such debts as they mature, taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to
be received by the Borrower and each of such subsidiaries, and of amounts to be
payable on or in respect of debt of the Borrower and each of such subsidiaries.

         SECTION 3.22. ABSENCE OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS. No indenture,
certificate of designation for preferred stock, agreement or other instrument to
which Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary is a party will prohibit or
materially restrain, or have the effect of prohibiting or materially
restraining, or imposing materially adverse conditions upon, the incurrence of
Indebtedness, the granting of Liens, the provision of Guarantees or the payment
of dividends by subsidiaries of Holdings except for restrictions (a) on the
granting of Liens on assets that are encumbered by Liens permitted under clause
(a), (b), (i), (k), (l), (r) or (t) of Section 6.04, to the extent that such
restrictions apply only to the assets so encumbered and are imposed by the
agreements under which such Liens were granted or (b) contained in agreements
relating to Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01.

         SECTION 3.23. NO FOREIGN ASSETS CONTROL REGULATION VIOLATION. The
Transactions will not result in a violation of any of the foreign assets control
regulations of the United States Treasury Department, 31 C.F.R., Subtitle B,
Chapter V, as amended (including the Foreign Assets Control Regulations, the
Transaction Control Regulations, the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, the
Foreign Funds Control Regulations, the Iranian Assets Control Regulations, the
Nicaraguan Trade Control Regulations, the South African Transactions
Regulations, the Libyan Sanctions Regulations, the Soviet Gold Coin Regulations,
the Panamanian Transactions Regulations, the Kuwaiti Assets Control Regulations
and the Iraqi Sanctions Regulations contained in said Chapter V), or any ruling
issued thereunder or any enabling legislation or Presidential Executive Order
granting authority therefor, nor will the proceeds of the Loans be used by the
Borrower in a manner that would violate any thereof.

         SECTION 3.24. INSURANCE. Each of Holdings and the Restricted
Subsidiaries carries and maintains with respect to its insurable properties
insurance (including self insurance) with financially sound and reputable
insurers of the types, to such extent and against such risks as is customary
with companies in the same or similar businesses, including fire and other risks
insured against by extended coverage and public liability insurance against
claims for personal injury or death or property damages occurring upon, in,
about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or
controlled by it.

         SECTION 3.25. CERTAIN OTHER REPRESENTATIONS. All representations and
warranties contained in any other Loan Document and made by any of Holdings or
any of its Subsidiaries are true and correct as of the date made or deemed to
have been made.

         SECTION 3.26. PERMITTED  ACQUISITION  INDEBTEDNESS.  Indebtedness under
this  Agreement  constitutes  Permitted  Acquisition   Indebtedness  under  this
Agreement and under the Existing Credit Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes a
Permitted Acquisition  Indebtedness  Agreement under the Guarantee Agreement and
the Intercreditor  Agreement.  The Transactions constitutes a Permitted Business
Acquisition under this Agreement and under the Existing Credit Agreement.

         SECTION  3.27.  SENIOR DEBT.  All payment  obligations  of the Borrower
under the Loan  Documents  constitute  Senior  Indebtedness  (as  defined in the
Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture), and all payment obligations


<PAGE>


                                       35

 of  Holdings  under  the  Loan  Documents   constitute   Senior   Guarantor
Indebtedness (as defined in the Senior Subordinated Notes Indenture).


                                   ARTICLE IV.

                                   CONDITIONS

         SECTION 4.01.  EACH EXTENSION OF CREDIT.  On the date of each
 Borrowing:

              (a) The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice of such
         Borrowing as required by Section 2.03.

              (b) The representations and warranties set forth in each Loan
         Document shall be true and correct in all material respects on and as
         of the date of such Borrowing with the same effect as though made on
         and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and
         warranties expressly relate to an earlier date.

              (c) At the time of and immediately after such Borrowing no Event
         of Default or Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

              (d) After giving effect to such Borrowing, the sum of the
         outstanding Loans and JPS Automotive Senior Notes shall not exceed
         $200,000,000; for purposes of this Section 4.01(d), JPS Automotive
         Senior Notes owned by the Borrower and its subsidiaries (and pledged
         under the Pledge Agreement) shall not be deemed outstanding.

Each Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by
the Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as to the matters specified in
paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this Section 4.01.

         SECTION  4.02.  INITIAL  EXTENSION OF CREDIT.  The  obligations  of the
Lenders to make Loans hereunder are subject to the satisfaction of the following
conditions on the Closing Date:

              (a) Each Lender, if it so requests in accordance with subsection
         2.04(e), shall have received a duly executed Note complying with the
         provisions of Section 2.04.

              (b) The Administrative Agent shall have received all Fees and
         other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Closing Date,
         including reimbursement of any out-of-pocket expenses referred to in
         Section 9.05 (to the extent that notice thereof is given to the
         Borrower prior to the Closing Date).

              (c) The Administrative Agent shall have received the favorable
         written opinions of (i) Cravath, Swaine & Moore, special counsel for
         Holdings and its subsidiaries, and (ii) Elizabeth R. Philipp, Esq.,
         general counsel for Holdings and its subsidiaries, each dated the
         Closing Date and addressed to the Lenders, and in form and substance
         satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and covering the matters set
         forth in Exhibit D.

              (d) The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a copy of the
         certificate or articles of incorporation and certificate of
         partnership, as applicable, including all amendments thereto, of each
         of the Borrower, Holdings and JPS Automotive, certified as of a recent
         date, and a certificate as to the good standing of each of the
         Borrower, Holdings and JPS Automotive as of a recent date, from such
         Secretary of State; (ii) a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant
         Secretary of each of the Borrower, Holdings and JPS Automotive dated
         the Closing Date and certifying (A) that attached thereto is a true and
         complete copy of the by-laws or partnership agreement, as applicable,
         of such entity as in effect on the Closing Date and (except as
         specified in such certificate) at all times since a date prior to the
         date of the resolutions described in clause (B) below, (B) that
         attached thereto is a true and complete copy of resolutions duly
         adopted by the Board of Directors or the general partner, as the case
         may be, of such entity authorizing the execution,


<PAGE>


                                       36



         delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party,
         the granting of the Liens thereunder and, in the case of the Borrower,
         the borrowings hereunder, and that such resolutions have not been
         modified, rescinded or amended and are in full force and effect, (C)
         that the certificate of partnership and certificate or articles of
         incorporation of such entity have not been amended since the date of
         the last amendment thereto shown on the certificate of good standing
         furnished pursuant to clause (i) above, and (D) as to the incumbency
         and specimen signature of each officer executing on the Closing Date
         any Loan Document or any other document delivered in connection
         herewith on behalf of such entity; (iii) a certificate of another
         officer as to the incumbency and specimen signature of the Secretary or
         Assistant Secretary executing the certificate pursuant to (ii) above;
         (iv) a certificate or equivalent documentation from the Secretary of
         State of each state in which any of the Borrower, Holdings and JPS
         Automotive conducts material business or owns material assets as to the
         qualification of such entity to do business and its good standing in
         such state; and (v) such other documents as the Lenders or their
         counsel or Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, special counsel for the
         Administrative Agent, may reasonably request.

              (e) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate,
         dated the Closing Date and signed by a Financial Officer of Holdings
         and the Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions precedent
         set forth in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 4.01 and those set forth
         in paragraphs (i) and (k) of this Section 4.02 (disregarding, for this
         purpose, the provisions of any such paragraph that refer to the
         satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, its counsel or the Lenders
         with any matter).

              (f) The Pledge Agreement shall have been duly executed by Holdings
         and each Restricted Subsidiary listed therein and delivered to the
         Collateral Agent and shall be in full force and effect, all outstanding
         shares of capital stock (including any partnership interests) of the
         Borrower and each domestic subsidiary thereof (including JPS Automotive
         but excluding its subsidiaries), 65% of the outstanding shares of
         capital stock of each foreign subsidiary owned directly by the Borrower
         or a domestic subsidiary of the Borrower and all inter-company
         obligations in excess of $10,000,000 held by Holdings, the Borrower or
         any subsidiary of the Borrower and evidenced by notes, bonds or other
         instruments shall have been duly and validly pledged to the Collateral
         Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and certificates
         representing all such shares and the instruments representing all such
         obligations shall be in the actual possession of the Collateral Agent.

              (g) The Collateral Agent shall have received each document
         (including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements) required by
         law or reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to be filed,
         registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Collateral
         Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a valid, legal and
         perfected first priority security interest in or lien on the Collateral
         that is the subject of the Pledge Agreement. The Collateral Agent shall
         have accepted the Acknowledgement.

              (h) Except in connection with the Transactions, the Perstorp
         Acquisition and permitted dispositions (including the Floorcoverings
         Disposition and the Wallcoverings Disposition), there shall not have
         occurred any material change in the capitalization (whether in debt or
         equity), corporate structure or assets of Holdings or any of its
         subsidiaries, or any changes in the certificate of incorporation or
         by-laws of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries.

              (i) (i) There shall have been delivered to the Lenders true and
         correct copies of the Equity Purchase Documents. The Transactions shall
         have been duly approved by the board of directors of the Borrower, and
         all Equity Purchase Documents shall have been duly executed and
         delivered by the parties thereto and shall be in full force and effect.
         Each of the material conditions precedent to each party's obligation to
         consummate the Transactions shall have been satisfied, or waived, all
         to the reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent. The JPS
         Automotive Acquisition shall have been approved or exempted by all
         requisite Governmental Authorities, and all such approvals or
         exemptions, including any conditions imposed thereby, shall be in form
         and substance acceptable to the Required Lenders in their sole
         discretion. No action shall have been taken by any Governmental
         Authority which restrains or prevents or seeks to restrain or prevent,
         or imposes or seeks to impose materially adverse conditions upon, the
         JPS Automotive Acquisition. Without limiting the generality of the
         foregoing, the Required Lenders shall be satisfied, in


<PAGE>


                                       37



         their sole discretion, that all governmental and material third party
         approvals have been obtained, and any appeals periods expired, which,
         if not obtained, could render the obligations to the Lenders under the
         Loan Documents either void or voidable or subordinate them to other
         claims or obligations or could impair or subject to subordination the
         security interests of, or the exercise of remedies by, the Lenders.

                   (ii) JPS Automotive shall be a Restricted Subsidiary of the
         Borrower as that term is used herein and in the Senior Subordinated
         Notes.

                   (iii) The Administrative Agent shall be satisfied that fees
         and expenses relating to the Transactions shall not exceed $3,500,000.

              (j) No action, suit, litigation or similar proceeding at law or in
         equity or by or before any court or Governmental Authority shall exist
         or, in the case of litigation by a Governmental Authority, be
         threatened, with respect to the Transactions which would in the
         reasonable opinion of the Required Lenders be likely to have a Material
         Adverse Effect.

              (k)  The Closing Date shall occur prior to December 20, 1996.

              (l) Each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall have received
         the pro forma financial statements referenced in Section 3.08(b).

              (m) All aspects of the structure and documentation of the
         Transactions and all corporate and other proceedings taken or to be
         taken in connection therewith and all documents incidental thereto
         shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the
         Administrative Agent and to Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, special counsel
         for the Administrative Agent, and each Lender shall have received
         copies of all such documents as such Lender, acting through the
         Administrative Agent, may reasonably request. All legal matters
         incident to this Agreement and the borrowings hereunder shall be
         reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and to Simpson
         Thacher & Bartlett, special counsel for the Administrative Agent.

              (n) The Existing Credit Agreement shall have been amended to allow
         for (i) the borrowings contemplated hereby and (ii) the ratable sharing
         among the Existing Credit Agreement Creditors and the Lenders hereunder
         of any mandatory prepayment amount required to be made by the Borrower
         pursuant to subsection 2.12(c) or (d).

              (o) An Acknowledgement substantially in the form of Exhibit F
         hereto shall have been duly executed by all parties thereto.

         Each of Holdings and the Borrower hereby directs its counsel referred
to in clause (c) above to deliver the opinions to be delivered by such counsel
pursuant to such paragraph, it being understood that the Lenders will and may
rely thereon.


                                   ARTICLE V.

                              AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         Each of Holdings and the Borrower covenants and agrees that from and
after the Closing Date, so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect or the
principal of or interest on any Loan, any Fees or any other expenses or amounts
payable under or in respect of any Loan Document shall be unpaid, unless the
Required Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, Holdings and the Borrower
will, and will cause each of the Restricted Subsidiaries to:

         SECTION 5.01. EXISTENCE; BUSINESSES AND PROPERTIES. (a) Do or cause to
be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and
effect its legal existence, except as otherwise expressly permitted under
Section 6.08 and except for the liquidation or dissolution of Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than Significant


<PAGE>


                                       38



Subsidiaries) if the assets of such corporations to the extent they exceed
estimated liabilities are acquired by a wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary in
such liquidation or dissolution; PROVIDED that Subsidiaries which are Guarantors
may not be liquidated into Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors and domestic
Subsidiaries may not be liquidated into foreign Subsidiaries.

         (b) Do or cause to be done all things necessary to obtain, preserve,
renew, extend and keep in full force and effect the rights, licenses, permits,
franchises, authorizations, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names
material to the conduct of its business; comply in all material respects with
all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental
Authority, whether now in effect or hereafter enacted; and at all times maintain
and preserve all property material to the conduct of such business and keep such
property in good repair, working order and condition and from time to time make,
or cause to be made, all needful and proper repairs, renewals, additions,
improvements and replacements thereto necessary in order that the business
carried on in connection therewith, if any, may be properly conducted at all
times.

         (c) Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section
5.01(b), each of Holdings and the Borrower shall (i)(A) undertake reasonable
efforts to comply, and to cause each Subsidiary to comply, in all material
respects with all Environmental Laws and any order, decree or similar
requirements of any Governmental Authority concerning (1) a material violation
of any Environmental Law, (2) a financial contribution by Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries under any Environmental Law or (3) a Remedial Action by or on the
part of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries under any Environmental Law and (B)
undertake reasonable efforts to remedy and to cause each of its Subsidiaries to
remedy, as soon as reasonably practicable, any material violation of
Environmental Laws, except in any case that compliance or remedy shall not be
required insofar as any failure to undertake such efforts cannot reasonably be
expected by Holdings or the Borrower to have a Material Adverse Effect, or so
long as (x) the validity of the same shall be contested diligently and in good
faith, (y) the subject property does not contain a material plant or other
facility or shall then be in no danger of being sold, forfeited or lost pursuant
to such contest and (z) reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP
by Holdings or such subsidiary in connection therewith; and (ii) undertake
reasonable efforts to require and to cause each of its subsidiaries to require,
to the extent practicable and appropriate, that a lease for any renewing or new
tenant contain terms substantially equivalent to those of clause (i) above.

         SECTION 5.02. INSURANCE. Keep its insurable properties insured
(including through self-insurance) at all times by financially sound and
reputable insurers in such amounts as shall be customary for similar businesses
and maintain such other insurance, of such types, to such extent and against
such risks, as is customary with companies in the same or similar businesses,
including insurance against fire and other risks insured against by extended
coverage and public liability insurance against claims for personal injury or
death or property damage occurring upon, in, about or in connection with the use
of any properties owned, occupied or controlled by it; and maintain such other
insurance as may be required by law.

         SECTION 5.03. TAXES. Pay and discharge promptly all taxes, assessments
and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits
or in respect of its property, before the same shall become delinquent or in
default, as well as all lawful claims for labor, materials and supplies or
otherwise which, if unpaid, might give rise to a Lien upon such properties or
any part thereof; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that such payment and discharge shall not
be required with respect to any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim so
long as (a) the validity or amount thereof shall be contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings and Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary, as
applicable, shall set aside on its books adequate reserves as required by GAAP
with respect thereto, (b) such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim is in
respect of property taxes for property that Holdings or one of the Restricted
Subsidiaries has determined to abandon and the sole recourse for such tax,
assessment, charge, levy or claim is to such property or (c) the amount of such
taxes assessments, charges, levies and claims and interest and penalties thereon
does not exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate.

         SECTION 5.04. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, REPORTS, AMENDMENTS, ETC. In the
case of Holdings, furnish to the Administrative Agent for distribution to each
1996 Credit Agreement Creditor (with sufficient copies for each 1996 Credit
Agreement Creditor):



<PAGE>


                                       39



              (a) within 90 (or, in the case of clause (ii) below, 105) days
         after the end of each fiscal year (x) consolidated balance sheets and
         related statements of income and cash flows, showing the consolidated
         financial condition of each of (i) Holdings and its Subsidiaries and
         (ii) unless Carcorp, Inc. is the only Unrestricted Subsidiary, Holdings
         and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case as of the close of such
         fiscal year and the results of their operations during such year,
         audited in the case of clause (i) above by Arthur Andersen L.L.P. or
         other independent public accountants of recognized national standing
         (who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) and
         accompanied by (1) in the case of clause (i), an opinion of such
         accountants (which shall not be qualified in any material respect) to
         the effect that such consolidated financial statements fairly present
         the financial condition and results of operations of Holdings and its
         consolidated subsidiaries and Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries,
         respectively, in accordance with GAAP and (2) a certificate of a
         Financial Officer certifying that such consolidated financial
         statements fairly present the financial condition and results of
         operations of Holdings and its consolidated subsidiaries and Holdings
         and the Restricted Subsidiaries, respectively, in accordance with GAAP
         consistently applied (except as disclosed in such certificate, in
         reasonable detail, which detail shall be reasonably acceptable to the
         Administrative Agent) and (y) a statement of stockholders' equity of
         Holdings, presented on a basis consistent with the financial statements
         furnished pursuant to clause (x) above, and certified by one of
         Holdings' Financial Officers as fairly presenting the stockholders'
         equity of Holdings in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (except
         as disclosed in such certificate in reasonable detail, which detail
         shall be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent);

              (b) within 45 (or, in the case of clause (ii) below, 60) days
         after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal
         year, the consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income
         and cash flows, showing the consolidated financial condition of each of
         (i) Holdings and its Subsidiaries and (ii) unless Carcorp., Inc. is the
         only Unrestricted Subsidiary, Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries,
         in each case as of the close of such fiscal quarter and the results of
         their operations during such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed
         portion of the fiscal year, together with the balance sheets and
         related statements of income and cash flows as of the corresponding
         dates and for the corresponding periods in the prior year, all
         certified by one of its Financial Officers as fairly presenting the
         consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Holdings
         and its consolidated subsidiaries and Holdings and the Restricted
         Subsidiaries, respectively, in accordance with GAAP (other than the
         absence of footnotes in accordance with GAAP) consistently applied
         (except as disclosed in such certificate in reasonable detail, which
         detail shall be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent),
         subject to normal year-end audit adjustments;

              (c) concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under
         (a) or (b) above, a certificate (a "COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE") of the
         accounting firm or Financial Officer (which certificate shall be in the
         form of Exhibit E if delivered by a Financial Officer) opining on or
         certifying such statements (which certificate, when furnished by an
         accounting firm, may be limited to accounting matters and disclaim
         responsibility for legal interpretations) (i) certifying that no
         Default or Event of Default has occurred or, if such Default or Event
         of Default has occurred, specifying the nature and extent thereof and
         any corrective action taken or proposed to be taken with respect
         thereto and (ii) setting forth computations in reasonable detail (which
         detail shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent)
         demonstrating compliance with the covenants contained in Sections 6.14,
         6.15 (in the case of Section 5.04(a) only) 6.16 and 6.17 and showing
         the Applicable Level;

              (d) if, as a result of any change in accounting principles and
         policies from those as in effect on the date of this Agreement, the
         consolidated financial statements of Holdings and the Subsidiaries or
         Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivered
         pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above will differ in any material
         respect from the consolidated financial statements that would have been
         delivered pursuant to such clauses had no such change in accounting
         principles and policies been made, then, together with the first
         delivery of financial statements pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above
         following such change, a schedule prepared by a Financial Officer
         reconciling such changes to what the financial statements would have
         been without such changes;



<PAGE>


                                       40



              (e) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of
         all periodic reports and proxy statements and, to the extent requested
         by the Administrative Agent, any other materials filed by Holdings or
         any of its Subsidiaries with the Securities and Exchange Commission
         under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any Governmental
         Authority succeeding to any of or all the functions of said Commission,
         or with any national securities exchange, or distributed to its
         shareholders generally, as the case may be;

              (f) within 90 days after the beginning of each fiscal year, a copy
         of the annual income and capital expenditure budget for such fiscal
         year;

              (g) promptly, from time to time, such other information regarding
         the operations, business affairs and financial condition of Holdings or
         any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of any
         Loan Document, as any 1996 Credit Agreement Creditor, acting through
         the Administrative Agent, may reasonably request;

              (h) promptly,  a copy of any  amendment or waiver of any
         provisions of any agreement which amendment or waiver is described in
         Section 6.10 or 6.11;

              (i) promptly following the creation or acquisition of any
         Subsidiary, a certificate from a Responsible Officer, identifying such
         new Subsidiary and the ownership interest of Holdings and its
         Subsidiaries therein; and concurrently with the delivery of financial
         statements under (a) or (b) above, a description of the Investments in
         Unrestricted Subsidiaries made during the fiscal quarter ending on the
         date of such financial statements and the amount thereof; PROVIDED,
         that with respect to the Subordinated Notes owed by Carcorp, Inc. under
         the receivables financing facility (the "Sub Notes"), the Borrower
         shall not be required to report any changes in the outstanding
         principal amount of the Sub Notes, unless the aggregate outstanding
         principal amount of such Sub Notes exceeds $75,000,000;

              (j) if requested by the Administrative Agent, within 105 days
         following the end of any fiscal year of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, a
         balance sheet and related statements of income and cash flow for such
         Unrestricted Subsidiary at the end of and for such fiscal year; and

              (k) promptly, a copy of all reports submitted in connection with
         any interim or special audit made by independent accountants of the
         books of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries.

         SECTION 5.05. LITIGATION AND OTHER NOTICES. Furnish to each 1996 Credit
Agreement Creditor prompt written notice of the following:

              (a) any Default or Event of Default, specifying the nature and
         extent thereof and the corrective action (if any) proposed to be taken
         with respect thereto;

              (b) the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding,
         whether at law or in equity or by or before any Governmental Authority,
         against Holdings or any Subsidiary in respect of which there is a
         reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and which, if
         adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a
         Material Adverse Effect; and

              (c) any development specific to Holdings and its Subsidiaries and
         not otherwise publicly disclosed known to a Responsible Officer that
         has resulted in, or could reasonably be anticipated to result in, a
         Material Adverse Effect.

         SECTION 5.06. ERISA. (a) Comply in all material respects with the
applicable provisions of ERISA and (b) furnish to each 1996 Credit Agreement
Creditor (i) as soon as possible, and in any event within 30 days after any
Responsible Officer of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any ERISA Affiliate of any
of them knows or has reason to know that any Reportable Event has occurred that
alone or together with any other Reportable Event could reasonably be expected
to result in liability of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their ERISA
Affiliates to the PBGC in an aggregate amount exceeding $10,000,000, a statement
of a Financial Officer setting forth details as to


<PAGE>


                                       41



such Reportable Event and the action proposed to be taken with respect thereto,
together with a copy of the notice, if any, of such Reportable Event given to
the PBGC, (ii) promptly after any Responsible Officer learns of receipt thereof,
a copy of any notice the Borrower or any Guarantor or any of their ERISA
Affiliates may receive from the PBGC relating to the intention of the PBGC to
terminate any Plan or Plans (other than a Plan maintained by any of their ERISA
Affiliates which is considered an ERISA Affiliate only pursuant to subsection
(m) or (o) of Section 414 of the Code) or to appoint a trustee to administer any
Plan or Plans, (iii) within 20 days after the due date for filing with the PBGC
pursuant to Section 412(n) of the Code a notice of failure to make a required
installment or other payment with respect to a Plan, a statement of a Financial
Officer setting forth details as to such failure and the action proposed to be
taken with respect thereto, together with a copy of such notice given to the
PBGC and (iv) promptly after any Responsible Officer learns thereof and in any
event within 30 days after receipt thereof by the Borrower, any Guarantor or any
ERISA Affiliate from the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan, a copy of each notice
received by the Borrower, any Guarantor or such ERISA Affiliate concerning (A)
the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or (B) a determination that a
Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, terminated or in reorganization, in
each case within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

         SECTION 5.07. MAINTAINING RECORDS; ACCESS TO PROPERTIES AND
INSPECTIONS. Maintain all financial records in accordance with GAAP and permit
any persons designated by the Administrative Agent (or, during the continuance
of an Event of Default, any Lender) to visit and inspect the financial records
and the properties of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary at reasonable times,
upon reasonable notice and as often as reasonably requested and to make extracts
from and copies of such financial records, and permit any persons designated by
the Administrative Agent (or, during the continuance of an Event of Default, any
Lender) to discuss the affairs, finances and condition of Holdings or any
Restricted Subsidiary with the officers thereof and independent accountants
therefor (subject to reasonable requirements of confidentiality, including
requirements imposed by law or by contract).

         SECTION 5.08. USE OF PROCEEDS. Use the proceeds of the Loans solely (i)
to refinance, purchase or acquire outstanding JPS Automotive Senior Notes,
including JPS Automotive Senior Notes put to JPS Automotive as a result of the
change of control of JPS Automotive resulting from the JPS Automotive
Acquisition, and to refinance the acquisition cost of previously purchased JPS
Automotive Senior Notes and (ii) up to $20,000,000 for general corporate
purposes (including premium and purchased interest on the JPS Automotive Senior
Notes).

         SECTION 5.09. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Execute any and all further
documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all
further action (including filing UCC financing statements, mortgages and deeds
of trust), which may be required under applicable law, or which the Collateral
Agent may reasonably request, in order to effectuate the transactions
contemplated by the Loan Documents and in order to grant, preserve, protect and
perfect the validity and first priority (subject to Liens permitted by Section
6.04) of the security interests created or intended to be created pursuant to
the Pledge Agreement. In addition, from time to time, Holdings and the
Restricted Subsidiaries will, at their cost and expense, subject to the
obtaining of any required regulatory authorizations (which Holdings and Borrower
agree to use their best efforts to obtain) promptly secure the Obligations by
causing the following to occur: (i) promptly upon creating or acquiring any
additional subsidiary, the stock of such subsidiary will (unless such subsidiary
is a subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary or, unless and to the extent
prohibited by the terms of the JPS Automotive Senior Notes, of JPS Automotive)
be pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, provided that no more than 65% of
the capital stock of any foreign subsidiary shall be required to be pledged
pursuant to this Section 5.09, and (ii) such subsidiary will (unless such
subsidiary is an Unrestricted Subsidiary or a foreign subsidiary) or, unless and
to the extent prohibited by the terms of the JPS Automotive Senior Notes, JPS
Automotive or any of its subsidiaries become a party to the Guarantee Agreement.
All such security interests and Liens will be created under the Pledge Agreement
and other security agreements and other instruments and documents in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, and Holdings and the
Restricted Subsidiaries shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Administrative Agent all such instruments and documents (including legal
opinions and lien searches) as the Required Lenders shall reasonably request to
evidence compliance with this Section 5.09. Holdings and the Restricted
Subsidiaries agree to provide such evidence as the Administrative Agent shall
reasonably request as to the perfection and priority status of each such
security interest and Lien.


                                                               

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                                       42



         SECTION 5.10. CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. In the case of Holdings, own
directly at all times, legally and beneficially, 100% of the capital stock of
the Borrower, free of Liens except Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent; and,
in the case of Borrower, own (a) directly at all times, legally and
beneficially, 100% of the capital stock of the Finance Subsidiary free of Liens
except Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent and (b) directly or indirectly at
all times, legally and beneficially, 100% of the capital stock of C&A Canada
free of Liens except Liens, if any, in favor of the Collateral Agent.

         SECTION 5.11. FISCAL YEAR; ACCOUNTING. In the case of each of Holdings
and its subsidiaries, cause its respective fiscal year to end on the last
Saturday in January; provided Holdings and its Subsidiaries may change to a
fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in December (except that the fiscal year
end may vary for any foreign subsidiary domiciled in a jurisdiction that
prohibits such last Saturday year end).

         SECTION  5.12.  DIVIDENDS.  In the  case of the  Borrower,  permit  its
subsidiaries  to pay dividends and cause such dividends to be paid to the extent
required to pay the monetary Obligations.

         SECTION 5.13. RATE PROTECTION AGREEMENTS. The Borrower shall (within
120, 240 and 360 days following the Closing Date) enter into, and thereafter
maintain in effect, one or more interest rate protection agreements (including
interest rate swaps, caps, collars and other interest rate hedging transactions)
with any of the Lenders or other financial institutions reasonably satisfactory
to the Administrative Agent (the obligations of the Borrower in respect of all
such agreements and transactions shall be unsecured, except in the case of any
such agreement or transaction entered into with an Existing Credit Agreement
Creditor or its affiliates), the effect of which shall be to limit for a period
of at least two years following the Closing Date the interest payable by the
Borrower in connection with Indebtedness under this Agreement having an
aggregate outstanding principal amount not less than an amount equal to 50% of
the aggregate principal amount of the Loans made during the previous 120 days on
terms and conditions reasonably acceptable, taking into account current market
conditions, to the Administrative Agent and deliver evidence of the execution
and delivery thereof to the Administrative Agent.

         SECTION 5.14. CORPORATE SEPARATENESS. Cause the management, business
and affairs of each of Holdings and the Subsidiaries to be conducted in such a
manner so that each of Holdings and the Unrestricted Subsidiaries will be
perceived as a legal entity separate and distinct from each other and the
Restricted Subsidiaries.

         SECTION  5.15.  BUSINESS  OF  RESTRICTED  SUBSIDIARIES.  Not permit any
material  portion of the business and activities of the Restricted  Subsidiaries
to be performed and conducted by the Unrestricted Subsidiaries.


                                   ARTICLE VI.

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         Each of Holdings and the Borrower covenants and agrees that from and
after the Closing Date, so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect or any
monetary Obligation shall be unpaid, unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise
consent in writing, Holdings and the Borrower will not, and will not cause or
permit any Restricted Subsidiary to:

         SECTION 6.01.  INDEBTEDNESS.  Incur, create,  assume or permit to exist
any Indebtedness, except:

              (a) Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries
         for borrowed money in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 under
         agreements existing on June 3, 1996 and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and
         other Indebtedness existing on June 3, 1996, but not any extensions,
         renewals or refinancings of such Indebtedness except (i) renewals and
         extensions expressly provided for in the agreements evidencing any such
         Indebtedness as the same are in effect on the date of this Agreement
         and (ii) refinancings and extensions of any such Indebtedness if the
         interest rate with respect thereto and other terms thereof are no less
         favorable than the Indebtedness being refinanced or extended and the
         average life to maturity thereof is greater than or equal to the
         Indebtedness being refinanced or extended (provided that such
         Indebtedness

           

<PAGE>


                                       43



         permitted under clause (i) or clause (ii) above shall not be (A)
         Indebtedness of an obligor that was not an obligor with respect to the
         Indebtedness being extended, renewed or refinanced, (B) in a principal
         amount which exceeds the Indebtedness being renewed, extended or
         refinanced or (C) incurred, created or assumed if any Default or Event
         of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom);

              (b) Indebtedness of the Borrower consisting of contingent
         liabilities arising from indemnities and other contractual obligations
         of the Borrower existing from the sale of properties prior to June 3,
         1996 by Holdings and the Borrower and their predecessors;

              (c) So long as immediately after giving effect to the incurrence
         thereof no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
         continuing, Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness and unsecured
         subordinated Guarantees of such Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness;

              (d) Indebtedness of (i) the Borrower to any subsidiary of the
         Borrower evidenced, if the amount of such Indebtedness owing to a
         Domestic Restricted Subsidiary exceeds $10,000,000, by an Intercompany
         Note pledged to the Collateral Agent under the Pledge Agreement, (ii)
         any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower evidenced, if the
         amount of such Indebtedness exceeds $10,000,000, by an Intercompany
         Note pledged to the Collateral Agent under the Pledge Agreement, (iii)
         any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary to any other Restricted Subsidiary
         evidenced, if the amount of such Indebtedness owing to a Domestic
         Restricted Subsidiary exceeds $10,000,000, by an Intercompany Note
         pledged to the Collateral Agent under the Pledge Agreement, (iv) any
         Foreign Restricted Subsidiaries to the Borrower or to any other
         Domestic Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate principal amount,
         together with Investments under Section 6.07(l) and Indebtedness
         outstanding under Section 6.01(r), not at any time in excess of
         $200,000,000 PLUS the Foreign Currency Fluctuation Amount and evidenced
         by one or more Intercompany Notes pledged to the Collateral Agent under
         the Pledge Agreement if the outstanding amount of such Indebtedness
         exceeds $5,000,000 in the aggregate, (v) Holdings to Borrower, in an
         amount not greater than $2,000,000 at any time, (vi) Manchester
         Plastics, Ltd. to any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate
         principal amount not to exceed $35,000,000, evidenced by one or more
         Intercompany Notes pledged to the Collateral Agent under the Pledge
         Agreement and (vii) any Foreign Restricted Subsidiary to any other
         foreign Subsidiary;

              (e) Capital Lease Obligations and Purchase Money Indebtedness
         incurred by the Borrower (or any other Restricted Subsidiary in the
         case of Purchase Money Indebtedness incurred, together with
         Indebtedness under clause (o) below, not in excess of $30,000,000 in
         the aggregate at any time outstanding) prior to or within 270 days
         after a Capital Expenditure permitted under Section 6.03 in order to
         finance such Capital Expenditure, and extensions, renewals and
         refinancings thereof if the interest rate with respect thereto and
         other terms thereof are no less favorable than the Indebtedness being
         refinanced and the average life to maturity thereof is greater than or
         equal to the Indebtedness being refinanced (provided that such
         Indebtedness shall not be (A) Indebtedness of an obligor that was not
         an obligor with respect to the Indebtedness being extended, renewed or
         refinanced, (B) in a principal amount which exceeds the Indebtedness
         being renewed, extended or refinanced or (C) incurred, created or
         assumed if any Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
         continuing or would result therefrom);

              (f) Capital Lease Obligations incurred by the Borrower or any
         Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Sale and Leaseback Transaction
         that is permitted under Section 6.06;

              (g) Indebtedness of the Borrower and its subsidiaries in the
         nature of Interest Rate Agreements and other interest rate and foreign
         currency hedging transactions entered into in order to fix the
         effective rate of interest, or to hedge against currency fluctuations,
         on the Loans and other Indebtedness (it being understood that such
         transactions shall be entered into for business purposes and not for
         the purpose of speculation);

              (h) Indebtedness of a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary which
         represents the assumption by such Domestic Restricted Subsidiary of
         Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with the merger

           

<PAGE>


                                       44



         of such Restricted Subsidiary with or into the assuming Domestic
         Restricted Subsidiary or the purchase of all or substantially all the
         assets of such other Restricted Subsidiary;

              (i) Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of
         performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, bankers acceptances,
         letters of credit and surety bonds provided in the ordinary course of
         business, and any extension, renewal or refinancing thereof to the
         extent not provided to secure the repayment of other Indebtedness and
         to the extent that the amount of refinancing Indebtedness is not
         greater than the amount of Indebtedness being refinanced;

              (j) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other
         financial institutions of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn
         against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business; PROVIDED
         that such Indebtedness is extinguished within two Business Days of its
         incurrence;

              (k) (i) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary acquired after
         June 3, 1996, (ii) indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of the
         Borrower incurred after the date hereof in connection with an
         acquisition, and (iii) Indebtedness of a corporation merged or
         consolidated with or into a Restricted Subsidiary after June 3, 1996,
         which Indebtedness exists at the time of such acquisition, merger or
         consolidation (whether or not created in contemplation of such event)
         and such acquisition, merger or consolidation is permitted by this
         Agreement; PROVIDED that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness
         under this clause (k) shall not exceed $250,000,000 less outstanding
         Indebtedness under paragraph (l) below (it being understood that JPS
         Automotive Senior Notes owned by the Borrower and its subsidiaries (and
         pledged under the Pledge Agreement) shall not be deemed outstanding);

              (l) (i) Indebtedness under this Agreement and (ii) Indebtedness of
         the Borrower incurred after June 3, 1996, which Indebtedness is created
         or incurred in connection with any Permitted Business Acquisition;
         provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness which may
         be created or incurred under this paragraph (l) shall not exceed
         $200,000,000;

              (m) Indebtedness owed to (including obligations in respect of
         letters of credit for the benefit of) any person providing worker's
         compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits, property,
         casualty, liability or other insurance to Holdings or any Subsidiary,
         pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such
         person;

              (n) (i) Indebtedness under the Existing Credit Agreement and the
         Guarantees thereof by the Guarantors pursuant to the Guarantee
         Agreement and (ii) Indebtedness represented by the Guarantees of
         Indebtedness permitted under clause (l) above and clause (u) below by
         the Guarantors pursuant to the Guarantee Agreement;

              (o) other Capital Lease Obligations of the Restricted Subsidiaries
         in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding, together with
         Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower outstanding
         under clause (e) above, not in excess of $30,000,000;

              (p) other unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower and C&A Canada in
         an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not in excess of
         $40,000,000 and unsecured Guarantees by the Borrower of any
         Indebtedness of C&A Canada incurred in accordance with this clause (p);

              (q) other Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Restricted
         Subsidiary together with Indebtedness listed on Schedule 6.01 (as such
         Indebtedness may be refinanced as permitted by Section 6.01(a)) in an
         aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed
         $35,000,000 and unsecured Guarantees by the Borrower of any
         Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary incurred in accordance with
         this clause (q);

              (r) other Indebtedness of Foreign Restricted Subsidiaries
         denominated in Dollars or in Foreign Currencies in an aggregate
         outstanding amount at any one time not to exceed the Dollar Equivalent
         Amount


<PAGE>


                                       45



         of, together with Investments under Section 6.07(l) and outstanding
         Indebtedness under Section 6.01(d)(iv), $200,000,000 PLUS the Foreign
         Currency Fluctuation Amount;

              (s) Indebtedness of Foreign Restricted Subsidiaries incurred for
         the purpose of financing working capital in an aggregate outstanding
         amount at any one time not to exceed the Dollar Equivalent Amount of
         $35,000,000 PLUS the Foreign Currency Fluctuation Amount;

              (t) all premium (if any), interest (including post-petition
         interest), fees, expenses, indemnities, charges and additional or
         contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (q)
         above; and

              (u) Indebtedness of the Borrower incurred after the date hereof in
         respect of revolving credit facilities having a maturity of 364 days or
         less in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000.

         SECTION 6.02. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Declare or pay, directly or
indirectly, any dividend or make any other distribution (by reduction of capital
or otherwise), whether in cash, property, securities or a combination thereof,
with respect to any shares of its capital stock (other than dividends and
distributions on Holdings Common Stock payable solely by the issuance of
additional shares of Holdings Common Stock) or directly or indirectly redeem,
purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value (or permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to purchase or acquire) any shares of any class of its capital stock
or any option, warrant or other right to acquire shares of such stock or set
aside any cash, property, securities or combination thereof amount for any such
purpose; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that:

              (a) any  Subsidiary  may declare and pay  dividends  or make other
         distributions   to  the   Borrower  or  to  wholly   owned   Restricted
         Subsidiaries;

              (b) if at the time  thereof  and after  giving  effect  thereto no
         Default or Event of  Default  shall have  occurred  and be  continuing,
         Holdings  may pay  dividends  in cash on its common  stock or preferred
         stock or may redeem,  purchase,  retire or otherwise  acquire for value
         its  common  stock or  preferred  stock  PROVIDED  that the sum of such
         dividends  and  consideration  paid  for such  redemptions,  purchases,
         retirements and other  acquisitions in any fiscal year shall not exceed
         $12,000,000;

              (c) if at the time thereof and after giving effect thereto no
         Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and
         the Dividend Condition shall have been met, Holdings may pay dividends
         in cash on its common stock or any preferred stock and may redeem,
         purchase, retire or otherwise acquire for value its common stock or any
         preferred stock in any fiscal year in an amount not to exceed in the
         aggregate for all such transactions 25% of Net Income for the prior
         fiscal year less the amount of dividends and consideration (for
         redemptions, purchases, retirements and other acquisitions) paid in
         such current fiscal year pursuant to clause (b) above;

              (d) if at the time thereof and after giving effect thereto no
         Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing,
         Holdings may repurchase director's qualifying shares of Holdings and
         capital stock of Holdings and options therefor of employees and
         directors of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries PROVIDED that (i)
         no such repurchase may be made unless Holdings is obligated to do so at
         the time of repurchase pursuant to contractual agreements between
         Holdings and the applicable officer or director and (ii) the aggregate
         amount paid by Holdings in connection with such repurchases at any time
         shall not exceed $3,000,000 plus the aggregate amount (but only to the
         extent such amount is simultaneously contributed by Holdings to the
         Borrower) received by Holdings from the sale or issuance of its capital
         stock or options therefor to officers and directors of Holdings and the
         Restricted Subsidiaries after the 1994 Closing Date;

              (e) the Borrower may pay dividends or make other distributions to
         Holdings in amounts sufficient to allow Holdings to pay (i) Permitted
         Tax Payments and state and local taxes and other governmental charges,
         and administrative and routine expenses required to be paid by Holdings
         in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) the dividends, other
         consideration (for redemptions, purchases, retirements and other
         acquisitions of common stock and preferred stock) and other amounts
         contemplated by clauses (b) and (c)

        

<PAGE>


                                       46



         above; PROVIDED that dividends paid to Holdings pursuant to this clause
         (ii) in order to permit Holdings to pay dividends are used by Holdings
         for such purpose within 20 days of the receipt of such dividends by
         Holdings, (iii) the repurchase price for the capital stock and options
         therefor of Holdings contemplated by clause (d) above provided that
         such dividends pursuant to clause (iii) are used by Holdings for such
         purpose within 20 days of the receipt of such dividends by Holdings and
         (iv) the amount of any Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary if the
         Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries could have made such
         Investment in Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 6.07 (l)
         (but on the assumption that the Borrower could otherwise invest in such
         Unrestricted Subsidiary); PROVIDED that such dividends pursuant to
         clause (iv) are used by Holdings for such purpose within 20 days of
         receipt of such dividends by Holdings; PROVIDED FURTHER that no
         dividend may be paid to Holdings pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii) or
         (iv) if at the time of such dividend or after giving effect thereto a
         Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

              (f) the  foregoing  shall  not  prohibit  the ESOP  Investment  or
         employee-directed  purchases of Holdings stock pursuant to any employee
         benefit plan; and

              (g) Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries may declare and pay
         dividends (a) consisting of the stock of the Wallcoverings Subsidiaries
         and (b) in amounts equal to the Available Wallcoverings Proceeds, in
         connection with the consummation of the Wallcoverings Disposition.

         SECTION 6.03. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Permit Capital Expenditures of the
Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis during any fiscal year to be
greater than the amount set forth below for such fiscal year:

         FISCAL YEAR               AMOUNT

              1994               $ 85,000,000
              1995                130,000,000
              1996                 80,000,000
              1997                 80,000,000
              1998                 80,000,000
              1999                 80,000,000
              2000                 80,000,000
              2001                 80,000,000
              2002                 80,000,000

         PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) to the extent Capital Expenditures made in
         any fiscal year are less than the amount set forth above opposite such
         fiscal year, Restricted Subsidiaries shall be permitted to carry
         forward the unused amount to the succeeding fiscal years so long as
         such aggregate Capital Expenditures in any fiscal year do not exceed
         $130,000,000; (ii) Capital Expenditures may not be made by Holdings;
         and (iii) Capital Expenditures that are refinanced with Sale and
         Lease-Back Transactions within 270 days of acquisition which result in
         Operating Leases shall be deemed not to be Capital Expenditures.

         SECTION 6.04. LIENS. Create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien
on any property or assets (including stock or other securities) now owned or
hereafter acquired by it or on any income or rights in respect of any thereof,
except:

              (a) Liens on property or assets of the Restricted Subsidiaries
         existing on the date of this Agreement and, in the case of Liens
         securing Indebtedness for borrowed money, set forth in Schedule 6.04;
         PROVIDED that such Liens shall secure only those obligations which they
         secure on such date (and extensions, renewals and refinancings of such
         obligations permitted by Section 6.01(a)) and do not subsequently apply
         to any other property or assets of Holdings or any Restricted
         Subsidiary;

              (b) any Lien on any property or asset used by a Restricted
         Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, which Lien existed prior
         to the acquisition thereof by such subsidiary; PROVIDED that (i) such
         Lien

                           

<PAGE>


                                       47



         is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such
         acquisition and (ii) such Lien does not apply to any other property or
         assets of any other Restricted Subsidiary;

              (c) any Lien on any property or asset of a Restricted Subsidiary
         securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(k), PROVIDED that such
         Lien does not apply to any other property or assets of Holdings or any
         Restricted Subsidiary not securing such Indebtedness at the date of
         acquisition of such property or asset;

              (d) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or
         levies not yet due, or which are for less than $1,000,000 in the
         aggregate, or which are being contested in compliance with Section 5.03
         or for property taxes for property that the Borrower or one of its
         Restricted Subsidiaries has determined to abandon if the sole recourse
         for such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim is to such property;

              (e) carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's,
         repairmen's or other like Liens arising in the ordinary course of
         business and securing obligations which are not due or which are being
         contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and in respect of
         which, if applicable, Holdings or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary
         shall have set aside on its books reserves in accordance with GAAP;

              (f) pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business
         in compliance with the Federal Employers Liability Act or any other
         workmen's compensation, unemployment insurance and other social
         security laws or regulations and deposits securing liability to
         insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements;

              (g) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts
         (other than for Indebtedness), leases (other than Capital Lease
         Obligations), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds,
         performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in
         the ordinary course of business;

              (h) zoning restrictions, easements, trackage rights, leases (other
         than Capital Lease Obligations), licenses, special assessments,
         rights-of-way, restrictions on use of real property and other similar
         encumbrances incurred in the ordinary course of business which, in the
         aggregate, are not substantial in amount and do not materially detract
         from the value of the property subject thereto or interfere in any
         material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of any
         Restricted Subsidiary;

              (i) purchase money security interests in real property,
         improvements thereto or equipment acquired (or, in the case of
         improvements, constructed) by any Restricted Subsidiary (including
         without limitation, the interests of vendors and lessors under
         conditional sale and title retention agreements); PROVIDED that (i)
         such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01,
         (ii) such security interests are incurred, and the Indebtedness secured
         thereby is created, within 270 days after such acquisition (or
         construction), (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed
         100% of the cost of such real property, improvements or equipment at
         the time of such acquisition (or construction), (iv) such expenditures
         are Capital Expenditures permitted under Section 6.03 and (v) such
         security interests do not apply to any other property or assets of any
         Restricted Subsidiary (other than to accessions to such real property,
         improvements or equipment and provided that individual financings of
         equipment provided by a single lender may be cross-collateralized to
         other financings of equipment provided solely by such lender);

               (j)  Liens  created  in favor  of the  Collateral  Agent  for the
         benefit of the Secured Parties;

              (k) Liens securing reimbursement obligations in respect of
         commercial letters of credit permitted under Section 6.01 and covering
         the goods (or the documents of title in respect of such goods) financed
         by such letters of credit;

              (l) Liens arising out of capitalized or operating lease
         transactions permitted under Section 6.06, so long as such Liens (i)
         attach only to the property sold in such transaction and any accessions
         thereto and (ii) do not interfere with the business of Holdings and the
         Restricted Subsidiaries in any material respect;



<PAGE>


                                       48



              (m) any Lien on assets of a person  securing  Indebtedness of such
         person permitted by Section 6.01(q);

              (n) any Lien arising by operation of law pursuant to Section
         107(1) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
         Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 9607(l), or pursuant to analogous state
         law, for costs or damages which are not yet due (by virtue of a written
         demand for payment by a Governmental Authority) or which are being
         contested in compliance with Section 5.03, or on property that a
         Restricted Subsidiary has determined to abandon if the sole recourse
         for such costs or damages is to such property, PROVIDED that the
         liability of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to
         the matter giving rise to such Lien shall not, in the reasonable
         estimate of the Borrower (in light of all attendant circumstances,
         including the likelihood of contribution by third parties), exceed
         $7,500,000;

              (o) any leases or  subleases  to other  persons of  properties  or
         assets owned or leased by a Restricted Subsidiary;

              (p) Liens  consisting of interests of lessors under capital leases
         permitted by Section 6.01;

              (q) Liens securing judgements for the payment of money in an
         aggregate amount not in excess of $7,500,000 (to the extent not covered
         by insurance) which judgements shall not be undischarged or stayed for
         a period of more than 30 consecutive days;

              (r) the replacement, extension or renewal of any Lien permitted by
         clause (b), (c) or (i) above, PROVIDED that such replacement, extension
         or renewal Lien shall not cover any property other than the property
         that was subject to such Lien prior to such replacement, extension or
         renewal and PROVIDED FURTHER that the Indebtedness and other
         obligations secured by such replacement, extension or renewal Lien are
         permitted by this Agreement;

              (s) other Liens with respect to property or assets not
         constituting collateral for the Obligations with an aggregate fair
         market value of not more than $25,000,000 at any time;

              (t)  Permitted Receivables Financing; and

              (u) Liens representing the pledge of equity interests in joint
         ventures to secure call options with joint venture partners and to
         finance such joint ventures, provided that the aggregate amount of
         investment in such equity interests does not exceed $25,000,000.

         SECTION 6.05. PRIORITY OF LOAN PAYMENTS. (a) Until the Commitments have
been terminated and the Obligations have been paid in full, directly or
indirectly, make any payment, retirement, repurchase or redemption on account of
the principal of any Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness or directly or
indirectly prepay any Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness prior to the stated
maturity date of such Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, make any payment or
prepayment of any Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness which would violate the
terms of this Agreement or of such Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, any
agreement or document evidencing, related to or securing the payment or
performance of the Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness or any subordination
agreement applicable to such Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness.

         (b) Until the Commitments have been terminated and the Obligations have
been paid in full, repay any Funded Debt of Holdings and the Restricted
Subsidiaries except:

                (i)  the Obligations;

               (ii) payments of  Funded  Debt made in conformity with the
         regularly scheduled maturity thereof or mandatory prepayment provisions
         thereof;

              (iii) if no Default or  Event  of  Default  has  occurred  and is
         continuing or would result therefrom,
         refinancings permitted by Section 6.01;


<PAGE>


                                       49




                (iv) if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
         continuing or would result therefrom, prepayments by a Restricted
         Subsidiary of its Funded Debt acquired in connection with a Permitted
         Business Acquisition;

                (v) if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
         continuing or would result therefrom, prepayments of up to $10,000,000
         in the aggregate of other Funded Debt of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

               (vi)  repayments of the Existing  Revolving  Credit Loans and 
         Swing Line Loans (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement);

              (vii)  so  long  as the  Loans  are  ratably prepaid in the same
         proportion, optional prepayments of the Existing Term Loans; and

              (viii) prepayment of Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(k)
         (subject to Section 6.07(n)), (s) or (u).

         SECTION 6.06. SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTIONS. Enter into any
arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any person whereby Holdings or any
Restricted Subsidiary shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal,
used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and
thereafter rent or lease such property or other property which it intends to use
for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property being sold or
transferred (a "SALE AND LEASE-BACK TRANSACTION"), other than any Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction which involves a sale by the Borrower or a Restricted
Subsidiary solely for cash consideration on terms not less favorable than would
prevail in an arms'-length transaction and which (a) results in a Capital Lease
Obligation or an Operating Lease, in either case entered into to finance a
Capital Expenditure permitted by Section 6.03 consisting of the initial
acquisition by such subsidiary of the property sold or transferred in such Sale
and Lease-Back Transaction, PROVIDED that such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
occurs within 270 days after such acquisition or (b) results in a Capital Lease
Obligation or an Operating Lease entered into for any other purpose (provided
that any such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction in reliance upon this clause (b)
shall be deemed to be a Prepayment Event).

         SECTION 6.07. INVESTMENTS, LOANS AND ADVANCES. Purchase, hold or
acquire any capital stock, evidences of indebtedness or other securities of,
make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, or make or permit to exist any
investment or any other interest in (collectively, an "INVESTMENT"), any other
person, except:

              (a) Permitted  Investments  and  Investments  that were  Permitted
         Investments when made;

              (b)  Investments  by Holdings in the  Borrower,  Investments  by a
         Restricted   Subsidiary  in  a  Domestic   Restricted   Subsidiary  and
         Investments  by  Foreign  Restricted   Subsidiaries  in  other  Foreign
         Restricted Subsidiaries;

              (c) Investments arising out of the receipt by the Borrower of
         noncash consideration for the sale of assets permitted under Section
         6.08 provided that such consideration (if the stated amount or value
         thereof is in excess of $1,000,000) is pledged upon receipt pursuant to
         the Pledge Agreement;

              (d)  intercompany  loans  permitted to be incurred as Indebtedness
         under Section 6.01(d);

              (e)   Investments   by  a   wholly-owned   Restricted   Subsidiary
         constituting Permitted Business Acquisitions;

              (f) (i) loans and advances to employees of any Restricted
         Subsidiary not to exceed $300,000 at any time outstanding to any one
         employee and not to exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate at any time
         outstanding and (ii) advances of payroll payments and expenses to
         employees in the ordinary course of business;



<PAGE>


                                       50



              (g) accounts receivable arising and trade credit granted in the
         ordinary course of business and any securities received in satisfaction
         or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account
         debtors to the extent reasonably necessary in order to prevent or limit
         loss;

              (h) an Investment by the Borrower or any of the Restricted
         Subsidiaries in any Finance Subsidiary that the Borrower is
         incorporating, but only to the extent necessary to incorporate such
         Finance Subsidiary and acquire its capital stock and subordinated
         indebtedness in connection with sales of receivables, all with the
         minimum capitalization necessary;

              (i) investments, other than investments listed in clauses (a)
         through (h) of this Section, existing on the Closing Date and set forth
         on Schedule 6.07;

              (j)  the ESOP Loans;

              (k) Investments the sole consideration for which by Holdings and
         the Restricted Subsidiaries is capital stock of Holdings PROVIDED that,
         after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default under
         paragraph (m) of Article VII shall have occurred;

              (l) if no Default or Event of Default exists immediately before or
         after giving effect to such Investment, other Investments, including
         joint ventures and Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries, provided
         that (i) the consideration for all such Investments (whether cash or
         property, as valued at the time of such Investment) does not exceed
         (net of any return representing return of capital of (but not return
         on) any such Investment) at any time, together with the amount of
         outstanding intercompany loans under Section 6.01(d)(iv) and
         outstanding Indebtedness under Section 6.01(r), $200,000,000 PLUS the
         Foreign Currency Fluctuation Amount in the aggregate and (ii) the
         consideration for Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries (whether
         cash or property, as valued at the time of such Investment) does not
         exceed (net of any return representing return of capital of (but not
         return on) any such Investment) at any time $75,000,000 in the
         aggregate;

              (m) Investments resulting from pledges and deposits referred to in
         Section 6.04(f); and

              (n) the purchase of any JPS Automotive Senior Notes not put
         pursuant to the change of control provision relating thereto, provided
         that the aggregate premium paid by and interest purchased by the
         Borrower and its subsidiaries for all JPS Automotive Senior Notes
         outstanding on the date hereof shall not exceed $20,000,000.

None of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries may make any Investment in
Unrestricted Subsidiaries except as described in the definition of "Unrestricted
Subsidiaries" set forth in Section 1.01.

         SECTION 6.08. MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS, SALES OF ASSETS AND
ACQUISITIONS. Merge into or consolidate with any other person, or permit any
other person to merge into or consolidate with it, or sell, transfer, lease or
otherwise dispose of (in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or
any part of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) or any capital
stock of any subsidiary, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire (in one
transaction or a series of transactions) all or any substantial part of the
assets of any other person, except that this Section 6.08 shall not prohibit:

              (a) the  purchase  and sale of property and assets in the ordinary
         course of business by any Restricted Subsidiary;

              (b)  Sale and Lease-Back Transactions permitted by Section 6.06;

              (c)  Permitted Business Acquisitions;


                                        

<PAGE>


                                       51



              (d) sales, leases or transfers from one Restricted Subsidiary of
         the Borrower to the Borrower or to a Restricted Subsidiary provided any
         sale, lease or transfer by a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary to a
         Foreign Restricted Subsidiary shall not constitute a significant
         portion of the assets of such Domestic Restricted Subsidiary;

              (e) sales, leases or other dispositions of (i) inventory of the
         Restricted Subsidiaries determined by the Board of Directors of the
         Borrower to be no longer useful or necessary in the operation of the
         businesses of the Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) assets of operations
         that were discontinued prior to the 1994 Closing Date;

              (f)  any Permitted Receivables Financing;

              (g) sales, leases or other dispositions of equipment or real
         property of the Restricted Subsidiaries determined by the Board of
         Directors of the Borrower to be no longer useful or necessary in the
         operation of the business of the Restricted Subsidiaries, PROVIDED that
         the Net Proceeds thereof in excess of $1,000,000 shall be used to
         prepay the Loans in accordance with Section 2.12(c) or used to purchase
         replacement assets or properties used for the same purpose as the
         equipment or real property disposed of within 12 months of the receipt
         thereof;

              (h) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge with any other Restricted
         Subsidiary, provided that (i) at the time of and immediately after
         giving effect to any such merger no Default or Event of Default shall
         have occurred, (ii) the Borrower shall be the surviving corporation of
         any merger involving the Borrower, and C&A Canada shall be the
         surviving corporation of any merger involving C&A Canada and (iii) no
         Restricted Subsidiary organized under the laws of a jurisdiction
         outside the United States may merge with a Domestic Restricted
         Subsidiary unless the Domestic Restricted Subsidiary is the surviving
         corporation;

              (i) the Restricted Subsidiaries may sell or otherwise dispose of
         assets having a fair market value, for all such transactions, not in
         excess of 25% of the fair market value as determined by the Board of
         Directors of the Borrower of the assets of the Restricted Subsidiaries
         at the 1994 Closing Date, provided that (i) each such sale shall be for
         a consideration determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
         the Borrower to be at least equal to the fair market value (if any) of
         the asset sold, (ii) the aggregate amount of all noncash consideration
         included in such sale proceeds may not exceed 15% of the fair market
         value of the aggregate amount of all such sale proceeds; PROVIDED,
         HOWEVER, that obligations of the type referred to in clauses (a) and
         (b) of the definition of "Permitted Investments" (without regard to the
         maturity or the credit rating thereof) shall not be deemed non-cash
         proceeds if such obligations are promptly sold for cash and the
         proceeds of such sale are included in the calculation of Net Proceeds
         from such sale, (iii) the aggregate Net Proceeds of all such sales and
         dispositions since June 3, 1996 under this clause (i) in excess of
         $75,000,000 are applied to repay the Loans in accordance with Section
         2.12(c) and the first $75,000,000 of such aggregate Net Proceeds since
         June 3, 1996 are either applied to the purchase of assets or properties
         used in the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as
         permitted by Section 6.12 within 12 months of the receipt thereof or
         are applied to repay the Loans in accordance with Section 2.12(c) and
         (iv) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
         continuing immediately prior to or after such sale. Upon receipt by
         Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary of Net Proceeds of any Specified
         Asset Sale occurring after the Closing Date, Borrower shall promptly
         deliver a certificate of a Responsible Officer to the Administrative
         Agent setting forth the amount of the Net Proceeds which Borrower
         expects to reinvest in replacement assets or property during the
         subsequent 12-month period which are not required to be applied to the
         repayment of the Loans. On the first anniversary of the receipt of such
         Net Proceeds, Borrower shall (i) deliver a certificate of a Responsible
         Officer to the Administrative Agent certifying as to the amount and use
         of such Net Proceeds actually reinvested in replacement assets or
         property during the preceding 12-month period and (ii) deliver to the
         Administrative Agent, for application in accordance with Section
         2.12(c), an amount equal to the Applicable Share of the remaining
         uninvested Net Proceeds;

              (j)  Investments permitted by Section 6.07;

                                   

<PAGE>


                                       52



              (k) the consummation of the Wallcoverings Disposition; PROVIDED if
         the Wallcoverings Disposition is an asset sale and Holdings or any
         Restricted Subsidiary shall apply any net operating loss carry forwards
         ("NOLS") to reduce the taxes payable in respect of the gain on such
         sale, an amount equal to the taxes reduced by the application of any
         NOLS shall either (i) be reinvested in the business within twelve
         months or (ii) applied to prepay the Loans in accordance with Section
         2.12(c), and the remaining Net Proceeds from any such sale shall be
         Available Wallcoverings Proceeds which the Borrower may retain in its
         sole discretion; and

              (l) the consummation of the Floorcoverings Disposition, the Net
         Proceeds of which the Borrower may retain in its sole discretion.

              Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.08, Holdings and its
subsidiaries shall not be permitted to sell any JPS Automotive Senior Notes held
by them (except for sales to Restricted Subsidiaries).

         SECTION 6.09. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES AND STOCKHOLDERS. Sell or
transfer any property or assets to, or purchase or acquire any property or
assets of, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its
Affiliates (including Unrestricted Subsidiaries but excluding Restricted
Subsidiaries) or any known holder of 10% or more of any class of capital stock
of Holdings or any Unrestricted Subsidiary, except that Holdings or any of the
Restricted Subsidiaries may engage in any of the foregoing transactions at
prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to each than would prevail
on an arm's-length basis from unrelated third parties; PROVIDED that Holdings
and the Restricted Subsidiaries may not pay any fees to an Affiliate (including
an Unrestricted Subsidiary) for the provision of financial or advisory services
if after giving effect thereto a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and is continuing; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, that Holdings and the Restricted
Subsidiaries may consummate the Wallcoverings Disposition.

         SECTION 6.10. SUBORDINATED INDEBTEDNESS. Amend or modify any
instruments, agreements or documents evidencing or related to any Permitted
Subordinated Indebtedness or designate any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness
incurred hereunder or under the Existing Credit Agreement) "Designated Senior
Indebtedness" under the Senior Subordinated Notes, unless, in the judgement of
the Required Lenders, any such amendment or modification or designation does not
substantially affect either the rights or security interests granted to the
Credit Agreement Creditors or the Collateral Agent or the first and superior
position of the Obligations owed to the Credit Agreement Creditors relative to
the second and inferior position of the holders of the notes or other
instruments evidencing the Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness (without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, it is understood that any increase in interest,
fees or other amounts payable in connection therewith, or any amendment that
imposes additional covenants or events of default or makes more restrictive the
covenants or events of default contained therein, shall require the consent of
the Required Lenders).

         SECTION 6.11. AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTIVE DOCUMENTS; CHANGE IN CORPORATE
STRUCTURE. (i) Permit any amendment or modification to be made to the
certificate of incorporation or By-laws of Holdings or of any Restricted
Subsidiary if such amendment or modification is materially adverse to the
interests of the Lenders or (ii) permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any
capital stock or other equity interest to any person other than the Borrower or
its wholly owned subsidiaries; PROVIDED that Holdings and the Restricted
Subsidiaries may consummate the Wallcoverings Disposition.

         SECTION 6.12. BUSINESS OF HOLDINGS AND RESTRICTED SUBSIDIARIES. (a)
Engage at any time in any business or business activity other than the business
currently conducted by it and business activities reasonably incidental or
related thereto or (b) fail to maintain and operate such business in
substantially the manner in which it is presently conducted and operated (other
than as contemplated herein) if such failure would materially adversely affect
the Credit Agreement Creditors; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the activities of
Holdings shall be limited to (i) the ownership of the stock of the Borrower
together with activities directly related thereto, (ii) the ownership of the
stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries described in clause (ii) of the definition of
such term set forth in Section 1.01 together with activities directly related
thereto, (iii) performance of its obligations under the Loan Documents and the
Existing Credit Agreement and (iv) actions required by law to maintain its
status as a public company.



<PAGE>


                                       53



         SECTION 6.13. RESTRICTIVE AGREEMENTS. Enter into any indenture,
agreement, instrument or other arrangement which, directly or indirectly,
prohibits or restrains, or has the effect of prohibiting or restraining, or
imposes materially adverse conditions upon, the granting of Liens, the provision
of Guarantees or the payment of dividends or the making of loans or advances or
transfers of property or assets by Holdings or any of the Restricted
Subsidiaries other than restrictions (i) on the granting of Liens on assets that
are encumbered by Liens permitted under clauses (b), (i), (k), (l), (r) or (t)
of Section 6.04 or (ii) contained in agreements relating to Indebtedness not in
excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate, (iii) contained in agreements relating
to Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01 or (iv) negative pledges with respect
to the Borrower's ownership interest in joint ventures contained in any joint
venture documentation.

         SECTION 6.14. INTEREST COVERAGE RATIO. In the case of Holdings, permit
the Interest Coverage Ratio for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters
to be less than the ratio set forth below opposite the period which includes the
last day of such period of consecutive fiscal quarters:

            PERIOD:                                         AMOUNT:

       Closing Date - Fiscal Year ended 1997               2.25 to 1.00
       Fiscal year 1998                                   2.75 to 1.00
       Thereafter                                         3.00 to 1.00

         SECTION 6.15.  EBITDA.  In the case of Holdings,  permit its EBITDA for
any  period  of twelve  consecutive  fiscal  months  ending on the last day of a
fiscal year to be less than $175,000,000.

         SECTION 6.16. LEVERAGE RATIO. In the case of Holdings, permit the
Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any fiscal quarter occurring during any
period set forth below to be greater than the ratio set forth below for such
period:

          QUARTER ENDING:                                 RATIO:

          1996 Fourth Quarter                              2.75 to 1.00*
          1997 First Quarter                               2.50 to 1.00*
          1997 Second Quarter - Fiscal year 1997           2.50 to 1.00
          Fiscal year 1998                                 2.25 to 1.00
          Thereafter                                       2.00 to 1.00

;provided, that if the Floorcoverings Disposition shall not have been
consummated and the JPS Automotive Acquisition and the Perstorp Acquisition have
been consummated, the maximum Leverage Ratio for the 1996 Fourth Quarter and the
1997 First Quarter shall be 3.50 and 3.00, respectively.

         SECTION  6.17.  CURRENT  RATIO.  In the case of  Holdings,  permit  the
Current Ratio to be less than 1.25:1.00 on the last day of any fiscal quarter.

         SECTION 6.18. TAX SHARING. File or consent to the filing of any
consolidated income tax return with any person (other than Holdings, the
Restricted Subsidiaries and Unrestricted Subsidiaries that have entered into the
existing Tax Sharing Agreements).

         SECTION 6.19. SIGNIFICANT SUBSIDIARIES. Permit the Significant
Subsidiaries to account for less than 85% of the consolidated assets of Holdings
at any time or 90% of the consolidated EBITDA of Holdings for any two
consecutive periods of four fiscal quarters.

         SECTION 6.20. INACTIVE SUBSIDIARIES. Permit any Inactive Subsidiary, at
any time, to fail to satisfy any of the criteria set forth in the  definition of
Inactive Subsidiary in Section 1.01.

           

<PAGE>


                                       54




Notwithstanding anything in the Loan Documents to the contrary, but subject to
the proviso to the definition of Wallcoverings Disposition, Holdings and the
Restricted Subsidiaries may engage in transactions in preparation for the
Wallcoverings Disposition substantially as described or contemplated in the
Preliminary Prospectus and may effectuate the Wallcoverings Disposition.

                                  ARTICLE VII.

                                EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         In case of the happening of any of the following events ("EVENTS OF
DEFAULT"):

              (a) any representation or warranty made or deemed made in any Loan
         Document, or any representation, warranty, statement or information
         contained in any report, certificate, financial statement or other
         instrument furnished in connection with or pursuant to any Loan
         Document, shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material
         respect when so made, deemed made or furnished;

              (b) default shall be made in the payment of any principal of any
         Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the
         due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or by
         acceleration thereof or otherwise;

              (c) default shall be made in the payment of any interest on any
         Loan or any Fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to
         in (b) above) due under any Loan Document, when and as the same shall
         become due and payable, and such default shall continue unremedied for
         a period of five Business Days;

              (d) default shall be made in the due observance or performance by
         the Borrower or Holdings or any subsidiary thereof of any covenant,
         condition or agreement contained in Section 2.12(c), 5.01(a), 5.05(a),
         5.08 or 5.10 or in Article VI;

              (e) default shall be made in the due observance or performance by
         the Borrower or Holdings or any subsidiary thereof of any covenant,
         condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those
         specified in (b), (c) or (d) above) and such default shall continue
         unremedied for a period of 30 days in the case of Sections 5.01(b),
         5.02, 5.09 and 5.13 and 15 days in the case of all others, in each case
         after notice thereof from the Administrative Agent or any Lender to
         Holdings or the Borrower;

              (f) Holdings, any Restricted Subsidiary or any Significant
         Subsidiary shall (i) fail to pay any principal or interest, regardless
         of amount, due in respect of Indebtedness having an aggregate principal
         or notional amount in excess of $7,500,000, when and as the same shall
         become due and payable, or (ii) fail to observe or perform any other
         term, covenant, condition or agreement contained in any agreements or
         instruments evidencing or governing any Indebtedness having an
         aggregate principal amount in excess of $7,500,000 if the effect of any
         failure referred to in this clause (ii) is to cause, or to permit the
         holder or holders of such Indebtedness or a trustee on its or their
         behalf to cause, such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated
         maturity; or a termination event or comparable event shall occur under
         the documents governing the Permitted Receivables Financing entitling
         the persons financing the receivables owned by the Finance Subsidiary
         to stop funding the purchase of receivables of all sellers of
         receivables to the Finance Subsidiary;

              (g) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary
         petition shall be filed in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking
         (i) relief in respect of the Borrower or Holdings or any Significant
         Subsidiary, or of a substantial part of the property or assets of the
         Borrower or Holdings or any Significant Subsidiary, under Title 11 of
         the United States Code, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or any
         other Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar
         law or comparable foreign law, (ii) the appointment of a receiver,
         trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for
         the Borrower or Holdings or any Significant Subsidiary or for a
         substantial part of the property or assets of the Borrower or Holdings
         or any Significant Subsidiary or (iii) the winding-up or liquidation of
         the Borrower or Holdings


<PAGE>


                                       55



         or any Significant Subsidiary; and such proceeding or petition shall
         continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or
         ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

              (h) the Borrower or Holdings or any Significant Subsidiary shall
         (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking
         relief under Title 11 of the United States Code, as now constituted or
         hereafter amended, or any other Federal or state bankruptcy,
         insolvency, receivership or similar law or comparable foreign law, (ii)
         consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and
         appropriate manner, any proceeding or the filing of any petition
         described in (g) above, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment
         of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar
         official for the Borrower or Holdings or any Significant Subsidiary or
         for a substantial part of the property or assets of the Borrower or
         Holdings or any Significant Subsidiary, (iv) file an answer admitting
         the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such
         proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors,
         (vi) become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to
         pay its debts as they become due or (vii) take any action for the
         purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;

              (i) one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate
         amount in excess of $7,500,000 (to the extent not covered by insurance)
         shall be rendered against Holdings, any Restricted Subsidiary or any
         Significant Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall
         remain undischarged or stayed for a period of 30 consecutive days
         during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action
         shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to levy upon assets or
         properties of Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiary to enforce any such
         judgment;

              (j) a Reportable Event or Reportable Events, or a failure to make
         a required installment or other payment (within the meaning of Section
         412(n)(1) of the Code), shall have occurred with respect to any Plan or
         Plans that reasonably could be expected to result in liability of the
         Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their ERISA Affiliates to the PBGC or
         to a Plan in an aggregate amount exceeding $5,000,000 and, within 30
         days after the reporting of any such Reportable Event to the
         Administrative Agent or after the receipt by the Administrative Agent
         of the statement required pursuant to Section 5.06(b)(iii), the
         Administrative Agent shall have notified the Borrower in writing that
         (i) the Required Lenders have made a determination that, on the basis
         of such Reportable Event or Reportable Events or the failure to make a
         required payment, there are reasonable grounds (A) for the termination
         of such Plan or Plans by the PBGC, (B) for the appointment by the
         appropriate United States District Court of a trustee to administer
         such Plan or Plans or (C) for the imposition of a lien in favor of a
         Plan and (ii) as a result thereof an Event of Default exists hereunder;
         or a trustee shall be appointed by a United States District Court to
         administer any such Plan or Plans; or the PBGC shall institute
         proceedings to terminate any Plan or Plans;

              (k) (i) the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their ERISA
         Affiliates shall have been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer
         Plan that it has incurred Withdrawal Liability to such Multiemployer
         Plan, (ii) the Borrower, any Guarantor or such ERISA Affiliate does not
         have reasonable grounds for contesting such Withdrawal Liability or is
         not in fact contesting such Withdrawal Liability in a timely and
         appropriate manner and (iii) the amount of the Withdrawal Liability
         specified in such notice, when aggregated with all other amounts
         required to be paid to Multiemployer Plans in connection with
         Withdrawal Liabilities (determined as of the date or dates of such
         notification), exceeds $7,500,000 or requires payments exceeding
         $7,500,000 in any year;

              (l) the Borrower, any Guarantor or any of their ERISA Affiliates
         shall have been notified by the sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan that
         such Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization or is being terminated,
         within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, if solely as a result of such
         reorganization or termination the aggregate annual contributions of the
         Borrower, the Guarantors and their ERISA Affiliates to all
         Multiemployer Plans that are then in reorganization or have been or are
         being terminated have been or will be increased over the amounts
         required to be contributed to such Multiemployer Plans for their most
         recently completed plan years by an amount exceeding $7,500,000;

              (m)  there shall have occurred a Change in Control;

            
<PAGE>


                                       56




              (n) (i) any Loan Document shall for any reason be asserted by
         Holdings or any of its subsidiaries not to be a legal, valid and
         binding obligation of the respective parties thereto, (ii) any security
         interest or Lien purported to be created by the Pledge Agreement and to
         extend to assets which are not immaterial to Holdings and its
         subsidiaries on a consolidated basis shall for any reason (except to
         the extent resulting from the negligent or wilful failure of the
         Collateral Agent to retain possession of the applicable collateral)
         cease to be, or any security interest or Lien purported to be created
         by the Pledge Agreement and to extend to any assets of Holdings or its
         subsidiaries shall for any reason be asserted by Holdings or any of its
         subsidiaries not to be, a valid, first priority perfected security
         interest (subject to no Liens other than Liens not prohibited by any
         applicable provision of the Loan Documents) in such collateral (other
         than cash proceeds which are not identifiable proceeds) or (iii) the
         Obligations and the guarantees thereof pursuant to the Guarantee
         Agreement shall cease to constitute senior indebtedness under the
         subordination provisions of any document or instrument evidencing any
         Permitted Subordinated Indebtedness or such subordination provisions
         shall be invalidated or otherwise cease to be a legal, valid and
         binding obligation of the parties thereto, enforceable in accordance
         with its terms; or

              (o) the Finance Subsidiary shall engage in any business or
         activity other than the purchase of receivables from the Restricted
         Subsidiaries and the sale of such receivables and activities incidental
         thereto;

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower
described in paragraph (g) or (h) above), and at any time thereafter during the
continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of
the Required Lenders, shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of
the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate forthwith
the Commitments and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be forthwith due
and payable in whole or in part, whereupon the principal of the Loans so
declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and any
unpaid accrued Fees and all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued hereunder
and under any other Loan Document, shall become forthwith due and payable,
without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of
which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or
in any other Loan Document to the contrary notwithstanding; and in any event
with respect to the Borrower described in paragraph (g) or (h) above, the
Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then
outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and any unpaid accrued Fees
and all other liabilities of the Borrower accrued hereunder and under any other
Loan Document, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment,
demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby
expressly waived by the Borrower, anything contained herein or in any other Loan
Document to the contrary notwithstanding.


                                  ARTICLE VIII.

                            THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

         In order to expedite the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
The Chase Manhattan Bank is hereby appointed to act as Administrative Agent and
Collateral Agent on behalf of the Lenders. Each of the Lenders, and each
subsequent holder of any Note by its acceptance thereof, hereby irrevocably
authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on behalf of such
Lender or holder and to exercise such powers as are specifically delegated to
the Administrative Agent by the terms and provisions hereof and of the other
Loan Documents (including the power to execute and deliver the Intercreditor
Agreement if and when requested to do so by any holders of any Permitted
Acquisition Indebtedness), together with such actions and powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto. The Administrative Agent is hereby expressly
authorized by the Lenders, without hereby limiting any implied authority, (a) to
receive on behalf of the Lenders all payments of principal of and interest on
the Loans and all other amounts due to the Lenders hereunder, and promptly to
distribute to each Lender its proper share of each payment so received; (b) to
give notice on behalf of each of the Lenders to the Borrower of any Event of
Default specified in this Agreement of which the Administrative Agent has actual
knowledge acquired in connection with its agency hereunder; and (c) to
distribute to each Lender copies of all notices, financial statements and other
materials delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement as received by
the Administrative Agent. In acting as Collateral Agent The Chase Manhattan Bank
shall be entitled to the rights and benefits, and subject to the obligations,
set forth for


<PAGE>


                                       57



the Administrative Agent under this Article VIII, MUTATIS MUTANDIS, which
Article is hereby incorporated by reference, MUTATIS MUTANDIS, in each of the
Guarantee Agreement and the Pledge Agreement.

         Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its affiliates, directors,
officers, employees or agents shall be liable as such for any action taken or
omitted by any of them except for its or his own gross negligence or wilful
misconduct, or be responsible for any statement, warranty or representation
herein or the contents of any document delivered in connection herewith, or be
required to ascertain or to make any inquiry concerning the performance or
observance by the Borrower or any Guarantor of any of the terms, conditions,
covenants or agreements contained in any Loan Documents. The Administrative
Agent shall not be responsible to the Lenders or the holders of the Notes for
the due execution (other than by the Administrative Agent), genuineness,
validity, enforceability (other than against the Administrative Agent) or
effectiveness of this Agreement, the Notes or any other Loan Documents or other
instruments or agreements. The Administrative Agent may deem and treat the payee
of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes hereof until it shall have
received from the payee of such Note notice, given as provided herein, of the
transfer thereof in compliance with Section 9.04. The Administrative Agent shall
in all cases be fully protected in acting, or refraining from acting, in
accordance with written instructions signed by the Required Lenders and, except
as otherwise specifically provided herein, such instructions and any action or
inaction pursuant thereto shall be binding on all the Lenders and each
subsequent holder of any Note. The Administrative Agent shall, in the absence of
knowledge to the contrary, be entitled to rely on any instrument or document
believed by it in good faith to be genuine and correct and to have been signed
or sent by the proper person or persons. Neither the Administrative Agent nor
any of its directors, officers, employees or agents shall have any
responsibility to the Borrower on account of the failure of or delay in
performance or breach by any Lender of any of its obligations hereunder or to
any Lender on account of the failure of or delay in performance or breach by any
other Lender or the Borrower or any Guarantor of any of their respective
obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document or in connection herewith
or therewith. The Administrative Agent may execute any and all duties hereunder
by or through agents or affiliates and shall be entitled to rely upon the advice
of legal counsel selected by it with respect to all matters arising hereunder
and shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it in
accordance with the advice of such counsel.

         The Lenders hereby acknowledge that the Administrative Agent shall not
be under any duty to take any discretionary action permitted to be taken by it
pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement unless it shall be requested in
writing to do so by the Required Lenders.

         Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative
Agent as provided below, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by
notifying the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation, the Required
Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor, with the consent of the
Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld). If no successor shall have been so
appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment
within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its
resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the
Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, with the consent of the
Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld), which shall be a bank with an office
in New York, New York, having a combined capital and surplus of at least
$500,000,000 or an Affiliate of any such bank which is also a bank. Upon the
acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor
bank, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights,
powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent and the
retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations hereunder. After the Administrative Agent's resignation hereunder,
the provisions of this Article and Section 9.05 shall continue in effect for its
benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it
was acting as Administrative Agent.

         With respect to the Loans made by it hereunder and the Notes issued to
it, the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity and not as
Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and powers as any other Lender
and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and
the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money
to and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any
subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if it were not the Administrative
Agent.


                 

<PAGE>


                                       58



         Each Lender recognizes that applicable laws, rules, regulations or
guidelines of Governmental Authorities may require the Administrative Agent to
determine whether the transactions contemplated hereby should be classified as
"highly leveraged" or assigned any similar or successor classification, and that
such determination may be binding upon the other Lenders. Each Lender
understands that any such determination shall be made solely by the
Administrative Agent based upon such factors (which may include, without
limitation, the Administrative Agent's internal policies and prevailing market
practices) as the Administrative Agent shall deem relevant and agrees that the
Administrative Agent shall have no liability for the consequences of any such
determination.

         Each Lender agrees (i) to reimburse the Administrative Agent, on
demand, in the amount of its pro rata share (based on its Commitments hereunder)
of any reasonable expenses incurred for the benefit of the Lenders by the
Administrative Agent, including counsel fees and compensation of agents and
employees paid for services rendered on behalf of the Lenders, which shall not
have been reimbursed by the Borrower and (ii) to indemnify and hold harmless the
Administrative Agent and any of its directors, officers, employees or agents, on
demand, in the amount of such pro rata share, from and against any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits,
costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be
imposed on, incurred by or asserted against it in its capacity as the
Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or
any other Loan Document or any action taken or omitted by it or any of them
under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, to the extent the same shall
not have been reimbursed by the Borrower; PROVIDED that no Lender shall be
liable to the Administrative Agent for any portion of such liabilities,
obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs,
expenses or disbursements resulting from the gross negligence or wilful
misconduct of the Administrative Agent or any of its directors, officers,
employees or agents.

         Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without
reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such
documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit
analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also
acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the
Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and
information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its
own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement
or any other Loan Document, any related agreement or any document furnished
hereunder or thereunder.

                                   ARTICLE IX.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         SECTION 9.01. NOTICES.  Notices and other  communications  provided for
herein shall be in writing and shall be  delivered by hand or overnight  courier
service, mailed or sent by telex or telecopy, as follows:

              (a) if to Holdings or to the Borrower, to it at 701 McCullough
         Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262, Attention of Chief Financial
         Officer (Telecopy No. 704-548-2330) with copies to 210 Madison Avenue,
         6th Floor, New York, New York 10016, Attention of General Counsel
         (Telecopy No. 212-578-1269);

               (b) if to the  Administrative  Agent,  to it at 270  Park  Avenue
         (10th Floor),  New York, New York 10017,  Attention of Rosemary Bradley
         (Telecopy No. 212-972-0009);

              (c) if to a Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set
         forth in Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to
         which such Lender shall have become a party hereto.

All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the
date of receipt if delivered by hand or overnight courier service or sent by
telex or telecopy, or on the date five Business Days after dispatch by certified
or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly
addressed) to such party as provided in this Section 9.01 or in accordance with
the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this
Section 9.01.



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                                       59



         SECTION 9.02. SURVIVAL OF AGREEMENT. All covenants, agreements,
representations and warranties made by the Borrower and the Guarantors herein
and in the certificates or other instruments prepared or delivered in connection
with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be
considered to have been relied upon by the Lenders and shall survive the making
by the Lenders of the Loans, and the execution and delivery to the Lenders of
the Notes evidencing such Loans, regardless of any investigation made by the
Lenders or on their behalf, and shall continue in full force and effect as long
as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any Fee or any other
amount payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document is outstanding
and unpaid and so long as the Commitments have not been terminated. Without
prejudice to the survival of any other agreements contained herein,
indemnification and reimbursement obligations contained herein (including
pursuant to Sections 2.13, 2.15 and 9.05) shall survive the payment in full of
the principal and interest hereunder and the termination of the Commitments or
this Agreement.

         SECTION 9.03. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall become effective
when it shall have been executed by the Borrower, Holdings and the
Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received
copies hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each Lender,
and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower,
Holdings, the Administrative Agent and each Lender and their respective
successors and assigns, except that none of the Borrower or Holdings shall have
the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the
prior consent of all the Lenders.

         SECTION 9.04. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. (a) Whenever in this Agreement
any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to
include the successors and assigns of such party; and all covenants, promises
and agreements by or on behalf of the Borrower, Holdings, the Administrative
Agent or the Lenders that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure
to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns.

         (b) Each Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of
its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a
portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it and the Notes
held by it); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) except in the case of an assignment to
a Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender, the Borrower and the Administrative
Agent must give their prior written consent to such assignment (which consents
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), (ii) each assignment shall be in
an amount of at least $5,000,000 (unless the assignor ceases to be a Lender),
which amount shall be prorated downward as Loans are permanently repaid and
Commitments are permanently reduced, (iii) the parties to each such assignment
shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and
Acceptance, together with the Note or Notes subject to such assignment and a
processing and recordation fee of $3,500 and (iv) the assignee, if it shall not
be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative
Questionnaire. Upon acceptance and recording pursuant to paragraph (e) of this
Section 9.04, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and
Acceptance, which effective date shall be at least five Business Days after the
execution thereof unless agreed otherwise by the Administrative Agent, (A) the
assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest
assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a
Lender under this Agreement and (B) the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to
the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, be
released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an
Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning
Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to
be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections
2.13, 2.15, 2.18 and 9.05, as well as to any Fees accrued for its account and
not yet paid).

         (c) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the
assigning Lender thereunder and the assignee thereunder shall be deemed to
confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows:
(i) such assigning Lender warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of
the interest being assigned thereby free and clear of any adverse claim and that
its Commitment, and the outstanding balances of its Loans, in each case without
giving effect to assignments thereof which have not become effective, are as set
forth in such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) except as set forth in (i) above,
such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no
responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations
made in or in connection with this Agreement, or the execution, legality,
validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement,
any other Loan Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant
hereto, or the financial condition of the Borrower or any Guarantor or the
performance or observance by the Borrower or any


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                                       60



Guarantor of any of its obligations under this Agreement, any other Loan
Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii)
such assignee represents and warrants that it is legally authorized to enter
into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee confirms that it has
received copies of this Agreement, together with copies of the most recent
financial statements delivered pursuant to this Agreement and such other
documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit
analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (v) such
assignee will independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent,
such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and
information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own
credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (vi) such
assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as
agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are
delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such
powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that
it will perform in accordance with their terms all the obligations which by the
terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

         (d) The Administrative Agent shall maintain at its address referred to
in subsection 9.01 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and
a register (the "REGISTER") for the recordation of the names and addresses of
the Lenders and the Commitments of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to,
each Lender from time to time. The Administrative Agent shall separately record
the names and addresses of each Lender that holds Notes in the Register. The
Administrative Agent shall also record the amount of the Commitments of, and the
aggregate principal amount of Loans owing to such Lender in the Register. The
entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of manifest error,
and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall treat each
person whose name is recorded in the Register as the owner of the Notes, the
Commitments and the Loans recorded therein for all purposes of this Agreement.
The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender,
at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

         (e) Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Acceptance
executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee together with the Note or Notes
subject to such assignment, an Administrative Questionnaire completed in respect
of the assignee (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the
processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) above and, if
required, the written consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to
such assignment, the Administrative Agent shall (i) accept such Assignment and
Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and
(iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Lenders. Within five Business Days after
receipt of notice, the Borrower, at its own expense, shall execute and deliver
to the Administrative Agent, in exchange for the surrendered Note or Notes, a
new Note or Notes to the order of such assignee in a principal amount equal to
the applicable Commitment assumed by it pursuant to such Assignment and
Acceptance and, if the assigning Lender has retained a Commitment, a new Note to
the order of such assigning Lender in a principal amount equal to the applicable
Commitment retained by it. Such new Note or Notes shall be in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of such surrendered
Note; such new Notes shall be dated the date of the surrendered Notes which they
replace and shall otherwise be in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto.
Canceled Notes shall be returned to the Borrower. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained herein, no assignment under Section 9.04(b) of any rights
or obligations under or in respect of the Notes or Loans evidenced by the Notes
shall be effective unless and until the Administrative Agent shall have recorded
such assignment in the Register. The Administrative Agent shall record the name
of the transferor, the name of the transferee, and the amount of the transfer in
the Register after receipt of all documents required pursuant to this Section
9.04, including, without limitation, the Notes being assigned in connection with
such transfer, and such other documents as the Administrative Agent may
reasonably request.

         (f) Each Lender may without the consent of the Borrower or the
Administrative Agent sell participations to one or more banks or other entities
in all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement
(including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it and the
Notes held by it); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) such Lender's obligations under
this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely
responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations,
(iii) the participating banks or other entities shall be entitled to the benefit
of the cost protection provisions contained in Sections 2.13, 2.15, 2.18 and
9.06(a) to the same extent as if they were Lenders, PROVIDED, that no such
participating bank or entity shall be entitled to receive any greater amount
pursuant to such Sections than a Lender would have been entitled to receive


<PAGE>


                                       61



in respect of the amount of the participation sold by such Lender to such
participating bank or entity had no sale occurred, and (iv) the Borrower, the
Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and
directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and
obligations under this Agreement, and such Lender shall retain the sole right to
enforce the obligations of the Borrower relating to the Loans and to approve any
amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any
other Loan Document (other than amendments, modifications or waivers decreasing
any fees payable hereunder or the amount of principal of or the rate at which
interest is payable on the Loans, extending any final maturity date, in each
case in respect of an Obligation in which the relevant participating bank or
entity is participating, or releasing all or substantially all of the Pledged
Securities or any Guarantor from the Guarantee Agreement unless all or
substantially all of the capital stock of such subsidiary is sold in a
transaction permitted by this Agreement). Each Lender will disclose the identity
of its participants to the Borrower and Administrative Agent if requested by the
Borrower or the Administrative Agent.

         (g) Any Lender or participant may, in connection with any assignment or
participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section
9.04, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or
participant any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender by
or on behalf of the Borrower; PROVIDED that, prior to any such disclosure, each
such assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall execute
an agreement whereby such assignee or participant shall agree to be bound by
Section 9.17.

         (h) Any Lender may at any time assign all or any portion of its rights
under this Agreement and the Notes issued to it to a Federal Reserve Bank;
PROVIDED that no such assignment shall release a Lender from any of its
obligations hereunder.
         (i) Neither the Borrower  nor Holdings  shall assign or delegate any of
its rights or duties hereunder.

         SECTION 9.05. EXPENSES; INDEMNITY. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay all
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in
connection with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
or by the Administrative Agent or CSI in connection with the syndication of the
Commitments or the administration of this Agreement, or in connection with any
amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof
(whether or not the transactions hereby contemplated shall be consummated) or
incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with the
enforcement or protection of their rights in connection with this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents or in connection with the Loans made or the Notes
issued hereunder, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, counsel for the Administrative Agent, and, in
connection with any such enforcement or protection, the reasonable fees, charges
and disbursements of any other counsel (including the reasonable allocated costs
of internal counsel if a Lender elects to use internal counsel in lieu of
outside counsel) for the Administrative Agent or any Lender (but no more than
one such counsel for any Lender).

         (b) The Borrower agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, CSI and
each Lender and each of their respective directors, officers, employees and
agents (each such person being called an "INDEMNITEE") against, and to hold each
Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and
related expenses, including reasonable counsel fees, charges and disbursements,
incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in any way
connected with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated
thereby, the performance by the parties thereto of their respective obligations
thereunder or the consummation of the JPS Automotive Acquisition, the Perstorp
Acquisition and the other transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) the use of the
proceeds of the Loans or (iii) any claim, litigation, investigation or
proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not any Indemnitee is a
party thereto; PROVIDED that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be
available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or
related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final
and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful
misconduct of such Indemnitee (treating, for this purpose only, any Lender and
its directors, officers, employees and agents as a single Indemnitee). Subject
to and without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the Borrower
agrees to indemnify each Indemnitee against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless
from, any Environmental Claim, and any and all losses, claims, damages,
liabilities and related expenses, including reasonable counsel or consultant
fees, charges and disbursements, incurred


<PAGE>


                                       62



by or asserted against any Indemnitee (and arising out of, or in any way
connected with or as a result of, any of the events described in clause (i),
(ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence) arising out of, in any way connected
with, or as a result of (i) any Environmental Claim, (ii) any violation of any
Environmental Law, or (iii) any act, omission, event or circumstance (including
the actual, proposed or threatened, release, removal, disposition, discharge or
transportation, storage, holding, existence, generation, processing, abatement,
handling or presence on, into, from or under any present, past or future
property of Holdings or any of its subsidiaries of any Contaminant), regardless
of whether the act, omission, event or circumstance constituted a violation of
Environmental Law at the time of its existence or occurrence; PROVIDED that such
indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such
Environmental Claim is, or such, losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related
expenses are, determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and
nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful
misconduct of such Indemnitee or any of its employers, officers, directors,
employees or agents.

         (c) The Borrower shall be entitled to assume the defense of any action
for which indemnification is sought hereunder with counsel of its choice at its
expense (in which case the Borrower shall not thereafter be responsible for the
fees and expenses of any separate counsel retained by an Indemnitee except as
set forth below); provided, however, that such counsel shall be reasonably
satisfactory to each such Indemnitee. Notwithstanding the Borrower's election to
assume the defense of such action, each Indemnitee shall have the right to
employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such action, and
the Borrower shall bear the reasonable fees, costs, and expenses of such
separate counsel, if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the Borrower to represent
such Indemnitee would present such counsel with a conflict of interest; (ii) the
actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such action include both
the Borrower and such Indemnitee and such Indemnitee shall have reasonably
concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different
from or additional to those available to the Borrower (in which case the
Borrower shall not have the right to assume the defense or such action on behalf
of such Indemnitee); (iii) the Borrower shall not have employed counsel
reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnitee to represent it within a reasonable
time after notice of the institution of such action; or (iv) the Borrower shall
authorize such Indemnitee to employ separate counsel at the Borrower's expense.
The Borrower will not be liable under this Agreement for any amount paid by an
Indemnitee to settle any claims or actions if the settlement is entered into
without the Borrower's consent, which consent may not be withheld unless such
settlement is unreasonable in light of such claims or actions against, and
defenses available to, such Indemnitee.

         (d) Holdings and the Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any of
their subsidiaries to, bring any demand, claim, cost recovery or other action
they may now or hereafter have against any Indemnitee resulting from any
Environmental Claim; PROVIDED that this paragraph (d) shall not, as to any
Indemnitee, apply to the extent that such Environmental Claim has been
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable
judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of such
Indemnitee or any of its employers, directors, officers, employees or agents.

         (e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 9.05, this
Section 9.05 shall not apply to taxes, it being understood that the Borrower's
only obligations with respect to taxes shall arise under Sections 2.13 and 2.18
and Section 19 of the Guarantee Agreement.

         (f) The provisions of this Section 9.05 shall remain operative and in
full force and effect regardless of the expiration of the term of this
Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the
repayment of any of the Obligations, the invalidity or unenforceability of any
term or provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or any
investigation made by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
All amounts due under this Section 9.05 shall be payable on written demand
therefor.

         SECTION 9.06. RIGHT OF SETOFF; SHARING. (a) If an Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender is hereby authorized at any
time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off
and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional
or final) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such
Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any of and
all the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this
Agreement and other Loan Documents held by such Lender, irrespective of whether
or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or such other
Loan Document and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of each
Lender under


<PAGE>


                                       63



this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other
rights of setoff) which such Lender may have.

              (b) If any Lender (a "BENEFITTED LENDER") shall at any time
receive any payment of all or part of its Loans, or interest thereon, then due,
or receive any collateral in respect thereof (whether voluntarily or
involuntarily, by set-off, pursuant to events or proceedings of the nature
referred to in paragraph (g) or (h) of Article VII, or otherwise), in a greater
proportion than any such payment to or collateral received by any other Lender,
if any, in respect of such other Lender's Loans, or interest thereon, then due,
such benefitted Lender shall purchase for cash from the other Lenders a
participating interest in such portion of each such other Lender's Loans, or
shall provide such other Lenders with the benefits of any such collateral, or
the proceeds thereof, as shall be necessary to cause such benefitted Lender to
share the excess payment or benefits of such collateral or proceeds ratably with
each of the Lenders; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if all or any portion of such
excess payment or benefits is thereafter recovered from such benefitted Lender,
such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase price and benefits returned,
to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.

         SECTION  9.07.  APPLICABLE  LAW.  THIS  AGREEMENT  AND THE  OTHER  LOAN
DOCUMENTS  SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK.

         SECTION 9.08. WAIVERS; AMENDMENT. (a) No failure or delay of the
Administrative Agent or any Lender in exercising any power or right hereunder
shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of
any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to
enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or
the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the
Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies which
they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any
other Loan Document or consent to any departure by the Borrower or Holdings
therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by
paragraph (b) below, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in
the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice or demand
on the Borrower or Holdings in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

         (b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived,
amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing
entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
no such agreement shall (i) decrease the principal amount of, or extend the
final maturity of, or waive or excuse any such payment or any part thereof, or
decrease the rate of interest on any Loan, without the prior written consent of
each Lender affected thereby, (ii) extend any Loan Repayment Date (other than
final maturity) or any other date on which principal of the Loans is due, or
extend any date on which payment of interest on any Loan is due, without the
prior written consent of Lenders with Loans representing at least 80% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Loans then outstanding, (iii) increase or
extend the Commitment or decrease the Commitment Fees or other fees of any
Lender without the prior written consent of such Lender, or (iv) amend or modify
the provisions of Section 2.09(c) or 2.16, the provisions of this Section or the
definition of "Required Lenders", or release substantially all the Pledged
Securities from the Lien of the Pledge Agreement or release any Guarantor from
the Guarantee Agreement unless all or substantially all of the capital stock of
such subsidiary is sold or otherwise disposed of in a transaction permitted by
this Agreement, without the prior written consent of each Lender; PROVIDED
FURTHER that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the
rights or duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder without the prior written
consent of the Administrative Agent acting as such at the effective date of such
agreement, as the case may be. Each Lender and each holder of a Note shall be
bound by any waiver, amendment or modification authorized by this Section
regardless of whether its Note shall have been marked to make reference thereto,
and any consent by any Lender or holder of a Note pursuant to this Section shall
bind any person subsequently acquiring a Note from it, whether or not such Note
shall have been so marked.

         SECTION 9.09. INTEREST RATE LIMITATION. Notwithstanding anything herein
or in the Notes to the contrary, if at any time the applicable interest rate,
together with all fees and charges which are treated as interest under
applicable law (collectively the "CHARGES"), as provided for herein or in any
other document executed in connection


<PAGE>


                                       64



herewith, or otherwise contracted for, charged, received, taken or reserved by
any Lender, shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the "MAXIMUM RATE") which may
be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by such Lender in
accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable under the Note held
by such Lender, together with all Charges payable to such Lender, shall be
limited to the Maximum Rate, PROVIDED that such excess amount shall be paid to
such Lender on the subsequent payment dates to the extent not exceeding the
legal limitation.

         SECTION 9.10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, the other Loan
Documents and the agreements regarding certain Fees referred to herein
constitute the entire contract between the parties relative to the subject
matter hereof. Any previous agreement among or representations from the parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof is superseded by this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents. Nothing in this Agreement or in the other Loan
Documents, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than
the parties hereto and thereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities
under or by reason of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents.

         SECTION 9.11. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO
THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL
BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF,
UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS.
EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY
OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD
NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B)
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER
INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER
THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.11.

         SECTION 9.12. SEVERABILITY. In the event any one or more of the
provisions contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document should be
held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality
and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein
shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties shall endeavor
in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable
provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as
possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

         SECTION 9.13. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which
when taken together shall constitute but one contract, and shall become
effective as provided in Section 9.03.

         SECTION 9.14. HEADINGS. Article and Section headings and the Table of
Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this
Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into
consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

         SECTION 9.15. JURISDICTION; CONSENT TO SERVICE OF PROCESS. (a) Each of
the Borrower and Holdings hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for
itself and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any New York State
court or Federal court of the United States of America sitting in New York City,
and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising
out of or relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or for
recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto
hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any
such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or,
to the extent permitted by law, in such Federal court. Each of the parties
hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be
conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or
in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any
right that any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding
relating to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents against the Borrower or
Holdings or their properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

         (b) Each of the Borrower and Holdings hereby irrevocably and
unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent they may legally and effectively
do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue
of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement
or the other Loan Documents in any New York State or Federal court. Each of the
parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or
proceeding in any such court.

                       

<PAGE>


                                       65




         (c) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of
process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this
Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process
in any other manner permitted by law.

         SECTION 9.16. CONFIDENTIALITY. Each of the Lenders and the
Administrative Agent agrees that it shall maintain in confidence any information
relating to the Borrower furnished to it by or on behalf of the Borrower (other
than information that (x) has become generally available to the public other
than as a result of a disclosure by such party, (y) has been independently
developed by such party without violating this Section or (z) was available to
such party from a third party having, to such party's knowledge, no obligation
of confidentiality to the Borrower) and shall not reveal the same other than (i)
to its directors, officers, employees and advisors with a need to know and (ii)
as contemplated by Section 9.04(g), except: (a) to the extent necessary to
comply with law or any legal process or the requirements of any Governmental
Authority, of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or of any
securities exchange on which securities of the disclosing party or any Affiliate
of the disclosing party are listed or traded, (b) as part of normal reporting or
review procedures to Governmental Authorities, to the National Association of
Insurance Commissioners or to its parent companies, Affiliates or auditors and
(c) in order to enforce its rights under any Loan Document in a legal
proceeding.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower, Holdings, the Administrative Agent
and the Lenders have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their
respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.



<PAGE>


                                    66







                            COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.


                            By /s/ J. Michael Stepp
     
                              Name: J. Michael Stepp
                              Title: Executive Vice President and CFO

                            COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION


                           By /s/ J. Michael Stepp
                              Name: J. Michael Stepp
                              Title: Executive Vice President and CFO


                          THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, as
                           Administrative Agent and
                           Collateral Agent and as a Lender


                          By
                             Name:
                             Title:



                                              

<PAGE>



                                     BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST
                                         AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, as a
                                         Lender


                                     By /s/ Linda A. Carper
                                         Name: Linda A. Carper
                                         Title: Managing Director

                                    Notice Address:
                                    333 Madison Avenue
                                    5th Floor
                                    New York, New York 10017
                                    Attention:  Ms. Linda Carper
                                    Telecopy:  (212) 503-7502



                                                     
<PAGE>




                                     BANK OF IRELAND - GRAND CAYMAN
                                     BRANCH, as a Lender


                                     By /s/ John Cusack
                                        Name: John G. Cusack
                                        Title: A.V.P.



                                    Address for Notices
                                    640 Fifth Avenue
                                    New York, New York  10019
                                    Attention:  John Cusack
                                    Telecopy:  (212) 586-7752




<PAGE>





                                       THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as a Lender


                                       By
                                        Name:
                                        Title:



                                    Address for Notices
                                    One Wall Street
                                    22nd Floor
                                    New York, New York 10286
                                    Attention: Ann Marie Beeble
                                    Telecopy: (212) 635-6434


                                           

<PAGE>




                                     THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Lender 
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                       By /s/ W. E. Zarrett
                                           Name: William E. Zarrett
                                           Title: Senior Relationship Manager
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                                                          
                                     Address for Notices                  
                                     The Bank of Nova Scotia              
                                     Atlanta Agency                       
                                     Suite 2700                           
                                     600 Peachtree Street, N.E.           
                                     Atlanta, Georgia 30308               
                                     Attention:  W.E. Zarrett             
                                     Telecopy:  (404) 888-8998            
                                                                          
                                     


<PAGE>




                                     BANK OF TOKYO - MITSUBISHI TRUST 
                                     COMPANY, as a Lender             
                                                                      
                                                 
                                       By /s/ J. Bruce Meredith
                                           Name: J. Bruce Meredith
                                           Title: SVP & Manager
                                                                      
                                                                      
                                                                      
                                     Address for Notices              
                                     1251 Avenue of the Americas      
                                     New York, New York  10020        
                                     Attention:  Christopher Wilkens  
                                     Telecopy:  (212) 782-6445        
                                                                      
                                     




<PAGE>

                                                                             
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                        BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY, as 
                                        a Lender                             
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                          By /s/ Thatcher Townsend
                                              Name:               
                                              Title: Vice President
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                        Address for Notices                  
                                        110 South Stratford Road             
                                        Suite 301                            
                                        Winston-Salem, North Carolina  27103 
                                        Attention:  Thatcher Townsend        
                                        Telecopy:  (910) 733-3254            
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                        

<PAGE>
                                        CIBC INC., as a Lender         
                                                                        
                                                                       
                                          By /s/ Roger Colden
                                              Name: Roger Colden
                                              Title: Director
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                        Address for Notices            
                                        Two Paces West                 
                                        2727 Paces Ferry Road          
                                        Suite 1200                     
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30339        
                                        Attention:  Roger Colden       
                                        Telecopy:  (770) 319-4954      
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                        




<PAGE>

                                        COMERICA BANK, as a Lender     
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                          By /s/ Deborah Albrecht
                                              Name: Deborah Albrecht
                                              Title: Account Officer
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                        Address for Notices            
                                        500 Woodward Avenue            
                                        9th Floor                      
                                        Detroit, Michigan 48226-3265   
                                        Attention: Deborah Albrecht    
                                        Telecopy: (313) 222-3776       
                                                                       
                                        



<PAGE>
                                                                    
                                        CAISSE NATIONALE DE CREDIT AGRICOLE, 
                                             as a Lender
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          By /s/ David Bouhl
                                              Name: David Bouhl
                                              Title: First Vice President
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                        Address for Notices         
                                        600 Travis, Suite 2340
                                        Houston, Texas 77002          
                                        Attention:  Kenneth C. Coulter     
                                        Telecopy:  (713) 223-7029   
                                                                    
                                        


                                       

<PAGE>

                                                                              
                                                                              
                                        CREDIT LYONNAIS, NEW YORK BRANCH AND  
                                        CREDIT LYONNAIS ATLANTA AGENCY, as a  
                                        Lender                                
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                          By /s/ R. Ivosevich                 
                                              Name: Robert Ivosevich
                                              Title: Senior Vice President
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                          By /s/ R. Ivosevich
                                              Name: Robert Ivosevich
                                              Title: Senior Vice President
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                        Address for Notices                   
                                        303 Peachtree Street, N.E.            
                                        Suite 4400                            
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30308               
                                        Attention:  David Edge                
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 584-5249             
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                        

<PAGE>



                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                        CREDITANSTALT CORPORATE FINANCE, INC.,  
                                        as a Lender                             
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                          By /s/ Craig Stamm
                                              Name: W. Craig Stamm
                                              Title: Senior Associate
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                        Address for Notices                     
                                        Two Ravinia Drive                       
                                        Suite 1680                              
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30346                 
                                        Attention:  Bob Birringer               
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 390-1851               
                                 

                                        CREDITANSTALT CORPORATE FINANCE, INC.,
                                        as a lender

                                        By: /s/ Carl G. Drake
                                        Name: Carl G. Drake
                                        Title: Senior Associate

<PAGE>                                  

                                                                           
                                       DRESDNER BANK, A.G. NEW YORK AND    
                                       GRAND CAYMAN BRANCHES, as a Lender  
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                         By /s/ Thomas J. Nadramia
                                             Name: Thomas J. Nadramia
                                             Title: Vice President
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                         By /s/ John W. Sweeney
                                             Name: John W. Sweeney
                                             Title: A.V.P.
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                       Address for Notices                 
                                       190 South LaSalle Street            
                                       Suite 2700                          
                                       Chicago, Illinois  60603            
                                       Attention:  Brian Brodeur           
                                       Telecopy:  (312) 444-1305           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                       

<PAGE>


                                                                              
                                        FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH 
                                        CAROLINA, as a Lender                
                                                                             
                                                                              
                                          By /s/ David Silander
                                              Name: David Silander
                                              Title: V.P.
                                                                             
                                                                          
                                        Address for Notices                
                                        301 South Tryon Street              
                                        Floor M-2                            
                                        Charlotte, North Carolina  28288-0145 
                                        Attention:  David Trotter           
                                        Telecopy: (704) 374-4000
                                                                             
                                        and                                
                                                                              
                                        201 South College Street               
                                        Suite 1300                          
                                        Charlotte, North Carolina  28288-0656 
                                        Attention:  Portfolio Management      
                                        Telecopy:  (704) 374-4820            
                                                                                
                                        

<PAGE>
                                                                    
                                        FUJI BANK, as a Lender      
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                          By /s/ Teiji Teramoto
                                              Name: Teiji Teramoto
                                              Title: Vice President & Manager
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                        Address for Notices         
                                        2 World Trade Center        
                                        79th Floor                  
                                        New York, New York  10088   
                                        Attention:  Vincent Ingato  
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 912-0516   
                                                                    
                                                                    
                                        



<PAGE>



                                                                            
                                        THE LONG-TERM CREDIT BANK OF JAPAN  
                                        LTD., NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Lender  
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                          By /s/ Shuichi Tajima
                                              Name: Shuichi Tajima
                                              Title: Deputy General Manager
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                        Address for Notices                 
                                        165 Broadway                        
                                        49th Floor                          
                                        New York, New York  10006           
                                        Attention:  Jay Shankar             
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 335-4524           
                                                                            
                                                                               
                                        
<PAGE>

                                                                               
                                        NATIONSBANK, N.A., as a Lender         
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                          By /s/ J. Timothy Martin
                                              Name:                            
                                              Title:                           
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                        Address for Notices                    
                                        100 North Tryon Street, NC1-002-06-19  
                                        Charlotte, NC  28255                   
                                        Attention:       J. Timothy Martin     
                                        Telecopy No:  (704) 386-1270           
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                        




<PAGE>

                                                                       
                                        NBD BANK, as a Lender          
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                          By /s/ Russell H. Liebetrau, Jr.
                                              Name: Russell H. Liebetrau, Jr.
                                              Title: Vice President
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                        Address for Notices            
                                        611 Woodward Avenue            
                                        Detroit, Michigan  48226       
                                        Attention:  Philip Lowman      
                                        Telecopy:  (313) 225-2649      
                                                                       
                                        

                

<PAGE>


                                     THE NIPPON CREDIT BANK, LTD., as a Lender  
                                                                              

                                          By /s/ Clifford Abramsky
                                              Name: Clifford Abramsky
                                              Title: Senior Manager
                                                                               
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                        Address for Notices              
                                        245 Park Avenue                    
                                        30th Floor                          
                                        New York, New York  10167    
                                        Attention:  Cliff Abramsky           
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 490-3895       
                                                                          
                                        


                                                
<PAGE>

                                                                             
                                                                             
                                       THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC, as a  
                                       Lender                                
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                         By /s/ D. Bonnar
                                             Name: Derek Bonnar
                                             Title: Vice President
                                                                             
                                       Address for Notices                   
                                       88 Pine Street                        
                                       26th Floor                            
                                       New York, New York  10005             
                                       Attention:  Derek Bonnar              
                                       Telecopy:  (212) 269-8929             
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                       

                                                  
<PAGE>

                                                                            
                                        COOPERATIEVE CENTRALE RAIFFEISEN -  
                                        BOERENLEENBANK B.A., "RABOBANK      
                                        NEDERLAND", NEW YORK BRANCH         
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                          By /s/ Ian Reece
                                              Name: Ian Reece
                                              Title: Vice President & Manager
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                          By                                
                                              Name:                         
                                              Title:                        
                                                                            
                                        Address for Notices                 
                                        1201 W. Peachtree Street            
                                        Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3400         
                                        Attention: Garry Weiss              
                                        Telecopy: (404) 877-9150            
                                                                            
                               

<PAGE>

                                                                             
                                                                             
                                        ALLIEDSIGNAL INC., as a Lender       
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                          By                                 
                                              Name:                          
                                              Title:                         
                                                                             
                                        Address for Notices                  
                                        461 Fifth Avenue                     
                                        22nd Floor                           
                                        New York, New York  10017            
                                        Attention:  Mr. Niall Rosenzweig     
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 867-9106            
                                                                             
                                                                             
                                        

<PAGE>

                                                                       
                                                                       
                                        SOCIETE GENERALE, as a Lender  
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                          By /s/ Ralph Saheb
                                              Name: Ralph Saheb
                                              Title: Vice President & Manager
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                        Address for Notices            
                                        Trammell Crow Center           
                                        Suite 4800                     
                                        2001 Ross Avenue               
                                        Dallas, Texas  75201           
                                        Attention:  Meredith Carlisle  
                                        Telecopy:  (214-754-0171)      
                                                                       
                                        with a copy to:                
                                        303 Peachtree Street           
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30308        
                                        Attention:  Jerome Jacques     
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 865-7419      
                                                                       
                                                                       
                                        

<PAGE>

                                                                          
                                       THE SUMITOMO BANK, LIMITED, as a Lender
                                                                            
                                                                             
                                          By /s/ Masaki Shinbo
                                              Name: Masaki Shinbo
                                              Title: General Manager
                                                                               
                                        Address for Notices  
                                        133 Peachtree Street        
                                        Suite 3210                 
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30303    
                                        Attention:  Gary Franke      
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 528-1187   
                                                                           
                                        



                                     

<PAGE>
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                        THE SUMITOMO TRUST & BANKING CO., LTD.,
                                        as a Lender                            
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                          By /s/ Suraj P. Bhatia
                                              Name: Suraj P. Bhatia
                                              Title: Senior Vice President
                                                     Manager, Corporate Finance
                                                     Dept.
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                        Address for Notices                    
                                        527 Madison Avenue                     
                                        New York, New York  10022              
                                        Attention:  Kristin Condon             
                                        Telecopy:  (212) 418-4848              
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                        

<PAGE>


                                                                            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                        SUNTRUST BANK, ATLANTA, as a Lender 
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                          By /s/ Jeffrey D. Drucker
                                              Name: Jeffrey D. Drucker
                                              Title: Banking Officer
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                          By /s/ Brian K. Peters
                                              Name: Brian K. Peters
                                              Title: Vice President
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                        Address for Notices                 
                                        25 Park Place N.E., 26th Floor      
                                        Atlanta, Georgia  30303             
                                        Attention:  Jeffrey Drucker         
                                        Telecopy:  (404) 658-4905           
                                                                            
                                                                            

<PAGE>

                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                        TORONTO DOMINION (NEW YORK), INC., as a 
                                        Lender                                  
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                          By /s/ Wade C. Jacobson
                                              Name: Wade C. Jacobson
                                              Title: Managing Director
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                        Address for Notices                     
                                        909 Fannin Street                       
                                        Houston, Texas 77010                    
                                        Attention:  Debbie Greene               
                                        Telecopy:  (713) 951-9921               
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                        


<PAGE>

                                                                              
                                                                              
                                        VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL PRIME     
                                        RATE INCOME TRUST, as a Lender        
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                          By /s/ Jeffrey Maillet
                                              Name: Jeffrey W. Maillet
                                              Title: Senior Vice President
                                                     & Director
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                        Address for Notices                   
                                        One Parkview Plaza                    
                                        Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois  60181     
                                        Attention:  Jeffrey Maillett          
                                        Telecopy:  (708) 684-6740             
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                               
<PAGE>

                                        WACHOVIA BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA, N.A.,
                                        as a Lender

                                        By /s/ Sarah T. Warren
                                           Name: Sarah T. Warren
                                           Title: Vice President

                                        Address for Notices
                                        400 South Tryon Street
                                        31st Floor
                                        Charlotte, North Carolina 28202-1915
                                        Attention: Sarah Warren
                                        Telecopy: (704) 378-5035


<PAGE>


                                                             Schedule 1.01(A) to
                                                               Credit Agreement


                    APPLICABLE LEVELS AND APPLICABLE MARGINS



Ratio                              Eurodollar Loan Margin   ABR Loan Margin
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Ratio GREATER THAN                1-3/4/%            3/4 of 1%
2.00:1.00
         or
Interest Coverage Ratio LESS THAN
2.75:1.00 ("Level 1")
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Ratio LESS THAN OR EQUAL          1-1/2%              1/2 of 1%
to 2.00:1.00
         and
Interest Coverage Ratio GREATER
THAN OR EQUAL TO 2.75:1.00 ("Level
2")
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Ratio LESS THAN OR EQUAL          1-1/4%              1/4 of 1%
TO 1.50:1.00
         and
Interest Coverage Ratio GREATER
THAN 3.25:1.00 ("Level III")
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leverage Ratio LESS THAN or equal            1%                  0%
to 1.00:1.00
         and
Interest Coverage Ratio GREATER
THAN OR EQUAL TO 3.75:1.00 ("Level
IV")
==============================================================================



For purposes of the foregoing, the Applicable Margin for any date shall be
determined by reference to the Leverage Ratio and Interest Coverage Ratio as of
the last day of the Borrower's fiscal quarter most recently ended as of such
date and any change in the Applicable Margin shall become effective upon the
delivery to the Administrative Agent of a certificate of a Responsible Officer
of the Borrower (which certificate may be delivered prior to delivery of the
relevant financial statements) with respect to the financial statements to be
delivered, pursuant to Section 5.04 for the most recently ended fiscal quarter
(a) setting forth in reasonable detail the calculation of the Interest Coverage
Ratio and Leverage Ratio for and at the end of such fiscal quarter and (b)
stating that the signer has reviewed the terms of this Agreement and other Loan
Documents and has made, or caused to be made under his or her supervision, a
review in reasonable detail of the transactions and condition of Holdings and
its Subsidiaries during the accounting period, and that the signer does not have
knowledge of the existence as at the date of such officers' certificate of any
Event of Default or Default and shall apply (i) to ABR Loans outstanding on such
delivery date or made on and after such delivery date and (ii) to Eurodollar
Loans made on and after such delivery date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the
proceeds of such Loans are used to finance a Permitted Business Acquisition, and
either the Leverage Ratio or Interest Coverage Ratio, after giving effect to
such Permitted Business Acquisition on a PRO FORMA basis, would result in a
change in the Applicable Margin, such change shall become effective for all
purposes simultaneously with the making of such Loans and shall apply (i) to ABR
Loans outstanding on such date or made on or after such date and (ii) to
Eurodollar Loans made on or after such date. It is understood that the foregoing
certificate of a Responsible Officer shall be permitted to be delivered prior
to, but in no event later than, the time of the actual delivery of the financial
statements required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.04. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, at any time during which the Borrower has failed to deliver the
Compliance Certificate with respect to a fiscal quarter following the date the
delivery thereof is due, the Leverage Ratio and Interest Coverage Ratio shall be
deemed, solely for the purposes of this definition, to be greater than 2.00:1.00
and less than 2.75:1.00, respectively, until such time as Borrower shall deliver
such Compliance Certificate.



<PAGE>


                                                               SCHEDULE 2.01 TO
                                                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                   COMMITMENTS


      Lender                                                      Commitment


The Chase Manhattan Bank                                     $ ______________
270 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Attention:
Telephone:  (212) 270-
Telecopy:    (212)



<PAGE>







                                                             SCHEDULE 2.11(a) TO
                                                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


                         TERM LOAN AMORTIZATION SCHEDULE

         Term Loan Repayment Date                        Repayment

          1      December 4, 1997                        $   27,000,000
          2      January 13, 1998                             9,500,000
          3      April 13, 1998                               9,500,000
          4      July 13, 1998                                9,500,000
          5      October 13, 1998                             9,500,000
          6      January 13, 1999                            10,250,000
          7      April 13, 1999                              10,250,000
          8      July 13, 1999                               10,250,000
          9      October 13, 1999                            10,250,000
          10     January 13, 2000                            10,500,000
          11     April 13, 2000                              10,500,000
          12     July 13, 2000                               10,500,000
          13     October 13, 2000                            10,500,000
          14     January 13, 2001                            10,250,000
          15     April 13, 2001                              10,250,000
          16     July 13, 2001                               10,250,000
          17     October 13, 2001                            10,250,000
          18     January 13, 2002                            11,000,000




         SECOND AMENDMENT, dated as of October 3, 1996 to Agreement dated as of
         July 22, 1992, as amended by the First Amendment dated February 24,
         1994 (as so amended, the "Agreement") between COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS
         CO. (which was formerly named Collins & Aikman Corporation) (the
         "Company") and THOMAS E. HANNAH ("Employee").

     WHEREAS, the Company and Employee desire to amend the Agreement as
hereinafter provided;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties
hereto hereby agree as follows:

     1. Section 3.2 of the  Agreement is hereby  amended by restating  paragraph
(b) thereof to read in its entirety as follows:

                  "(b) Employee's target bonus with respect to any fiscal year
     of the Company under all bonus plans in effect for such year and applicable
     to Employee pursuant to Section 3.2 (a) shall be in the aggregate 100% of
     his annual base pay (the "Target Bonus") and his maximum bonus with respect
     to any fiscal year of the Company shall be in the aggregate 200% of his
     annual base pay. Subject to the provisions of such plans and to this
     Section 3.2, Employee shall receive the Target Bonus with respect to any
     fiscal year in which the Company achieves all the goals set by the
     Compensation Board for such year."



<PAGE>


                  2. The validity, interpretation and performance of this
Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, regardless of
the laws that might be applied under applicable principles of conflicts of laws.
Each of the parties hereby waives any right such party may have to a trial by
jury.
                  3. All references in the Agreement to this "Agreement" shall
mean the Agreement, as amended hereby. Except as expressly amended hereby, the
Agreement shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with the
provisions thereof.
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of
the day and year first above written.

                                             /s/ Thomas E.  Hannah      [L.S.]
                                             THOMAS E. HANNAH

                                            COLLINS & AIKMAN PRODUCTS CO.



                                            By    /s/ Randall J.  Weisenburger
                                                     Title: Co-Chairman



                                            By    /s/ David A.  Stockman
                                                     Title: Co-Chairman







<PAGE>





                          COLLINS & AIKMAN CORPORATION
                        COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
                       IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA
                                   (UNAUDITED)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                              QUARTER ENDED          NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                       OCTOBER 26,   OCTOBER 28,  OCTOBER 26,  OCTOBER 28,
                                                                         1996          1995          1996        1995
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>           <C>               <C>   
Average shares outstanding during the period...................         69,055        69,817       69,067       70,237

Incremental shares under stock options computed 
     under the treasury stock method using the average
     market price of issuer's stock during the period..........            878         1,308          919        1,230
                                                                           
                                                                           

     Total shares for primary EPS                                       69,933        71,125       69,986       71,467

Additional shares under stock options computed 
     under the treasury stock method using the ending
     price of issuer's stock...................................              -            -            36           53

     Total shares for fully diluted EPS........................         69,933        71,125       70,022       71,520

Income (loss) applicable to common shareholders:
     Continuing operations.....................................     $   13,697   $    18,104    $  39,836    $  50,866
     Discontinued operations...................................          2,225         2,536        6,749       14,120
     Income before extraordinary loss..........................         15,922        20,640       46,585       64,986
     Extraordinary loss........................................         -             -            (6,610)      -

     Net income (loss).........................................     $   15,922   $    20,640    $  39,975    $  64,986

Income (loss) per primary and fully diluted common share:
     Continuing operations.....................................     $      .20   $       .25    $    .57     $     .71
     Discontinued operations...................................            .03           .04         .09           .20
     Extraordinary loss........................................             -             -         (.09)            -

     Net income (loss).........................................     $      .23  $        .29    $    .57     $     .91


</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 26, 1996 AND SUCH IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-28-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-26-1996
<CASH>                                           2,541
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  153,245
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,115
<INVENTORY>                                    146,101
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               553,724
<PP&E>                                         502,015
<DEPRECIATION>                                 213,915
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,175,817
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          279,778
<BONDS>                                        812,711
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           705
<OTHER-SE>                                   (183,919)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,175,817
<SALES>                                      1,065,380
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,065,380
<CGS>                                          855,852
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  855,852
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   498
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              44,611
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 67,208
<INCOME-TAX>                                    27,372
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             39,836
<DISCONTINUED>                                   6,749
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (6,610)
<NET-INCOME>                                    39,975
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .57
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .57
        

</TABLE>


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