SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES INC
10-Q, 1996-05-15
SUGAR & CONFECTIONERY PRODUCTS
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<PAGE>   1





                                   FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

           [ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

               For the quarterly period ended      March 31, 1996
                                              ---------------------
                                       OR

           [   ] 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      1-11420
                                              --------------

                       SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)



          Delaware                                           58-1089367
- -------------------------------                          -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                           Identification No.)



     P. O. Box 339, Savannah, Georgia                     31402
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code     (912) 234-1261
                                                   -------------------------

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 March 31, 1996 there were 26,238,196 shares of common stock of Savannah
Foods & Industries, Inc. outstanding.

The exhibit index is located on page 16 of this filing.





Page 1




<PAGE>   2




                       SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                     INDEX



Part I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION:                                        Page
                                                                      ------
        Item 1.  Financial Statements:

        Consolidated Balance Sheets at
          March 31, 1996 and October 1, 1995                            3

        Consolidated Statements of Operations
          for the quarter and the two quarters
          ended March 31, 1996 and April 2, 1995                        4

        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
          for the two quarters ended March 31, 1996
          and April 2, 1995                                             5

        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                      6

        Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis
          of the Company's Financial Position
          and Results of Operations                                     9


Part II.  OTHER INFORMATION:

        Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of
                 Securities Holders                                    13

        Item 5.  Other Information - Statement on
                 Business Risks and Forward-Looking
                 Information                                           14

        Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                      16

        Signatures                                                     17






Page 2



<PAGE>   3




                        PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

                       Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
             (In thousands except for shares and per share amounts)
                                 (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             March 31,      October 1,
                                                               1996            1995
Assets                                                      ----------      ----------
  <S>                                                       <C>             <C>

  Current assets:
        Cash and cash equivalents                           $ 10,178        $ 11,574  
        Accounts receivable                                   60,713          66,991  
        Inventories (net of LIFO reserve of $6,207                                    
           in 1996 and $10,460 in 1995 (Note 2)              195,721         103,121  
        Other current assets                                  13,755          16,116  
                                                            --------        --------  
               Total current assets                          280,367         197,802  
  Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated                                   
        depreciation of $214,297 in 1996 and                                          
        $206,100 in 1995)                                    220,868         230,891  
  Other assets                                                34,645          47,814  
                                                            --------        --------
                                                            $535,880        $476,507  
                                                            ========        ========  
  Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                      

  Current liabilities:                                                                
        Short-term borrowing                                $ 41,250        $ 22,300  
        Current portion of long-term debt (Note 3)            10,057           6,300  
        Trade accounts payable                                92,152          63,259  
        Dividends payable                                        656             656  
        Accrued expenses related to beet operations           20,750               -  
        Other liabilities and accrued expenses                23,456          22,225  
                                                            --------        --------  
               Total current liabilities                     188,321         114,740  
                                                            --------        --------  
  Long-term debt (Note 3)                                     90,611         106,864  
                                                            --------        --------  
  Deferred employee benefits                                  87,185          85,254  
                                                            --------        --------  
  Stockholders' equity:                                                               
        Common stock $.25 par value; $.55 stated value;                               
           64,000,000 shares authorized; 31,306,800                                   
           shares issued                                      17,365          17,365  
        Capital in excess of stated value (Note 4)            23,952          12,190  
        Retained earnings                                    190,365         190,176  
        Treasury stock, at cost (2,568,604 shares in                                  
           1996 and 5,068,604 shares in 1995) (Note 4)       (15,849)        (31,275) 
        Minimum pension liability adjustment                 (14,842)        (14,842) 
        Note receivable from employee stock ownership plan    (3,540)         (3,540) 
        Stock held by benefit trust, at market                                        
           (2,500,000 shares in 1996) (Note 4)               (27,188)              -  
        Cumulative translation adjustment                       (500)           (425) 
                                                            --------        --------  
               Total stockholders' equity                    169,763         169,649  
  Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)                           -               -  
                                                            --------        --------
                                                            $535,880        $476,507  
                                                            ========        ========  
</TABLE>


  (The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
                                 statements.)

                                                                        Page 3
<PAGE>   4



                       Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations
             (In thousands of dollars except for per share amounts)
                                  (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      For the
                                        For the Quarter Ended      Two Quarters Ended
                                        --------------------     --------------------
                                         March 31,    April 2,    March 31,  April 2,
                                          1996         1995        1996        1995
                                         --------    --------    --------    -------- 
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net sales                                $250,804    $253,377    $555,213    $535,854
                                         --------    --------    --------    -------- 
Operating expenses:
     Cost of sales and
         operating expenses               225,853     232,470     502,325     486,099
     Selling, general and
         administrative expenses           13,766      13,054      27,551      26,548
     Depreciation and
         amortization                       7,213       7,516      14,329      14,410
     Other costs (Note 5)                   3,810          38       1,846          70
                                         --------    --------    --------    -------- 
                                          250,642     253,078     546,051     527,127
                                         --------    --------    --------    -------- 

Income from operations                        162         299       9,162       8,727
                                         --------    --------    --------    -------- 
Other income and expenses:
     Interest and other
         investment income                    176         361         412         888
     Interest expense                      (3,306)     (3,819)     (6,665)     (7,391)
     Other                                   (174)         25        (601)        158
                                         --------    --------    --------    -------- 
                                           (3,304)     (3,433)     (6,854)     (6,345)
                                         --------    --------    --------    -------- 
(Loss) income before income
 taxes                                     (3,142)     (3,134)      2,308       2,382
Benefit from (provision for)
 income taxes                               1,099       1,207        (808)       (691)
                                         --------    --------    --------    -------- 
Net (loss) income                        $ (2,043)   $ (1,927)   $  1,500    $  1,691
                                         ========    ========    ========    ======== 

Per share:

     Net (loss) income (Note 6)          $   (.08)   $   (.07)   $    .06    $    .07
                                         ========    ========    ========    ======== 

     Dividends                           $   .025    $   .135    $    .05    $    .27
                                         ========    ========    ========    ======== 
</TABLE>


(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.)




Page 4


<PAGE>   5




                       Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                  (Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               For the Two Quarters Ended
                                                               --------------------------
                                                                  March 31,   April 2,
                                                                     1996      1995
                                                                   -------    -------     
                                                                 (In thousands of dollars)
<S>                                                                <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operations:
     Net income                                                    $ 1,500    $ 1,691
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to                                             
         net cash provided by operations -
         Depreciation and amortization                              14,329     14,410
         Provision for deferred income taxes                             -       (863)
         Net loss on disposal of assets                              1,846         70
         Changes in balance sheet accounts -
              Accounts receivable                                    6,278     19,287
              Inventories                                          (92,600)  (105,154)
              Other current assets                                   2,361    (8,850)
              Trade accounts payable                                28,893     34,057
              Accrued expenses related to beet
                  operations                                        20,750     20,864
              Other liabilities and accrued expenses                (2,569)     2,180
              Other                                                  2,198      1,292
                                                                   -------    -------     
Cash used for operations                                           (17,014)   (21,016)
                                                                   -------    -------     
Cash flows from investing activities:
     Additions to property, plant and equipment                     (3,632)    (8,403)
     Proceeds from sale of property, plant and
         equipment                                                   2,471        202
     Liquidation (acquisition) of investments                        8,848     (1,020)
     Acquisition of business                                             -     (7,050)
     Use of escrow balances related to industrial
         revenue bonds for additions to property,
         plant and equipment                                         2,862          -
     Other                                                             186     (2,125)
                                                                   -------    -------     
Cash provided by (used for) investing activities                    10,735    (18,396)
                                                                   -------    -------     
Cash flows from financing activities:
     Increase in short-term borrowings                              18,950     45,000
     Payments of long-term debt                                    (12,496)   (22,249)
     Liquidation of unused industrial revenue
         bond escrow balances                                            -      5,464
     Dividends paid                                                 (1,312)    (7,084)
     Other                                                            (259)       345
                                                                   -------    -------     
Cash provided by financing activities                                4,883     21,476
                                                                   -------    -------     
Cash flows for period                                               (1,396)   (17,936)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                      11,574     28,436
                                                                   -------    -------     
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                           $10,178    $10,500
                                                                   =======   ========
</TABLE>


(The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.)


                                                                        Page 5

<PAGE>   6




                       Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

(1)  The information furnished reflects all adjustments (consisting of only
     normal recurring accruals, except as discussed in Note 5) which are, in
     the opinion of Management, necessary for a fair statement of the results
     for the interim periods.  These consolidated financial statements should
     be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto
     included in the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K.  Certain
     prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year
     presentation.

(2)  A summary of inventories by class is as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        March 31,       October 1,
                                                          1996              1995
                                                       ---------         --------- 
                                                         (In thousands of dollars)
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>      
Raw materials and work-in-process                      $ 79,767           $ 46,533 
Packaging materials, parts and supplies                  23,537             26,245 
Finished goods                                           92,417             30,343 
                                                       --------           -------- 
                                                       $195,721           $103,121 
                                                       ========           ======== 
</TABLE>


(3)  Long-term debt is summarized as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               March 31,    October 1,
                                                                1996          1995
                                                              --------     --------   
                                                            (In thousands of dollars)
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>     
Senior notes - $47,857 Series A at                                                  
   8.35% and $12,143 Series B at 7.15%                        $ 60,000     $ 60,000 
Long-term debt supported by revolving                                               
   credit facilities with banks                                      -       10,000 
Notes payable to banks related to                                                   
   the ESOP                                                     12,619       14,100 
Industrial revenue bonds                                        22,500       22,500 
Other long-term debt                                             5,549        6,564 
                                                              --------     -------- 
                                                               100,668      113,164 

Less - Current portion                                         (10,057)      (6,300) 
                                                              --------     -------- 
                                                              $ 90,611     $106,864 
                                                              ========     ======== 
</TABLE>


      Effective April 1, 1996, the Company entered into a new $120,000,000
      revolving credit facility which expires on January 1, 2000, and
      automatically extends by one year at each anniversary date of the
      agreement.  The Company has a $62,500,000 Standby Letter of Credit in
      favor of the Senior Note lenders outstanding under the revolving credit
      agreement.  In connection with the execution of this agreement, the
      Senior Note agreement was amended to remove all of the financial ratio
      covenants.  As of March 31, 1996 and the date of this report, the Company
      was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.



                                                                        Page 6


<PAGE>   7



      The Company has given notice to repay $5,000,000 of the Senior Notes
      ahead of scheduled maturities.  Accordingly, such amount is now included
      in the current portion of long-term debt.

(4)  During March 1996, the Company established a Benefit Trust (the "Trust")
     with 2,500,000 shares of treasury stock.  The Trust will enhance the
     Company's financial flexibility to provide funds to satisfy its
     obligations under various employee benefit plans and agreements.  The
     Company is in the process of obtaining Securities and Exchange Commission
     approval for the sale of the shares from the Trust.  Once approved, the
     shares may be sold at the Company's discretion, until March 31, 2011.
     However, these shares do not have to be sold.  Proceeds from the sales, if
     any, will be used to fund eligible employee benefits.  The employee
     benefits payable from the Trust are primarily included in the $87,185,000
     "Deferred employee benefits" liability. Shares held by the Trust are not
     considered outstanding for earnings per share calculations until they are
     sold, but are considered outstanding for voting purposes.  The shares are
     voted based upon the voting results of the shares held in the Company's
     Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

     To record this transaction, the Company reduced "Treasury stock" by the
     average cost of these shares to the Company, or $15,426,000, and the fair
     market value of the stock was recorded as "Stock held by benefit trust".
     The difference of $11,762,000 between the cost of the shares and their
     fair value is included in "Capital in excess of stated value".  Each
     quarter, "Stock held by benefit trust" will be adjusted to the fair market
     value of the shares held in the Trust, and an adjustment for the same
     amount will be made to "Capital in excess of stated value".  Total
     stockholders' equity will increase as the shares are sold from the Trust.

(5)  On April 19, 1996, the Company sold the property, plant and equipment and
     certain other assets of Raceland Sugars, Inc., its raw sugar mill
     subsidiary, for $12,500,000 in cash.  The Company retained the raw sugar
     and by-product inventories and the related accounts receivable, accounts
     payable and short-term borrowings.  These assets and liabilities will be
     liquidated in the normal course of business during the remainder of fiscal
     1996.    As a result of the sale, certain  expenses accrued  for plant
     repairs



Page 7



<PAGE>   8




      will not be paid by the Company and have been reversed.  The book values
      of the assets sold are as follows (in thousands of dollars):


<TABLE>
               <S>                                         <C>
               Inventories                                 $1,502
               Other current assets                           696
               Property, plant & equipment                 15,534
               Other assets                                 1,538
                                                          -------
              Assets sold                                  19,270
               Reversal of expenses accrued for             
                 plant repairs                             (2,970)
                                                          -------
                                                          $16,300
                                                          =======
</TABLE>



     During the quarter ended March 1996, the Company accrued an estimated
     loss on the sale of $3,800,000.  This amount is included in the caption
     "Other costs".  Also included in this line is a $1,964,000 net gain from
     disposal of assets in the first quarter.

(6)  Earnings per share for all periods presented are based on weighted
     average outstanding shares of 26,238,196.

(7)  Commitments and Contingencies:

     The Company has contracted for the purchase of a substantial portion of
     its future raw sugar requirements.  Prices to be paid for raw sugar under
     these contracts are based in some cases on market prices during the
     anticipated delivery month.  In other cases prices are fixed and, in
     these instances, the Company generally obtains commitments from its
     customers to buy the sugar prior to fixing the price, or enters into
     futures transactions to hedge the commitment.
     
     The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest
     rate exposure.  The Company is exposed to loss in the event of
     non-performance by the other party to these swaps.  However, the Company
     does not anticipate non-performance by the counter-parties to the
     transactions.
     
     As of March 31, 1996, approximately $2,500,000 of a claim by the United
     States Customs Service (Customs) remains unresolved.  Customs has alleged
     that drawback claims prepared by the Company for certain export shipments
     of sugar during the years 1984 to 1988 are technically and/or
     substantively deficient and that the Company, therefore, is not entitled
     to moneys previously received under these drawback claims.  The Company
     disputes Customs' findings and has been vigorously protesting this matter
     with Customs.  The ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to
     have a materially adverse effect on the Company's financial position or
     results of operations.


Page 8




<PAGE>   9




Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of the Company's
         Financial Position and Results of Operations.

Liquidity

     Operating working capital, defined as non-cash assets and non-interest
bearing liabilities excluding dividends payable, increased $33,087,000 from the
end of fiscal 1995.  Inventory, net of trade payables and accrued beet
expenses, increased $42,957,000 from October 1, 1995 primarily as a result of
seasonal factors at Michigan Sugar and Raceland Sugars, and short-term
borrowings increased $18,950,000.

     The Company maintains revolving credit facilities to provide liquidity for
short-term operating needs.  The Company also has the ability to fund seasonal
increases in inventory through borrowings from the Commodity Credit
Corporation.  These sources of short-term funds provide ample liquidity to the
Company to meet its operating cash requirements.

Capital Resources

     Effective April 1, 1996, the Company had $120,000,000 in revolving credit
facilities with banks.  Under  these facilities, there is a Standby Letter of
Credit in the amount of $62,500,000 drawn in favor of the Senior Note lenders.
Such amount will be reduced from time to time as the Senior Notes are repaid.
The remaining available balance is intended to meet working capital and other
cash needs as they arise.  All of the $120,000,000 of available facilities are
committed through January 1, 2000.  The revolving credit facilities, in
general, enable the Company to borrow funds at LIBOR plus 1/2% to 3/4%,
depending on achievement of specified fixed charge coverage targets.  Also,
effective April 22, 1996, the Company established a $10,000,000 uncommitted
line of credit with a bank.  At March 31, 1996,  the Company had short-term
debt of $1,000,000 outstanding under its prior revolving credit facilities and
$40,250,000 outstanding from the Commodity Credit Corporation.

     In connection with the Standby Letter of Credit drawn under the revolving
facilities, the Senior Note agreement was amended to remove all of the
financial ratio covenants.  As of March 31, 1996, and the date of this report,
the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

     Payments on total long-term debt were $12,496,000 since October 1, 1995.
Changes in debt and equity resulted in a decrease  in the ratio of long-term
debt to total capital from 39% to 35%.  During the 2nd quarter of fiscal 1996,
the Company liquidated $8,848,000 of the cash surrender value of Company owned
life insurance policies and used the proceeds to reduce long-term debt.  By the
end of fiscal 1996, the Company expects to liquidate an additional $5,000,000
in cash surrender values which will also be used to reduce long-term debt.
These assets are included in "Other assets".



Page 9



<PAGE>   10




     On April 19, 1996, the Company sold the property, plant and equipment and
certain other assets of Raceland Sugars, Inc., its raw sugar mill subsidiary,
for $12,500,000.  The Company retained the raw sugar and by-product inventories
and the related accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term
borrowings.  These assets and liabilities will be liquidated in the normal
course of business during the remainder of fiscal 1996.  After liquidation of
these amounts, the Company expects to achieve a net cash flow of approximately
$15,000,000 on the sale of Raceland.  During March 1996, the Company accrued an
estimated loss on the sale of ($3,800,000).  This amount is included in the
caption "Other costs" in the accompanying income statement.

     The sale of Raceland and the liquidation of certain Company owned life
insurance policies result from the fact that these assets had returns below the
Company's cost of capital.  The Company is using proceeds from these asset
dispositions to temporarily reduce long-term debt.  Ultimately, it expects to
deploy these proceeds in operations which have returns in excess of the
Company's cost of capital.

     At March 31, 1996, stockholders' equity was $169,763,000 compared to
equity at October 1, 1995, of $169,649,000.  Equity increased as a result of
earnings of $1,500,000 during the six months ended March 31, 1996 and decreased
primarily as a result of dividends of $1,312,000.

     During March 1996, the Company established a Benefit Trust (the "Trust")
with 2,500,000 shares of treasury stock.  The Trust will enhance the Company's
financial flexibility to provide funds to satisfy its obligations under various
employee benefit plans and agreements.  The Company is in the process of
obtaining Securities and Exchange Commission approval for the sale of the
shares from the Trust.  Once approved, the shares may be sold at the Company's
discretion, until March 31, 2011.  However, these shares do not have to be
sold.  Proceeds from the sales, if any, will be used to fund eligible employee
benefits.  The employee benefits payable from the Trust are primarily included
in the $87,185,000 "Deferred employee benefits" liability. Shares held by the
Trust are not considered outstanding for earnings per share calculations until
they are sold, but are considered outstanding for voting purposes.  The shares
are voted based upon the voting results of the shares held in the Company's
Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

     To record this transaction, the Company reduced "Treasury stock" by the
average cost of these shares to the Company, or $15,426,000, and the fair
market value of the stock was recorded as "Stock held by benefit trust".  The
difference of $11,762,000 between the cost of the shares and their fair value
is included in "Capital in excess of stated value".  Each quarter, "Stock held
by benefit trust" will be adjusted to the fair market value of the shares held
in the Trust and an adjustment for the same amount will be made to "Capital in
excess of stated value".  Total stockholders' equity will increase as the
shares are sold from the Trust.



Page 10




<PAGE>   11




     Fixed asset additions during the six months ended March 31, 1996 were
$3,632,000 compared to depreciation for the same period of $13,140,000.  The
capital expenditures were primarily made to upgrade and install packaging and
production equipment.   These expenditures are expected to benefit the Company
through increased efficiency, improved quality control and expanded operational
capabilities. The Company expects that fixed asset additions (exclusive of any
acquisitions) will not exceed $10,000,000 in fiscal 1996.

Results of Operations

     The Company's net income for the six months ended March 31, 1996 was
$1,500,000, or $.06 per share, compared to income of $1,691,000, or $.07 per
share, for the six months ended April 2, 1995.  The net loss for the second
quarter of fiscal 1996 was ($2,043,000), or ($.08) per share, compared to a
loss of ($1,927,000), or ($.07) per share, for the same quarter of fiscal 1995.

     As discussed above, "Income from operations" for the quarter ended March
31, 1996, includes a ($3,800,000) loss on the sale of the operating assets of
Raceland Sugars.  For the six months, this loss was partially offset by a
$1,964,000 first quarter gain on assets sold in conjunction with cost
reductions the Company is making.  Excluding the effects of these asset
dispositions, income from operations for both the six-month period and the
quarter increased.  This improvement reflects an increase in the margins from
our cane refining operations.  Margins are higher because the 1995 beet crop
was smaller than the previous year's record beet crop.  As a result, pricing
pressures this fiscal year are much less than last year when the Company was
sometimes selling refined sugar below cost to maintain market share.

     Our cane sugar division showed a large increase in operating income for
the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same periods
last year primarily because retail sugar sales volume and margins increased for
each period.  Domestic industrial volume was up for both the quarter and six
months, but overall industrial volume was down for both periods due to
decreased low-margin export sales.  For the six months, domestic industrial
margins were down, but they were up for the quarter as sales prices are
beginning to reflect the smaller amount of beet sugar available for sale.  Both
sugar sales volume and sales prices to the food service industry were up
slightly from the prior year quarter and six months.  Non-sugar sales volume
and prices were also higher for the quarter and the six months than they were
in the comparable periods last year as these product lines continue to expand.

     Our beet sugar division reported significantly lower operating income for
the quarter and six months ended March 31, 1996 compared to the same periods
last year as the effects of the poor 1995 beet crop continue to depress
earnings.  Total sugar produced from the crop was lower than last year's crop
due to reduced sugar beet yields and sugar content.  As a result, manufacturing
costs per cwt. were significantly

Page 11




<PAGE>   12




higher than in the prior year.  Sugar sales prices for both the quarter and the
six months were down slightly from the prior year periods.  Sales volume for
the six months was also down slightly from the prior year six months, but sales
volume for the quarter was down considerably from the prior year quarter.
Sales volume over the remaining six months of the year will be much lower than
the same period last year due to the lower production.

     Congress passed the Farm Bill on February 29, 1996.  It is essentially a
continuation of the current Farm Bill except that the U.S. Department of
Agriculture will not restrict the sale of  beet sugar when annual sugar
production is high.  In such cases, it is possible that the combination of
large supplies of domestic beet sugar and raw cane sugar, plus raw cane sugar
imports, will result in sugar supplies in excess of the demand for sugar.  This
could lower raw sugar prices and possibly result in a benefit to the Company.

     The national beet crop, which has now been completely processed, is down
about 11% from the prior year.  Michigan Sugar's 1995 beet crop is also smaller
than normal as has been previously reported.  This shortfall in national beet
production will be replaced by refined cane sugar throughout the second half of
fiscal 1996.  Consequently, with less beet sugar supply, the Company will
realize the benefits of both higher volumes and profitable margins during the
second half of the year.  As a result, the profit outlook for the remainder of
fiscal 1996 is good.

     Based upon information available at this time, the outlook for fiscal 1997
is also good.  Nationally, total beet acreage is expected to be down because
some farmers are taking advantage of higher prices for competing grain crops
and are  planting less sugar beets.  The initial forecast is that next year's
production of beet sugar will approximate that of this year.  Thus, we expect
our cane divisions to have profitable margins and reasonable volumes in fiscal
1997.  Michigan's acreage for next year will be reduced, but assuming that
yield per acre and sugar content return to normal, it should be a reasonably
profitable year.



Page 12



<PAGE>   13




                         PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


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

     At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 15, 1996 in
Savannah, Georgia, 22,960,289 shares, representing 87.5% of the 26,238,196
total eligible shares outstanding, were voted in person or by proxy.  The
Directors proposed in the proxy material were elected to serve three-year terms
by the vote shown below:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Outstanding Shares Voted For                Abstain           
                            -----------------------------------    -------------------------
                                Number          % of Eligible        Number   % of Eligible    
                               of Votes            Votes             of Votes      Votes       
                            -----------------------------------    -------------------------
    <S>                      <C>                   <C>               <C>             <C>

    W. Waldo Bradley         22,655,989            86.35             304,300         1.16
    John D. Carswell         22,647,799            86.32             312,490         1.19
    F. Sprague Exley         22,653,635            86.34             306,654         1.17
    William W. Sprague, III  22,653,887            86.34             306,402         1.17
    Hugh M. Tarbutton        22,643,174            86.30             317,115         1.21
</TABLE>



     Other Directors whose term of office  continued after the meeting were R.
Eugene Cartledge, Lee B. Durham, Jr., Robert L. Harrison, Dale C. Critz, Arthur
M. Gignilliat, Jr., Robert S. Jepson, Jr. and Arnold Tenenbaum.

     The appointment of Price Waterhouse LLP as independent public accountants
was approved.  The vote was as follows:



<TABLE>
Caption>
Outstanding Shares Voted For            Against                      Abstain
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
  Number        % of Eligible     Number    % of Eligible     Number     % of  Eligible
of Votes           Votes        of Votes       Votes         of Votes        Votes
- ---------       -------------   --------    -------------    --------    --------------- 
<S>                <C>          <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>
22,749,452         86.70        133,320         .51           77,517          .30
</TABLE>



Page 13

<PAGE>   14




Item 5. Other Information - Statement on Business Risks and
        Forward-Looking Information

     Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc. generally does not make specific
projections about future income or provide other specific forward-looking
information.  However, due to changes brought about by the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we believe it is appropriate to outline several
key factors which impact our Company's future performance.

     All phases of the Company's business are very competitive with the primary
competitors being other sugar cane refiners and beet sugar processors.  Because
sugar is a commodity, competition is based primarily upon price, but is also
based upon product quality and customer service.  Our Company is diversified
into all marketing and production (i.e. cane and beet) phases of the refined
sugar industry, but the majority of our capacity, approximately 85%, is cane
sugar, with the remaining 15% being beet sugar.  Thus, our operating results
are influenced mostly by factors which affect the cane sugar industry.

     Cane sugar refiners operate on large volumes and small margins.  Costs
typically represent over 90% of the selling price of our products.
Consequently, a small percentage change in sales prices or in the cost of our
raw materials or manufacturing costs can result in a large percentage change in
our income from operations.  

     In today's market, the primary driver of refined sugar sales prices is the
amount of beet sugar produced.  A large amount of beet sugar generally means
lower prices as beet producers sell their larger production by undercutting the
prices of cane sugar refiners.  The amount of beet sugar produced not only
affects selling prices, but also affects the per unit manufacturing costs of the
sugar industry.  Many of the costs in the manufacturing process, whether beet or
cane, are fixed and must be divided among the actual production.  As volume
increases or decreases, per unit manufacturing costs decrease or increase,
respectively.  Thus, forecasting the amount of beet sugar which will be produced
is an essential element in predicting our income.



Page 14

<PAGE>   15




     In addition to sales prices and per unit manufacturing costs, the other
primary factor in determining operating income is the cost of raw sugar, which
is by far the largest single cost of producing refined cane sugar.  Raw sugar
is a commodity, and while we purchase it using many different pricing methods,
the price is always based in some manner on the market price of raw sugar as
determined by the commodities market.  Thus, its price is subject to the
numerous variables that affect the price of any commodity.  In general,
however, its price is supported at an artificially high level through the sugar
program portion of the U.S. Government's Farm Bill.

     Forward looking information affecting the sugar industry should be 
considered within this context.



Page 15



<PAGE>   16




Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits:

          Exhibit
          Number    Description
          -------   -----------

          4-1       Credit Agreement, dated as of April 1,
                    1996, among Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., as borrower,
                    the banks listed therein, and Wachovia Bank of Georgia,
                    N.A., as agent.
                   
          4-2       Third Amendment to Note Agreements, dated
                    as of March 29, 1996, by and among Savannah Foods &
                    Industries, Inc., as borrower, and the lenders named
                    therein, consisting of $50,000,000 8.35% Series A Senior
                    Notes due November 1, 2002 and $20,000,000 7.15% Series B
                    Senior Notes due November 1, 2002.

          27-1      Financial Data Schedule

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K, not applicable.



Page 16

<PAGE>   17




                                 SIGNATURES


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


                                   SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC. 
                                                                     
                                                                     
                                                                     
                               By: /s/John M. Tatum              
                                   --------------------
                                   John M. Tatum                     
Date:  May 15, 1996                Secretary



                               BY: /s/Gregory H. Smith
                                   --------------------
                                   Gregory H. Smith
                                   Senior Vice President
                                   Chief Financial Officer
DATE:  May 15, 1996                and Treasurer

<PAGE>   1





                                  $120,000,000

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                  dated as of

                                 April 1, 1996

                                     among


                       SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.

                            The Banks Listed Herein

                                      and

                        WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.,
                                    as Agent
<PAGE>   2

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

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

                                                       DEFINITIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

SECTION 1.01. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

SECTION 1.02. Accounting Terms and Determinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17

SECTION 1.03. References  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17

SECTION 1.04. Use of Defined Terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18

SECTION 1.05. Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18

                                                        ARTICLE II

                                                       THE CREDITS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18

SECTION 2.01. Commitment to Make Available Syndicated Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18

SECTION 2.02. Method of Borrowing Syndicated Loans  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18

SECTION 2.03. Offered Rate Credits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21

SECTION 2.04. Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23

SECTION 2.05. Maturity of Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23

SECTION 2.06. Interest Rates; Accretion of Principal of Banker's Acceptances  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24

SECTION 2.07. Fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26

SECTION 2.08. Optional Termination or Reduction of Commitments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27

SECTION 2.09. Mandatory Reduction and Termination of Commitments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27

SECTION 2.10. Optional Prepayments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27

SECTION 2.11. Mandatory Prepayments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28
</TABLE>





                                      (i)
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                    <C>
SECTION 2.12. General Provisions as to Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  28

SECTION 2.13. Computation of Interest and Fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30

                                                       ARTICLE III.

                                                LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30

SECTION 3.01 Obligation to Issue  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  30

SECTION 3.02 Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31

SECTION 3.03 Reimbursement Obligations; Duties of the Issuing Bank  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  31

SECTION 3.04 Participations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  32

SECTION 3.05 Payment of Reimbursement Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  34

SECTION 3.06 Compensation for Letter of Credit and Agent Reporting Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35

SECTION 3.07 Indemnification; Exoneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  36

SECTION 3.08 Credit Yield Protection; Capital Adequacy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37

SECTION 3.09. Disqualification of a Bank  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39

                                                        ARTICLE IV

                                                 CONDITIONS TO BORROWINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40

SECTION 4.01. Conditions to First Borrowing and Issuance of the Letter of Credit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  40

SECTION 4.02. Conditions to All Borrowings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  42

                                                        ARTICLE V

                                              REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43

SECTION 5.01. Corporate Existence and Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43

SECTION 5.02. Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No Contravention  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43

SECTION 5.03. Binding Effect  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44

SECTION 5.04. Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44
</TABLE>





                                      (ii)
<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                    <C>
SECTION 5.05. No Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  44

SECTION 5.06. Compliance with ERISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45

SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws; Payment of Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45

SECTION 5.08. Subsidiaries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45

SECTION 5.09. Investment Company Act  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45

SECTION 5.10. Public Utility Holding Company Act  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  45

SECTION 5.11. Ownership of Property; Liens  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46

SECTION 5.12. No Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46

SECTION 5.13. Full Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46

SECTION 5.14. Environmental Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  46

SECTION 5.15. Capital Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47

SECTION 5.16. Margin Stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47

SECTION 5.17. Insolvency  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47

SECTION 5.18. Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48

                                                        ARTICLE VI

                                                        COVENANTS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48

SECTION 6.01. Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  48

SECTION 6.02. Inspection of Property, Books and Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  50

SECTION 6.03. Maintenance of Existence  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51

SECTION 6.04. Dissolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51

SECTION 6.05. Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51

SECTION 6.06. Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  51

SECTION 6.07. Compliance with Laws; Payment of Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52

SECTION 6.08. Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52

SECTION 6.09. Change in Fiscal Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52
</TABLE>





                                     (iii)
<PAGE>   5

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                    <C>
SECTION 6.10. Maintenance of Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52

SECTION 6.11. Environmental Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52

SECTION 6.12. Environmental Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  52

SECTION 6.13. Environmental Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53

SECTION 6.14. Transactions with Affiliates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53

SECTION 6.15. Subsidiary Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53

SECTION 6.16. Loans or Advances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53

SECTION 6.17. Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  53

SECTION 6.18. Negative Pledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  54

SECTION 6.19. Ratio of Long-Term Debt to Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55

SECTION 6.20. Cash Flow to Interest and Leases Ratio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55

SECTION 6.21. Ratio of Consolidated Current Assets to Consolidated Current Liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  55

SECTION 6.22. Minimum Stockholders' Equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56

SECTION 6.23. Ratio of Long-Term Debt to Consolidated Adjusted Cash Flow  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56

SECTION 6.24. Intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56

                                                       ARTICLE VII

                                                         DEFAULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56

SECTION 7.01. Events of Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  56

                                                       ARTICLE VIII

                                                        THE AGENT   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60

SECTION 8.01. Appointment; Powers and Immunities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  60

SECTION 8.02. Reliance by Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

SECTION 8.03. Defaults  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  61

SECTION 8.04. Rights of Agent and its Affiliates as a Bank  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  62
</TABLE>





                                      (iv)
<PAGE>   6

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                    <C>
SECTION 8.05. Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  62

SECTION 8.06  Consequential Damages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63

SECTION 8.07. Payee of Note Treated as Owner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63

SECTION 8.08. Nonreliance on Agent and Other Banks  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63

SECTION 8.09. Failure to Act  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  63

SECTION 8.10. Resignation or Removal of Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64

                                                        ARTICLE IX

                                          CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES; COMPENSATION   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64

SECTION 9.01. Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate or Unfair  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  64

SECTION 9.02. Illegality  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65

SECTION 9.03. Increased Cost and Reduced Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  65

SECTION 9.04. Base Rate Loans or Other Fixed Rate Loans Substituted for Affected Fixed Rate Loans . . . . . . . . . .  66

SECTION 9.05. Compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  67

                                                        ARTICLE X

                                                      MISCELLANEOUS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68

SECTION 10.01. Notices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68

SECTION 10.02. No Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68

SECTION 10.03. Expenses; Documentary Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68

SECTION 10.04. Indemnification  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  68

SECTION 10.05. Setoff; Sharing of Setoffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  69

SECTION 10.06. Amendments and Waivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  70

SECTION 10.07. No Margin Stock Collateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71

SECTION 10.08. Successors and Assigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  71

SECTION 10.09. Confidentiality  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  73
</TABLE>





                                      (v)
<PAGE>   7

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                    <C>
SECTION 10.10. Representation by Banks  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  74

SECTION 10.11. Obligations Several  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  74

SECTION 10.12. Georgia Law  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  74

SECTION 10.13. Severability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  74

SECTION 10.14. Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  75

SECTION 10.15. Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76

SECTION 10.16. Waiver of Jury Trial; Consent to Jurisdiction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76

SECTION 10.17. Counterparts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76

SECTION 10.18. Source of Funds -- ERISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  76


EXHIBIT A-1                 Form of Syndicated Loan Note

EXHIBIT A-2                 Form of Offered Rate Loan Note

EXHIBIT B                   Form of Opinion of Counsel for the Borrower

EXHIBIT C                   Form of Opinion of Counsel for the Agent
EXHIBIT D                   Form of Assignment and Acceptance

EXHIBIT E                   Form of Notice of Borrowing

EXHIBIT F                   Form of Compliance Certificate

EXHIBIT G                   Form of Closing Certificate

EXHIBIT H                   Form of Borrowing Base Certificate

EXHIBIT I                   Form of Offered Rate Credit Quote

Schedule 5.05               Litigation

Schedule 5.08               Subsidiaries

Schedule 6.15               Existing Debt

Schedule 6.18(a)            Existing Liens

</TABLE>




                                      (vi)
<PAGE>   8

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


                 CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of April 1, 1996, among SAVANNAH
FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., the BANKS listed on the signature pages hereof and
WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A., as Agent.

                 The parties hereto agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

                 SECTION 1.01. Definitions.  The terms as defined in this
Section 1.01 shall, for all purposes of this Agreement and any amendment hereto
(except as herein otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise
requires), have the meanings set forth herein:

                 "Accounts" has the meaning set forth in O.C.G.A. Section
11-9-106, as amended and in effect from time to time.

                 "Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate" has the meaning set
forth in Section 2.06(b).

                 "Affiliate" of any relevant Person means (i) any Person that
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls the
relevant Person (a "Controlling Person"), (ii) any Person (other than the
relevant Person or a Subsidiary of the relevant Person) which is controlled by
or is under common control with a Controlling Person, or (iii) any Person
(other than a Subsidiary of the relevant Person) of which the relevant Person
owns, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of the common stock or equivalent
equity interests.  As used herein, the term "control" means 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.

                 "Agent" means Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., a national
banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America,
in its capacity as agent for the Banks hereunder, and its successors and
permitted assigns in such capacity.

                 "Agent's Letter Agreement" means that certain letter
agreement, dated as of February 1, 1996 between the Borrower and the Agent
relating to certain fees from time to time payable by
<PAGE>   9

the Borrower to the Agent, together with all amendments and supplements
thereto.

                 "Agreement" means this Credit Agreement, together with all
amendments and supplements hereto or thereto.

                 "Aggregate Outstanding Obligations" means at any time the sum
of the aggregate principal amount of all Syndicated Loans, Offered Rate Loans
outstanding, the aggregate Face Amount of Banker's Acceptances outstanding and
the Letter of Credit Obligations.

                 "Applicable Margin" means (i) for Base Rate Loans, 0.0%, and
(ii) for Euro-Dollar Loans, 0.45%; provided, that if at the end of any Fiscal
Quarter the Cash Flow/Interest and Leases Ratio shall be less than 3.0 to 1.0
but equal to or greater than the ratio permitted by Section 6.20, the
Applicable Margin for Euro-Dollar Loans for the immediately succeeding Fiscal
Quarter shall be 0.65%.

                 "Assignee" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(c).

                 "Assignment and Acceptance" means an Assignment and Acceptance
executed in accordance with Section 10.08(c) in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit D.

                 "Authority" has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02.

                 "Bank" means each bank listed on the signature pages hereof as
having a Commitment, and its successors and assigns.

                 "Banker's Acceptance" means a banker's acceptance (x) of a
Draft (i) against the liability for which the relevant Bank is not required to
maintain reserves under Regulation D or any other Authority and (ii) which may
or may not be (in the discretion of the relevant Bank) eligible for discount by
member banks of the Federal Reserve System and (y) which must be an Offered
Rate Banker's Acceptance.

                 "Base Rate" means for any Base Rate Loan for any day, the rate
per annum equal to the higher as of such day of (i) the Prime Rate, or (ii)
one-half of one percent above the Federal Funds Rate.  For purposes of
determining the Base Rate for any day, changes in the Prime Rate or the Federal
Funds Rate shall be effective on the date of each such change.

                 "Base Rate Loan" means a Loan to be made as a Base Rate Loan
pursuant to the applicable Notice of Borrowing, Section 2.02(f), or Article X,
as applicable.





                                       2
<PAGE>   10


                 "Borrower" means Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and its successors and its permitted assigns.

                 "Borrowing" means a borrowing hereunder consisting of Loans or
Banker's Acceptances made available to the Borrower by the Bank, and the term
"Borrowing", when used in conjunction with a reference to a specific type of
Loan or Banker's Acceptance, means a Borrowing of such type.

                 "Borrowing Base" means the sum of each of the following, as
determined in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 1.02 and by
reference to the most recent Borrowing Base Certificate furnished pursuant to
Section 4.01(l) or Section 6.01(i), as applicable:

                 (i) an amount equal to 85% of the Eligible Accounts of the
Borrower; plus

                 (ii) an amount equal to 85% of the Inventory of the Borrower,
valued at the lower of cost or market.

                 "Borrowing Base Certificate" means a certificate substantially
in the form of Exhibit H, duly executed by the chief financial officer of the
Borrower, setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations for each
component of the Borrowing Base and other information described therein.

                 "Capital Stock" means any capital stock of the Borrower or any
Consolidated Subsidiary (to the extent issued to a Person other than the
Borrower), whether common or preferred, other than Redeemable Preferred Stock.

                 "Capitalization" means the sum of (i) Stockholder's Equity,
plus (ii) Long-Term Debt.

                 "Cash and Cash Equivalents" means cash in deposit accounts
maintained with banks and temporary cash investments of the kinds described in
clauses (i) through (iv), inclusive, of Section 6.17.

                 "Cash Flow/Interest and Leases Ratio" means for the Fiscal
Quarter just ended as of the date of measurement and the immediately preceding
3 Fiscal Quarters, the ratio of (i) Consolidated Adjusted Cash Flow to (ii)
Consolidated Interest Expense plus obligations of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries with respect to operating leases.





                                       3
<PAGE>   11

                 "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response
Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. Section  9601 et. seq. and its
implementing regulations and amendments.

                 "CERCLIS" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response
Compensation and Liability Inventory System established pursuant to CERCLA.

                 "Change of Law" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
9.02.

                 "Closing Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section
4.01(e).

                 "Closing Date" means April 1, 1996.

                 "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or
any successor Federal tax code.

                 "Collateral Account" has the meaning specified in Section
7.01.

                 "Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank, (i) the  amount
set forth opposite the name of such Bank on the signature pages hereto, and
(ii) as to any Bank which enters into any Assignment and Acceptance (whether as
transferor Bank or as Assignee thereunder), the amount of such Bank's
Commitment after giving effect to such Assignment and Acceptance, in each case
as such amount may be reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.08 and
2.09.

                 "Compliance Certificate" has the meaning set forth in Section
6.01(c).

                 "Consolidated Adjusted Cash Flow" means the sum of the
following of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, on a consolidated
basis:  (i) Consolidated Net Income, plus (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense,
plus (iii) obligations as lessee under operating leases, plus (iv) tax expense
plus (v) depreciation and amortization expense, plus (vi) to the extent
included in determining Consolidated Net Income but not included in clause
(iii) or (v), any non-cash charges or any non-recurring charges, less (vii) to
the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income but not included in
clause (iii) or (v), any non-cash gains and non-recurring gains.

                 "Consolidated Current Assets" and "Consolidated Current
Liabilities" mean, at any time, all assets or liabilities (including contingent
liabilities), respectively, of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries
that, in accordance with GAAP,





                                       4
<PAGE>   12

should be classified (or, with respect to any contingent liabilities, would be
classified if they were direct liabilities) as current assets or current
liabilities, respectively, on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries.

                 "Consolidated Interest Expense" for any period means interest
expense, as reported in the income statement of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries, in respect of Debt of the Borrower or any of its
Consolidated Subsidiaries outstanding during such period.

                 "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the Net
Income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a
consolidated basis, but excluding (i) extraordinary items and (ii) any equity
interests of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in the unremitted earnings of any
Person that is not a Subsidiary.

                 "Consolidated Subsidiary" means at any date any Subsidiary or
other entity the accounts of which, in accordance with GAAP, would be
consolidated with those of the Borrower in its consolidated financial
statements as of such date.

                 "Consolidated Total Assets" means, at any time, the total
assets of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, determined on a
consolidated basis, as set forth or reflected on the most recent consolidated
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, prepared in
accordance with GAAP.

                 "Controlled Group" means all members of a controlled group of
corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under
common control which, together with the Borrower, are treated as a single
employer under Section 414 of the Code.

                 "Debt" of any Person means at any date, without duplication,
(i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) all obligations of
such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments,
(iii) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of
property or services, except trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary
course of business, (iv) all obligations of such Person as lessee under capital
leases, (v) all obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or other
Person in respect  of amounts payable under a banker's acceptance, (vi) all
Redeemable Preferred Stock of such Person (in the event such Person is a
corporation), (vii) all obligations of such Person to reimburse any bank or
other Person in respect of amounts paid or to be paid under a letter of credit
or similar instrument, (viii) all Debt





                                       5
<PAGE>   13

of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such
Debt is assumed by such Person, and (ix) all Debt of others Guaranteed by such
Person.

                 "Default" means any condition or event which constitutes an
Event of Default or which with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both
would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

                 "Default Rate" means, with respect to any Loan, on any day,
the sum of 2% plus the then highest interest rate (including the Applicable
Margin) which may be applicable to any Loans hereunder (irrespective of whether
any such type of Loans are actually outstanding hereunder).

                 "Dollars" or "$" means dollars in lawful currency of the
United States of America.

                 "Domestic Business Day" means any day except a Saturday,
Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in the state in which the Agent
has its principal office are authorized by law to close.

                 "Draft" means a draft in form and substance satisfactory to
the Bank, relating to a Banker's Acceptance, and duly executed in blank by the
Borrower or on its behalf by the Bank under a power of attorney, in favor of
the Bank from the Borrower.

                 "Drawing Agent" means Norwest Bank, Minnesota, N.A., as agent
for, and beneficiary of the Letter of Credit for the benefit of, the Senior
Noteholders.

                 "Drawing Purchase Price" means, with respect to Offered Rate
Banker's Acceptances, the discounted net proceeds to be received by the
Borrower upon the creation of such Banker's Acceptance, after taking into
account the Offered Rate with respect thereto.

                 "Eligible Accounts" means Accounts which are not more than 90
days past due.

                 "Environmental Authority" means any foreign, federal, state,
local or regional government that exercises any form of jurisdiction or
authority under any Environmental Requirement.

                 "Environmental Authorizations" means all licenses, permits,
orders, approvals, notices, registrations or other legal prerequisites for
conducting the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary required by any
Environmental Requirement.





                                       6
<PAGE>   14


                 "Environmental Judgments and Orders" means all judgments,
decrees or orders arising from or in any way associated with any Environmental
Requirements, whether or not entered upon consent, or written agreements with
an Environmental Authority or other entity arising from or in any way
associated with any Environmental Requirement, whether or not incorporated in a
judgment, decree or order.

                 "Environmental Liabilities" means any liabilities, whether
accrued, contingent or otherwise, arising from and in any way associated with
any Environmental Requirements.

                 "Environmental Notices" means notice from any Environmental
Authority or by any other person or entity, of possible or alleged
noncompliance with or liability under any Environmental Requirement, including
without limitation any complaints, citations, demands or requests from any
Environmental Authority or from any other person or entity for correction of
any violation of any Environmental Requirement or any investigations concerning
any violation of any Environmental Requirement.

                 "Environmental Proceedings" means any judicial or
administrative proceedings arising from or in any way associated with any
Environmental Requirement.

                 "Environmental Releases" means releases as defined in CERCLA
or under any applicable state or local environmental law or regulation.

                 "Environmental Requirements" means any legal requirement
relating to health, safety or the environment and applicable to the Borrower,
any Subsidiary or the Properties, including but not limited to any such
requirement under CERCLA or similar state legislation and all federal, state
and local laws, ordinances, regulations, orders, writs, decrees and common law.

                 "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended from time to time, or any successor law.  Any reference to any
provision of ERISA shall also be deemed to be a reference to any successor
provision or provisions thereof.

                 "Euro-Dollar Business Day" means any Domestic Business Day on
which dealings in Dollar deposits are carried out in the London interbank
market.

                 "Euro-Dollar Loan" means a Loan to be made as a Euro-Dollar
Loan pursuant to the applicable Notice of Borrowing.





                                       7
<PAGE>   15

                 "Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.06(b).

                 "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01.

                 "Excess" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(b).

                 "Face Amount" means, in respect of a Draft or a Banker's
Acceptance, the amount payable to the holder thereof on its maturity.


                 "Federal Funds Rate" means, for any day, the rate per annum
(rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100th of 1%) equal to the
weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with
members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers on such
day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the Domestic
Business Day immediately succeeding such day, provided that (i) if the day for
which such rate is to be determined is not a Domestic Business Day, the Federal
Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the
immediately preceding Domestic Business Day as so published on the immediately
succeeding Domestic Business Day, and (ii) if such rate is not so published for
any day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the average rate charged
to the Bank on such day on such transactions, as determined by the Bank.

                 "Fiscal Quarter" means any fiscal quarter of the Borrower.

                 "Fiscal Year" means any fiscal year of the Borrower.

                 "Fixed Rate Borrowing" means a Euro-Dollar Borrowing, an
Offered Rate Borrowing, a Banker's Acceptance Borrowing, or any or all of them,
as the context shall require.

                 "Fixed Rate Loans" means Euro-Dollar Loans or Offered Rate
Loans, or any or all of them, as the context shall require.

                 "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles applied
on a consistent basis as used by the Borrower it its annual audited financial
statements submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Such
principles, in accordance with Section 1.02, are to be used in making the
calculations for  purposes of determining compliance with the terms of this
Agreement.





                                       8
<PAGE>   16

                 "Guarantee" by any Person means any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of such Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Debt or other
obligation of any other Person and, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such
Person (i) to secure, purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the
purchase or payment of) such Debt or other obligation (whether arising by
virtue of partnership arrangements, by agreement to keep-well, to purchase
assets, goods, securities or services, to provide collateral security, to
take-or-pay, or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) or
(ii) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee
of such Debt or other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such
obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), provided that
the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in
the ordinary course of business.  The term "Guarantee" used as a verb has a
corresponding meaning.

                 "Hazardous Materials" includes, without limitation, (a) solid
or hazardous waste, as defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of
1980, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq. and its implementing regulations and
amendments, or in any applicable state or local law or regulation, (b)
"hazardous substance", "pollutant", or "contaminant" as defined in CERCLA, or
in any applicable state or local law or regulation, (c) gasoline, or any other
petroleum product or by-product, including, crude oil or any fraction thereof,
or (d) pesticides, as defined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act of 1975, or in any applicable state or local law or regulation,
as each such Act, statute or regulation may be amended from time to time.

                 "Inventory" has the meaning set forth in O.C.G.A. Section
11-9-109(4), as amended and in effect from time to time, but in any event shall
include all inventory carried on the books and records of the Borrower as such
in accordance with GAAP.

                 "Interest Period" means: (1) with respect to each Euro-Dollar
Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on
the numerically corresponding day in the first, second, third or sixth month
thereafter, as  the Borrower may elect in the applicable Notice of Borrowing;
provided that:

                 (a)      any Interest Period (subject to paragraph (c) below)
         which would otherwise end on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business
         Day shall be extended to the immediately succeeding Euro-Dollar
         Business Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in another
         calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the
         immediately preceding Euro-Dollar Business Day;





                                       9
<PAGE>   17


                 (b)      any Interest Period which begins on the last
         Euro-Dollar Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which
         there is no numerically corresponding day in the appropriate
         subsequent calendar month) shall, subject to paragraph (c) below, end
         on the last Euro-Dollar Business Day of the appropriate subsequent
         calendar month; and

                 (c) no Interest Period may be selected which begins before the
         Termination Date and would otherwise end after the Termination Date.

(2) with respect to each Base Rate Borrowing, the period commencing on the date
of such Borrowing and ending 30 days thereafter; provided that:

                 (a)      any Interest Period (subject to paragraph (b) below)
         which would otherwise end on a day which is not a Domestic Business
         Day shall be extended to the immediately succeeding Domestic Business
         Day; and

                 (b)      no Interest Period which begins before the
         Termination Date and would otherwise end after the Termination Date
         may be selected.

(3) with respect to each Offered Rate Borrowing, the period commencing on the
date of such Borrowing and ending on the Stated Maturity Date or such other
date or dates as may be specified in the applicable Offered Rate Quote;
provided that:

                 (a) any Interest Period (subject to clause (b) below) which
         would otherwise end on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day
         shall be extended to the immediately succeeding Euro-Dollar Business
         Day; and

                 (b) no Interest Period may be selected which begins before the
         Termination Date and would otherwise end after the Termination Date.

                 "Investment" means any investment in any Person, whether by
means of purchase or acquisition of obligations or securities of such Person,
capital contribution to such Person, loan or advance to such Person, making of
a time deposit with such Person, Guarantee or assumption of any obligation of
such Person or otherwise.

                 "Lending Office" means, as to each Bank, its office located at
its address set forth on the signature pages hereof (or identified on the
signature pages hereof as its Lending Office) or such other office as such Bank
may hereafter designate as its Lending Office by notice to the Borrower and the
Agent.





                                       10
<PAGE>   18


                 "Letter of Credit" means a letter of credit issued by the
Agent to the Drawing Agent, for the benefit of the holders of the Senior Notes
and for the account of the Borrower pursuant to Article III.

                 "Letter of Credit Fee" has the meaning ascribed to it in
Section 3.06(a).

                 "Letter of Credit Obligations" means, at any particular time,
the sum of (a) the Reimbursement Obligations at such time, and (b) the
aggregate maximum amount available for drawing under the Letter of Credit at
such time.

                 "Letter of Credit Application Agreement" means, with respect
to the Letter of Credit, such form of application therefor (whether in a single
or several documents) as the Agent may employ in the ordinary course of
business for its own account, whether or not providing for collateral security,
with such modifications thereto as may by agreed upon by the Agent and the
Borrower and are not materially adverse to the interests of the Banks;
provided, however, that in the event of any conflict between the terms of the
Letter of Credit Application Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of this
Agreement shall control.

                 "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, deed to
secure debt, deed of trust, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, security
title, preferential arrangement which has the practical effect of constituting
a security interest or encumbrance, or encumbrance or servitude of any kind in
respect of such asset to secure or assure payment of a Debt or a Guarantee,
whether by consensual agreement or by operation of statute or other law, or by
any agreement, contingent or otherwise, to provide any of the foregoing.  For
the purposes of this Agreement, the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall be deemed
to own subject to a Lien any asset which it has acquired or holds subject to
the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement,
capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.

                 "Loan" means a Syndicated Loan or Offered Rate Loan (but not a
Banker's Acceptance), and "Loans" means Syndicated Loans or Offered Rate Loans,
or any or all of them, as the context shall require.

                 "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Notes, the Banker's
Acceptances, the Letter of Credit Application Agreement, each Borrowing Base
Certificate, any other document evidencing, relating to or securing the Loans
or the Banker's Acceptances, and any other document or instrument delivered
from time to time in connection with this Agreement, the Note, the Loans or the





                                       11
<PAGE>   19

Banker's Acceptances, as such documents and instruments may be amended or
supplemented from time to time.

                 "London Interbank Offered Rate" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2.06(b).

                 "Long-Term Debt" means at any date the amount of Debt reported
as long-term on the Borrower's consolidated financial statements in accordance
with GAAP and any other Debt of the Borrower or the Consolidated Subsidiaries
which has a maturity date more than one year from the date of measurement.

                 "Majority Banks" means at any time Banks having at least 51%
of the aggregate amount of the Commitments or, if the Commitments are no longer
in effect, Banks holding at least 51% of the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of the sum of the Syndicated Loans.

                 "Margin Stock" means "margin stock" as defined in Regulations
G, T, U or X.

                 "Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to any event,
act, condition or occurrence of whatever nature (including  any adverse
determination in any litigation, arbitration, or governmental investigation or
proceeding), whether singly or in conjunction with any other event or events,
act or acts, condition or conditions, occurrence or occurrences, whether or not
related, a material adverse change in, or a material adverse effect upon (as a
result of such event, act, condition or occurrence) any of (a) the financial
condition, operations, business, properties or prospects of the Borrower and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) the rights and remedies of
the Bank under the Loan Documents, or the ability of the Borrower to perform
its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, as applicable,
or (c) the legality, validity or enforceability of any Loan Document.

                 "Multiemployer Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

                 "Net Income" means, as applied to any Person for any period,
the aggregate amount of net income of such Person, after taxes, for such
period, as determined in accordance with GAAP.

                 "Net Proceeds of Capital Stock" means any proceeds received by
the Borrower or a Consolidated Subsidiary in respect of the issuance of Capital
Stock, after deducting therefrom all reasonable and customary costs and
expenses incurred by the Borrower or such Consolidated Subsidiary directly in
connection with the issuance of such Capital Stock.





                                       12
<PAGE>   20


                 "Notice of Borrowing" has the meaning set forth in Section
2.02.

                 "Offered Rate" has the meaning specified in Section
2.03(c)(ii).

                 "Offered Rate Credit Acceptance" has the meaning specified in
Section 2.03(d).


                 "Offered Rate Banker's Acceptance" means a Banker's Acceptance
made available at an Offered Rate pursuant to Section 2.03.

                 "Offered Rate Credit" means any one, or more, or all, as the
context shall require, of the Offered Rate Loans and the Offered Rate Banker's
Acceptances.

                 "Offered Rate Credit Borrowing Date" has the meaning specified
in Section 2.03(d).

                 "Offered Rate Credit Quote" has the meaning specified in
Section 2.03(b).

                 "Offered Rate Loans" means Loans made pursuant to the terms
and conditions set forth in Section 2.03.

                 "Offered Rate Loan Notes" means the promissory notes of the
Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2, evidencing the obligation
of the Borrower to repay the Offered Rate Loans, together with all amendments,
consolidations, modifications, renewals and supplements thereto.

                 "Other Debt Outstanding" means at any time all outstanding
Debt for borrowed money of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries,
other than (i) Debt under this Agreement, (ii) Long-Term Debt and (iii) Current
Maturities of Long-Term Debt.

                 "Participant" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.08(b).

                 "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any
entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

                 "Person" means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a
limited liability company, an unincorporated association, a trust or any other
entity or organization,





                                       13
<PAGE>   21

including, but not limited to, a government or political subdivision or an
agency or instrumentality thereof.

                 "Plan" means at any time an employee pension benefit plan
which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding
standards under Section 412 of the Code and is either (i) maintained by a
member of the Controlled Group for employees of any member of the Controlled
Group or (ii) maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any
other arrangement under which more than one employer makes contributions and to
which a member of the Controlled Group is then making or accruing an obligation
to make contributions or has within the preceding 5 plan years made
contributions.

                 "Prime Rate" refers to that interest rate so denominated and
set by Wachovia from time to time as an interest rate basis for borrowings.
The Prime Rate is but one of several interest rate bases used by Wachovia.
Wachovia lends at interest rates above and below the Prime Rate.

                 "Properties" means all real property owned, leased or
otherwise used or occupied by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, wherever located.

                 "Redeemable Preferred Stock" of any Person means any preferred
stock issued by such Person which is at any time prior to the Termination Date
either (i) mandatorily redeemable (by sinking fund or similar payments or
otherwise) or (ii) redeemable at the option of the holder thereof.

                 "Refunding Loan" means a new Syndicated Loan made on the day
on which an outstanding Syndicated Loan is maturing or a Base Rate Borrowing is
being converted to a Fixed Rate Borrowing, if and to the extent that the
proceeds thereof are used entirely for the purpose of paying such maturing Loan
or Loan being converted, excluding any difference between the amount of such
maturing Loan or Loan being converted and any greater amount being borrowed on
such day and actually either being made available to the Borrower pursuant to
Section 2.02(c) or remitted to the Bank as provided in Section 2.12, in each
case as contemplated in Section 2.02(d).

                 "Regulation G" means Regulation G of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time, together with all
official rulings and interpretations issued thereunder.

                 "Regulation T" means Regulation T of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time





                                       14
<PAGE>   22

to time, together with all official rulings and interpretations issued
thereunder.

                 "Regulation U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time, together with all
official rulings and interpretations issued thereunder.

                 "Regulation X" means Regulation X of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time, together with all
official rulings and interpretations issued thereunder.

                 "Reimbursement Obligations" means the reimbursement or
repayment obligations of the Borrower to the Agent pursuant to Section 3.05
with respect to Letter of Credit.

                 "Related Investments" mean equity Investments by the Borrower
or any Subsidiary in any business related to the ongoing business lines of the
Borrower as of the Closing Date.

                 "Reported Net Income" means, for any period, the Net Income of
the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated
basis in accordance with GAAP and reported quarterly to the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                 "Required Banks" means at any time Banks having at least 66
2/3% of the aggregate amount of the Commitments or, if the Commitments are no
longer in effect, Banks holding at least 66 2/3% of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the sum of the Syndicated Loans.

                 "Senior Note Agreement" means, collectively, the Note
Agreements of the Borrower relating to the 8.35% Series A Senior Notes Due
November 1, 2002 in the original principal amount of $50,000,000 and the 7.15%
Series Senior Notes Due November 1, 2002 in the original principal amount of $2
0,000,000.

                 "Senior Notes" means, collectively, the $50,000,000 8.35%
Series A Senior Notes Due November 1, 2002 and the $20,000,000 7.15% Series
Senior Notes Due November 1, 2002 issued pursuant to the Senior Note Agreement.

                 "Stated Maturity Date" means, with respect to any Offered Rate
Credit, the Stated Maturity Date therefor specified by the Bank in the
applicable Offered Rate Credit Quote.

                 "Stockholders' Equity" means, at any time, the shareholders'
equity of the Borrower and its Consolidated





                                       15
<PAGE>   23

Subsidiaries, as set forth or reflected on the most recent consolidated balance
sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries prepared in accordance
with GAAP, but excluding any Redeemable Preferred Stock of the Borrower or any
of its Consolidated Subsidiaries.  Shareholders' equity generally would
include, but not be limited to (i) the par or stated value of all outstanding
Capital Stock, (ii) capital surplus, (iii) retained earnings, and (iv) various
deductions such as (A) purchases of treasury stock, (B) valuation allowances,
(C) receivables due from an employee stock ownership plan, (D) employee stock
ownership plan debt guarantees, and (E) translation adjustments for foreign
currency transactions.

                 "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other entity of which
securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a
majority of the board of directors or other persons performing similar
functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by the Borrower.

                 "Super-Majority Banks" means at any time Banks having at least
80% of the aggregate amount of the Commitments or, if the Commitments are no
longer in effect, Banks holding at least 80% of the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the sum of the Syndicated Loans.

                 "Syndicated Loans" means Base Rate Loans or Euro-Dollar Loans
made pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 2.01.

                 "Syndicated Loan Notes" means the promissory notes of the
Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1, evidencing the obligation
of the Borrower to repay Syndicated Loans, together with all amendments,
consolidations, modifications, renewals and supplements thereto.

                 "Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c).

                 "Termination Date" means January 1, 2000, unless such date is
otherwise extended by the Bank pursuant to Section 2.05(b), in its sole and
absolute discretion.

                 "Third Parties" means all lessees, sublessees, licensees and
other users of the Properties, excluding those users of the Properties in the
ordinary course of the Borrower's business and on a temporary basis.

                 "Transferee" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.08(d).





                                       16
<PAGE>   24

                 "Unfunded Vested Liabilities" means, with respect to any Plan
at any time, the amount (if any) by which (i) the present value of all vested
nonforfeitable benefits under such Plan exceeds (ii) the fair market value of
all Plan assets allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the then most
recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such excess
represents a potential liability of a member of the Controlled Group to the
PBGC or the Plan under Title IV of ERISA.

                 "Unrelated Investments" means equity Investments by the
Borrower or any Subsidiary in any Person, which Investments are not Related
Investments.

                 "Unused Commitment" means, with respect to any Bank, at any
date an amount equal to the sum of its Commitment, less the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of its Syndicated Loans, plus its participation in
the Letter of Credit Obligations, but without taking into account its Offered
Rate Credits.

                 "Wachovia" means Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., a national
banking association, and its successors.

                 "Westway Stock" shall mean two hundred fifty shares of common
stock of Westway Trading Corporation currently owned by Borrower.

                 SECTION 1.02. Accounting Terms and Determinations.  Unless
otherwise specified herein, all terms of an accounting character used herein
shall be interpreted, all accounting determinations hereunder shall be made,
and all financial statements required to be delivered hereunder shall be
prepared, in accordance with GAAP, applied on a basis consistent (except for
changes concurred in by the Borrower's independent public accountants or
otherwise required by a change in GAAP) with the most recent audited
consolidated financial statements of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries delivered to the Banks unless with respect to any such change
concurred in by the Borrower's independent public accountants or required by
GAAP, in determining compliance with any of the provisions of this Agreement or
any of the other Loan Documents: (i) the Borrower shall have objected to
determining such compliance on such basis at the time of delivery of such
financial statements, or (ii) the Required Banks shall so object in writing
within 30 days after the delivery of such financial statements, in either of
which events such calculations shall be made on a basis consistent with those
used in the preparation of the latest financial statements as to which such
objection shall not have been made (which, if objection is made in respect of
the first financial statements delivered under Section 6.01 hereof, shall mean
the financial statements referred to in Section 5.04).





                                       17
<PAGE>   25


                 SECTION 1.03. References.  Unless otherwise indicated,
references in this Agreement to "Articles", "Exhibits", "Schedules", "Sections"
and other Subdivisions are references to articles, exhibits, schedules,
sections and other subdivisions hereof.

                 SECTION 1.04. Use of Defined Terms.  All terms defined in this
Agreement shall have the same defined meanings when used in any of the other
Loan Documents, unless otherwise defined therein or unless the context shall
require otherwise.

                 SECTION 1.05. Terminology.  All personal pronouns used in this
Agreement, whether used in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, shall
include all other genders; the singular shall include the plural, and the
plural shall include the singular.  Titles of Articles and Sections in this
Agreement are for convenience only, and neither limit nor amplify the
provisions of this Agreement.


                                   ARTICLE II

                                  THE CREDITS

                 SECTION 2.01. Commitment to Make Available Syndicated Loans.
Each Bank severally agrees, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, to
make available Syndicated Loans to the Borrower from time to time before the
Termination Date; provided that immediately after each such Syndicated Loan is
made available,

         (i) the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Syndicated Loans
outstanding made by such Bank and its ratable share of the Letter of Credit
Obligations shall not exceed the amount of its Commitment, and

         (ii) the sum of the Aggregate Outstanding Obligations shall not exceed
the aggregate amount of the Commitments; and

         (iii) the sum of the Aggregate Outstanding Obligations, plus Other
Debt Outstanding, less Cash and Cash Equivalents, shall not exceed the
Borrowing Base.

Each Syndicated Borrowing under this Section shall be in a minimum principal
amount of $5,000,000 or any larger multiple of $500,000 (except that any such
Syndicated Borrowing may be in the amount of the Unused Commitments).  Within
the foregoing limits, the Borrower may borrow under this Section, repay or, to
the extent permitted by Section 2.09, prepay Syndicated Loans and





                                       18
<PAGE>   26

reborrow under this Section at any time before the Termination Date.

                 SECTION 2.02. Method of Borrowing Syndicated Loans.  (a) The
Borrower shall give the Agent notice (a "Notice of Borrowing"), which shall be
in writing in substantially in the form of Exhibit E, prior to 11:00 A.M.
(prevailing Eastern time) on the same Domestic Business Day of each Base Rate
Borrowing and at least 3 Euro-Dollar Business Days before each Euro-Dollar
Borrowing, specifying:

                 (i)   the date of such Syndicated Borrowing, which shall be
         a Domestic Business Day, in the case of a Base Rate Borrowing, or a
         Euro-Dollar Business Day in the case of a Euro-Dollar Borrowing,

                 (ii)  the aggregate principal amount of such Syndicated
         Borrowing,

                 (iii) whether the Syndicated Borrowing is to be a Base Rate
         Loan or a Euro-Dollar Loan, and

                 (iv)  in the case of a Fixed Rate Borrowing, the duration of
         the Interest Period applicable thereto, subject to the provisions of
         the definition of Interest Period.

                 (b)  Upon receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, the Agent shall 
promptly notify each Bank of the contents thereof and of such Bank's ratable
share of such Syndicated Borrowing and such Notice of Borrowing, once received
by the Agent, shall not thereafter be revocable by the Borrower without either
(i) the consent of all of the Banks or (ii) the payment of compensation for any
loss which the Banks may incur, in accordance with the provisions of Section
9.05.

                 (c)  Not later than 11:00 A.M. (Atlanta, Georgia time) on the
date of each Syndicated Borrowing that is a Euro-Dollar Loan and 3:00 P.M. on
the date of each Syndicated Borrowing that is a Base Rate Loan, each Bank shall
(except as provided in paragraph (d) of this Section) make available its
ratable share of such Syndicated Borrowing, in Federal or other funds
immediately available in Atlanta, Georgia, to the Agent at its address
determined pursuant to Section 10.01.  Unless the Agent determines that any
applicable condition specified in Article IV has not been satisfied, the Agent
will make the funds so received from the Banks available to the Borrower at the
Agent's aforesaid address.  Unless the Agent receives notice from a Bank, at
the Agent's address referred to in or specified pursuant to Section 10.01, no
later than 4:00 P.M. (local time at such address) on the Domestic Business Day
before the date of a Syndicated





                                       19
<PAGE>   27

Borrowing that is a Euro-Dollar Loan or no later than 12:00 P.M. (local time at
such address) on the Domestic Business Day of a Syndicated Borrowing that is a
Base Rate Loan, stating that such Bank will not make a Syndicated Loan in
connection with such Syndicated Borrowing, the Agent shall be entitled to
assume that such Bank will make a Syndicated Loan in connection with such
Syndicated Borrowing and, in reliance on such assumption, the Agent may (but
shall not be obligated to) make available such Bank's ratable share of such
Syndicated Borrowing to the Borrower for the account of such Bank.  If the
Agent makes such Bank's ratable share available to the Borrower and such Bank
does not in fact make its ratable share of such Syndicated Borrowing available
on such date, the Agent shall be entitled to recover such Bank's ratable share
from such Bank or the Borrower (and for such purpose shall be entitled to
charge such amount to any account of the Borrower maintained with the Agent),
together with interest thereon for each day during the period from the date of
such Syndicated Borrowing until such sum shall be paid in full at a rate per
annum equal to the rate at which the Agent determines that it obtained (or
could have obtained) overnight Federal funds to cover such amount for each such
day during such period, provided that (i) any such payment by the Borrower of
such Bank's ratable share and interest thereon shall be without prejudice to
any rights that the Borrower may have against such Bank and (ii) until such
Bank has paid its ratable share of such Syndicated Borrowing, together with
interest pursuant to the foregoing, it will have no interest in or rights with
respect to such Syndicated Borrowing for any purpose hereunder.  If the Agent
does not exercise its option to advance funds for the account of such Bank, it
shall forthwith notify the Borrower of such decision.

                 (d)  If any Bank makes a new Syndicated Loan hereunder on a day
on which the Borrower is to repay all or any part of an outstanding Syndicated
Loan from such Bank, such Bank shall apply the proceeds of its new Syndicated
Loan to make such repayment as a Refunding Loan and only an amount equal to the
difference (if any) between the amount being borrowed and the amount of such
Refunding Loan shall be made available by such Bank to the Agent as provided in
paragraph (c) of this Section, or remitted by the Borrower to the Agent as
provided in Section 2.12, as the case may be.

                 (e)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in
this Agreement, no Fixed Rate Borrowing may be made if there shall have
occurred a Default or an Event of Default, which Default or Event of Default
shall not have been cured or waived, and all Refunding Loans shall be made as
Base Rate Loans (but shall bear interest at the Default Rate, if applicable).





                                       20
<PAGE>   28

                 (f)  In the event that a Notice of Borrowing fails to specify
whether the Syndicated Loan comprising such Syndicated Borrowing is to be a
Base Rate Loan or a Euro-Dollar Loan, such Syndicated Loan shall be made as a
Base Rate Loan.  If the Borrower is otherwise entitled under this Agreement to
repay any Syndicated Loan maturing at the end of an Interest Period applicable
thereto with the proceeds of a new Borrowing, and the Borrower fails to repay
such Syndicated Loan using its own moneys and fails to give a Notice of
Borrowing in connection with such new Syndicated Borrowing, a new Syndicated
Borrowing shall be deemed to be made on the date such Syndicated Loan matures
in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Syndicated Loan so maturing,
and the Syndicated Loan comprising such new Syndicated Borrowing shall be a
Base Rate Loan.

                 (g)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, there shall not be more than 5 Fixed Rate Borrowings outstanding at any
given time.


                 SECTION 2.03. Offered Rate Credits.  (a) In addition to making
Syndicated Borrowings, the Borrower may, as set forth in this Section 2.03,
request the Banks to make offers to make Offered Rate Loans available to the
Borrower.  The Banks may, but shall have no obligation to, make such offers and
the Borrower may, but shall have no obligation to, accept any such offers in
the manner set forth in this Section 2.03, provided that:

                 (i)   the number of Fixed Rate Borrowings which may be
         outstanding at any given time is subject to the provisions of Section
         2.02(g); and

                 (ii)  immediately after each such Offered Rate Credit is
         made available (x) the sum of the Aggregate Outstanding Obligations
         shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments and (y) the
         sum of the Aggregate Outstanding Obligations, plus Other Debt
         Outstanding, less Cash and Cash Equivalents shall not exceed the
         Borrowing Base;

                 (iii) the Offered Rate Credits of any Bank will be taken into
         account for the purpose of calculating availability pursuant to
         Section 2.01(a)(ii) and 2.03(a)(ii) and fees pursuant to Section 2.07,
         but will not reduce such Bank's Unused Commitment or its obligation to
         lend its pro rata share of any Syndicated Loans or Letter of Credit
         Obligation; and

                 (iv)  the Offered Rate Credits of any Bank outstanding at any
         time shall not exceed the amount of its Commitment.





                                       21
<PAGE>   29

                 (b)      Unless the Borrower has notified the Agent and the
Banks in writing that Offered Rate Credit Quotes need not be submitted (and in
such event, until the Borrower has otherwise notified the Agent and the Banks
in writing), not later than 11:00 A.M. (prevailing Eastern time) on each
Domestic Business Day, each Bank may, but shall have no obligation to, submit
to the Agent and the Borrower a response containing an offer to make an Offered
Rate Credit (subject to the limitation contained in Section 2.03(a)(iv)), which
may be given by telephone or, in the discretion of the Bank, in writing,
substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto (an "Offered Rate Credit Quote")
and containing all information required to be included therein with respect to
the relevant offer; provided however, if Agent submits an Offered Rate Credit
Quote, such quote shall be submitted not later than 10:45 A.M.  Subject to
Section 6.01, any Offered Rate Credit Quote so made shall be irrevocable except
with the written consent of the Borrower.

                 (c)      Each Offered Rate Credit Quote shall specify:

                          (i)     whether such offer is to make available an
                 Offered Rate Loan or a Banker's Acceptance; and

                          (ii)    (x) with respect to each Offered Rate Loan,
                 the rate of interest per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary,
                 to the nearest 1/100th of 1%) offered for such Offered Rate
                 Loan and (y) with respect to each Offered Rate Banker's
                 Acceptance, such all in rate (including any commissions,
                 discounts and yields to maturity) which shall be applicable to
                 such Offered Rate Banker's Acceptance (such amounts being
                 hereinafter referred to as the "Offered Rate").

         Unless otherwise agreed by the Bank and the Borrower, no Offered Rate
         Credit Quote shall contain qualifying, conditional or similar language
         or propose terms other than or in addition to those set forth in the
         form of Exhibit I.

                 (d)      Not later than 12:00 P.M. (prevailing Eastern time)
on any Domestic Business Day (the "Offered Rate Credit Borrowing Date"), the
Borrower may notify the Agent of its acceptance of any offers so notified to it
pursuant to Section 2.03(b) by completing and returning (by facsimile) to the
Agent the relevant information in the Offered Rate Credit Acceptance portion at
the end of each accepted Offered Rate Credit Quote (such portion, as so
completed and returned being the "Offered Rate Credit Acceptance").  The Agent
shall promptly notify the Banks of all Offered Rate Credit Acceptances and the
contents thereof.





                                       22
<PAGE>   30

                 (e)      If any offer to make available any Offered Rate
Credit has been accepted, the Banks which made such offers shall, not later
than 3:00 P.M. (prevailing Eastern time) on the Offered Rate Credit Borrowing
Date, make the appropriate amount of such Offered Rate Credit available in
Federal or other funds immediately available in Atlanta, Georgia, to the Agent
on such date.

                 (f)      By its acceptance of an Offered Rate Credit Quote of
the Bank to make available an Offered Rate Banker's Acceptance, the Borrower
shall be deemed to have agreed to (x) promptly furnish (and in any event not
later than __:00 P.M., prevailing Eastern time, on the acceptance date of such
Offered Rate Banker's Acceptance) to the Bank such documentation as the Bank
shall reasonably request in connection with such Banker's Acceptance, and (y)
promptly execute and deliver to the Bank such instruments, agreements and other
documents as the Bank shall reasonably request in connection with such Offered
Rate Banker's Acceptance, including such Drafts and other documentation as the
Bank usually requires in connection with its banker's acceptances; provided,
that, such documentation shall not contain any provisions which are
inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement (e.g. cash collateral
provisions).

                 SECTION 2.04. Notes.  (a)  The Syndicated Loans of each Bank
shall be evidenced by a single Note payable to the order of such Bank for the
account of its Lending Office in an amount equal to the original principal
amount of its Commitment.

                 (b)      The Offered Rate Loans made by any Bank to the
Borrower shall be evidenced by a single Offered Rate Loan Note payable to the
order of such Bank for the account of its Lending Office in an amount equal to
the original principal amount of such Bank's Commitment.

                 (c)      Upon receipt of each Bank's Notes pursuant to Section
4.01, the Agent shall deliver such Notes to such Bank.  Each Bank shall record,
and prior to any transfer of its Note shall endorse on the schedules forming a
part thereof appropriate notations to evidence, the date, amount and maturity
of, and effective interest rate for, each Loan made by it, the date and amount
of each payment of principal made by the Borrower with respect thereto, and
such schedules of each such Bank's Notes shall constitute rebuttable
presumptive evidence of the respective principal amounts owing and unpaid on
such Bank's Notes; provided that the failure of any Bank to make any such
recordation or endorsement shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower
hereunder or under the Note or the ability of such Bank to assign its Notes.
Each Bank is hereby irrevocably authorized by the Borrower to endorse its Notes
in accordance with the





                                       23
<PAGE>   31

foregoing and to attach to and make a part of the Notes a continuation of any
such schedule as and when required.

                 SECTION 2.05. Maturity of Loans.  (a) Each Loan and Banker's
Acceptance included in any Borrowing shall mature, and the principal amount
thereof shall be due and payable, on the last day of the Interest Period
applicable to such Borrowing.

                 (b)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outstanding
principal amount of the Loans, if any, together with all accrued but unpaid
interest thereon, if any, and the Face Amount of the outstanding Banker's
Acceptances, shall be due and payable on the Termination Date; provided, that
the Termination Date shall be automatically extended on each anniversary of the
Closing Date for an additional 12 months unless, as to any Bank, such Bank, in
its sole discretion, notifies the Agent at least 30 days prior to the
applicable anniversary date that it will not be so extended, in which event no
such extension shall become effective as to such Bank; provided, that the
Termination Date shall not be extended with respect to any of the Banks unless
the Required Banks are willing to extend the Termination Date and (x) the
remaining Banks shall have purchased ratable assignments (without any
obligation so to do) from such terminating Bank (in the form of an Assignment
and Acceptance) in accordance with their respective percentage of the remaining
Aggregate Commitments; provided, that, such Banks shall be provided such
opportunity (which opportunity shall allow such Banks at least 15 Domestic
Business Days in which to make a decision) prior to the Borrower finding
another bank pursuant to the immediately succeeding clause (y); and, provided,
further, that, should any of the remaining Banks elect not to purchase such an
assignment, then, such other remaining Banks shall be entitled (without any
obligation so to do) to purchase an assignment from any terminating Bank which
includes the ratable interest that was otherwise available to such
non-purchasing remaining Bank or Banks, as the case may be, (y) the Borrower
shall find another bank(s), acceptable to the Agent, willing to accept an
assignment from such terminating Bank(s) (in the form of an Assignment and
Acceptance) in amounts equal to the Aggregate Commitments of such terminating
Bank(s) or (z) the Borrower shall reduce the aggregate Commitments in an amount
equal to the Commitment of any such terminating Bank.

                 SECTION 2.06. Interest Rates; Accretion of Principal of
Banker's Acceptances. (a) Each Base Rate Loan shall bear interest on the
outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day from the date such Loan is
made until it becomes due, at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate for such
day plus the Applicable Margin.  Such interest shall be payable for each
Interest Period on the last day thereof.  Any overdue principal of and, to the





                                       24
<PAGE>   32

extent permitted by applicable law, overdue interest on any Base Rate Loan
shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day until paid at a rate per
annum equal to the Default Rate.

                 (b) Each Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear interest on the
outstanding principal amount thereof, for the Interest Period applicable
thereto, at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the Applicable Margin plus the
applicable Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate for such Interest Period.
Such interest shall be payable for each Interest Period on the last day thereof
and, if such Interest Period is longer than 3 months, at intervals of 3 months
after the first day thereof.  Any overdue principal of and, to the extent
permitted by law, overdue interest on any Euro-Dollar Loan shall bear interest,
payable on demand, for each day until paid at a rate per annum equal to the
Default Rate.

                 The "Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate" applicable to any
Interest Period means a rate per annum equal to the quotient obtained (rounded
upwards, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100th of 1%) by dividing (i) the
applicable London Interbank Offered Rate for such Interest Period by (ii) 1.00
minus the Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage.

                 The "London Interbank Offered Rate" applicable to any
Euro-Dollar Loan means for the Interest Period of such Euro-Dollar Loan, the
rate per annum determined on the basis of the offered rate for deposits in
Dollars of amounts equal or comparable to the principal amount of such
Euro-Dollar Loan offered for a term comparable to such Interest Period, which
rates appear on the Telerate Page 3750 effective as of 11:00 A.M., London time,
2 Euro-Dollar Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period,
provided that if no such offered rates appear on such page, the "London
Interbank Offered Rate" for such Interest Period will be the arithmetic average
(rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100th of 1%) of rates
quoted by not less than 2 major banks in New York City, selected by the Agent,
at approximately 10:00 A.M., New York City time, 2 Euro-Dollar Business Days
prior to the first day of such Interest Period, for deposits in Dollars offered
to leading European banks for a period comparable to such Interest Period in an
amount comparable to the principal amount of such Euro-Dollar Loan.

                 "Euro-Dollar Reserve Percentage" means for any day that
percentage (expressed as a decimal) which is in effect on such day, as
prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any
successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement for a member bank of
the Federal Reserve System in respect of "Eurocurrency liabilities" (or in
respect of any other category of liabilities which includes deposits by
reference to which the interest rate on Euro-Dollar Loans is





                                       25
<PAGE>   33

determined or any category of extensions of credit or other assets which
includes loans by a non-United States office of any Bank to United States
residents).  The Adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate shall be adjusted
automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the Euro-Dollar
Reserve Percentage.

                 (c)  Each Offered Rate Loan shall bear interest on the
outstanding principal amount thereof, for each day from the date such Offered
Rate Loan is made until it becomes due, at a rate per annum equal to the
applicable Offered Rate set forth in the relevant Offered Rate Credit Quote.
Such interest shall be payable on the Stated Maturity Date thereof, and, if the
Stated Maturity Date occurs more than 90 days after the date of the relevant
Offered Rate Loan, at intervals of 90 days after the first day thereof. Any
overdue principal of and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest on
any Offered Rate Loan shall bear interest, payable on demand, for each day
until paid at a rate per annum equal to the Default Rate.

                 (d)  The Drawing Purchase Price of each Offered Rate Banker's
Acceptance shall accrete thereon at a rate per annum equal to the relevant
Offered Rate applicable thereto for the period from the date such Banker's
Acceptance was created to the Stated Maturity Date thereof, for the actual
number of days elapsed on the basis of a 360 day year.

                 (e)  The Agent shall determine each interest rate applicable to
the Loans hereunder and give prompt notice to the Borrower and the Banks by
telephone or telecopier of each rate of interest so determined, and its
determination thereof shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

                 (f)  After the occurrence and during the continuance of a
Default, the principal amount of the Syndicated Loans, the Offered Rate Loans
and the Face Amount of the Banker's Acceptances (and, to the extent permitted
by applicable law, all accrued interest thereon) may, at the election of the
Required Banks, bear interest at the Default Rate.

                 SECTION 2.07. Fees. (a) The Borrower shall pay to the Agent,
for distribution to each Bank, a commitment fee, calculated on the average
daily amount of the sum of each Bank's Unused Commitments less the amount of
its Offered Rate Credits, at the rate of 0.10% per annum; provided, that if at
the end of any Fiscal Quarter the Cash Flow/Interest and Leases Ratio shall be
less than 3.0 to 1.0 but equal to or greater than the ratio permitted by
Section 6.20, the commitment fee for the immediately succeeding Fiscal Quarter
shall be 0.15%.  Such commitment fees shall accrue from and including the
Closing Date to but excluding





                                       26
<PAGE>   34

the Termination Date and shall be payable in arrears on each March 31, June 30,
September 30 and December 31 and on the Termination Date.

                 (b)  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent, for the ratable
account of each Bank, a facility fee, calculated on the aggregate amount of
such Bank's Commitment (without taking into account the amount of the
outstanding Loans made or Banker's Acceptances created by such Bank), at the
rate of 0.10% per annum. Such facility fees shall accrue from and including the
Closing Date to but excluding the Termination Date and shall be payable in
arrears on each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 and on the
Termination Date.

                 (c)  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent, for the account
and sole benefit of the Agent, such fees and other amounts at such times as set
forth in the Agent's Letter Agreement.

                 (d)  On the Closing Date, the Borrower shall pay to the Agent,
for the ratable account of each Bank, an upfront fee in an aggregate amount
equal to 0.15% of the Commitments.

                 SECTION 2.08. Optional Termination or Reduction of
Commitments.  The Borrower may, upon at least 3 Domestic Business Days' notice
to the Agent, terminate at any time, or proportionately reduce the Unused
Commitments from time to time by an aggregate amount of at least $5,000,000 or
any larger multiple of $1,000,000.  If the Commitments are terminated in their
entirety, all accrued fees (as provided under Section 2.07) shall be due and
payable on the effective date of such termination.

                 SECTION 2.09. Mandatory Reduction and Termination of
Commitments.  The Commitments shall terminate on the Termination Date and any
Loans (together with accrued interest thereon) and Banker's Acceptances then
outstanding shall be due and payable on such date.

                 SECTION 2.10. Optional Prepayments.  (a) The Borrower may, on
any Domestic Business Day, prepay any Base Rate Borrowing in whole at any time,
or from time to time in part in an aggregate amount of at least $5,000,000 or
any larger multiple of $500,000, by paying the principal amount to be prepaid
together with accrued interest thereon to the date of prepayment.  Each such
optional prepayment shall be applied to prepay ratably the Base Rate Loans of
the Banks.

                 (b)  Except as provided in Section 9.02, the Borrower may
prepay all or any portion of the principal amount of any





                                       27
<PAGE>   35

Fixed Rate Loan or Banker's Acceptance prior to the maturity thereof upon 3
Domestic Business Day's prior written notice to the Agent, in an aggregate
amount of at least $5,000,000 or any larger multiple of $500,000, by paying the
principal amount to be prepaid, together with accrued interest thereon to the
date of prepayment, together with payment of amounts required by Section 9.05,
or upon other terms mutually acceptable to the Banks included in such Fixed
Rate Borrowing and the Borrower.  All such prepayments shall be made to the
Agent and shall be applied to prepay ratably the Fixed Rate Loans or Banker's
Acceptances of the several Banks included in such Fixed Rate Borrowing.

                 (c)  Upon receipt by the Agent of notice of prepayment
pursuant to this Section 2.10, such notice shall not thereafter be revocable by
the Borrower.

                 SECTION 2.11. Mandatory Prepayments.  (a) On each date on
which the Commitments are reduced pursuant to Section 2.08 or Section 2.09, the
Borrower shall repay or prepay such principal amount of the outstanding Loans,
if any (together with interest accrued thereon), as may be necessary so that
after such payment the sum of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the
Loans, the aggregate Face Amount of all of the Banker's Acceptances and the
Letter of Credit Obligations does not exceed the amount of the Commitment as
then reduced.

         (b) On each date on which the sum of the Aggregate Outstanding
Obligations, plus the Other Debt Outstanding, less Cash and Cash Equivalents
exceeds the Borrowing Base (the "Excess"), the Borrower shall repay or prepay
such principal amount of either the Other Debt Outstanding or the outstanding
Loans, if any (together with interest accrued thereon and any amount due under
Section 9.05(a)), by the amount of the Excess.

         (c) Each such payment or prepayment of the Loans pursuant to this
Section 2.11 shall be applied ratably to the Loans outstanding on the date of
payment or prepayment in the following order of priority: (i) first, to Base
Rate Loans; (ii) secondly, to Euro-Dollar Loans; and (iii) lastly, to Offered
Rate Credits, and any such payment applied to a Euro-Dollar Loan or Offered
Rate Credit shall be accompanied by payment of amounts required by Section
9.05, or such other amount as may be mutually acceptable to the Banks and the
Borrower.

                 SECTION 2.12. General Provisions as to Payments.  (a) The
Borrower shall make each payment of principal of, and interest on, the Loans
and of fees hereunder, not later than 11:00 A.M. (Atlanta, Georgia time) on the
date when due, in Federal or other funds  immediately available in Atlanta,
Georgia, to the Agent at its address referred to in Section





                                       28
<PAGE>   36

10.01.  The Agent will promptly distribute to each Bank its ratable share of
each such payment received by the Agent for the account of the Banks.

                 (b)  Whenever any payment of principal of, or interest on, the
Base Rate Loans or of fees hereunder shall be due on a day which is not a
Domestic Business Day, the date for payment thereof shall be extended to the
immediately succeeding Domestic Business Day.  Whenever any payment of
principal of or interest on, the Euro-Dollar Loans or Offered Rate Loans shall
be due on a day which is not a Euro-Dollar Business Day, the date for payment
thereof shall be extended to the immediately succeeding Euro-Dollar Business
Day unless such Euro-Dollar Business Day falls in another calendar month, in
which case the date for payment thereof shall be the immediately preceding
Euro-Dollar Business Day.

                 (c)  All payments of principal, interest and fees and all
other amounts to be made by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement with
respect to any Loan or fee relating thereto shall be paid without deduction
for, and free from, any tax, imposts, levies, duties, deductions, or
withholdings of any nature now or at anytime hereafter imposed by any
governmental authority or by any taxing authority thereof or therein excluding
in the case of each Bank, taxes imposed on or measured by its net income, and
franchise taxes imposed on it, by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such
Bank is organized or any political subdivision thereof and, in the case of each
Bank, taxes imposed on its income, and franchise taxes imposed on it, by the
jurisdiction of such Bank's applicable Lending Office or any political
subdivision thereof (all such non-excluded taxes, imposts, levies, duties,
deductions or withholdings of any nature being "Taxes").  In the event that the
Borrower is required by applicable law to make any such withholding or
deduction of Taxes with respect to any Loan or fee or other amount, the
Borrower shall pay such deduction or withholding to the applicable taxing
authority, shall promptly furnish to any Bank in respect of which such
deduction or withholding is made all receipts and other documents evidencing
such payment and shall pay to such Bank additional amounts as may be necessary
in order that the amount received by such Bank after the required withholding
or other payment shall equal the amount such Bank would have received had no
such withholding or other payment been made.  If no withholding or deduction of
Taxes are payable in respect to any Loan or fee relating thereto, the Borrower
shall furnish any Bank, at such Bank's request, a certificate from each
applicable taxing authority or an opinion of counsel acceptable to such Bank,
in either case stating that such payments are exempt from or not subject to
withholding or deduction of Taxes.  If the Borrower fails to provide such
original or certified copy of a





                                       29
<PAGE>   37

receipt evidencing payment of Taxes or certificate(s) or opinion of counsel of
exemption, the Borrower hereby agrees to compensate such Bank for, and
indemnify them with respect to, the tax consequences of the Borrower's failure
to provide evidence of tax payments or tax exemption.

                 Each Bank which is not organized under the laws of the United
States or any state thereof agrees, as soon as practicable after receipt by it
of a request by the Borrower to do so, to file all appropriate forms and take
other appropriate action to obtain a certificate or other appropriate document
from the appropriate governmental authority in the jurisdiction imposing the
relevant Taxes, establishing that it is entitled to receive payments of
principal and interest under this Agreement and the Notes without deduction and
free from withholding of any Taxes imposed by such jurisdiction; provided that
if it is unable, for any reason, to establish such exemption, or to file such
forms and, in any event, during such period of time as such request for
exemption is pending, the Borrower shall nonetheless remain obligated under the
terms of the immediately preceding paragraph.

                 In the event any Bank receives a refund of any Taxes paid by
the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.12(c), it will pay to the Borrower the
amount of such refund promptly upon receipt thereof; provided that if at any
time thereafter it is required to return such refund, the Borrower shall
promptly repay to it the amount of such refund.

                 Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of
the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower and the
Banks contained in this Section 2.12(c) shall be applicable with respect to any
Participant, Assignee or other Transferee, and any calculations required by
such provisions (i) shall be made based upon the circumstances of such
Participant, Assignee or other Transferee, and (ii) constitute a continuing
agreement and shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment
in full or cancellation of the Notes.

                 SECTION 2.13. Computation of Interest and Fees.  Interest on
all Loans and accretion of principal on all Banker's Acceptances shall be
computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid for the actual number of
days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).  Commitment
fees and any other fees payable hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a
year of 360 days and paid for the actual number of days elapsed (including the
first day but excluding the last day).





                                       30
<PAGE>   38

                                  ARTICLE III.

                           LETTER OF CREDIT FACILITY

                 SECTION 3.01 Obligation to Issue.  Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations and
warranties of the Borrower herein set forth, the Agent shall issue for the
account of Borrower, in order to provide credit enhancement for the Senior
Notes, a Letter of Credit denominated in Dollars, in accordance with this
Article III, in the face amount equal to $62,500,000. Such Letter of Credit
shall be a single draw Letter of Credit for a term of 15 months, and the expiry
date thereof shall be automatically extended on each quarterly anniversary of
the Closing Date for an additional 3 months unless the Required Banks, in their
sole discretion, notify the Agent, who will then notify the Borrower and the
Drawing Agent at least 30 days prior to the applicable anniversary date that
the Banks will not participate in the Letter of Credit, if extended, in which
case no such extension shall be effective, and the Drawing Agent shall be
entitled to draw on the Letter of Credit prior to the then current expiry date.
In no event should the expiration date of the Letter of Credit extend beyond
the Termination Date.

                 SECTION 3.02 Conditions.  In addition to being subject to the
satisfaction of the conditions contained in Article IV, the obligation of the
Agent to issue any Letter of Credit is subject to the satisfaction in full of
the following conditions:

                 (a)  the Borrower shall have delivered to the Agent at
         such times and in such manner as the Agent may prescribe, a Letter of
         Credit Application Agreement and such other documents and materials as
         may be required pursuant to the terms thereof all satisfactory in form
         and substance to the Agent and the terms of the proposed Letter of
         Credit shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent;

                 (b)  as of the date of issuance no order, judgment or
         decree of any court, arbitrator or Authority shall purport by its
         terms to enjoin or restrain the Agent from issuing the Letter of
         Credit and no law, rule or regulation applicable to the Agent and no
         request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any
         Authority with jurisdiction over the Agent shall prohibit or request
         that the Agent refrain from the issuance of letters of credit
         generally or the issuance of the Letter of Credit; and

                 (c)  the aggregate Unused Commitments shall not be less than
         the amount of the requested Letter of Credit.





                                       31
<PAGE>   39


             SECTION 3.03 Reimbursement Obligations; Duties of the Issuing Bank.

                 (a)      Reimbursement.  Notwithstanding any provisions to the
contrary in the Letter of Credit Application Agreement:

                          (i)     the Borrower shall reimburse the Agent for
         drawings under the Letter of Credit issued by it no later than the
         earlier of (A) the time specified in the Letter of Credit Application
         Agreement, or (B) 1 Domestic Business Day after the payment by the
         Agent;

                          (ii)    in the event of any circumstances which
         prevent the repayment of Reimbursement Obligations by a Loan pursuant
         to clause (iii) below, such Reimbursement Obligations shall bear
         interest from the date of the drawing under the Letter of Credit until
         the date of payment in full thereof at a rate per annum equal to (A)
         prior to the date that is 3 Domestic Business Days after the date of
         the related payment by the Agent, the Base Rate and (B) on such date
         and thereafter, the Default Rate; and

                          (iii)   in order to implement the foregoing, upon the
         occurrence of a draw under the Letter of Credit, unless the Agent is
         otherwise reimbursed in accordance with subsection (i) above, the
         Borrower irrevocably authorizes the Agent and the Banks to, and the
         Agent shall, treat such nonpayment as a Notice of Borrowing in the
         amount of such Reimbursement Obligation and make Loans to the Borrower
         in such amount regardless of whether the conditions precedent to the
         making of Loans hereunder have been met.  The Borrower further
         authorizes the Agent to, and the Agent shall, credit the proceeds of
         such Loan so as to immediately eliminate the liability of the Borrower
         for Reimbursement Obligations under the Letter of Credit. Any Loans
         made under this Section 3.03(a) shall be Base Rate Loans, unless the
         Borrower otherwise request pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing submitted
         in accordance with Section 2.02.

                 (b)      Duties of the Agent.  Any action taken or omitted to 
be taken by the Agent in connection with the Letter of Credit, if taken or
omitted in the absence of willful misconduct or gross negligence, shall not put
the Agent under any resulting liability to any Bank, or relieve that Bank of its
obligations hereunder to the Agent.  In determining whether to pay under the
Letter of Credit, the Agent shall have no obligation relative to the Banks other
than to confirm that any documents required to have been delivered under the
Letter of Credit appear to comply on their face, with the requirements of the
Letter of Credit.





                                       32
<PAGE>   40


                 SECTION 3.04 Participations.

                 (a) Purchase of Participations.  Immediately upon issuance by
the Agent of the Letter of Credit, each Bank shall be deemed to have
irrevocably and unconditionally purchased and received from the Agent, without
recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation, to the extent of
such Bank's ratable share, in the Letter of Credit (or guaranty pertaining
thereto) and each Bank's Unused Commitment hereunder shall be reduced in an
amount corresponding to such participation.

                 (b) Sharing of Letter of Credit Payments.  In the event that
the Agent makes any payment under the Letter of Credit for which the applicable
Borrower shall not have repaid such amount to the Agent pursuant to Section
3.05 hereof, the Agent shall promptly notify each Bank of such failure, and
each Bank shall promptly and unconditionally pay to the Agent such Bank's
ratable share, based on its participation therein, of the amount of such
payment in Dollars and in same day funds.  If and to the extent such Bank shall
not have so made its ratable share of the amount of such payment available to
the Agent, such Bank agrees to pay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount
together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such payment was
first due until the date such amount is paid to the Agent at the Base Rate for
the first 3 days and thereafter at the Default Rate.  The failure of any Bank
to make available to the Agent its ratable share of any such payment shall
neither relieve nor increase the obligation of any other Bank hereunder to make
available to the Agent its ratable share of any payment on the date such
payment is to be made.

                 (c) Sharing of Reimbursement Obligation Payments. Whenever the
Agent receives a payment on account of a Reimbursement Obligation, including
any interest thereon, as to which the Agent has received any payments from the
Banks pursuant to this Section 3.04, it shall promptly pay to each Bank which
has funded its participating interest therein, in Dollars and in the kind of
funds so received, an amount equal to such Bank's ratable share thereof.  Each
such payment shall be made by the Agent on the Domestic Business Day on which
the funds are paid to such Person, if received prior to 10:00 am. (Atlanta,
Georgia time) on such Domestic Business Day, and otherwise on the next
succeeding Domestic Business Day.

                 (d) Documentation.  The Agent shall furnish to such Bank
copies of the Letter of Credit Application Agreement and other documentation
relating to the Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement.





                                       33
<PAGE>   41


                 (e) Obligations Irrevocable.  The obligations of the Banks to
make payments to the Agent with respect to the Letter of Credit shall be
irrevocable, not subject to any qualification or exception whatsoever and shall
be made in accordance with, but not subject to, the terms and conditions of
this Agreement under all circumstances (assuming that the Agent has issued the
Letter of Credit in accordance herewith) including, without limitation, any of
the following circumstances:

                          (i)     any lack of validity or enforceability of
         this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents;

                          (ii)    the existence of any claim, set-off, defense
         or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against the
         Drawing Agent or any holder of Senior Notes or any transferee of any
         Letter of Credit or Senior Notes (or any Person for whom any such
         transferee may be acting), the Agent, any Bank or any other Person,
         whether in connection with this Agreement, the Letter of Credit, the
         transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transactions;

                          (iii)   any draft, certificate or any other document
         presented under the Letter of Credit or the Letter of Credit proves to
         be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any
         statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, except as
         resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the
         Agent;

                          (iv)    the surrender or impairment of any security 

         for the performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the 
         Loan Documents;

                          (v)     payment by the Agent under the Letter of 
         Credit against presentation of any draft or certificate that does not
         comply with the terms of the Letter of Credit, except payment resulting
         from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Agent; or

                          (vi)    any other circumstances or happenings
         whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, except
         circumstances or happenings resulting from the gross negligence or
         willful misconduct of the Agent.

                 SECTION 3.05 Payment of Reimbursement Obligations.

                 (a) Payments to Issuing Bank.  The Borrower agrees to pay to
the Agent the amount of all Reimbursement Obligations, interest and other
amounts payable to the Agent under or in connection with the Letter of Credit
issued for such Borrower's





                                       34
<PAGE>   42

account immediately when due, provided that the Agent has acted in good faith
and with reasonable care, irrespective of:

                          (i)     any lack of validity or enforceability of
         this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents;

                          (ii)    the existence of any claim, set-off, defense
         or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against the
         Drawing Agent or any holder of Senior Notes or any transferee of any
         Letter of Credit or Senior Notes (or any Person for whom any such
         transferee may be acting), the Agent, any Bank or any other Person,
         whether in connection with this Agreement, the Letter of Credit, the
         transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transactions;

                          (iii)   any draft, certificate or any other document
         presented under the Letter of Credit or the Letter of Credit itself
         proves to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any
         respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any
         respect, except as resulting from the gross negligence or willful
         misconduct of the Agent;

                          (iv)    the surrender or impairment of any security 
         for the performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the
         Loan Documents;

                          (v)     payment by the Agent under the Letter of 
         Credit against presentation of any draft or certificate that does not
         comply with the terms of the Letter of Credit, except payment resulting
         from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Agent; or

                          (vi)    any other circumstances or happenings
         whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, except
         circumstances or happenings resulting from the gross negligence or
         willful misconduct of the Agent.

                 (b)      Recovery or Avoidance of Payments.  In the event any
payment by or on behalf of the Borrower received by the Agent with respect to
the Letter of Credit and distributed by the Agent to the Banks on account of
their participations is thereafter set aside, avoided or recovered from the
Agent in connection with any receivership, liquidation or bankruptcy
proceeding, each Bank that received such distribution shall, upon demand by
such Agent, contribute such Bank's ratable share of the amount set aside,
avoided or recovered together with interest at the rate required to be paid by
the Agent upon the amount required to be repaid by it.





                                       35
<PAGE>   43


                 SECTION 3.06 Compensation for Letter of Credit and Agent
Reporting Requirements.

                 (a)      Letter of Credit Fees; Fronting Fees.  The Borrower
shall pay to the Agent with respect to the Letter of Credit issued hereunder
(i) a quarterly letter of credit fee ("Letter of Credit Fee") equal to 0.80%
per annum of the face amount of the Letter of Credit; provided, that if at the
end of any Fiscal Quarter the Cash Flow/Interest and Leases Ratio shall be less
than 3.0 to 1.0 but equal to or greater than the ratio permitted by Section
6.20, the Letter of Credit Fee for the immediately succeeding Fiscal Quarter
shall be 0.90%, and (ii) a quarterly fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum of
the face amount of the Letter of Credit (the "Fronting Fee"), in each case
payable on the Domestic Business Day on which the Letter of Credit is issued
and quarterly in advance.  Letter of Credit Fees and Fronting Fees payable
hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and paid for the
actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last
day).  The Agent shall promptly remit such Letter of Credit Fees, when paid, to
the Banks in accordance with their ratable shares thereof.  The Fronting Fees
shall be solely for the account of the Agent.

                 (b)      Agent Charges.  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent,
solely for its own account, the standard charges assessed by the Agent in
connection with the issuance, administration, amendment and payment or
cancellation of the Letter of Credit issued hereunder, which charges shall be
those typically charged by the Agent to its customers generally having credit
and other characteristics similar to the Borrower, as determined in good faith
by the Agent.

                 SECTION 3.07 Indemnification; Exoneration.

                 (a)      Indemnification.  In addition to amounts payable as
elsewhere provided in this Article III, the Borrower shall protect, indemnify,
pay and save the Agent and each Bank harmless from and against any and all
claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) which the Agent, or any Bank may incur
or be subject to as a consequence of the issuance of the Letter of Credit for
the Borrower's account other than as a result of its gross negligence or
willful misconduct, or, as to the Agent, unless it has not has acted in good
faith and with reasonable care, in each case as determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction, and subject to the provisions of Section 3.07(c).





                                       36
<PAGE>   44

                 (b)      Assumption of Risk by Borrower.  Subject to the
provisions of Section 3.07(c), as between the Borrower, the Agent (provided
that it has acted in good faith and with reasonable care) and the Banks, the
Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the
Letter of Credit issued for such Borrower's account by, the Drawing Agent or
any holder of Senior Notes.  In furtherance and not in limitation of the
foregoing, the Agent and the Banks shall not be responsible for (i) the form,
validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any document
submitted by any party in connection with the application for and issuance of
the Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all
respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged, (ii) the
validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or
purporting to transfer or assign the Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits
thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be
invalid or ineffective for any reason, (iii) failure of the Drawing Agent to
comply duly with conditions required in order to draw upon the Letter of
Credit, (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or
delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise,
whether or not they be in cipher, for errors in interpretation of technical
terms, (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document
required in order to make a drawing under the Letter of Credit or of the
proceeds thereof, (vii) the misapplication by the Drawing Agent of the proceeds
of any drawing under the Letter of Credit; and (viii) any consequences arising
from causes beyond the control of the Agent and the Banks.

                 (c)      Exoneration.  In furtherance and extension and not in
limitation of the specific provisions hereinabove set forth, any action taken
or omitted by the Agent under or in connection with the Letter of Credit or any
related certificates if taken or omitted in good faith and with reasonable
care, shall not put the Agent or any Bank under any resulting liability to the
Borrower or relieve the Borrower of any of its obligations hereunder.

                 SECTION 3.08 Credit Yield Protection; Capital Adequacy.  If
the adoption after the date hereof of any applicable law, statute, rule,
regulation, ordinance, writ, injunction, decree, order, judgment, guideline or
decision of any Authority ("Governmental Rule"), any change after the date
hereof in any interpretation or administration of any applicable Governmental
Rule by any Person charged with its interpretation or administration or
compliance by the Agent or any Bank (or its Lending Office) with any request or
directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such Person:





                                       37
<PAGE>   45

                 (a)  shall subject the Agent or any Bank (or its Lending
         Office) to any tax (other than overall net income, gross income,
         excise, franchise or similar taxation), duty or other charge with
         respect to any amount drawn on the Letter of Credit or its obligation
         to make any payment under the Letter of Credit, or to maintain the
         Letter of Credit, or shall change the basis of taxation (other than
         overall net income, gross income, excise, franchise or similar
         taxation) of payments to the Agent or any Bank (or its Lending Office)
         of any amounts due under this Agreement or any amount drawn on the
         Letter of Credit; or

                 (b)  shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve
         (including, without limitation, any imposed by the Board of Governors
         of the Federal Reserve System or any Person regulating banking
         activities or banking companies), special deposit or similar
         requirements against assets of, deposits with or for the account of,
         credit extended by, letters of credit issued or maintained by, or
         collateral subject to a lien in favor of the Agent or any Bank (or its
         Lending Office), or shall impose on the Agent or any Bank (or its
         Lending Office) any other condition affecting any amount drawn on the
         Letter of Credit, or its obligation to make any payment under the
         Letters of Credit, as the case may be, or to maintain the Letter of
         Credit; then the remaining provisions of this Section 3.08 shall
         apply.  If the result of any of the foregoing (without regard to
         whether the Agent or any Bank shall have sold participations in its
         respective obligations under this Agreement) is to increase the cost
         to or to impose a cost on the Agent or any Bank (or its Lending
         Office) of making or maintaining any amounts payable hereunder, of
         maintaining the Letter of Credit, or to reduce the amount of any sum
         received or receivable by the Agent or any Bank (or its Lending
         Office) under the Letter of Credit, then:

                          (i)  the Agent or such Bank shall promptly  deliver
                 to the Borrower a certificate stating the change which has
                 occurred or the reserve requirements or other conditions which
                 have been imposed on the Agent or such Bank (or its Lending
                 Office) or the request, direction or requirement with which it
                 has complied, together with the effective date thereof; and

                          (ii) the Borrower shall pay to the Agent or such Bank
                 within 15 days of written request (which request shall state
                 the amount of increased cost, reduction or payment and the way
                 in which such amount has been calculated), such amount or
                 amounts as will compensate the Agent or such Bank for the
                 additional cost,





                                       38
<PAGE>   46

                 reduction of return or payment incurred by the Agent or such
                 other Bank and, at the option of the Borrower at any time
                 while the Agent or such Bank is requesting such additional
                 amount or amounts, upon the giving of notice to the Bank and
                 payment to such Bank of all amounts owing to such Bank
                 hereunder, the Borrower may require such Bank to enter into an
                 Assignment and Acceptance Agreement pursuant to which such
                 Bank shall transfer all of its rights and interests hereunder
                 and under the other Loan Documents to a third party selected
                 by the Borrower and consented to by the Agent.  If such
                 written request is given within 30 days after the event which
                 results in such increased cost, reduction of return or
                 reduction of payments, such amounts will be calculated from
                 the date of such event; otherwise, such amounts will be
                 calculated as of the date on which the Agent or such Bank
                 makes the aforesaid written request.  The written request of
                 the Agent or such Bank as to the additional amounts payable
                 pursuant to this paragraph delivered to the Borrower shall be
                 conclusive evidence of the amount thereof in the absence of
                 manifest error.

                 (c)      If any Bank shall have determined that after the date
         hereof the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation
         regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in
         the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any
         Bank (or its Lending Office) with any request or directive regarding
         capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any
         Authority, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return
         on such Bank's capital as a consequence of its obligations hereunder
         to a level below that which such Bank could have achieved but for such
         adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration such Bank's
         policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by such
         Bank to be material, then from time to time, within 15 days after
         demand by such Bank pursuant to a certificate described in paragraph
         (d) below, the Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional amount
         or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such reduction.

                 (d)      Each Bank will promptly notify the Borrower and the
         Agent of any event of which it has knowledge, occurring after the date
         hereof, which will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this
         Section and will designate a different Lending Office if such
         designation will avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, such
         compensation and will not, in the judgment of such Bank, be otherwise
         disadvantageous to such Bank.  A certificate of any Bank





                                       39
<PAGE>   47

         claiming compensation under this Section and setting forth the
         additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder and including
         a reasonable summary of the methods used in making the calculation,
         shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error.  In determining
         such amount, such Bank may use any reasonable averaging and
         attribution methods.

                 (e)      The provisions of this Section 3.08 shall be
         applicable with respect to any Participant, Assignee or other
         Transferee, and any calculations required by such provisions shall be
         made based upon the circumstances of such Participant, Assignee or
         other Transferee.

                 SECTION 3.09. Disqualification of a Bank.  In the event that
any Bank other than Wachovia (a "Disqualified Bank") shall at the end of any
quarter, not qualify as a "well-capitalized" bank under the regulations or
policies of the Comptroller of the Currency, or the sum of its non-performing
assets and its "Other Real Estate Owned" shall be equal to more than 50% of its
tangible equity, the Agent, in its sole discretion, may require the Borrower to
deposit with the Agent cash collateral for the Letter of Credit in an amount
equal to the Disqualified Bank's risk participation in the Letter of Credit.
After making such deposit, the Borrower  may give notice to the Disqualified
Bank (with copies to the Agent) that it wishes to seek one or more assignees
(which may be one or more of the Banks) to assume the Commitment of the
Disqualified Bank and its obligations with respect to its risk participation in
the Letter of Credit and to purchase its outstanding Loans, Notes and any
Banker's Acceptances.  Each Bank agrees that, if it becomes a Disqualified
Bank, it will sell its Commitment, Loans, Notes, its participation interest in
any Letter of Credit, any Banker's Acceptances and interest in this Agreement
in accordance with Section 10.08(c) to any such assignee for an amount equal to
the sum of the outstanding unpaid principal of and accrued interest on such
Loans and Notes, and the Face Amount of any Banker's Acceptances, less the
principal amount of each such Banker's Acceptance which has not yet accreted,
plus all other fees and amounts (including, without limitation, any
compensation due to the Disqualified Bank under Section 2.12(c) or Article IX)
due to the Disqualified Bank hereunder calculated, in each case, to the date
such Loans, Notes, Banker's Acceptances and interest are purchased.  Upon such
sale or prepayment, the Disqualified Bank shall have no further commitment or
other obligation to the Borrower hereunder or under any Note or Banker's
Acceptance, and the cash collateral deposited with the Agent by the Borrower
pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be returned to the Borrower.  As used
hereinabove, "well-capitalized" and "tangible equity" shall have the meanings
provided therefor in 12 CFR Section  6, as amended from time to time.





                                       40
<PAGE>   48



                                   ARTICLE IV

                            CONDITIONS TO BORROWINGS

                 SECTION 4.01. Conditions to First Borrowing and Issuance of
the Letter of Credit.  The obligation of each Bank to make a Loan or create a
Banker's Acceptance and of the Agent to issue the Letter of Credit on the
occasion of the first Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the
conditions set forth in Section 3.02 and receipt by the Agent of the following
(as to the documents described in paragraphs (a), (c), (d) and (e) below, in
sufficient number of counterparts for delivery of a counterpart to each Bank
and retention of one counterpart by the Agent):


                 (a)      from each of the parties hereto of either (i) a duly
         executed counterpart of this Agreement signed by such party or (ii) a
         facsimile transmission of such executed counterpart, with the original
         to be sent to the Agent by overnight courier);

                 (b)      a duly executed Syndicated Loan Note and a duly
         executed Offered Rate Loan Note for the account of each Bank complying
         with the provisions of Section 2.04;

                 (c)      an opinion letter (together with any opinions of
         local counsel relied on therein) of Miller, Simpson & Tatum, special
         counsel for the Borrower, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially
         in the form of Exhibit B and covering such additional matters relating
         to the transactions contemplated hereby as the Bank may reasonably
         request;

                 (d)      an opinion of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, special
         counsel for the Agent, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in
         the form of Exhibit C and covering such additional matters relating to
         the transactions contemplated hereby as the Agent may reasonably
         request;

                 (e)      a certificate (the "Closing Certificate")
         substantially in the form of Exhibit G), dated as of the Closing Date,
         signed by a principal financial officer of the Borrower, to the effect
         that (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of the
         first Borrowing and (ii) the representations and warranties of the
         Borrower contained in Article V are true on and as of the date of the
         first Borrowing hereunder;

                 (f)      all documents which the Agent or any Bank may
         reasonably request relating to the existence of the





                                       41
<PAGE>   49

         Borrower, the corporate authority for and the validity of this
         Agreement and the Notes, and any other matters relevant hereto, all in
         form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, including, without
         limitation, a certificate of incumbency of the Borrower, signed by the
         Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower, certifying as to
         the names, true signatures and incumbency of the officer or officers
         of the Borrower authorized to execute and deliver the Loan Documents,
         and certified copies of the following items: (i) the Borrower's
         Certificate of Incorporation, (ii) the Borrower's Bylaws, (iii) a
         certificate of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as to
         the good standing of the Borrower as a Delaware corporation, and (iv)
         the action taken by the Board of Directors of the Borrower authorizing
         the Borrower's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement,
         the Note and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a
         party;

                 (g) a Notice of Borrowing or Offered Rate Credit Acceptance(s),
         as applicable, together with, if such Borrowing is a Banker's
         Acceptance Borrowing, the instruments, agreements and other documents
         required by Section 2.03(f);

                 (h) receipt of the Letter of Credit Application;

                 (i) receipt of amendments to the Senior Note Agreement (1)
         providing for modification to the "Events of Default" thereunder so as
         to limit such events to either non-payment when due of the principal
         of or interest under the Senior Notes or the non-renewal of the Letter
         of Credit (and in either such event, the holders of the Senior Notes
         shall be entitled to draw on the Letter of Credit prior to the then
         current expiry date thereof), (2) granting to the Banks (at the option
         of the Majority Banks) the right, upon a material Event of Default
         under this Agreement, to direct the Senior Noteholders by written
         notice to (i) request a draw for the full amount of the principal of
         and accrued and unpaid interest under the Senior Notes, without regard
         for the payment of any premium or Make-Whole Amount (as defined in the
         Senior Note Agreement), and return of the Letter of Credit to the
         Agent for cancellation upon such payment, or (ii) return the Letter of
         Credit to the Agent for cancellation (collectively, such grant being
         the "Put Provisions"), (3) containing the agreement of the holders of
         the Senior Notes that there shall be no amendment to the "Events of
         Default", as so modified, or to Put Provisions, without the prior
         written consent of all of the Banks, and stating that the Banks shall
         have the right to rely on such





                                       42
<PAGE>   50

         agreement and the Put Provisions as third party beneficiaries;

                 (j)  termination of the Master Credit Agreement adopted by the
         Borrower and certain of the Banks, as "Bilateral Lenders", by
         independent letter agreements, each dated August 24, 1995, and payment
         of all loans, interest, fees and other amounts thereunder;

                 (k)  receipt of the initial Borrowing Base Certificate; and

                 (l)  receipt of the fees payable on the Closing Date pursuant
         to Section 2.07 and the Agent's Letter Agreement.

                 SECTION 4.02. Conditions to All Borrowings.  The obligation of
each Bank to make a Loan or create a Banker's Acceptance on the occasion of
each Borrowing is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions,
except as expressly provided in the last sentence of this Section 4.02:

                 (a)  receipt by the Agent of a Notice of Borrowing or
         Offered Rate Credit Acceptance(s), as applicable, together with, if
         such Borrowing is a Banker's Acceptance Borrowing, the instruments,
         agreements and other documents required by Section 2.03(f).

                 (b)  the fact that, immediately before and after such
         Borrowing, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

                 (c)  the fact that the representations and warranties of
         the Borrower contained in Article V of this Agreement shall be true on
         and as of the date of such Borrowing;

                 (d)  the fact that, immediately after such Borrowing, the
         Aggregate Outstanding Obligations shall not exceed the amount of the
         aggregate Commitments at such time; and

                 (e)  the fact that, immediately after such Borrowing, the
         Aggregate Outstanding Obligations plus Other Debt Outstanding, less
         Cash and Cash Equivalents, shall not exceed the Borrowing Base at such
         time.

Each Borrowing shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the
Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as to the truth and accuracy of the
facts specified in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this Section; provided that
if such Borrowing which is a Syndicated Borrowing consists solely of a
Refunding Loan, such Borrowing shall not be deemed to be such a representation
and warranty to the effect set forth in Section 5.04(b) as to any





                                       43
<PAGE>   51

event, act or condition having a Material Adverse Effect which has theretofore
been disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the Banks.


                                   ARTICLE V

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

                 The Borrower represents and warrants that:

                 SECTION 5.01. Corporate Existence and Power.  The Borrower is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, is duly qualified to transact
business in every jurisdiction where, by the nature of its business, such
qualification is necessary, and has all corporate powers and all governmental
licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals, and all permits, trademarks,
patents and other rights required to carry on its business as now conducted.

                 SECTION 5.02. Corporate and Governmental Authorization; No
Contravention.  The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
Agreement, the Notes and the other Loan Documents (i) are within the Borrower's
corporate powers, (ii) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action, (iii) require no action by or in respect of or filing with, any
governmental body, agency or official, (iv) do not contravene, or constitute a
default under, any provision of applicable law or regulation or of the
certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the Borrower or of any agreement,
judgment, injunction, order, decree or other instrument binding upon the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and (v) do not result in the creation or
imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

                 SECTION 5.03. Binding Effect.  This Agreement constitutes a
valid and binding agreement of the Borrower enforceable in accordance with its
terms, and the Notes and the other Loan Documents, when executed and delivered
in accordance with this Agreement, will constitute valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower enforceable in accordance with their respective
terms, provided that the enforceability hereof and thereof is subject in each
case to general principles of equity and to bankruptcy, insolvency and similar
laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally.

                 SECTION 5.04. Financial Information.  (a) The consolidated
balance sheet of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the
Fiscal Year ending closest to September





                                       44
<PAGE>   52

30, 1995 and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders'
equity and cash flows for the Fiscal Year then ended, reported on by Price
Waterhouse, LLP, copies of which have been delivered to the Bank, and the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Borrower for the Fiscal
Quarter ending closest to December 31, 1995, copies of which have been
delivered to the Bank, fairly present, in conformity with GAAP, the
consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries as of such dates and their consolidated results of operations and
cash flows for such periods stated.

                 (b)      Since the end of the Fiscal Year ending closest to
September 30, 1995, there has been no event, act, condition or occurrence
having a Material Adverse Effect.

                 SECTION 5.05. No Litigation.  There is no action, suit or
proceeding pending, or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened, against or
affecting the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or
arbitrator or any governmental body, agency or official which could have a
Material Adverse  Effect or which in any manner draws into question the
validity of or could impair the ability of the Borrower to perform its
obligations under, this Agreement, the Note or any of the other Loan Documents.
All litigation threatened, against or affecting the Borrower is set forth on
Schedule 5.05.

                 SECTION 5.06. Compliance with ERISA.  (a) The Borrower and
each member of the Controlled Group have fulfilled their obligations under the
minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code with respect to each Plan and
are in compliance in all material respects with the presently applicable
provisions of ERISA and the Code, and have not incurred any liability to the
PBGC or a Plan under Title IV of ERISA.

                 (b)      Neither the Borrower nor any member of the Controlled
Group is or ever has been obligated to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan.

                 SECTION 5.07. Compliance with Laws; Payment of Taxes.  The
Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable laws,
regulations and similar requirements of governmental authorities, except where
such compliance is being contested in good faith through appropriate
proceedings.  There have been filed on behalf of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries all Federal, state and local income, excise, property and other
tax returns which are required to be filed by them and all taxes due pursuant
to such returns or pursuant to any assessment received by or on behalf of the
Borrower or any Subsidiary have been paid.  The charges, accruals and reserves
on the books of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in respect of taxes or other





                                       45
<PAGE>   53

governmental charges are, in the opinion of the Borrower, adequate.  United
States income tax returns of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have been
examined and closed through December 31, 1991.

                 SECTION 5.08. Subsidiaries.  Each of the Borrower's
Subsidiaries is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, is duly qualified
to transact business in every jurisdiction where, by the nature of its
business, such qualification is necessary, and has all corporate powers and all
governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry
on its business as now conducted.  The Borrower has no Subsidiaries except for
those Subsidiaries listed on Schedule 5.08, which accurately sets forth each
such Subsidiary's complete name and jurisdiction of incorporation.

                 SECTION 5.09. Investment Company Act.  Neither the Borrower
nor any of its Subsidiaries is an "investment company" within the meaning of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

                 SECTION 5.10. Public Utility Holding Company Act.  Neither the
Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "holding company", or a "subsidiary
company" of a "holding company", or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of
a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company", as such terms are defined in the
Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

                 SECTION 5.11. Ownership of Property; Liens.  Each of the
Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries has title to its properties
sufficient for the conduct of its business, and none of such property is
subject to any Lien except as permitted in Section 5.18.

                 SECTION 5.12. No Default.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Consolidated Subsidiaries is in default under or with respect to any agreement,
instrument or undertaking to which it is a party or by which it or any of its
property is bound which could have or cause a Material Adverse Effect.  No
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

                 SECTION 5.13. Full Disclosure.  All information heretofore
furnished by the Borrower to the Bank for purposes of or in connection with
this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all such
information hereafter furnished by the Borrower to the Bank will be, true,
accurate and complete in every material respect or based on reasonable
estimates on the date as of which such information is stated or certified.  The
Borrower has disclosed to the Banks in writing





                                       46
<PAGE>   54

any and all facts which could have or cause a Material Adverse Effect.

                 SECTION 5.14. Environmental Matters.  (a) Neither the Borrower
nor any Subsidiary is subject to any Environmental Liability which could have
or cause a Material Adverse Effect and neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary
has been designated as a potentially responsible party under CERCLA or under
any state statute similar to CERCLA.  None of the Properties has been
identified on any current or proposed (i) National Priorities List under 40
C.F.R. Section 300, (ii) CERCLIS list or (iii) any list arising from a state
statute similar to CERCLA.

                 (b)      No Hazardous Materials have been or are being used,
produced, manufactured, processed, treated, recycled, generated, stored,
disposed of, managed or otherwise handled at, or shipped or transported to or
from the Properties or are otherwise present at, on, in or under the
Properties, or, to the best of the knowledge of the Borrower, at or from any
adjacent site or facility that could have or cause a Material Adverse Effect,
except for Hazardous Materials, such as cleaning solvents, pesticides and other
materials used, produced, manufactured, processed, treated, recycled,
generated, stored, disposed of, managed, or otherwise handled in minimal
amounts in the ordinary course of business in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Requirements.

                 (c)      The Borrower, and each of its Subsidiaries and
Affiliates, has procured all Environmental Authorizations necessary for the
conduct of its business, and is in compliance with all Environmental
Requirements in connection with the operation of the Properties and the
Borrower's, and each of its Subsidiary's and Affiliate's, respective
businesses.

                 SECTION 5.15. Capital Stock.  All Capital Stock, debentures,
bonds, notes and all other securities of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
presently issued and outstanding are validly and properly issued in accordance
with all applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the "Blue Sky" laws of
all applicable states and the federal securities laws.  The issued shares of
Capital Stock of the Borrower's Subsidiaries are owned by the Borrower free and
clear of any Lien or adverse claim.  At least a majority of the issued shares
of capital stock of each of the Borrower's other Subsidiaries is owned by the
Borrower free and clear of any Lien or adverse claim.

                 SECTION 5.16. Margin Stock.  Neither the Borrower nor any of
its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities,
in the business of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock, and no part of the
proceeds of any Loan or





                                       47
<PAGE>   55

Banker's Acceptance will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to
extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin
Stock, or be used for any purpose which violates, or which is inconsistent
with, the provisions of Regulation X.

                 SECTION 5.17. Insolvency.  After giving effect to the
execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of the Loans and
the creating of Banker's Acceptances under this Agreement: (i) the Borrower
will not (x) be "insolvent," within the meaning of such term as used in
O.C.G.A. Section  18-2-22 or as defined in Section  101 of the "Bankruptcy
Code", or Section 2 of either the "UFTA" or the "UFCA", or as defined or used
in any "Other Applicable Law" (as those terms are defined below), or (y) be
unable to pay its debts generally as such debts become due within the meaning
of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 4 of the UFTA or Section 6 of
the UFCA, or (z) have an unreasonably small capital to engage in any business
or transaction, whether current or contemplated, within the meaning of Section
548 of the Bankruptcy Code, Section 4 of the UFTA or Section 5 of the UFCA; and
(ii) the obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Documents and with respect
to the Loans will not be rendered avoidable under any Other Applicable Law. For
purposes of this Section 5.17, "Bankruptcy Code" means Title 11 of the United
States Code, "UFTA" means the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, "UFCA" means the
Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, and "Other Applicable Law" means any other
applicable state law pertaining to fraudulent transfers or acts voidable by
creditors, in each case as such law may be amended from time to time.

                 SECTION 5.18. Insurance.  The Borrower and each of its
Subsidiaries has (either in the name of the Borrower or in such Subsidiary's
own name), with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance
on all its property in at least such amounts and against at least such risks as
are usually insured against in the same general area by companies of
established repute engaged in the same or similar business.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                                   COVENANTS

                 The Borrower agrees that, so long as the Bank has any
Commitment hereunder or any amount payable hereunder or under the Note remains
unpaid:

                 SECTION 6.01. Information.  The Borrower will deliver to each
of the Banks beginning with the Fiscal Year ending closest to September 30,
1995:





                                       48
<PAGE>   56


                 (a)      as soon as available and in any event within 90 days
         after the end of each Fiscal Year, a consolidated balance sheet of the
         Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such
         Fiscal Year and the related consolidated statements of income,
         shareholders' equity and cash flows for such Fiscal Year, setting
         forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous
         fiscal year, all certified by Price Waterhouse, LLP or other
         independent public accountants of nationally recognized standing, with
         such certification to be free of exceptions and qualifications not
         acceptable to the Required Banks;

                 (b)      as soon as available and in any event within 45 days
         after the end of each of the first 3 Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal
         Year, a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its
         Consolidated Subsidiaries as of the end of such Fiscal Quarter and the
         related statement of income and statement of cash flows for such
         Fiscal Quarter and for the portion of the Fiscal Year ended at the end
         of such Fiscal Quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form
         the figures for the corresponding Fiscal Quarter and the corresponding
         portion of the previous Fiscal Year, all certified (subject to normal
         year-end adjustments) as to fairness of presentation, GAAP and
         consistency by the chief financial officer, the treasurer or the chief
         accounting officer of the Borrower;

                 (c)      simultaneously with the delivery of each set of
         financial statements referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, a
         certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit F (a "Compliance
         Certificate"), of the chief financial officer or the chief accounting
         officer of the Borrower (i) setting forth in reasonable detail the
         calculations required to establish whether the Borrower was in
         compliance with the requirements of Sections 6.16 through 6.24,
         inclusive on the date of such financial statements and (ii) stating
         whether any Default exists on the date of such certificate and, if any
         Default then exists, setting forth the details thereof and the action
         which the Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

                 (d)      simultaneously with the delivery of each set of
         annual financial statements referred to in paragraph (a) above, a
         statement of the firm of independent public accountants which reported
         on such statements to the effect that, in the course of their
         examination in connection with such annual financial statements
         (without performing any special procedures in order to give such
         statement) nothing has come to their attention to cause them to
         believe that





                                       49
<PAGE>   57

         any Default existed on the date of such financial statements;

                 (e)      within 5 Domestic Business Days after the Borrower
         becomes aware of the occurrence of any Default, a certificate of the
         chief financial officer, the treasurer or the chief accounting officer
         of the Borrower setting forth the details thereof and the action which
         the Borrower is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

                 (f)      promptly upon the mailing thereof to the shareholders
         of the Borrower generally, copies of all financial statements, reports
         and proxy statements so mailed;

                 (g)      promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all
         registration statements (other than the exhibits thereto and any
         registration statements on Form S-8 or its equivalent) and annual,
         quarterly or monthly reports which the Borrower shall have filed with
         the Securities and Exchange Commission;

                 (h)      if and when any member of the Controlled Group (i)
         gives or is required to give notice to the PBGC of any "reportable
         event" (as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA) with respect to any Plan
         which might constitute grounds for a termination of such Plan under
         Title IV of ERISA, or knows that the plan administrator of any Plan
         has given or is required to give notice of any such reportable event,
         a copy of the notice of such reportable event given or required to be
         given to the PBGC; (ii) receives notice of complete or partial
         withdrawal liability under Title IV of ERISA, a copy of such notice;
         or (iii) receives notice from the PBGC under Title IV of ERISA of an
         intent to terminate or appoint a trustee to administer any Plan, a
         copy of such notice;

                 (i)      on or before the 15th Domestic Business Day of each
         calendar month, a Borrowing Base Certificate, containing the
         calculations of the Borrowing Base, the Aggregate Outstanding
         Obligations, the Other Debt Outstanding and Cash and Cash Equivalents
         as of the last day of the calendar month just ended; provided, that if
         in any calendar month the Borrower acquires a significant amount of
         Inventory in a bulk purchase to take advantage of a market
         opportunity, and no Excess existed immediately prior to such
         acquisition but such acquisition otherwise would cause an Excess to
         exist, the Borrower may submit to the Agent an amendment to the last
         Borrowing Base submitted, adding thereto such acquired Inventory, and
         such Borrowing Base as so amended shall constitute the most recent
         Borrowing Base





                                       50
<PAGE>   58

         for purposes of determining the existence of an Excess under Section
         2.11(b); and

                 (j)      from time to time such additional information
         regarding the financial position or business of the Borrower and its
         Subsidiaries as the Agent, at the request of any Bank, may reasonably
         request.

                 SECTION 6.02. Inspection of Property, Books and Records.  The
Borrower will (i) keep, and cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of
record and account in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with
GAAP shall be made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business
and activities; and (ii) permit, and cause each Subsidiary to permit,
representatives of any Bank at such Bank's expense prior to the occurrence of a
Default and at the Borrower's expense after the occurrence of a Default to
visit and inspect any of their respective properties, to examine and make
abstracts from any of their respective books and records and to  discuss their
respective affairs, finances and accounts with their respective officers,
employees and independent public accountants.  The Borrower agrees to cooperate
and assist in such visits and inspections, in each case at such reasonable
times and as often as may reasonably be desired.

                 SECTION 6.03. Maintenance of Existence.  The Borrower shall,
and shall cause each Subsidiary to, maintain its corporate existence and carry
on its business in substantially the same manner and in substantially the same
fields as such business is now carried on and maintained.

                 SECTION 6.04. Dissolution.  Neither the Borrower nor any of
its Subsidiaries shall suffer or permit dissolution or liquidation either in
whole or in part or redeem or retire any shares of its own stock or that of any
Subsidiary, except through corporate reorganization to the extent permitted by
Section 6.05.

                 SECTION 6.05. Consolidations, Mergers and Sales of Assets.
The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Subsidiary to, consolidate or
merge with or into, or sell, lease or otherwise transfer all or any substantial
part of its assets to, any other Person, or discontinue or eliminate any
business line or segment, provided that (a) the Borrower may merge with another
Person if (i) such Person was organized under the laws of the United States of
America or one of its states, (ii) the Borrower is the corporation surviving
such merger and (iii) immediately after giving effect to such merger, no
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (b) Subsidiaries of the Borrower
may merge with one another, and (c) the foregoing limitation on the sale, lease
or other transfer of assets and on the





                                       51
<PAGE>   59

discontinuation or elimination of a business line or segment shall not prohibit
1) the sale of Westway Stock, or 2) a transfer of assets or the discontinuance
or elimination of a business line or segment (in a single transaction or in a
series of related transactions) unless the aggregate assets to be so
transferred or utilized in a business line or segment to be so discontinued,
when combined with all other assets transferred (excluding Westway Stock), and
all other assets utilized in all other business lines or segments discontinued,
since August 24, 1995, constituted more than 10% of Consolidated Total Assets
at the end of the Fiscal Quarter just ended.

                 SECTION 6.06. Use of Proceeds.  No portion of the proceeds of
the Loans will be used by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (i) in connection
with, whether directly or indirectly, any tender offer for, or other
acquisition of, stock of any corporation with a view towards obtaining control
of such other corporation, unless such tender offer or other acquisition is to
be made on a negotiated basis with the approval of the Board of Directors of
the Person to be acquired, and the provisions of Section 6.17 would not be
violated, (ii) directly or indirectly, for the purpose, whether immediate,
incidental or ultimate, of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock, or (iii)
for any purpose in violation of any applicable law or regulation.

                 SECTION 6.07. Compliance with Laws; Payment of Taxes.  The
Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries and each member of the
Controlled Group to, comply with applicable laws (including but not limited to
ERISA), regulations and similar requirements of governmental authorities
(including but not limited to PBGC), except where the necessity of such
compliance is being contested in good faith through appropriate proceedings.
The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, pay promptly
when due all taxes, assessments, governmental charges, claims for labor,
supplies, rent and other obligations which, if unpaid, might become a lien
against the property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, except liabilities
being contested in good faith and against which, if requested by the Agent, the
Borrower will set up reserves in accordance with GAAP.

                 SECTION 6.08. Insurance.  The Borrower will maintain, and will
cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain (either in the name of the Borrower
or in such Subsidiary's own name), with financially sound and reputable
insurance companies,  insurance on all its property in at least such amounts
and against at least such risks as are usually insured against in the same
general area by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar
business.





                                       52
<PAGE>   60

                 SECTION 6.09. Change in Fiscal Year.  The Borrower will not
change its Fiscal Year without the consent of the Required Banks.

                 SECTION 6.10. Maintenance of Property.  The Borrower shall,
and shall cause each Subsidiary to, maintain all of its properties and assets
in good condition, repair and working order, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

                 SECTION 6.11. Environmental Notices.  The Borrower shall
furnish to the Banks and the Agent prompt written notice of all material
Environmental Liabilities, pending, threatened or anticipated Environmental
Proceedings, Environmental Notices, Environmental Judgments and Orders, and
Environmental Releases at, on, in, under or in any way affecting the Properties
or any adjacent property, and all facts, events, or conditions that could lead
to any of the foregoing.

                 SECTION 6.12. Environmental Matters.  The Borrower and its
Subsidiaries will not, and will not permit any Third Party to, use, produce,
manufacture, process, treat, recycle, generate, store, dispose of, manage at,
or otherwise handle, or ship or transport to or from the Properties any
Hazardous Materials except for Hazardous Materials such as cleaning solvents,
pesticides and other similar materials used, produced, manufactured, processed,
treated, recycled, generated, stored, disposed, managed, or otherwise handled
in minimal amounts in the ordinary course of business in compliance with all
applicable Environmental Requirements.

                 SECTION 6.13. Environmental Release.  The Borrower agrees that
upon the occurrence of an Environmental Release at or on any of the Properties
it will act immediately to investigate the extent of, and to take appropriate
remedial action to eliminate, such Environmental Release, whether or not
ordered or otherwise directed to do so by any Environmental Authority.

                 SECTION 6.14. Transactions with Affiliates.  Neither the
Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall enter into, or be a party to, any
transaction with any Affiliate of the Borrower or such Subsidiary (which
Affiliate is not the Borrower or a Subsidiary), except as permitted by law and
in the ordinary course of business and pursuant to reasonable terms which are
fully disclosed in writing to the Agent and the Banks, and are no less
favorable to Borrower or such Subsidiary than would be obtained in a comparable
arm's length transaction with a Person which is not an Affiliate.

                 SECTION 6.15. Subsidiary Debt.  Attached as Schedule 6.15 is a
list of all Debt of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries





                                       53
<PAGE>   61

in existence on the Closing Date.  The Borrower shall not permit any Subsidiary
to incur or permit to exist any Debt not in existence on the Closing Date, and
extensions or renewals thereof, other than (i) Debt of the types described in
clause (vii) of the definition of Debt which is incurred in the ordinary course
of business in connection with the sale or purchase of goods or to assure
performance of an obligation to a utility or a governmental entity or a
worker's compensation obligation; (ii) Debt permitted by clause (iii) of
Section 6.16, and (iii) Debt secured by Liens permitted by Section 6.18.

                 SECTION 6.16. Loans or Advances.  Neither the Borrower nor any
of its Subsidiaries shall make loans or advances to any Person except as
permitted by Section 6.17 and except: (i) loans or advances to employees, in
each case made in the ordinary course of business and consistent with practices
existing at the end of the Fiscal Quarter ending closest to December 31, 1995;
(ii) deposits required by government agencies or public utilities; and (iii)
loans or advances to Subsidiaries; provided that after giving effect to the
making of any loans, advances or deposits permitted by this Section, the
Borrower will be in full compliance with all the provisions of this Agreement.

                 SECTION 6.17. Investments.  Neither the Borrower nor any of
its Subsidiaries shall make Investments in any Person except as permitted by
Section 6.16 and except in (i) direct obligations of the United States
Government maturing within one year, (ii) certificates of deposit issued by a
commercial bank whose credit is satisfactory to the Agent, (iii) commercial
paper rated A1 or the equivalent thereof by Standard & Poor's Corporation or P1
or the equivalent thereof by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and in either case
maturing within 6 months after the date of acquisition, (iv) tender bonds the
payment of the principal of and interest on which is fully supported by a
letter of credit issued by a United States bank whose long-term certificates of
deposit are rated at least AA or the equivalent thereof by Standard & Poor's
Corporation and Aa or the equivalent thereof by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc., (v) Related Investments in an amount not exceeding the sum of 30% of
Capitalization, minus the amount of Unrelated Investments at the time
outstanding, and/or (vi) Unrelated Investments in an amount not exceeding the
lesser of (A) $20,000,000 and (B) the sum of 30% of Capitalization, minus the
amount of Related Investments at the time outstanding provided however,
immediately after giving effect to the making of any Investment, no Default
shall have occurred and be continuing.

                 In valuing any Investments for the purpose of applying the
limitations set forth in this Section, such Investments shall be taken at the
original cost thereof, without allowance for any





                                       54
<PAGE>   62

subsequent write-offs or appreciation or depreciation therein, but less any
amount repaid or recovered on account of capital or principal.

                 SECTION 6.18. Negative Pledge.  Neither the Borrower nor any
Consolidated Subsidiary will create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any
asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, except:

                 (a)      Liens existing on the date of this Agreement and
         specified on Schedule 6.18(a), including any renewals, extensions or
         refundings (but not increases) of the Debt incurred in connection
         therewith to the extent of the principal amount thereof outstanding on
         August 24, 1995;

                 (b)      any Lien existing on any specific fixed asset of any
         corporation at the time such corporation becomes a Consolidated
         Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such event;

                 (c)      any Lien on any specific fixed asset securing Debt
         incurred or assumed for the purpose of financing all or any part of
         the cost of acquiring or constructing such asset, provided that such
         Lien attaches to such asset concurrently with or within 18 months
         after the acquisition or completion of construction thereof;

                 (d)      any Lien on any specific fixed asset of any
         corporation existing at the time such corporation is merged or
         consolidated with or into the Borrower or a Consolidated Subsidiary
         and not created in contemplation of such event;

                 (e)      any Lien existing on any specific fixed asset prior
         to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or a Consolidated
         Subsidiary and not created in contemplation of such acquisition;

                 (f)      Liens securing Debt owing by any Subsidiary to the
         Borrower;

                 (g)      any Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension,
         renewal or refunding of any Debt secured by any Lien permitted by any
         of the foregoing paragraphs of this Section, provided that (i) such
         Debt is not secured by any additional assets, and (ii) the amount of
         such Debt secured by any such Lien is not increased;

                 (h)      Liens incidental to the conduct of its business or
         the ownership of its assets which (i) do not secure Debt and (ii) do
         not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of its assets
         or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of its business;

                 (i)      any Lien on Margin Stock; and





                                       55
<PAGE>   63

                 (j)      Liens on inventories of the Borrower consisting of
         sugar processed from sugar beets and sugarcane securing current
         liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the United States
         Commodity Credit Corporation, provided that the amount of the current
         liabilities so secured by a Lien in favor of the United states
         Commodity Credit Corporation shall be less than the fair market value
         of the related seasonal sugar inventories of the Borrower.

                 SECTION 6.19. Ratio of Long-Term Debt to Capitalization.  The
ratio of Long-Term Debt to Capitalization will not at any time exceed 0.45 to
1.00.

                 SECTION 6.20. Cash Flow to Interest and Leases Ratio.  The
Cash Flow/Interest and Leases Ratio shall be equal to or greater than: (i) 2.40
to 1.0 as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter ended closest to March 31, 1996;
(ii) 2.50 to 1.0 as of the end of each of the Fiscal Quarters ending closest to
June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996; and (iii) 3.0 to 1.0 as of the end of
each Fiscal Quarter thereafter; provided, that the Borrower shall be deemed to
be in compliance with this covenant if, at the end of no more than 2 out of any
6 consecutive Fiscal Quarters, starting with the end of the Fiscal Quarter
ending closest to December 31, 1996, such ratio for the Fiscal Quarter just
ended and the immediately preceding 3 Fiscal Quarters is less than 3.0 to 1.0
but is equal to or greater than 2.5 to 1.0.

                 SECTION 6.21. Ratio of Consolidated Current Assets to
Consolidated Current Liabilities. The ratio of Consolidated Current Assets to
Consolidated Current Liabilities will not at any time be less than 1.15 to
1.00.

                 SECTION 6.22. Minimum Stockholders' Equity.  Stockholder'
Equity will at no time be less than $150,000,000 plus the sum of (i) 50% of the
cumulative Reported Net Income of the Borrower and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries during any period after July 2, 1995 (taken as one accounting
period), calculated quarterly at the end of each Fiscal Quarter but excluding
from such calculations of Reported Net Income for purposes of this clause (i),
any quarter in which the Reported Net Income of the Borrower and its
Consolidated Subsidiaries is negative, (ii) 100% of the cumulative Net Proceeds
of Capital Stock received during any period after July 2, 1995, calculated
quarterly at the end of each Fiscal Quarter, and (iii) 100% of the amount of
any equity resulting from conversion of Debt to equity at any time after July
2, 1995.

                 SECTION 6.23. Ratio of Long-Term Debt to Consolidated Adjusted
Cash Flow.  At the end of each Fiscal Quarter, the ratio of Long-Term Debt to
Consolidated Adjusted Cash Flow for the Fiscal Quarter just ended and the
immediately preceding 3 Fiscal Quarters shall not have been greater than 4.0 to
1.00.

                 SECTION 6.24. Intangibles.  The Borrower shall not, without
the prior consent of the Bank, acquire or cause to exist,





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<PAGE>   64

at any time, intangible assets (as determined in accordance with GAAP), net of
amortization, in an aggregate amount greater than 25% of Stockholders' Equity
for the Fiscal Quarter just ended.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                    DEFAULTS

                 SECTION 7.01. Events of Default.  If one or more of the
following events ("Events of Default") shall have occurred and be continuing:

                 (a)      the Borrower shall fail to pay when due any principal
         of any Loan or Banker's Acceptance or any Reimbursement Obligations
         with respect to the Letter of Credit or shall fail to pay any interest
         on any Loan within 5 Domestic Business Days after such interest shall
         become due, or shall fail to pay any fee or other amount payable
         hereunder within 5 Domestic Business Days after such fee or other
         amount becomes due; or

                 (b)      the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any
         covenant contained in Sections 6.01(e), 6.02(ii), 6.03 through 6.06,
         inclusive, Sections 6.15 or 6.16, or Sections 6.18 through 6.24,
         inclusive; or

                 (c)      the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any
         covenant or agreement contained or incorporated by reference in this
         Agreement (other than those covered by paragraph (a) or (b) above) and
         such failure shall not have been cured within 30 days after the
         earlier to occur of (i) written notice thereof has been given to the
         Borrower by the Bank or (ii) the date the Borrower is required to
         notify the Bank of any such failure pursuant to Section 6.01(e); or

                 (d)      any representation, warranty, certification or
         statement made by the Borrower in Article V of this Agreement or in
         any certificate, financial statement or other document delivered
         pursuant to this Agreement shall prove to have been incorrect or
         misleading in any material respect when made (or deemed made); or

                 (e)      the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any
         payment in respect of Debt outstanding (other than the Note) when due
         or within any applicable grace period; or

                 (f)      any event or condition shall occur which results in 
         the acceleration of the maturity of Debt (or any obligation under any
         interest rate protection agreement), outstanding of the Borrower or
         any Subsidiary (including, without limitation, any required mandatory
         prepayment or "put" of such Debt to the Borrower or any Subsidiary) or
         enables (or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would
         enable) the holders of such Debt or commitment or interest





                                       57
<PAGE>   65

         rate protection agreement or any Person acting on such holders' behalf
         to accelerate the maturity thereof or terminate any such commitment
         (including, without limitation, any required mandatory prepayment or
         "put" of such Debt to the Borrower or any Subsidiary); or

                 (g)      the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall commence a
         voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization
         or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any
         bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect
         or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator,
         custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of
         its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the
         appointment of or taking possession by any such official in an
         involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall
         make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail
         generally to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any
         corporate action to authorize any of the foregoing; or

                 (h)      an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be
         commenced against the Borrower or any Subsidiary seeking liquidation,
         reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under
         any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in
         effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator,
         custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of
         its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall
         remain undismissed and unstayed for a period of 60 days; or an order
         for relief shall be entered against the Borrower or any Subsidiary
         under the federal bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect; or

                 (i)      the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group
         shall fail to pay when due any material amount which it shall have
         become liable to pay to the PBGC or to a Plan under Title IV of ERISA;
         or notice of intent to terminate a Plan or Plans shall be filed under
         Title IV of ERISA by the Borrower, any member of the Controlled Group,
         any plan administrator or any combination of the foregoing; or the
         PBGC shall institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate
         or to cause a trustee to be appointed to administer any such Plan or
         Plans or a proceeding shall be instituted by a fiduciary of any such
         Plan or Plans to enforce Section 515 or 4219(c)(5) of ERISA and such
         proceeding shall not have been dismissed within 30 days thereafter; or
         a condition shall exist by reason of which the PBGC would be entitled
         to obtain a decree adjudicating that any such Plan or Plans must be
         terminated; or

                 (j)      one or more judgments or orders for the payment of
         money in an aggregate amount in excess of $500,000 shall be rendered
         against the Borrower or any Subsidiary and such





                                       58
<PAGE>   66

         judgment or order shall continue unsatisfied and unstayed for a period
         of 30 days; or

                 (k)  a federal tax lien shall be filed against the Borrower 
         or any Subsidiary under Section 6323 of the Code or a lien of the PBGC
         shall be filed against the Borrower or any Subsidiary under Section
         4068 of ERISA and in either case such lien shall remain undischarged 
         for a period of 25 days after the date of filing; or

                 (l)  (i) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert
         shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule
         13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
         Exchange Act of 1934) of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of the
         voting stock of the Borrower; or (ii) as of any date a majority of the
         Board of Directors of the Borrower consists of individuals who were
         not either (A) directors of the Borrower as of the corresponding date
         of the previous year, (B) selected or nominated to become directors by
         the Board of Directors of the Borrower of which a majority consisted
         of individuals described in clause (A), or (C) selected or nominated
         to become directors by the Board of Directors of the Borrower of which
         a majority consisted of individuals described in clause (A) and
         individuals described in clause (B)

then, and in every such event, (i) the Agent shall, if requested by the
Required Banks, by notice to the Borrower, terminate the Commitments and they
shall thereupon terminate, (ii) any Bank may refuse to make available any
Borrowing which has been requested but not yet funded, and (iii) the Agent
shall, if requested by the Required Banks, by notice to the Borrower, declare
the Notes (together with accrued interest thereon) to be, and the Notes shall
thereupon become, immediately due and payable without presentment, demand,
protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the
Borrower together with (x) in the case of Loans, interest at the Default Rate
accruing on the principal amount thereof from and after the date of such Event
of Default and (y) in the case of Banker's Acceptances, a 2.0% per annum fee on
the Face Amount of all Banker's Acceptances, from and after the date of any
such Event of Default until such date as such Banker's Acceptances are
collateralized in full pursuant to the immediately succeeding paragraph, which
interest and fees shall be payable to the Agent for the account of the Banks
which made such Loans or issued such Banker's Acceptances; provided that if any
Event of Default specified in paragraph (g) or (h) above occurs with respect to
the Borrower, without any notice to the Borrower or any other act by the Agent,
the Commitments shall thereupon terminate and the Notes (together with accrued
interest thereon) and the Banker's Acceptances shall become immediately due and
payable without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all
of which are hereby waived by the Borrower together with (x) in the case of
Loans, interest thereon at the Default Rate accruing on the principal amount
thereof from





                                       59
<PAGE>   67

and after the date of such Event of Default and (y) in the case of Banker's
Acceptances, a 2.0% per annum fee on the Face Amount of all Banker's
Acceptances, from and after the date of any such Event of Default until such
date as such Banker's Acceptances are collateralized in full pursuant to the
immediately succeeding paragraph, which interest and fees shall be payable to
the Agent for the account of the Banks which made such Loans or issued such
Banker's Acceptances.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Agent shall have
available to it all other remedies at law or equity, and shall exercise any one
or all of them at the request of the Required Banks.

                 In addition to the provisions contained in the immediately
preceding paragraph, the Borrower agrees that upon the occurrence of an Event
of Default and the acceleration of the maturity of the Notes pursuant to clause
(iii) above, the Borrower will establish a deposit account (the "Collateral
Account") to be maintained by the Agent, and the Borrower will promptly pay to
the Agent for deposit in the Collateral Account, in immediately available
funds, an amount equal to the sum of the aggregate of the then outstanding Face
Amounts of Banker's Acceptances and the Letter of Credit Obligations.  As
security for the payment of the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances, the Letter of
Credit Obligations and the Borrower's other obligations set forth in any of the
other Loan Documents, the Borrower shall grant, convey, assign and pledge and
create in the Agent's favor a Lien on all monies, instruments and securities at
any time held in or acquired in connection with the Collateral Account,
together with all proceeds thereof.  The Collateral Account shall be at all
times under the sole dominion and control of the Agent.  The Agent shall (i)
apply any funds in the Collateral Account on account of Banker's Acceptances
and Letter of Credit Obligations when the same become due and payable if and to
the extent that the Borrower shall fail directly to pay such Banker's
Acceptances or the Letter of Credit and (ii) after the Termination Date and the
date on which all Banker's Acceptances and the Letter of Credit shall have
expired and all of the Borrower's obligations to the Bank in respect thereof
shall have been paid in full, apply any proceeds remaining in the Collateral
Account first to pay the Notes and the Borrower's other obligations set forth
in any of the Loan Documents (in such order as the Agent, at the direction of
the Required Banks, shall, in its sole discretion, determine) and then to
refund any remaining amount to the Borrower.  The Agent shall invest the funds
held in the Collateral Account in one or more certificates of deposit issued by
the Agent with maturities not to exceed 30 days, unless the aggregate amount of
such funds which are not then otherwise invested is less than the smallest
certificate of deposit offered by the Agent, in which case the Agent shall have
no obligation to invest such funds.  The Borrower recognizes that any losses or
taxes with respect to such investments shall be borne solely by the Borrower,
and the Borrower agrees to hold the Agent harmless from any such losses or
taxes.  The Agent may liquidate any investment held in the Collateral Account
in order to apply the





                                       60
<PAGE>   68

proceeds of such investment on account of the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances,
the Letter of Credit Obligations and the Borrower's other obligations set forth
in any of the Loan Documents without regard to whether such investment has
matured and without liability for any penalty or other fee incurred (with
respect to which the Borrower hereby agrees to reimburse the Agent) as a result
of such application.  Upon the establishment of the Collateral Account, the
Borrower shall pay to the Agent the fees customarily charged by it with respect
to the maintenance of accounts similar to the Collateral Account.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   THE AGENT

                 SECTION 8.01. Appointment; Powers and Immunities.  Each Bank
hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Agent to act as its agent
hereunder and under the other Loan Documents with such powers as are
specifically delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together
with such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  The Agent: (a)
shall have no duties or responsibilities except as expressly set forth in this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall not by reason of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document be a trustee for any Bank; (b) shall not
be responsible to the Banks for any recitals, statements, representations or
warranties contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or in any
certificate or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by
any Bank under, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the validity,
effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or
any other Loan Document or any other document referred to or provided for
herein or therein or for any failure by the Borrower to perform any of its
obligations hereunder or thereunder; (c) shall not be required to initiate or
conduct any litigation or collection proceedings hereunder or under any other
Loan Document except to the extent requested by the Required Banks, and then
only on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Agent, and (d) shall not be
responsible for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it hereunder or
under any other Loan Document or any other document or instrument referred to
or provided for herein or therein or in connection herewith or therewith,
except for its own gross negligence or wilful misconduct.  The Agent may employ
agents and attorneys-in-fact and shall not be responsible for the negligence or
misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by it with
reasonable care.  The provisions of this Article VIII are solely for the
benefit of the Agent and the Banks, and the Borrower shall not have any rights
as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions hereof.  In performing
its functions and duties under this Agreement and under the other Loan
Documents, the Agent shall act solely as agent of the Banks and does not assume
and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation towards or relationship
of agency or trust with or for the





                                       61
<PAGE>   69

Borrower.  The duties of the Agent shall be ministerial and administrative in
nature, and the Agent shall not have by reason of this Agreement or any other
Loan Document a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Bank.

                 SECTION 8.02. Reliance by Agent.  The Agent shall be entitled
to rely upon any certification, notice or other communication (including any
thereof by telephone, telecopier, telegram or cable) believed by it to be
genuine and correct and to have been signed or sent by or on behalf of the
proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel,
independent accountants or other experts selected by the Agent.  As to any
matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, the Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in
refraining from acting, hereunder and thereunder in accordance with
instructions signed by the Required Banks, and such instructions of the
Required Banks in any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be
binding on all of the Banks.

                 SECTION 8.03. Defaults.  The Agent shall not be deemed to have
knowledge of the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default (other than the
nonpayment of principal of or interest on the Loans) unless the Agent has
received notice from a Bank or the Borrower specifying such Default or Event of
Default and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default".  In the event
that the Agent receives such a notice of the occurrence of a Default or an
Event of Default, the Agent shall give prompt notice thereof to the Banks.  The
Agent shall give each Bank prompt notice of each nonpayment of principal of or
interest on the Loans whether or not it has received any notice of the
occurrence of such nonpayment.  The Agent shall (subject to Section 9.06) take
such action hereunder with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall
be directed by the Required Banks, provided that, unless and until the Agent
shall have received such directions, the Agent may (but shall not be obligated
to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such
Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of
the Banks.

                 SECTION 8.04. Rights of Agent and its Affiliates as a Bank.
With respect to the Loans made by the Agent and any Affiliate of the Agent,
Wachovia in its capacity as a Bank hereunder and any Affiliate of the Agent or
such Affiliate in its capacity as a Bank hereunder shall have the same rights
and powers hereunder as any other Bank and may exercise the same as though
Wachovia were not acting





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as the Agent, and the term "Bank" or "Banks" shall, unless the context
otherwise indicates, include Wachovia in its individual capacity and any
Affiliate of the Agent in its individual capacity.  The Agent and any Affiliate
of the Agent may (without having to account therefor to any Bank) accept
deposits from, lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust
or other business with the Borrower (and any of the Borrower's Affiliates) as
if Wachovia were not acting as the Agent, and the Agent and any Affiliate of
the Agent may accept fees and other consideration from the Borrower (in
addition to any agency fees and arrangement fees heretofore agreed to between
the Borrower and the Agent) for services in connection with this Agreement or
any other Loan Document or otherwise without having to account for the same to
the Banks.

                 SECTION 8.05. Indemnification.  Each Bank severally agrees to
indemnify the Agent, to the extent the Agent shall not have been reimbursed by
the Borrower, ratably in accordance with its Commitment, for any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments,
suits, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, counsel fees and
disbursements) or disbursements of any kind and nature whatsoever which may be
imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or
arising out of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other documents
contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions
contemplated hereby or thereby (excluding, unless an Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, the normal administrative costs and expenses
incident to the performance of its agency duties hereunder) or the enforcement
of any of the terms hereof or thereof or any such other documents; provided
that no Bank shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent they arise
from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the Agent.  If any indemnity
furnished to the Agent for any purpose shall, in the reasonable opinion of the
Agent, be insufficient or become impaired, the Agent may call for additional
indemnity and cease, or not commence, to do the acts indemnified against until
such additional indemnity is furnished.

                 SECTION 8.06  Consequential Damages.  THE AGENT SHALL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE TO ANY BANK, THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY
FOR ANY PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE ALLEGED AS A
RESULT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

                 SECTION 8.07. Payee of Note Treated as Owner.  The Agent may
deem and treat the payee of any Note as the owner thereof for all purposes
hereof unless and until a written notice of the assignment or transfer thereof
shall have been filed with the Agent and the provisions of Section 9.08(c) have
been satisfied.  Any requests, authority or consent of any Person who at the
time of making such request or giving such authority or consent is the holder
of any Note shall be  conclusive and binding on any subsequent holder,
transferee or assignee of that Note or of any Note or Notes issued in exchange
therefor or replacement thereof.

                 SECTION 8.08. Nonreliance on Agent and Other Banks.  Each Bank
agrees that it has, independently and without reliance on the Agent or any
other Bank, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own credit





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analysis of the Borrower and decision to enter into this Agreement and that it
will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Bank, and
based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the
time, continue to make its own analysis and decisions in taking or not taking
action under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.  The Agent
shall not be required to keep itself (or any Bank) informed as to the
performance or observance by the Borrower of this Agreement or any of the other
Loan Documents or any other document referred to or provided for herein or
therein or to inspect the properties or books of the Borrower or any other
Person.  Except for notices, reports and other documents and information
expressly required to be furnished to the Banks by the Agent hereunder or under
the other Loan Documents, the Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility
to provide any Bank with any credit or other information concerning the
affairs, financial condition or business of the Borrower or any other Person
(or any of their Affiliates) which may come into the possession of the Agent.

                 SECTION 8.09. Failure to Act.  Except for action expressly
required of the Agent hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, the Agent
shall in all cases be fully justified in failing or refusing to act hereunder
and thereunder unless it shall receive further assurances to its satisfaction
by the Banks of their indemnification obligations under Section 8.05 against
any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by the Agent by reason
of taking, continuing to take, or failing to take any such action.

                 SECTION 8.10. Resignation or Removal of Agent.  Subject to the
appointment and acceptance of a successor Agent as provided below, the Agent
may resign at any time by giving notice thereof to the Banks and the Borrower
and the Agent may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Required
Banks.  Upon any such resignation or removal, the Required Banks shall have the
right to appoint a successor Agent.  If no successor Agent shall have been so
appointed by the Required Banks and shall have accepted such appointment within
30 days after the retiring Agent's notice of resignation or the Required Banks'
removal of the retiring Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the
Banks, appoint a successor  Agent.  Any successor Agent shall be a bank which
has a combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000.  Upon the
acceptance of any appointment as Agent hereunder by a successor Agent, such
successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the
rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring
Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder.  After any
retiring Agent's resignation or removal hereunder as Agent, the provisions of
this Article VIII 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 the Agent
hereunder.





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<PAGE>   72


                                   ARTICLE IX

                     CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES; COMPENSATION

                 SECTION 9.01. Basis for Determining Interest Rate Inadequate
or Unfair.  If on or prior to the first day of any Interest Period:

                 (a)  the Agent determines that deposits in Dollars (in the
         applicable amounts) are not being offered in the relevant market for
         such Interest Period, or

                 (b)  the Required Banks advise the Agent that the London
         Interbank Offered Rate, as determined by the Agent, will not
         adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Banks of funding the
         relevant type of Fixed Rate Loans for such Interest Period,

the Agent shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Borrower, whereupon until
the Agent notifies the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such
suspension no longer exist, the obligations of the Banks to make the type of
Fixed Rate Loans specified in such notice shall be suspended.  Unless the
Borrower notifies the Agent at least 2 Domestic Business Days before the date
of any Borrowing of such type of Fixed Rate Loans for which a Notice of
Borrowing has previously been given that it elects not to borrow on such date,
such Borrowing shall instead be made as a Base Rate Borrowing.

                 SECTION 9.02. Illegality.  If, after the date hereof, the
adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation, or any change therein, or
any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof (any such agency being referred to as an "Authority" and
any such event being referred to as a "Change  of Law"), or compliance by any
Bank (or its Lending Office) with any request or directive (whether or not
having the force of law) of any Authority shall make it unlawful or impossible
for any Bank (or its Lending Office) to make, maintain or fund its Euro-Dollar
Loans and such Bank shall so notify the Agent, the Agent shall forthwith give
notice thereof to the other Banks and the Borrower, whereupon until such Bank
notifies the Borrower and the Agent that the circumstances giving rise to such
suspension no longer exist, the obligation of such Bank to make Euro-Dollar
Loans shall be suspended.  Before giving any notice to the Agent pursuant to
this Section, such Bank shall designate a different Lending Office if such
designation will avoid the need for giving such notice and will not, in the
judgment of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.  If such Bank
shall determine that it may not lawfully continue to maintain and fund any of
its outstanding Euro-Dollar Loans to maturity and shall so specify in such
notice, the Borrower shall immediately prepay in full the then outstanding
principal amount of each Euro-Dollar





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<PAGE>   73

Loan of such Bank, together with accrued interest thereon.  Concurrently with
prepaying each such Euro-Dollar Loan, the Borrower shall borrow a Base Rate
Loan in an equal principal amount from such Bank (on which interest and
principal shall be payable contemporaneously with the related Euro-Dollar Loans
of the other Banks), and such Bank shall make such a Base Rate Loan.

                 SECTION 9.03. Increased Cost and Reduced Return.  (a) If after
the date hereof, a Change of Law or compliance by any Bank (or its Lending
Office) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law)
of any Authority:

                 (i)  shall impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve,
         special deposit or similar requirement (including, without limitation,
         any such requirement imposed by the Board of Governors of the Federal
         Reserve System, but excluding with respect to any Euro-Dollar Loan any
         such requirement included in an applicable Euro-Dollar Reserve
         Percentage) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or
         credit extended by, any Bank (or its Lending Office); or

                 (ii) shall impose on any Bank (or its Lending Office) or the
         London interbank market any other condition affecting its Fixed Rate
         Borrowings, its Notes or its obligation to make available Fixed Rate
         Borrowings;

and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to any Bank (or
its Lending Office) of making or maintaining any Loan, or to reduce the amount
of any sum received or receivable by such Bank (or its Lending Office) under
this Agreement or under its Note or Banker's Acceptances with respect thereto,
by an amount deemed by such Bank to be material, then, within 15 days after
demand by such Bank, the Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional amount
or amounts as will compensate such Bank for such increased cost or reduction.

                 (b)  If any Bank shall have determined that after the date
hereof the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital
adequacy, or any change therein, or any change in the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance by such Bank (or its Lending Office) with
any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the
force of law) of any Authority, has or would have the effect of reducing the
rate of return on such Bank's capital as a consequence of its obligations
hereunder to a level below that which such Bank could have achieved but for
such adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration such Bank's
policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by such Bank to
be material, then from time to time, within 15 days after demand by such Bank,
the Borrower shall pay to such Bank such additional amount or amounts as will
compensate such Bank for such reduction.





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<PAGE>   74


                 (c)      Each Bank will promptly notify the Borrower and the
Agent of any event of which it has knowledge, occurring after the date hereof,
which will entitle such Bank to compensation pursuant to this Section and will
designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need
for, or reduce the amount of, such compensation and will not, in the judgment
of such Bank, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Bank.  A certificate of any
Bank claiming compensation under this Section and setting forth the additional
amount or  amounts to be paid to it hereunder shall be conclusive in the
absence of manifest error.  In determining such amount, such Bank may use any
reasonable averaging and attribution methods.

                 (d)      The provisions of this Section 9.03 shall be
applicable with respect to any Participant, Assignee or other Transferee, and
any calculations required by such provisions shall be made based upon the
circumstances of such Participant, Assignee or other Transferee.

                 SECTION 9.04. Base Rate Loans or Other Fixed Rate Loans
Substituted for Affected Fixed Rate Loans.  If (i) the obligation of any Bank
to make or maintain any type of Fixed Rate Loans has been suspended pursuant to
Section 9.02 or (ii) any Bank has demanded compensation under Section 9.03, and
the Borrower shall, by at least 5 Euro-Dollar Business Days' prior notice to
such Bank through the Agent, have elected that the provisions of this Section
shall apply to such Bank, then, unless and until such Bank notifies the
Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such suspension or demand for
compensation no longer apply:

                 (a)      all Loans which would otherwise be made by such Bank
         as Euro-Dollar Loans shall be made instead as Base Rate Loans, and

                 (b)      after each of the Euro-Dollar Loans has been repaid,
         all payments of principal which would otherwise be applied to repay
         such Fixed Rate Loans shall be applied to repay its Base Rate Loans
         instead.

                 SECTION 9.05. Compensation.  Upon the request of any Bank,
delivered to the Borrower and the Agent, the Borrower shall pay to such Bank
such amount or amounts as shall compensate such Bank for any loss, cost or
expense incurred by such Bank as a result of:

                 (a)      any payment or prepayment (pursuant to Section 2.10,
2.11, 7.01, 9.02 or otherwise) of a Fixed Rate Borrowing on a date other than
the last day of an Interest Period for such Borrowing; or

                 (b)      any failure by the Borrower to prepay a Fixed Rate
Borrowing on the date for such prepayment specified in the relevant notice of
prepayment hereunder ; or





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<PAGE>   75


                 (c)      any failure by the Borrower to borrow a Fixed Rate
Loan on the date for the Fixed Rate Borrowing of which such Fixed Rate Loan is
a part specified in the applicable Notice of Borrowing delivered pursuant to
Section 2.02 or Offered Rate Credit Acceptance(s) pursuant to Section 2.03(d);

such compensation to include (except where a different amount has been agreed
to pursuant to Section 2.10(b)), without limitation, an amount equal to the
excess, if any, of (x) the amount of interest which would have accrued (or
amount of principal which would have accreted on a Banker's Acceptance) on the
amount so paid or prepaid or not prepaid or borrowed for the period from the
date of such payment, prepayment or failure to prepay or borrow to the last day
of the then current Interest Period for such Fixed Rate Borrowing (or, in the
case of a failure to prepay or borrow, the Interest Period for such Fixed Rate
Borrowing which would have commenced on the date of such failure to prepay or
borrow) at the applicable rate of interest for such Fixed Rate Borrowing (or
amount of principal which would have accreted on a Banker's Acceptance)
provided for herein over (y) the amount of interest (as reasonably determined
by such Bank) such Bank would have paid on (i) deposits in Dollars of
comparable amounts having terms comparable to such period placed with it by
leading banks in the London interbank market (if such Fixed Rate Borrowing is a
Euro-Dollar Loan or an Offered Rate Loan based on such deposits).

                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

                 SECTION 10.01. Notices.  All notices, requests and other
communications to any party hereunder shall be in writing (including bank wire,
telecopier or similar writing) and shall be given to such party at its address
or telecopier number set forth on the signature pages hereof or such other
address or telecopier number as such party may hereafter specify for the
purpose by notice to each other party.  Each such notice, request or other
communication shall be effective (i) if given by telecopier, when such telecopy
is transmitted to the telecopier number specified in this Section and the
appropriate confirmation is received, (ii) if given by mail, 72 hours after
such communication is deposited in the mails with first class postage prepaid,
addressed as aforesaid or (iii) if given by any other means, when delivered at
the address specified in this Section; provided that notices to the Agent under
Article II shall not be effective until received.

                 SECTION 10.02. No Waivers.  No failure or delay by the Agent
or any Bank in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder or under the
Notes or other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any
single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.  The rights and





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remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or
remedies provided by law.

                 SECTION 10.03. Expenses; Documentary Taxes.  The Borrower
shall pay (i) all out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent, including fees and
disbursements of special counsel for the Banks and the Agent, in connection
with the preparation of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, any waiver
or consent hereunder or under any other Loan Documents or any amendment hereof
or thereof or any Default or alleged Default hereunder or thereunder and (ii)
if a Default occurs, all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Agent and the
Banks, including fees and disbursements of counsel, in connection with such
Default and collection and  other enforcement proceedings resulting therefrom,
including out-of-pocket expenses incurred in enforcing this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents.  The Borrower shall indemnify the Agent and each Bank
against any transfer taxes, documentary taxes, assessments or charges made by
any Authority by reason of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
other Loan Documents.

                 SECTION 10.04. Indemnification.  The Borrower shall indemnify
the Agent, the Banks and each Affiliate thereof and its directors, officers,
employees and agents from, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all
losses, liabilities, claims or damages to which any of them may become subject,
insofar as such losses, liabilities, claims or damages arise out of or result
from any actual or proposed use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any
extension of credit by any Bank hereunder or breach by the Borrower of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document or from any investigation, litigation
(including, without limitation, any actions taken by the Agent or any of the
Banks to enforce this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents) or other
proceeding (including, without limitation, any threatened investigation or
proceeding) relating to the foregoing, and the Borrower shall reimburse the
Agent and each Bank, and each Affiliate thereof and their respective directors,
officers, employees and agents, upon demand for any expenses (including,
without limitation, legal fees) incurred in connection with any such
investigation or proceeding; but excluding any such losses, liabilities,
claims, damages or expenses incurred by reason of the gross negligence or
wilful misconduct of the Person to be indemnified.

                 SECTION 10.05. Setoff; Sharing of Setoffs.  (a) The Borrower
hereby grants to the Agent and each Bank a lien for all indebtedness and
obligations owing to them from the Borrower upon all deposits or deposit
accounts, of any kind, or any interest in any deposits or deposit accounts
thereof, now or hereafter pledged, mortgaged, transferred or assigned to the
Agent or any such Bank or otherwise in the possession or control of the Agent
or any such Bank for any purpose for the account or benefit of the Borrower and
including any balance of any deposit account or of any credit of the Borrower
with the Agent or any such Bank, whether now existing or hereafter established
hereby authorizing





                                       69
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the Agent and each Bank at any time or times with or without prior notice to
apply such balances or any part thereof to such of the indebtedness and
obligations owing by the Borrower to the Banks and/or the Agent then past due
and in such amounts as it may elect, and whether or not the collateral, if any,
or the responsibility of other Persons primarily, secondarily or otherwise
liable may be deemed adequate.  For the purposes of this paragraph, all
remittances and property shall be deemed to be in the possession of the Agent
or any such Bank as soon as the same may be put in transit to it by mail or
carrier or by other bailee.  The Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent it may
effectively do so under applicable law, that any holder of a participation in a
Note or Banker's Acceptance, whether or not acquired pursuant to the foregoing
arrangements, may exercise rights of setoff or counterclaim and other rights
with respect to such participation as fully as if such holder of a
participation were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such
participation.

                 (b)      Each Bank agrees that if it shall, by exercising any
right of setoff or counterclaim or resort to collateral security or otherwise,
receive payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of principal and
interest owing with respect to the Note and Banker's Acceptances held by it
which is greater than the proportion received by any other Bank in respect of
the aggregate amount of all principal and interest owing with respect to the
Notes and Banker's Acceptances held by such other Banks, the Bank receiving
such proportionately greater payment shall purchase such participations in the
Notes and Banker's Acceptances held by the other Banks owing to such other
Banks, and such other adjustments shall be made, as may be required so that all
such payments of principal and interest with respect to the Notes and Banker's
Acceptances held by the Banks owing to such other Banks shall be shared by the
Banks pro rata; provided that (i) nothing in this Section shall impair the
right of any Bank to exercise any right of setoff or counterclaim it may have
and to apply the amount subject to such exercise to the payment of indebtedness
of the Borrower other than its indebtedness under the Notes and Banker's
Acceptances, and (ii) if all or any portion of such payment received by the
purchasing Bank is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Bank, such
purchase from each other Bank shall be rescinded and such other Bank shall
repay to the purchasing Bank the purchase price of such participation to the
extent of such recovery together with an amount equal to such other Bank's
ratable share (according to the proportion of (x) the amount of such other
Bank's required repayment to (y) the total amount so recovered from the
purchasing Bank) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the
purchasing Bank in respect of the total amount so recovered.  The Borrower
agrees, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so under applicable law,
that any holder of a participation in a Note or Banker's Acceptance, whether or
not acquired pursuant to the foregoing arrangements, may exercise rights of
setoff or counterclaim and other rights with respect to





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<PAGE>   78

such participation as fully as if such holder of a participation were a direct
creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

                 SECTION 10.06. Amendments and Waivers.  (a) Any provision of
this Agreement, the Notes or any other Loan Documents may be amended or waived
if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed by the
Borrower and the Required Banks (and, if the rights or duties of the Agent are
affected thereby, by the Agent); provided that, (1) no such amendment or waiver
shall, unless signed by the Super-Majority Banks, amend, waive or change any of
Sections 6.19 through 6.23, inclusive, and (2) no such amendment or waiver
shall, unless signed by all Banks, (i) change the Commitment of any Bank or
subject any Bank to any additional obligation, (ii) change the principal of or
rate of interest on any Loan or any fees (other than fees payable to the Agent)
hereunder, (iii) change the date fixed for any payment of principal of or
interest on any Loan or any fees hereunder, (iv) change the amount of
principal, interest or fees due on any date fixed for the payment thereof, (v)
change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal
amount of the Notes, or the percentage of Banks, which shall be required for
the Banks or any of them to take any action under this Section or any other
provision of this Agreement, (vi) change the manner of application of any
payments made under this Agreement or the Notes, (vii) release or substitute
all or any substantial part of the collateral (if any) held as security for the
Loans, (viii) release any Guarantee given to support payment of the Loans, or
(ix) change the provisions of this Section 10.06 or the definitions of Majority
Banks, Required Banks or Super-Majority Banks.

                 (b)      The Borrower will not solicit, request or negotiate
for or with respect to any proposed waiver or amendment of any of the
provisions of this Agreement unless each Bank shall be informed thereof by the
Borrower and shall be afforded an opportunity of considering the same and shall
be supplied by the Borrower with sufficient information to enable it to make an
informed decision with respect thereto.  Executed or true and correct copies of
any waiver or consent effected pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement
shall be delivered by the Borrower to each Bank forthwith following the date on
which the same shall have been executed and delivered by the requisite
percentage of Banks.  The Borrower will not, directly or indirectly, pay or
cause to be paid any remuneration, whether by way of supplemental or additional
interest, fee or otherwise, to any Bank (in its capacity as such) as
consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by such Bank of any
waiver or amendment of any of the terms and provisions of this Agreement unless
such remuneration is concurrently paid, on the same terms, ratably to all such
Banks.

                 SECTION 10.07. No Margin Stock Collateral.  Each of the Banks
represents to the Agent and each of the other Banks that it





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in good faith is not, directly or indirectly (by negative pledge or otherwise),
relying upon any Margin Stock as collateral in the extension or maintenance of
the credit provided for in this Agreement.

                 SECTION 10.08. Successors and Assigns.  (a)  The provisions of
this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors and assigns; provided that the Borrower
may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights under this Agreement.

                 (b)  Any Bank may at any time sell to one or more Persons
(each a "Participant") participating interests in any Loan owing to such Bank,
the Notes held by such Bank, the Commitment hereunder or any other interest of
such Bank hereunder.  In the event of any such sale by any Bank of a
participating interest to a Participant, such Bank's obligations under this
Agreement shall remain unchanged, such Bank shall remain solely responsible for
the performance thereof, such Bank shall remain the holder of the Notes for all
purposes under this Agreement, and the Borrower shall continue to deal solely
and directly with such Bank in connection with such Bank's rights and
obligations under this Agreement.  In no event shall such Bank, in selling a
participation, be obligated to the Participant to take or refrain from taking
any action hereunder except that such Bank may agree that it will not (except
as provided below), without the consent of the Participant, agree to (i) the
change of any date fixed for the payment of principal of or interest on the
related loan or loans, (ii) the change of the amount of any principal, interest
or fees due on any date fixed for the payment thereof with respect to the
related loan or loans, (iii) the change of the principal of the related loan or
loans, (iv) any change in the rate at which either interest is payable thereon
or (if the Participant is entitled to any part thereof) fee is payable
hereunder from the rate at which the Participant is entitled to receive
interest or fee (as the case may be) in respect of such participation, (v) the
release or substitution of all or any substantial part of the collateral (if
any) held as security for the Loans and the Banker's Acceptances, or (vi) the
release of any Guarantee given to support payment of the Loans and the Banker's
Acceptances.  The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to
the benefits of Article IX with respect to its participation in Loans and
Banker's Acceptances outstanding from time to time.

                 (c)  Any Bank may at any time assign to one or more banks or
financial institutions (each an "Assignee") all, or in the case of its Loans,
Banker's Acceptances and Commitments, a proportionate part of all its Loans,
Banker's Acceptances and Commitments, of its rights and obligations under this
Agreement, the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances and the other Loan Documents,
and such Assignee shall assume all such rights and obligations, pursuant to an
Assignment and Acceptance, executed by such Assignee, such transferor Bank and
the Agent, and, subject to





                                       72
<PAGE>   80

clause (iii) below, by the Borrower; provided that (i) no interest may be sold
by any Bank pursuant to this paragraph (c) unless the Assignee shall agree to
assume ratably equivalent portions of the Commitment, (ii) if such Bank is
assigning only a portion of its Commitment, then, the amount of the Commitment
being assigned (determined as of the effective date of the assignment) shall be
in an amount not less than $10,000,000, (iii) except during the continuance of
a Default, no interest may be sold by such Bank pursuant to this paragraph (c)
to any Assignee that is not then a Bank (or an Affiliate of a Bank) without the
consent of the Borrower and the Agent, which consent by the Borrower shall be
deemed to have been given unless the Borrower provides the Agent and the
transferor Bank written notice of its refusal to consent to the assignment
within 5 Domestic Business Days from the date the request was made.  Upon (A)
execution of the Assignment and Acceptance by such Bank, such Assignee, the
Agent and (if applicable) the Borrower, (B) delivery of an executed copy of the
Assignment and Acceptance to the Borrower, (C) payment by such Assignee to the
transferor Bank of an amount equal to the purchase price agreed between such
transferor Bank and such Assignee, and (D) payment of a processing and
recordation fee of $2,500 to the Agent, such Assignee shall for all purposes
become a Bank, and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Bank under
this Agreement to the same extent as if it were an original party hereto, with
a Commitment as set forth in such instrument of assumption and the transferor
Bank shall be released from its obligations hereunder to a corresponding
extent, and no further consent or action by the Borrower, the Banks or the
Agent shall be required.  Upon the consummation of any transfer to an Assignee
pursuant to this paragraph (c), the transferor Bank, the Agent and the Borrower
shall make appropriate arrangements so that, if required, new Notes are issued
and, if applicable, new Banker's Acceptances are issued, to such transferor
Bank hereunder and new Notes are issued and, if applicable, new Banker's
Acceptances are issued, to such Assignee under such separate credit agreement.

                 (d)  Subject to the provisions of Section 10.09, the Borrower
authorizes each Bank to disclose to any Participant, Assignee or other
transferee (each a "Transferee") and any prospective Transferee any and all
financial information in the Bank's possession concerning the Borrower which
has been delivered to such Bank by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or
which has been delivered to such Bank by the Borrower in connection with such
Bank's credit evaluation prior to entering into this Agreement.

                 (e)  No Participant shall be entitled to receive any greater
payment under Section 9.03 than the transferor Bank would have been entitled to
receive with respect to the rights transferred, unless such transfer is made
with the Borrower's prior written consent or by reason of the provisions of
Section 9.02 or 9.03 requiring such Bank to designate a different Lending





                                       73
<PAGE>   81

Office under certain circumstances or at a time when the circumstances giving
rise to such greater payment did not exist.

                 (f)  Anything in this Section 10.08 to the contrary
notwithstanding, any Bank may assign and pledge all or any portion of the
Loans, Banker's Acceptances and/or obligations owing to it to any Federal
Reserve Bank or the United States Treasury as collateral security pursuant to
Regulation A of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any
Operating Circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank, provided that any
payment in respect of such assigned Loans, Banker's Acceptances and/or
obligations made by the Borrower to the assigning and/or pledging Bank in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall satisfy the Borrower's
obligations hereunder in respect of such assigned Loans, Banker's Acceptances
and/or obligations to the extent of such payment.  No such assignment shall
release such Bank from its obligations hereunder.

                 SECTION 10.09. Confidentiality.  Each Bank agrees to exercise
commercially reasonable efforts to keep any information delivered or  made
available by the Borrower to it which is clearly indicated to be confidential
information, confidential from anyone other than persons employed or retained
by such Bank who are or are expected to become engaged in evaluating,
approving, structuring or administering the Loans and Banker's Acceptances;
provided that nothing herein shall prevent any Bank from disclosing such
information (i) to any other Bank, (ii) upon the order of any court or
administrative agency, (iii) upon the request or demand of any regulatory
agency or authority having jurisdiction over such Bank, (iv) which has been
publicly disclosed, or which was in such Bank's possession prior to the
Borrower's disclosure to such Bank and, to such Bank's knowledge, not subject
to any other obligation, whether express or implied, of confidentiality, (v) to
the extent reasonably required in connection with any litigation to which such
Bank or its Affiliates may be a party, (vi) to the extent reasonably required
in connection with the exercise of any remedy hereunder, (vii) to such Bank's
legal counsel and independent auditors and (viii) to any actual or proposed
Participant, Assignee or other Transferee of all or part of its rights
hereunder which has agreed in writing to be bound by the provisions of this
Section 10.09; provided that should disclosure of any such confidential
information be required by virtue of clause (ii) of the immediately preceding
sentence, any relevant Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower of same so as to
allow the Borrower to seek a protective order or to take any other appropriate
action; provided, further, that, no Bank shall be required to delay compliance
with any directive to disclose any such information so as to allow the Borrower
to effect any such action.

                 SECTION 10.10. Representation by Banks.  Each Bank hereby
represents that it is a commercial lender or financial institution which makes
loans in the ordinary course of its business and that it will make its Loans
and create Banker's





                                       74
<PAGE>   82

Acceptances hereunder for its own account in the ordinary course of such
business; provided that, subject to Section 10.08, the disposition of the Notes
held by that Bank shall at all times be within its exclusive control.

                 SECTION 10.11. Obligations Several.  The obligations of each
Bank hereunder are several, and no Bank shall be responsible for the
obligations or commitment of any other Bank hereunder.  Nothing contained in
this Agreement and no action taken by the Banks pursuant hereto shall be deemed
to constitute the Banks to be a partnership, an association, a joint venture or
any other kind of entity.  The amounts payable at any time hereunder to each
Bank shall be a separate and independent debt, and each Bank shall be entitled
to protect and enforce its rights arising out of this Agreement or any other
Loan Document and it shall not be necessary for any other Bank to be joined as
an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.

                 SECTION 10.12. Georgia Law.  This Agreement and each Note
shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of
Georgia.

                 SECTION 10.13. Severability.  In case any one or more of the
provisions contained in this Agreement, the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances or
any of the other Loan Documents should be 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 and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

                 SECTION 10.14. Interest.  In no event shall the amount of
interest (and for purposes of this Section, accreted principal with respect to
a Banker's Acceptance shall be included in all references to "interest"), and
all charges, amounts or fees contracted for, charged or collected pursuant to
this Agreement, the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances or the other Loan Documents
and deemed to be interest under applicable law (collectively, "Interest")
exceed the highest rate of interest allowed by applicable law (the "Maximum
Rate"), and in the event any such payment is inadvertently received by any
Bank, then the excess sum (the "Excess") shall be credited as a payment of
principal, unless the Borrower shall notify such Bank in writing that it elects
to have the Excess returned forthwith.  It is the express intent hereof that
the Borrower not pay and the Banks not receive, directly or indirectly in any
manner whatsoever, interest in excess of that which may legally be paid by the
Borrower under applicable law.  The right to accelerate maturity of any of the
Loans and the Banker's Acceptances does not include the right to accelerate any
interest that has not otherwise accrued on the date of such acceleration, and
the Agent and the Banks do not intend to collect any unearned interest in the
event of any such acceleration.  All monies paid to the Agent or the Banks
hereunder or under the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances or





                                       75
<PAGE>   83

the other Loan Documents, whether at maturity or by prepayment, shall be
subject to rebate of unearned interest as and to the extent required by
applicable law.  By the execution of this Agreement, the Borrower covenants
that (i) the credit or return of any Excess shall constitute the acceptance by
the Borrower of such Excess, and (ii) the Borrower shall not seek or pursue any
other remedy, legal or equitable, against the Agent or any Bank, based in whole
or in part upon contracting for charging or receiving any Interest in excess of
the Maximum Rate.  For the purpose of determining whether or not any Excess has
been contracted for, charged or received by the Agent or any Bank, all interest
at any time contracted for, charged or received from the Borrower in connection
with this Agreement, the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances or any of the other
Loan Documents shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized,
prorated, allocated and spread in equal parts throughout the full term of the
Commitments.  The Borrower, the Agent and each Bank shall, to the maximum
extent permitted under applicable law, (i) characterize any non-principal
payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as Interest and (ii) exclude
voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof.  The provisions of this Section
shall be deemed to be incorporated into each Note and each Banker's Acceptance
and each of the other Loan Documents (whether or not any provision of this
Section is referred to therein).  All such Loan Documents and communications
relating to any Interest owed by the Borrower and all figures set forth therein
shall, for the sole purpose of computing the extent of obligations hereunder
and under the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances and the other Loan Documents be
automatically recomputed by the Borrower, and by any court considering the
same, to give effect to the adjustments or credits required by this Section.

                 SECTION 10.15. Interpretation.  No provision of this Agreement
or any of the other Loan Documents shall be construed against or interpreted to
the disadvantage of any party hereto  by any court or other governmental or
judicial authority by reason of such party having or being deemed to have
structured or dictated such provision.

                 SECTION 10.16. Waiver of Jury Trial; Consent to Jurisdiction.
The Borrower (a) each of the Banks and the Agent irrevocably waives, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, any and all right to trial by jury in any
legal proceeding arising out of this Agreement, any of the other Loan
Documents, or any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (b)
submits to the nonexclusive personal jurisdiction in the State of Georgia, the
courts thereof and the United States District Courts sitting therein, for the
enforcement of this Agreement, the





                                       76
<PAGE>   84

Notes, the Banker's Acceptances and the other Loan Documents, (c) waives any
and all personal rights under the law of any jurisdiction to object on any
basis (including, without limitation, inconvenience of forum) to jurisdiction
or venue within the State of Georgia for the purpose of litigation to enforce
this Agreement, the Notes, the Banker's Acceptances or the other Loan
Documents, and (d) agrees that service of process may be made upon it in the
manner prescribed in Section 10.01 for the giving of notice to the Borrower.
Nothing herein contained, however, shall prevent the Agent or any Bank from
bringing any action or exercising any rights against any security and against
the Borrower personally, and against any assets of the Borrower, within any
other state or jurisdiction.

                 SECTION 10.17. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in
any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same
effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

                 SECTION 10.18. Source of Funds -- ERISA.  Each of the Banks
hereby severally (and not jointly) represents to the Borrower that no part of
the funds to be used by such Bank to fund the Loans hereunder from time to time
constitutes (i) assets allocated to any separate account maintained by such
Bank in which any employee benefit plan (or its related trust) has any interest
nor (ii) any other assets of any employee benefit plan.  As used in this
Section, the terms "employee benefit plan" and "separate account" shall have
the respective meanings assigned to such terms in Section 3 of ERISA.





                                       77
<PAGE>   85

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

                                         SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                                         INC.                            (SEAL)
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                         By: /s/ William W. Sprague III
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                  Title: President             
                                                                               
                                         By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                  Title: Senior Vice President 
                                                                               
                                         Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.     
                                         2 East Bryan Street                   
                                         Savannah, Georgia 31401               
                                         Attention: Treasurer                  
                                                   ----------------------------
                                         Telecopier number: 912-233-9783       
                                         Confirmation number: 912-234-1261     
                                                                  --- ----
                                                                               
COMMITMENTS                              WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.,       
- -----------                              as Agent and as a Bank          (SEAL)
                      
$37,500,000                                                                    
                                         By: /s/ Stephen F. Blake
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                  Title: Vice President        
                                                                               
                                         Lending Office                        
                                         --------------                        
                                         Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.        
                                         191 Peachtree Street, N.E.            
                                         Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1757           
                                         Attention:  Regina Beard              
                                                    ----------------------     
                                         Telecopier number:  404-332-5019      
                                                            -------------------
                                         Confirmation number:  404-332-6971    
                                                              -----------------
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                         THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A.        
                                                                         (SEAL)
                                                                               
                                                                               
$20,000,000                              By: /s/ Martine Castadot              
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                  Title: Second Vice President 
                                                                               
                                         Lending Office                        
                                         --------------                        
                                         The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.        
                                         1 Chase Plaza-18th Floor              
                                         New York, New York 10081              
                                         Attention:  Martine Castadot          
                                                    ---------------------------
                                         Telecopier number: 212-344-0246
                                         Confirmation number: 212-552-5051
                                                                      ----




                                       78
<PAGE>   86


$17,500,000                              NBD BANK                        (SEAL)
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                         By: /s/ Russell H. Liebetrau, Jr.     
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                  Title: Vice President        
                                                                               
                                         Lending Office                        
                                         --------------                        
                                         NBD Bank                              
                                         611 Woodward Avenue                   
                                         Detroit, Michigan 48226               
                                         Attention:  J. Philip Lowman          
                                                    -------------------------- 
                                         Telecopier number: 313-225-2649       
                                         Confirmation number: 313-225-2271     
                                                                      ----
                   
$15,000,000                              SECOND NATIONAL BANK OF
                                         SAGINAW                         (SEAL)
                   
                   
                                         By: /s/ Mark A. Fleshman             
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                  Title: Senior Vice President 
                                                                               
                                         Lending Office                        
                                         --------------                        
                                         Second National Bank of Saginaw       
                                         101 N. Washington Avenue              
                                         Saginaw, Michigan 48607               
                                         Attention:  Joyce VanOchten           
                                                    ---------------------------
                                         Telecopier number: 517-776-7420       
                                         Confirmation number: 517-776-7433     
                                                                      ----
                                                                               
$10,000,000                              SUNTRUST BANK OF ATLANTA        (SEAL)
                   
                   
                                         By: /s/ David W. Penter              
                                            -----------------------------------
                                                  Title: Vice President        
                                                                               

                                                                               
                                         Lending Office                        
                                         --------------                        
                                         SunTrust Bank of Atlanta              
                                         One Park Place N.E.                   
                                         Mail Code 126                         
                                         Atlanta, Georgia 30302                
                                         Attention:  Jan Gilbreath             
                                                    ---------------------------
                                         Telecopier number: 404-588-8833       
                                         Confirmation number: 404-588-8038
                                                                  --- ----




                                       79
<PAGE>   87

                             OFFERED RATE LOAN NOTE

                              As of April 1, 1996


                 For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Wachovia
Bank of Georgia, N.A., (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the
principal sum of THIRTY-SEVEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($37,500,000.00) or such lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal
amount of each Offered Rate Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to
the Credit Agreement referred to below, on the dates and in the amounts
provided in the Credit Agreement.  The Borrower promises to pay interest on the
unpaid principal amount of this Offered Rate Loan Note on the dates and at the
rate or rates provided for in the Credit Agreement referred to below.  Interest
on any overdue principal of and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue
interest on the principal amount hereof shall bear interest at the Default
Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement.  All such payments of principal
and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in Federal or
other immediately available funds at the office of Wachovia Bank of Georgia,
N.A., 191 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1757, or such other
address as may be specified from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                 All Offered Rate Loans made by the Bank, the respective
maturities thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto,
and all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and,
prior to any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached
hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part
hereof; provided that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or
endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under
the Credit Agreement.

                 This Offered Rate Loan Note is one of the Offered Rate Loan
Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as  the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees,
in the event this Offered Rate Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.
<PAGE>   88

                 The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest,
notice of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law
relative hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided
for in the Credit Agreement.  

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Offered Rate
Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of
the day and year first above written.


                          SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                          INC.                                            (SEAL)


                          By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: William W. Sprague, III
                                    President & Chief Executive Officer



                          By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith                     
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: Gregory H. Smith                     
                                    Senior Vice President              
                                    Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
                                                         



                                       2
<PAGE>   89

                        Offered Rate Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       OFFERED RATE LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                                      
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Amount           Amount of               Stated
               Interest           of               Principal               Maturity           Notation
Date           Rate               Loan             Repaid                  Date               Made By
<S>            <C>                <C>              <C>                     <C>                <C>
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       3
<PAGE>   90





                             OFFERED RATE LOAN NOTE

                              As of April 1, 1996


                 For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of The
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office,
the principal sum of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) or such
lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each Offered Rate
Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred
to below, on the dates and in the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this
Offered Rate Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in
the Credit Agreement referred to below.  Interest on any overdue principal of
and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal amount
hereof shall bear interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit
Agreement.  All such payments of principal and interest shall be made in lawful
money of the United States in Federal or other immediately available funds at
the office of The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., 1 Chase Plaza-18th Floor, New
York, New York 10081, or such other address as may be specified from time to
time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                 All Offered Rate Loans made by the Bank, the respective
maturities thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto,
and all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and,
prior to any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached
hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part
hereof; provided that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or
endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under
the Credit Agreement.

                 This Offered Rate Loan Note is one of the Offered Rate Loan
Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as  the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees,
in the event this Offered Rate Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.
<PAGE>   91





                 The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest,
notice of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law
relative hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided
for in the Credit Agreement.  

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Offered Rate
Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of
the day and year first above written.


                          SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                          INC.                                           (SEAL)


                          By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: William W. Sprague, III
                                    President & Chief Executive Officer



                          By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith                     
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: Gregory H. Smith                     
                                    Senior Vice President              
                                    Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer




                                       2
<PAGE>   92





                        Offered Rate Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       OFFERED RATE LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                                      
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Amount           Amount of               Stated
                         Interest           of               Principal               Maturity           Notation
Date                     Rate               Loan             Repaid                  Date               Made By
<S>                      <C>                <C>              <C>                     <C>                <C>
                                                                                                                                   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 
                                                                                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       3
<PAGE>   93





                             OFFERED RATE LOAN NOTE

                              As of April 1, 1996


         For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of NBD Bank (the
"Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the principal sum of SEVENTEEN
MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($17,500,000.00) or such lesser
amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each Offered Rate Loan made
by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below,
on the dates and in the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement.  The Borrower
promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Offered Rate
Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit
Agreement referred to below.  Interest on any overdue principal of and, to the
extent permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal amount hereof shall
bear interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement. All
such payments of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the
United States in Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of
NBD Bank, 611 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226, or such other address as
may be specified from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

         All Offered Rate Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on
a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

         This Offered Rate Loan Note is one of the Offered Rate Loan Notes
referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as  the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees, in
the event this Offered Rate Loan Note is collected by law or through an attorney
at law.
<PAGE>   94





         The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of
demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law relative
hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided for in the
Credit Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Offered Rate Loan Note
to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of the day
and year first above written.


                          SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                          INC.                                            (SEAL)


                          By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: William W. Sprague, III
                                    President & Chief Executive Officer



                          By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith                     
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: Gregory H. Smith                     
                                    Senior Vice President              
                                    Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer




                                       2
<PAGE>   95





                        Offered Rate Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   OFFERED RATE LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Amount           Amount of               Stated
               Interest           of               Principal               Maturity           Notation
Date           Rate               Loan             Repaid                  Date               Made By
<S>            <C>                <C>              <C>                     <C>                <C>
                                                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       3
<PAGE>   96





                             OFFERED RATE LOAN NOTE

                              As of April 1, 1996


         For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Second National
Bank of Saginaw (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the
principal sum of FIFTEEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($15,000,000.00) or such
lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each Offered Rate
Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred
to below, on the dates and in the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement.  The
Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Offered
Rate Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit
Agreement referred to below.  Interest on any overdue principal of and, to the
extent permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal amount hereof shall
bear interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement. All
such payments of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the
United States in Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of
Second National Bank of Saginaw, 101 N. Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan
48607, or such other address as may be specified from time to time pursuant to
the Credit Agreement.

         All Offered Rate Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on
a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

         This Offered Rate Loan Note is one of the Offered Rate Loan Notes
referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as  the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees, in
the event this Offered Rate Loan Note is collected by law or through an attorney
at law.
<PAGE>   97





         The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of
demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law relative
hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided for in the
Credit Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Offered Rate Loan Note
to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of the day
and year first above written.


                          SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                          INC.                                       (SEAL)


                          By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: William W. Sprague, III
                                    President & Chief Executive Officer



                          By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith                     
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: Gregory H. Smith                     
                                    Senior Vice President              
                                    Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer




                                       2
<PAGE>   98





                        Offered Rate Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   OFFERED RATE LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Amount           Amount of               Stated
               Interest           of               Principal               Maturity           Notation
Date           Rate               Loan             Repaid                  Date               Made By
<S>            <C>                <C>              <C>                     <C>                <C>
                                                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       3
<PAGE>   99





                             OFFERED RATE LOAN NOTE

                              As of April 1, 1996


        For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of SunTrust Bank of
Atlanta (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the principal sum
of TEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($10,000,000.00) or such lesser amount as
shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each Offered Rate Loan made by the
Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below, on the
dates and in the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement. The Borrower promises
to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Offered Rate Loan Note on
the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit Agreement referred
to below.  Interest on any overdue principal of and, to the extent permitted by
law, overdue interest on the principal amount hereof shall bear interest at the
Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement.  All such payments of
principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in
Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of SunTrust Bank of
Atlanta, One Park Place, N.E., Mail Code 126, Atlanta, Georgia 30302, or such
other address as may be specified from time to time pursuant to the Credit
Agreement.

        All Offered Rate Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on
a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

        This Offered Rate Loan Note is one of the Offered Rate Loan Notes
referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as  the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees, in
the event this Offered Rate Loan Note is collected by law or through an attorney
at law.
<PAGE>   100





        The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of
demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law relative
hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided for in the
Credit Agreement.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Offered Rate Loan Note
to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of the day
and year first above written.


                          SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                          INC.                                        (SEAL)


                          By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: William W. Sprague, III
                                    President & Chief Executive Officer



                          By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith                     
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: Gregory H. Smith                     
                                    Senior Vice President              
                                    Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer




                                       2
<PAGE>   101





                        Offered Rate Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   OFFERED RATE LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Amount           Amount of               Stated
               Interest           of               Principal               Maturity           Notation
Date           Rate               Loan             Repaid                  Date               Made By
<S>            <C>                <C>              <C>                     <C>                <C>
                                                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       3
<PAGE>   102





                             OFFERED RATE LOAN NOTE

                              As of April 1, 1996


        For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of COOPERATIEVE
CENTRALE RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK B.A., "RABOBANK NEDERLAND", NEW YORK BRANCH
(the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the principal sum of TWENTY
MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00) or such lesser amount as shall equal
the unpaid principal amount of each Offered Rate Loan made by the Bank to the
Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below, on the dates and in
the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement.  The Borrower promises to pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Offered Rate Loan Note on the
dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit Agreement referred to
below.  Interest on any overdue principal of and, to the extent permitted by
law, overdue interest on the principal amount hereof shall bear interest at the
Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement. All such payments of
principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in
Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of COOPERATIEVE
CENTRALE RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK B.A., "RABOBANK NEDERLAND", NEW YORK BRANCH,
245 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10167, or such other address as
may be specified from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

        All Offered Rate Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on
a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

        This Offered Rate Loan Note is one of the Offered Rate Loan Notes
referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as  the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings. Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees, in
the event this Offered Rate Loan Note is collected by law or through an attorney
at law.
<PAGE>   103





        The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest, notice of
demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law relative
hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided for in the
Credit Agreement.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Offered Rate Loan Note
to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of the day
and year first above written.


                          SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                          INC.                                         (SEAL)


                          By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: William W. Sprague, III
                                    President & Chief Executive Officer



                          By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith                     
                             ------------------------------------------
                             Title: Gregory H. Smith                     
                                    Senior Vice President              
                                    Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer




                                       2
<PAGE>   104





                        Offered Rate Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   OFFERED RATE LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Amount           Amount of               Stated
               Interest           of               Principal               Maturity           Notation
Date           Rate               Loan             Repaid                  Date               Made By
<S>            <C>                <C>              <C>                     <C>                <C>
                                                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                                                  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       3

<PAGE>   105



$20,000,000                              COOPERATIEVE CENTRALE
                                         RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEEENBANK
                                         B.A., "RABOBANK NEDERLAND",
                                         NEW YORK BRANCH                  (SEAL)
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                                                                
                                         By: /s/ Dana W. Hemenway               
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President         
                                                                                
                                         By: /s/ Jan Reece                      
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President & Manager
                                                                                
                                         By: /s/ Betty Mills                    
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President
              
                                         Lending Office
                                         --------------
                                         COOPERATIEVE CENTRALE
                                         RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK
                                         B.A., "RABOBANK NEDERLAND",
                                         NEW YORK BRANCH
                                         245 Park Avenue, 36th Floor
                                         New York, New York 10167
                                         Attention: Mr. David Reisman
                                         Telecopier number: 212-916-7880
                                         Confirmation number: 212-916-7863



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

TOTAL COMMITMENTS:

$120,000,000





                                       80
<PAGE>   106

                                                                     EXHIBIT A-1


                              SYNDICATED LOAN NOTE

                                Atlanta, Georgia
                                 April 1, 1996


                 For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of
__________________________________________________, a ____________________ (the
"Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the principal sum of
___________________________________ AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($___________), or such
lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each Syndicated
Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred
to below, on the dates and in the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this
Syndicated Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the
Credit Agreement.  Interest on any overdue principal of and, to the extent
permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal amount hereof shall bear
interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement.  All
such payments of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the
United States in Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of
Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., 191 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia
30303-1757, or such other address as may be specified from time to time
pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                 All Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities thereof,
the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all repayments of
the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to any transfer
hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on a
continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided that
the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall not
affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit Agreement.

                 This Syndicated Loan Note is one of the Syndicated Loan Notes
referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees,
in the event this Syndicated Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.





                                       81
<PAGE>   107


                 The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest,
notice of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law
relative hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided
for in the Credit Agreement.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Syndicated
Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of
the day and year first above written.


                                       SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                                       INC.                               (SEAL)
                             
                             
                                       By:                           
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Title:





                                       82
<PAGE>   108


                         Syndicated Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               SYNDICATED LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Base Rate,             Amount           Amount of
              or Euro-               of               Principal              Maturity         Notation
Date          Dollar Loan            Loan             Repaid                 Date             Made By
<S>           <C>                    <C>              <C>                    <C>              <C>
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       83
<PAGE>   109

                                                                     EXHIBIT A-2


                             OFFERED RATE LOAN NOTE

                              As of April 1, 1996


               For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of
____________________________________________, a _______________ (the "Bank"),
for the account of its Lending Office, the principal sum of _____________
MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($__,000,000) or such lesser amount as shall equal
the unpaid principal amount of each Offered Rate Loan made by the Bank to the
Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below, on the dates and
in the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement.  The Borrower promises to pay
interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Offered Rate Loan Note on the
dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit Agreement referred to
below.  Interest on any overdue principal of and, to the extent permitted by
law, overdue interest on the principal amount hereof shall bear interest at the
Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement.  All such payments of
principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in
Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., 191 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1757, or such
other address as may be specified from time to time pursuant to the Credit
Agreement.

               All Offered Rate Loans made by the Bank, the respective
maturities thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto,
and all repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and,
prior to any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached
hereto, or on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part
hereof; provided that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or
endorsement shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under
the Credit Agreement.

               This Offered Rate Loan Note is one of the Offered Rate Loan
Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as  the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees,
in the event this Offered Rate Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.





                                       84
<PAGE>   110


               The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest, notice
of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law relative
hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided for in the
Credit Agreement. 

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Offered Rate
Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of
the day and year first above written.


                                         SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES,
                                         INC.                            (SEAL)


                                         By:                                   
                                            -----------------------------------
                                            Title:





                                       85
<PAGE>   111

                        Offered Rate Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            OFFERED RATE LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Amount           Amount of               Stated
               Interest           of               Principal               Maturity           Notation
Date           Rate               Loan             Repaid                  Date               Made By
<S>            <C>                <C>              <C>                     <C>                <C>
                                                                                                                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>





                                       86
<PAGE>   112

                                                                       EXHIBIT B


                                   OPINION OF
                            COUNSEL FOR THE BORROWER


                                                  [Dated as provided in 
                                                  Section 3.01 of the Credit 
                                                  Agreement]

To the Banks and the Agent
Referred to Below
c/o Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.,
as Agent
191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia  30303-1757
Attn:  Syndications Group


Dear Sirs:

                 We have acted as counsel for Savannah Foods & Industries,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower") in connection with the Credit
Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996, between the Borrower, the banks listed on
the signature pages thereof and Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., as Agent.
Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

                 We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise
identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records,
certificates of public officials and other instruments and have conducted such
other investigations of fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable
for purposes of this opinion.  We have assumed for purposes of our opinions set
forth below that the execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement by the Bank
have been duly authorized by the Bank.

                 Upon the basis of the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

                 1.       The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware and has all
corporate powers required to carry on its business as now conducted.

                 2.       The execution, delivery and performance by the
Borrower of the Credit Agreement, the Notes and the Banker's Acceptances (i)
are within the Borrower's corporate powers, (ii) have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action, (iii) require no action by or in respect of,
or filing with, any governmental body, agency or official, (iv) do not
contravene, or constitute a default under, any provision of applicable law or
regulation or of the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of the





                                       87
<PAGE>   113

Borrower or of any agreement, judgment, injunction, order, decree or other
instrument which to our knowledge is binding upon the Borrower and (v) to our
knowledge, except as provided in the Credit Agreement, do not result in the
creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries.

                 3.       The Credit Agreement constitutes a valid and binding
agreement of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with
its terms, and the Notes and the Banker's Acceptances constitute valid and
binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by: (i)
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors'
rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity.

                 4.       To our knowledge (after due inquiry), there is no
action, suit or proceeding pending, or threatened, against or affecting the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries before any court or arbitrator or any
governmental body, agency or official in which there is a reasonable
possibility of an adverse decision which could materially adversely affect the
business, consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations
of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, considered as a whole, or
which in any manner questions the validity or enforceability of the Credit
Agreement, the Notes or any Banker's Acceptance.

                 5.       Each of the Borrower's Subsidiaries is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all corporate powers and all material
governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry
on its business as now conducted.

                 6.       Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is
an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended.

                 7.       Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is a
"holding company", or a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company", or an
"affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary company" of a "holding
company", as such terms are defined in the Public Utility Holding Company Act
of 1935, as amended.

         We are qualified to practice in the State of Georgia and do not
purport to be experts on any laws other than the laws of the United States, the
State of Georgia and the General Corporate Law of the State of Delaware and
this opinion is rendered only with respect to such laws.  We have made no
independent investigation of the laws of any other jurisdiction.


         This opinion is delivered to you in connection with the transaction
referenced above and may only be relied upon by you,





                                       88
<PAGE>   114

any Assignee or Participant Transferee and your counsel without our prior
written consent.

                               Very truly yours,





                                       89
<PAGE>   115

                                                                       EXHIBIT C


                                   OPINION OF
                  JONES, DAY, REAVIS & POGUE, SPECIAL COUNSEL
                                FOR THE AGENT  


                                                  [Dated as provided in 
                                                  Section 3.01 of the Credit 
                                                  Agreement]


To the Banks and the Agent
Referred to Below
c/o Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.,
as Agent
191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1757
Attn: Syndications Group

Dear Sirs:

                 We have participated in the preparation of the Credit
Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") dated as of April 1, 1996, among Savannah
Foods & Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the banks
listed on the signature pages thereof (the "Banks") and Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (the "Agent"), and have acted as special counsel for
the Agent for the purpose of rendering this opinion pursuant to Section 3.01(d)
of the Credit Agreement.  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein
as therein defined.

                 This opinion letter is limited by, and is in accordance with,
the January 1, 1992 edition of the Interpretive Standards applicable to Legal
Opinions to Third Parties in Corporate Transactions adopted by the Legal
Opinion Committee of the Corporate and Banking Law Section of the State Bar of
Georgia which Interpretive Standards are incorporated herein by this reference.

                 We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise
identified to our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records,
certificates of public officials and other instruments and have conducted such
other investigations of fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable
for purposes of this opinion.

                 Upon the basis of the foregoing, and assuming the due
authorization, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement and each of the
Notes by or on behalf of the Borrower, we are  of the opinion that the Credit
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Borrower and each
Note constitutes valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, in each case
enforceable in accordance with its terms except as: (i) the enforceability
thereof





                                       90
<PAGE>   116

may be affected by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent
conveyance, voidable preference, moratorium or similar laws applicable to
creditors' rights or the collection of debtors' obligations generally; (ii)
rights of acceleration and the availability of equitable remedies may be
limited by equitable principles of general applicability; and (iii) the
enforceability of certain of the remedial, waiver and other provisions of the
Credit Agreement and the Notes may be further limited by the laws of the State
of Georgia; provided that such additional laws do not, in our opinion,
substantially interfere with the practical realization of the benefits
expressed in the Credit Agreement and the Notes, except for the economic
consequences of any procedural delay which may result from such laws.

         In giving the foregoing opinion, we express no opinion as to the
effect (if any) of any law of any jurisdiction except the State of Georgia.  We
express no opinion as to the effect of the compliance or noncompliance of the
Agent or any of the Banks with any state or federal laws or regulations
applicable to the Agent or any of the Banks by reason of the legal or
regulatory status or the nature of the business of the Agent or any of the
Banks.

         This opinion is delivered to you in connection with the transaction
referenced above and may only be relied upon by you and any Assignee,
Participant or other Transferee under the Credit Agreement without our prior
written consent.

                               Very truly yours,





                                       91
<PAGE>   117

                                                                       EXHIBIT D


                           ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
                           Dated __________ __, ____


                 Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1,
1996, between Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower") the Banks (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (the "Agent").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement
are used herein with the same meaning.

                 The Assignor and ________________________________________ (the
"Assignee") agree as follows:

                 1.       The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the
Assignee, without recourse to the Assignor, and the Assignee hereby purchases
and assumes from the Assignor, a ______% interest in and to all of the
Assignor's rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the
Effective Date (as defined below) (including, without limitation, a ____%
interest (which on the Effective Date hereof is $__________) in the Assignor's
Commitment and a ______ interest (which on the Effective Date hereof is
$_______________) in the Syndicated Loans [and Offered Rate Credits] owing to
the Assignor and a ___% interest in the Note [and Banker's Acceptances] held by
the Assignor (which on the Effective Date hereof is $__________).

                 2.       The Assignor (i) makes no representation or warranty
and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or
representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the
execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or
value of the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished
pursuant thereto, other than that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the
interest being assigned by it hereunder, that such interest is free and clear
of any adverse claim and that as of the date hereof its Commitment (without
giving effect to assignments thereof which have not yet become effective) is
$__________ and the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Syndicated Loans
[and Offered Rate Credits, less the unaccreted principal amount of each
Banker's Acceptance] owing to it (without giving effect to assignments thereof
which have not yet become effective) is $________________; (ii) makes no
representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the
financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the
Borrower of any of its obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other
instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (iii) attaches the Note
[and Banker's Acceptances] referred to in paragraph 1 above and requests that
the Borrower exchange such Notes for [new Notes dated ____________, ____ in
the principal amount of $__________ payable to the order of the Assignor and
new Banker's Acceptances in the





                                       92
<PAGE>   118

following Face Amounts and dated the following dates:__________________________
___________] and issue new Notes to the Assignee [and new Banker's Acceptances]
in accordance herewith, with the effect set forth in Section 10.08(c) of the
Credit Agreement.


                 3.       The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy
of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements
referred to in Section 5.04(a) thereof (or any more recent financial statements
of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 6.01(a) or (b) thereof) and such
other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own
credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance; (ii)
agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent, the
Assignor or any other Bank and based on such documents and information as it
shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions
in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that
it is a bank or financial institution; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Agent
to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under
the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof,
together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that
it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by
the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Bank;
(vi) specifies as its Lending Office (and address for notices) the office set
forth beneath its name on the signature pages hereof, (vii) represents and
warrants that the execution, delivery and performance of this Assignment and
Acceptance are within its corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all
necessary corporate action, (viii) makes the representation and warranty
contained in Section 10.18 of the Credit Agreement[, and (ix) attaches the
forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States
certifying as to the Assignee's status for purposes of determining exemption
from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to
the Assignee under the Credit Agreement and the Notes or such other documents
as are necessary to indicate that all such payments are subject to such taxes
at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty].

                 4.       The Effective Date for this Assignment and Acceptance
shall be __________, 19__ (the "Effective Date").  Following the execution of
this Assignment and Acceptance, it will be delivered to the Agent for execution
and acceptance by the Agent and to the Borrower for execution by the Borrower.

                 5. Upon such execution and acceptance by the Agent [and
execution by the Borrower] [IF REQUIRED BY THE CREDIT AGREEMENT], from and
after the Effective Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit
Agreement and, to the extent rights and obligations have been transferred to it
by this Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Bank
thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent its rights and
obligations have been transferred to the Assignee by this





                                       93
<PAGE>   119

Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights (other than under Sections
9.03, 10.03 and 10.04 of the Credit Agreement) and be released from its
obligations under the Credit Agreement.

                 6. Upon such execution and acceptance by the Agent [and
execution by the Borrower] [IF REQUIRED BY THE CREDIT AGREEMENT], from and
after the Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments in respect of the
interest assigned hereby to the Assignee.  The Assignor and Assignee shall make
all appropriate adjustments in payments for periods prior to such acceptance by
the Agent directly between themselves.

                 7.       This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Georgia.


                                       [NAME OF ASSIGNOR]


                                       By:                           
                                          ---------------------------
                                          Title:


                                       [NAME OF ASSIGNEE]


                                       By:                           
                                          ---------------------------
                                          Title:

                                       WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, as Agent


                                       By:                           
                                          ---------------------------
                                          Title:


                                       SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                       IF REQUIRED BY THE CREDIT AGREEMENT


                                       By:                          
                                          --------------------------
                                          Title:





                                       94
<PAGE>   120

                                                                       EXHIBIT E

                              NOTICE OF BORROWING


                          _____________________, _____


Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., as Agent
191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia  30303-1757
Attention:  ________________

         Re:     Credit Agreement (as amended and modified from time to time,
                 the "Credit Agreement") dated as of April 1, 1996 by and among
                 Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., the Banks from time to time
                 parties thereto, and Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., as Agent.


Gentlemen:

         Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall
have the meanings attributable thereto in the Credit Agreement.

         This Notice of Borrowing is delivered to you pursuant to Section 2.02
of the Credit Agreement.

         The Borrower hereby requests a [Euro-Dollar Borrowing] [Base Rate
Borrowing] in the aggregate principal amount of $___________ to be made on
______________, 199__, and for interest to accrue thereon at the rate
established by the Credit Agreement for [Euro-Dollar Loans] [Base Rate Loans]
The duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto shall be [1 month] [2
months] [3 months] [6 months] [30 days][__ days].

         The Borrower has caused this Notice of Borrowing to be executed and
delivered by its duly authorized officer this _____ day of ___________, _____.


                                        SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.



                                        By:_______________________________
                                           Title:





                                       95
<PAGE>   121

                                                                       EXHIBIT F


                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

               Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1,
1996, between Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower") the Banks (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (the "Agent").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement
are used herein with the same meaning.

               Pursuant to Section 6.01(c) of the Credit Agreement,
_______________, the duly authorized ___________________ of Savannah Foods &
Industries, Inc. hereby (i) certifies to the Agent and the Banks that the
information contained in the Compliance Check List attached hereto is true,
accurate and complete as of ________, ___, and that no Defaults or Events of
Default exist and (ii) restates and reaffirms that the representations and
warranties contained in Article V of the Credit Agreement are true on and as of
the date hereof as though restated on and as of this date.



                                        By:___________________________ 
                                           Title:





                                       96
<PAGE>   122

                             COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST
                      (Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.)
                           __________________________


                              _____________, _____


1.     Investments (Section 6.17)

       Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall make Investments
       in any Person except as permitted by Section 6.16 and except in [. . .]
       (v) Related Investments in an amount not exceeding the sum of 30% of
       Capitalization, minus the amount of Unrelated Investments at the time
       outstanding, and/or (vi) Unrelated Investments in an amount not
       exceeding the lesser of (A) $20,000,000 and (B) the sum of 30% of
       Capitalization, minus the amount of Related Investments at the time
       outstanding.

       Related Investments

       (a)     Aggregate amount of
               Related Investments                           $_____________

       (b)     Stockholders' Equity                          $_____________

       (c)     Aggregate amount of
               Long-Term Debt --Schedule 1                   $_____________

       (d)     sum of (b) and (c)                            $_____________

       (e)     30% of (d)                                    $_____________

       (f)     Aggregate amount of
               Unrelated Investments                         $_____________

       (g)     (e) minus (f)                                 $_____________

               Limitation--(a) not to
               exceed (g)

       Unrelated Investments

       (h)     (e) minus (a)                                 $_____________

       (i)     lesser of $20,000,000
               and (h)                                       $_____________

               Limitation--(f) not to
               exceed (i)





                                       97
<PAGE>   123

                             COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST
                      (Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.)
                           __________________________


                              _____________, _____

2.     Negative Pledge (Section 6.18)

       Neither the Borrower nor any Consolidated Subsidiary will create, assume
       or suffer to exist any Lien on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired
       by it, except: [ . . .] (j) Liens on inventories of the Borrower
       consisting of sugar processed from sugar beets and sugarcane securing
       current liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the United
       States Commodity Credit Corporation, provided that the amount of the
       current liabilities so secured by a Lien in favor of the United States
       Commodity Credit Corporation shall be less than the fair market value of
       the related seasonal sugar inventories of the Borrower.

       (a)     aggregate amount of current
               liabilities to United States
               Commodity Credit Corporation
               secured by Liens on inventories
               consisting of sugar processed
               from sugar beets and sugarcane                $_____________

       (b)     fair market value of such
               inventories                                   $_____________

               Limitation   (a) must be less than (b)

3.     Ratio of Long-Term Debt to
       Capitalization (Section 6.19)

       The ratio of Long-Term Debt to Capitalization will not at any time
       exceed 0.45 to 1.00.

       (a)     Long-Term Debt Schedule - 1                      $__________

       (b)     Stockholder's Equity                             $__________

       (c)     sum of (a) plus (b)                              $__________

       Actual Ratio of (a) to (c)                                __________

       Maximum Ratio                                          < 0.45 to 1.0





                                       98
<PAGE>   124

                             COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST
                      (Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.)

                           __________________________
                              _____________, _____


4.     Cash Flow/Interest and Leases Ratio (Section 6.20)

       The Cash Flow/ Interest and Leases Ratio, for the Fiscal Quarter just
       ended and the immediately preceding 3 Fiscal Quarters, shall be equal to
       or greater than: (i) 2.40 to 1.0 as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter
       ended closes to April 1, 1996; (ii) 2.50 to 1.0 as of the end of each of
       the Fiscal Quarters ending closest to June 30, 1996 and September 30,
       1996; and (iii) 3.0 to 1.0 as of the end of each Fiscal Quarter
       thereafter; provided, that the Borrower shall be deemed to be in
       compliance with this covenant if, at the end of no more than 2 out of
       any 6 consecutive Fiscal Quarters, starting with the end of the Fiscal
       Quarter ending closest to December 31, 1996, such ratio for the Fiscal
       Quarter just ended and the immediately preceding 3 Fiscal Quarters is
       less than 3.0 to 1.0 but is equal to or greater than 2.5 to 1.0.

       (a)     Consolidated Adjusted Cash
               Flow, Schedule - 2                                   $__________

       (b)     (i) Consolidated Interest
               Expense, Schedule - 2, plus
               (ii) Aggregate operating lease
               obligations, Schedule- 2                             $__________

       Actual ratio of (a) to (b)                                    __________

       Required ratio                     [greater than or equal to 2.40 to 1.0]
                                          [greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0]
                                          [greater than or equal to 2.5 to 1.0]

5.     Ratio of Consolidated Current Assets to Consolidated Current
       Liabilities (Section 6.21)

       The ratio of Consolidated Current Assets to Consolidated Current
       Liabilities will not at any time be less than 1.15 to 1.0.

       (a) Consolidated Current Assets                              $__________

       (b) Consolidated Current Liabilities                         $__________

       Actual ratio of (a) to (b)                                    __________

       Required ratio                      greater than or equal to 1.15 to 1.0





                                       99
<PAGE>   125

                             COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST
                      (Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.)
                           __________________________


                              _____________, _____

6.     Minimum Stockholder's Equity (Section 6.22)

       Stockholder' Equity will at no time be less than $150,000,000 plus the
       sum of (i) 50% of the cumulative Reported Net Income of the Borrower and
       its Consolidated Subsidiaries during any period after July 2, 1995
       (taken as one accounting period), calculated quarterly at the end of
       each Fiscal Quarter but excluding from such calculations of Reported Net
       Income for purposes of this clause (i), any quarter in which the
       Reported Net Income of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries is
       negative, (ii) 100% of the cumulative Net Proceeds of Capital Stock
       received during any period after July 2, 1995, calculated quarterly at
       the end of each Fiscal Quarter, and (iii) 100% of the amount of any
       equity resulting from conversion of Debt to equity at any time after
       July 2, 1995.

       (a) Stockholder's Equity                                     $__________

       (b) Reported Net Income since July 2, 1995                   $__________
                                                                    
       (c) Aggregate of any Reported                                
           Net Income which was negative                            
           during any Fiscal Quarter                                $__________
                                                                    
       (d) Aggregate Net Proceeds of Capital Stock                  
           received after July 2, 1995                              $__________
                                                                    
       (e) Aggregate of equity from conversion                      
           of Debt to equity after July 2, 1995                     $__________
                                                                    
       (f) Sum of (b) less (c) less (d) less (e)                    $__________
                                                                    
       (g) 50% of (f)                                               $__________
                                                                    
       (h) sum of (g) and $150,000,000                              $__________

       Limitation--(a) not to be less than (h)





                                      100
<PAGE>   126

                             COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST
                      (Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.)
                           __________________________


                              _____________, _____

7.     Ratio of Long-Term Debt to Consolidated Adjusted Cash Flow (Section 6.23)

       At the end of each Fiscal Quarter, the ratio of Long-Term Debt to
       Consolidated Adjusted Cash Flow for the Fiscal Quarter just ended and
       the immediately preceding 3 Fiscal Quarters shall not have been greater
       than 4.0 to 1.00.

       (a) Long-Term Debt   Schedule - 1                           $__________

       (b) Consolidated Adjusted Cash
           Flow    Schedule - 2                                    $__________

       Actual ratio of (a) to (b)                                   __________

       Required ratio                         less than or equal to 4.0 to 1.0

8.     Intangibles (Section 6.24)

       The Borrower shall not, without the prior consent of the Bank, acquire
       or cause to exist, at any time, net intangible assets (as determined in
       accordance with GAAP) in an aggregate amount greater than 25% of
       Stockholders' Equity for the Fiscal Quarter just ended.

        (a) Intangible assets                                      $_________

        (b) Stockholder's Equity                                   $_________

        (c) 25% of (b)                                             $_________

       Limitation--(a) not to exceed (c)





                                      101
<PAGE>   127


                             COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST
                      (Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.)
                           __________________________


                              _____________, _____

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Schedule - 1
                                                                  ------------
Long-Term Debt
- --------------
                                                 INTEREST
                                                   RATE           MATURITY     TOTAL
                                                 -------------------------     -----
<S>                                              <C>              <C>
Secured
- -------

                                                                  $              
  ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

                                                                  $             
  ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

                                                                  $             
  ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

               Total Secured                                      $             
                                                                   -----------------


Unsecured
- ---------

                                                                  $             
  ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

                                                                  $             
  ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

                                                                  $             
  ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

               Total Unsecured                                    $             
                                                                   -----------------


Redeemable Preferred Stock                                        $             
- --------------------------                                         -----------------

               Total Preferred Stock                              $             
                                                                   -----------------


Other Long-Term Debt
- --------------------

                                                                  $             
  ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

                                                                  $             
  ---------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

               Total Other Long-Term Debt                         $             
                                                                   -----------------


               TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT              $             
                                                  =============
</TABLE>





                                      102
<PAGE>   128

                             COMPLIANCE CHECK LIST
                      (Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.)
                           __________________________


                              _____________, _____


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Schedule - 2
                                                                          ------------

Consolidated Adjusted Cash Flow
- -------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>
(a) Consolidated Net Income
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------

(b)    Consolidated Interest Expense
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------

(c) operating lease obligations
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------

(d)    tax expense
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------

(e) depreciation
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------

(f)    amortization
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
</TABLE>





                                      103
<PAGE>   129

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                        <C>
(g)    other non-cash or non-recurring
       charges deducted from Consolidated
       Net Income
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------

(h)    other non-cash or non-recurring
       gain included in Consolidated
       Net Income
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------
           quarter     -                                                   $           
       ---         ---- --------                                            -----------

Consolidated Adjusted Cash Flow
       (a) plus (b) plus (c) plus (d)
       plus (e) plus (f) plus (g)
       minus (h)                                                           $           
                                                                            ===========
</TABLE>


Description of Operating Leases

                                                                  Annual
       Lessor           Property Leased          Term             Rental

                                                                  $          
- ------------------      ---------------------    ---------         ----------
                                                                  $          
- ------------------      ---------------------    ---------         ----------
                                                                  $          
- ------------------      ---------------------    ---------         ----------
                                                                  $          
- ------------------      ---------------------    ---------         ----------

Description of other non-cash charges deducted from operating income:

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

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

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

Description of other non-cash charges included in operating income:

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

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

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





                                      104
<PAGE>   130

                                                                       EXHIBIT G


                               [NAME OF BORROWER]

                              CLOSING CERTIFICATE


               Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1,
1996, between Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Borrower") the Banks (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (the "Agent").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement
are used herein with the same meaning.

       Pursuant to Section 4.01(e) of the Credit Agreement, ___________________
___________, the duly authorized _________ __________ of the Borrower hereby 
certifies to the Bank that (i) no Default has occurred and is continuing as of
the date hereof, and (ii) the representations and warranties contained in
Article V of the Credit Agreement are true on and as of the date hereof.

       Certified as of this _____ day of _______________, ____.



                                        By:___________________________
                                           Printed Name:______________
                                           Title:_____________________





                                      105
<PAGE>   131

                                                                       EXHIBIT H

                           BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

                 Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1,
1996 (as modified and supplemented and in effect from time to time, the "Credit
Agreement") among Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., the Banks from time to
time parties thereto and Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., as Agent.  Capitalized
terms used herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit
Agreement.

                 Pursuant to Section [4.01(l)][6.01(i)] of the Credit
Agreement, _______________, the duly authorized chief financial officer of the
Borrower hereby certifies to the Agent and the Banks that the calculations of
the Borrowing Base, Aggregate Outstanding Obligations and Other Debt
Outstanding contained in this Borrowing Base Certificate is true, accurate and
complete in all material respects as of __________, ____.

A.       The calculation of the Borrowing Base is as follows:


         (i)      (a) aggregate Accounts                           $_________
                  (b) aggregate Accounts which are not
                      Eligible Accounts                            $_________

                  (c) (i)(a) less (i)(b)                           $_________

                  (d) product of 0.85 times (i)(c)                 $__________

         (ii)     (a) aggregate Inventory(1)                       $__________

                  (b)  product of 0.85 times (ii)(a)               $__________

         BORROWING BASE (sum of (i)(d), plus (ii)(b)               $__________

B.       Amount of Aggregate Outstanding
         Obligations                                               $__________

C.       Aggregate amount of Other Debt Outstanding                $__________

D.       Aggregate amount of Cash and Cash Equivalents             $__________

E.       Sum of A less B less C plus D                             $__________


                                                SAVANNAH FOODS &
                                                INDUSTRIES, INC.          (SEAL)


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




- --------------------
(1) valued at lower of cost or market

                                      106
<PAGE>   132
                                                      [chief financial officer]





                                      107
<PAGE>   133




                                                                       EXHIBIT I


                           OFFERED RATE CREDIT QUOTE





 DATE:                      _________________________________

 ATTN:                      WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, NA.
                            REGINA BEARD

 FROM:                      ___________________________(participant bank)

                            ___________________________(contact)


 RE:                        SAVANNAH FOODS
                            DAILY RATE QUOTES

 WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A. AS AGENT





                                      108
<PAGE>   134



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Bankers

                         Transaction             Acceptance               Indicate minimum and maximum 
                                                                                     amounts
 <S>                     <C>                     <C>                      <C>
 Overnight

 7 days

 14 days

 21 days

 30 days

 45 days

 60 days

 90 days

 180 days
</TABLE>


QUOTES MUST BE FAXED TO THE AGENT BY 11:00 a.m. (ATLANTA TIME) EACH DAY.
PLEASE FAX QUOTES TO (404) 332-5019.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL (404) 332-6971


BY: _______________________________________
    AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE





                                      109
<PAGE>   135

                              RATE QUOTATION FORM


DATE:                                    FROM:  SYNDICATE SERVICES
                                                REGINA BEARD

SAVANNAH FOODS                           RE:    RATE QUOTES
CONTACT

BELOW ARE THE DAILY QUOTATIONS FROM THE PARTICIPANTS FOR TRANSACTION, LIBOR AND
BANKERS ACCEPTANCE RATES.

                    TRANSACTION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                      O/N      7 days       14 days       30 days      45 days      60 days       90 days       180 days
 <S>                  <C>      <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max
</TABLE>





                                      110
<PAGE>   136

                  BANKERS ACCEPTANCE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               7 days       14 days       30 days      45 days      60 days       90 days       180 days
 <S>                           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max

 BANK

 min/max
</TABLE>


            LIBOR
           1 wk         1 mo          2 mo         3 mo         6 mo





                                      111
<PAGE>   137


ENTER YOUR RESPONSES AND RETURN VIA FAX (404)/332-5019) TO THE AGENT NO LATER
THAN ____________ A.M. (ATLANTA, GEORGIA TIME).  PLEASE CALL (404) 332-6971 IF
YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

OFFERED RATE ACCEPTANCE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           OFFERED
                                             RATE

               AMOUNT                        TYPE                RATE                          PERIOD
 <S>                                  <C>                  <C>                 <C>
 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________

 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________


 ______________________               ____________         ____________        __________________________
</TABLE>





  By:______________________________________________
       AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE





                                      112
<PAGE>   138
                                                                   Schedule 5.05


                                   Litigation


In May 1992, the United States Customs Service (Customs) issued a bill to the
Company for approximately $7,500,000 seeking reimbursement for certain drawback
claims filed by the Company with Customs during the period 1984 through 1988.
The company disputes Customs' findings and is vigorously protesting the
decision of Customs. As of July 1995, approximately $5,000,000 of the claim has
been dismissed. Based upon the facts known to the Company at this time, the
ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a materially adverse
effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In July 1991, National Utility Service, Inc. (NUS) filed a complaint against
the Company in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
seeking compensation and damages arising from a contract between the Company
and NUS for energy cost saving recommendations. On September 12, 1994, summary
judgment was entered against the Company in the amount of $2,973,000 in this
case. On December 19, 1994, the judgment was amended to add $1,343,000
prejudgment interest. The United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
has affirmed the judgment subject to an insignificant reduction in the
prejudgment interest. The Company is considering an appeal to the Supreme
Court. Reserves were established for this claim in previous fiscal years, and
the ultimate resolution of this matter is not expected to have a materially
adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

<PAGE>   139
                                                                   Schedule 5.08

                       SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                  SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                NAME                                                 JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION
                ----                                                 -----------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>
*BIOMASS CORPORATION                                                 A Delaware Corporation
A Research Facility - non operational

*CHATHAM SUGAR COMPANY                                               A Delaware Corporation
Holds real estate - non operational

*COLONIAL SUGARS, INC.                                               A Delaware Corporation
A sugar refinery

*DIXIE CRYSTALS BRANDS, INC.                                         A Delaware Corporation
(Dixie Crystals Foodservice, Inc.)
(King Packaging Co., Inc.)

*EVERGLADES SUGAR REFINERY, INC.                                     A Florida Corporation
A sugar refinery

*FOOD CARRIER, INC.                                                  A Georgia Corporation
Trucking

*MICHIGAN SUGAR CO.                                                  A Michigan Corporation
(Great Lakes)
(Pioneer Trading Co.)
A beet sugar refinery

*PHOENIX PACKAGING                                                   A Delaware Corporation
A packaging operation

*RACELAND SUGARS, INC.                                               A Delaware Corporation
A cane operation

*REFINED SUGAR TRADING INSTITUTE                                     A Delaware Corporation
A non-profit corporation owned
jointly with Amstar

*SAVANNAH FOODS INDUSTRIAL, INC.                                     A Delaware Corporation
An operation engaged in the refining and selling of cane sugar

*SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL COMPANY                                      A Delaware Corporation
(Savannah Packaging Company)
(Savannah Total Invert Company)

*SAVANNAH INTERNATIONAL SERVICES, INC.                               Delaware Corporation
Non operational

*SAVANNAH INVESTMENT CO.                                             A Delaware Corporation
An investment company
</TABLE>


                                  -Continued-
<PAGE>   140

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                  <C>
*SAVANNAH MOLASSES & SPECIALTIES CO.                                 A Delaware Corporation
Non-operational

*SAVANNAH SUGAR REFINING CORP.                                       A Georgia Corporation
Non-operational

*SOUTH COAST SUGARS, INC.                                            A Delaware Corporation
Non-operational
</TABLE>


*Savannah Foods owns 100% of this subsidiary
<PAGE>   141
                                                                   Schedule 4.08

                      SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                 SUBSIDIARIES


<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>        <C>                            <C>                              <C>
Savannah Foods &
Industries, Inc.


    Colonial Sugar      (1)
      Refinery                     Michigan Sugar                 Dixie Crystals                   Savannah International
                                      Company                         Brands                              Company
      Everglades        (1)
    Sugar Refinery              Pioneer      Great Lakes       King      Dixie Crystals
                              Trading Co.     Sugar Co.      Packaging     Foodservice        Savannah Total        Savannah 
    Savannah Foods                                                                            Invert Company        Packaging
   Industrial, Inc.                                                                                                  Company

    Savannah Sugar
    Refining Corp.

       Raceland         (2)
     Sugars, Inc.

     South Coast
     Sugars, Inc.

      Savannah 
     Molasses &
   Specialties Co.

    Food Carrier, 
        Inc.

      Phoenix           (2)
     Packaging
 
    Chatham Sugar       (1)
      Company

      Savannah 
   Investment Co.

      Savannah 
   International                (1) In connection with our announced reorganization, to be merged into
   Services, Inc.                     Savannah Foods Industrial, Inc. during 1995 - 1996.             

      Biomass                   (2) In connection with our announced reorganization, to be a subsidiary of
                                      Savannah Foods Industrial, Inc. during 1995 - 1996.             
   Refined Sugar
 Trading Institute
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   142
                                                                   Schedule 6.15


                    LONG TERM DEBT AS OF JULY 30, 1995(1)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   SUBSIDIARY                AMOUNT               DESCRIPTION                 EXPIRATION DATE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                 <C>                       <C>
Savannah Foods             $47,857,143         Series A - 8.35%              11/1/98  $6,250,000
& Industries, Inc.                               Senior Note                 11/1/99 $12,500,000
                                                                             11/1/00 $12,500,000
                                                                             11/1/01 $12,232,143
                                                                             11/1/02  $4,375,000
                                                                                    
Savannah Foods             $12,142,857         Series B - 7.15%              11/1/98  $2,500,000
& Industries, Inc.                               Senior Note                 11/1/99  $4,803,571
                                                                             11/1/00  $3,250,000
                                                                             11/1/01  $1,589,286
                                                                                    
Savannah Foods                $480,000         Pollution Control              8/1/96    $115,000
& Industries, Inc.                               Bond - 6.60%                 8/1/97    $125,000
                                                                              8/1/98    $130,000

Savannah Foods              $1,330,000         Pollution Control Bond    $190,000 Due 11/1/96 to
& Industries, Inc.                               75% of CD rate                       11/1/2002

Savannah Foods              $4,100,000         ESOP Loan-85% of               Due 10/30/96
& Industries, Inc.                               LIBOR

SFII    ESOP Loans:         $3,000,000         Loan 86% of LIBOR              Due 07/09/96
                            $1,285,000         78% of Prime,                  Due 03/07/96
                            $3,500,000         or 90% of CD Rate              Due 10/09/97
                            $2,215,000                                        Due 06/30/98

Michigan Sugar Co.          $4,500,000         MS Tax-Free Bond:              Due 9/1/2000             
                                                 Sebewaing - Var. Rate                     
                                                                                           
Michigan Sugar Co.          $4,500,000         MS Tax-Free Bond:              Due 12/1/2000
                                                 Croswell - Var. Rate                      
                                                                                           
Michigan Sugar Co.          $3,500,000         MS Tax-Free Bond:              Due 11/1/2003
                                                 Caro - Var. Rate                          
                                                                                           
Michigan Sugar Co.          $6,000,000         MS Tax-Free Bond:                Due 6/1/07 
                                                 Carrollton - Var. Rate                    
                                                                                           
Dixie Crystals Brands       $2,500,000         SFI Industrial Revenue           Due 6/1/05 
                                                 Bonds - Visalia, CA                       
                                                 Project - Var. Rate                       
                                                                                           
Dixie Crystals Brands          $60,000         Covenant not to compete           Due 1996  
                                                                                           
Everglades Sugar            $1,500,000         SFI Industrial Revenue           Due 3/1/17 
Refinery, Inc.                                   Bonds - Hendry County                     
                                                 ESRI - Var. Rate

King Packaging              $3,368,000         Covenant not to compete       Due through 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


(1) $10,000,000 of long term debt is drawn under the existing revolving credit 
    agreement
<PAGE>   143

                                                               Schedule 6.18 (a)

                      SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                EXISTING LIENS



     The following Industrial Revenue Bond issues are secured by various
equipment and buildings financed by this issue:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Expiration
  Amount                       Description                        Date
- ----------                 --------------------          ----------------------
<S>                        <C>                           <C>
$4,500,000                 Michigan Sugar                     Total due
                            Tax-free Bond                     September 1, 2000
                            Sebewaing Project -
                            Variable Rate      

$4,500,000                 Michigan Sugar                     Total due
                            Tax-free Bond                     December 1, 2000
                            Croswell Project -
                            Variable Rate      

$3,500,000                 Michigan Sugar                     Total due
                            Tax-free Bond                     November 1, 2003
                            Caro Project -
                            Variable rate      

$6,000,000                 Michigan Sugar                     $1,000,000 due 
                            Tax-free Bond                     June 1, 2002 - 2007
                            Carrollton Project -
                            Variable rate      

$2,500,000                 SFII - Industrial                  $500,000 due       
                            Revenue Bonds -                   June 1, 2002 - 2006
                            Visalia Project
                            Variable rate

$1,500,000                 SFII - Industrial                  March 1, 2017                   
                            Revenue Bonds -                                      
                            Hendry Country/ESRI
                            Variable Rate

$1,330,000                 SFII - Pollution Control           $190,000 due
                            Bonds - Variable Rate             November 1, 1996 - 
                                                              November 1, 2002

  $480,000                 SFII - Pollution Control      $115,000 due Aug 1, 1996
                            Bonds - 6.60%                $125,000 due Aug 1, 1997
                                                         $130,000 due Aug 1, 1998
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   144
                            OFFERED RATE LOAN NOTE

                             As of April 1, 1996


        For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the
principal sum of THIRTY-SEVEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($37,500,000.00) or such lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal
amount of each Offered Rate Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to
the Credit Agreement referred to below, on the dates and in the amounts
provided in the Credit Agreement.  The Borrower promises to pay interest on the
unpaid amount of this Offered Rate Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or
rates provided for in the Credit Agreement referred to below.  Interest on any
overdue principal of and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest on
the principal amount hereof shall bear interest at the Default Rate, as
provided for in the Credit Agreement.  All such payments of principal and
interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in Federal or
other immediately available funds at the office of Wachovia Bank of Georgia,
N.A., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1757, or such other address as may be specified
from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

        All Offered Rate Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or
on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

        This Offered Rate Loan Note is one of the Offered Rate Loan Notes
referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of April 1, 1996 among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof, Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees,
in the event this Offered Rate Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.


<PAGE>   145

                              SYNDICATED LOAN NOTE

                                Atlanta, Georgia
                                 April 1, 1996


                 For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Wachovia
Bank of Georgia, N.A. (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the
principal sum of THIRTY-SEVEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS
($37,500,000.00), or such lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal
amount of each Syndicated Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the
Credit Agreement referred to below, on the dates and in the amounts provided in
the Credit Agreement.  The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid
principal amount of this Syndicated Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or
rates provided for in the Credit Agreement.  Interest on any overdue principal
of and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal
amount hereof shall bear interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the
Credit Agreement.  All such payments of principal and interest shall be made in
lawful money of the United States in Federal or other immediately available
funds at the office of Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., 191 Peachtree Street,
N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1757, or such other address as may be specified
from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                 All Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities thereof,
the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all repayments of
the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to any transfer
hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on a
continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided that
the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall not
affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit Agreement.

                 This Syndicated Loan Note is one of the Syndicated Loan Notes
referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees,
in the event this Syndicated Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.
<PAGE>   146

                 The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest,
notice of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law
relative hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided
for in the Credit Agreement.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Syndicated
Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of
the day and year first above written.


                                  SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                            (SEAL)


                                  By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: Senior Vice President


                                  By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: President and
                                            Chief Executive Officer





                                       2
<PAGE>   147


                         Syndicated Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  SYNDICATED LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Base Rate,             Amount           Amount of
              or Euro-               of               Principal              Maturity         Notation
Date          Dollar Loan            Loan             Repaid                 Date             Made By

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

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

</TABLE>



                                       3
<PAGE>   148





                              SYNDICATED LOAN NOTE

                                Atlanta, Georgia
                                 April 1, 1996


               For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of The
Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office,
the principal sum of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00), or
such lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each
Syndicated Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit
Agreement referred to below, on the dates and in the amounts provided in the
Credit Agreement.  The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid
principal amount of this Syndicated Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or
rates provided for in the Credit Agreement.  Interest on any overdue principal
of and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal
amount hereof shall bear interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the
Credit Agreement.  All such payments of principal and interest shall be made in
lawful money of the United States in Federal or other immediately available
funds at the office of The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., 1 Chase Plaza-18th
Floor, New York, New York 10081, or such other address as may be specified from
time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

               All Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities thereof,
the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all repayments of
the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to any transfer
hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or on a
continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided that
the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall not
affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit Agreement.

               This Syndicated Loan Note is one of the Syndicated Loan Notes
referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith among the
Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Wachovia Bank of
Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as the same may be amended and modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement for
provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment hereof
and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation of the
Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys fees,
in the event this Syndicated Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.
<PAGE>   149





               The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest, notice
of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required by law relative
hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly provided for in the
Credit Agreement.

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Syndicated Loan
Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized officer as of the
day and year first above written.

                                  SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                            (SEAL)


                                  By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: Senior Vice President


                                  By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: President and
                                            Chief Executive Officer 





                                       2
<PAGE>   150





                         Syndicated Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        SYNDICATED LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Base Rate,        Amount             Amount of
                 or Euro-          of                 Principal        Maturity               Notation
Date             Dollar Loan       Loan               Repaid           Date                   Made By

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

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

</TABLE>


                                       3
<PAGE>   151

                              SYNDICATED LOAN NOTE

                                Atlanta, Georgia
                                 April 1, 1996


                        For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of NBD
Bank (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the principal sum of
SEVENTEEN MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($17,500,000.00), or
such lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each
Syndicated Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit
Agreement referred to below, on the dates and in the amounts provided in the
Credit Agreement.  The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid
principal amount of this Syndicated Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or
rates provided for in the Credit Agreement.  Interest on any overdue principal
of and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal
amount hereof shall bear interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the
Credit Agreement.  All such payments of principal and interest shall be made in
lawful money of the United States in Federal or other immediately available
funds at the office of NBD Bank, 611 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226,
or such other address as may be specified from time to time pursuant to the
Credit Agreement.

                        All Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or
on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

                        This Syndicated Loan Note is one of the Syndicated Loan
Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith among
the Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Wachovia Bank
of Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as the same may be amended and modified from time
to time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are
used herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement
for provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment
hereof and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation
of the Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys
fees, in the event this Syndicated Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.
<PAGE>   152

                        The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand,
protest, notice of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required
by law relative hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly
provided for in the Credit Agreement.

                        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this
Syndicated Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized
officer as of the day and year first above written.


                                  SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                            (SEAL)


                                  By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: Senior Vice President


                                  By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: President and
                                            Chief Executive Officer




                                       2
<PAGE>   153


                         Syndicated Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 SYNDICATED LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Base Rate,          Amount           Amount of
                 or Euro-            of               Principal             Maturity          Notation
Date             Dollar Loan         Loan             Repaid                Date              Made By

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

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________


</TABLE>


                                       3
<PAGE>   154

                              SYNDICATED LOAN NOTE

                                Atlanta, Georgia
                                 April 1, 1996


                        For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of Second
National Bank of Saginaw (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office,
the principal sum of FIFTEEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($15,000,000.00), or
such lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each
Syndicated Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit
Agreement referred to below, on the dates and in the amounts provided in the
Credit Agreement.  The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid
principal amount of this Syndicated Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or
rates provided for in the Credit Agreement.  Interest on any overdue principal
of and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal
amount hereof shall bear interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the
Credit Agreement.  All such payments of principal and interest shall be made in
lawful money of the United States in Federal or other immediately available
funds at the office of Second National Bank of Saginaw, 101 N. Washington
Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607, or such other address as may be specified from
time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                        All Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or
on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

                        This Syndicated Loan Note is one of the Syndicated Loan
Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith among
the Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Wachovia Bank
of Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as the same may be amended and modified from time
to time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are
used herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement
for provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment
hereof and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation
of the Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys
fees, in the event this Syndicated Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.
<PAGE>   155

                        The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand,
protest, notice of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required
by law relative hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly
provided for in the Credit Agreement.

                        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this
Syndicated Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized
officer as of the day and year first above written.


                                  SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                            (SEAL)


                                  By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: Senior Vice President


                                  By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: President and
                                            Chief Executive Officer




                                       2
<PAGE>   156


                         Syndicated Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 SYNDICATED LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Base Rate,          Amount           Amount of
                 or Euro-            of               Principal             Maturity          Notation
Date             Dollar Loan         Loan             Repaid                Date              Made By
                                                                                 
<S>              <C>                 <C>              <C>                   <C>               <C>
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________


</TABLE>




                                      3
<PAGE>   157

                              SYNDICATED LOAN NOTE

                                Atlanta, Georgia
                                 April 1, 1996


                        For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of
SunTrust Bank of Atlanta (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office,
the principal sum of TEN MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($10,000,000.00), or such
lesser amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each Syndicated
Loan made by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred
to below, on the dates and in the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this
Syndicated Loan Note on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the
Credit Agreement.  Interest on any overdue principal of and, to the extent
permitted by law, overdue interest on the principal amount hereof shall bear
interest at the Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement.  All
such payments of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the
United States in Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of
SunTrust Bank of Atlanta, One Park Place, N.E., Mail Code 126, Atlanta, Georgia
30302, or such other address as may be specified from time to time pursuant to
the Credit Agreement.

                        All Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or
on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

                        This Syndicated Loan Note is one of the Syndicated Loan
Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith among
the Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Wachovia Bank
of Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as the same may be amended and modified from time
to time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are
used herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement
for provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment
hereof and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation
of the Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys
fees, in the event this Syndicated Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.
<PAGE>   158

                        The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand,
protest, notice of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required
by law relative hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly
provided for in the Credit Agreement.

                        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this
Syndicated Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized
officer as of the day and year first above written.


                                  SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                            (SEAL)


                                  By: /s/ Gregory H. Smith
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: Senior Vice President


                                  By: /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                                     -----------------------------
                                     Title: President and
                                            Chief Executive Officer




                                       2
<PAGE>   159


                         Syndicated Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      SYNDICATED LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Base Rate,          Amount           Amount of
                 or Euro-            of               Principal             Maturity          Notation
Date             Dollar Loan         Loan             Repaid                Date              Made By

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

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

</TABLE>





                                       3
<PAGE>   160

                              SYNDICATED LOAN NOTE

                                Atlanta, Georgia
                                 April 1, 1996


                        For value received, SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), promises to pay to the order of
COOPERATIEVE CENTRALE RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK B.A., "RABOBANK NEDERLAND", NEW
YORK BRANCH (the "Bank"), for the account of its Lending Office, the principal
sum of TWENTY MILLION AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($20,000,000.00), or such lesser
amount as shall equal the unpaid principal amount of each Syndicated Loan made
by the Bank to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below,
on the dates and in the amounts provided in the Credit Agreement.  The Borrower
promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Syndicated Loan
Note on the dates and at the rate or rates provided for in the Credit
Agreement.  Interest on any overdue principal of and, to the extent permitted
by law, overdue interest on the principal amount hereof shall bear interest at
the Default Rate, as provided for in the Credit Agreement.  All such payments
of principal and interest shall be made in lawful money of the United States in
Federal or other immediately available funds at the office of Cooperatieve
Centrale Raiffeisen- Boerenleenbank B.A., "Rabobank Nederland", New York
Branch, 245 Park Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10167, or such other
address as may be specified from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

                        All Loans made by the Bank, the respective maturities
thereof, the interest rates from time to time applicable thereto, and all
repayments of the principal thereof shall be recorded by the Bank and, prior to
any transfer hereof, endorsed by the Bank on the schedule attached hereto, or
on a continuation of such schedule attached to and made a part hereof; provided
that the failure of the Bank to make any such recordation or endorsement shall
not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder or under the Credit
Agreement.

                        This Syndicated Loan Note is one of the Syndicated Loan
Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith among
the Borrower, the Banks listed on the signature pages thereof and Wachovia Bank
of Georgia, N.A., as Agent (as the same may be amended and modified from time
to time, the "Credit Agreement").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are
used herein with the same meanings.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement
for provisions for the optional and mandatory prepayment and the repayment
hereof and the acceleration of the maturity hereof, as well as the obligation
of the Borrower to pay all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys
fees, in the event this Syndicated Loan Note is collected by law or through an
attorney at law.


<PAGE>   161
                        The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand,
protest, notice of demand, protest and nonpayment and any other notice required
by law relative hereto, except to the extent as otherwise may be expressly
provided for in the Credit Agreement.

                        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this
Syndicated Loan Note to be duly executed, under seal, by its duly authorized
officer as of the day and year first above written.


                                       SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                                                  (SEAL)


                                       By:  /s/ William W. Sprague, III
                                           ------------------------------
                                           Title: William W. Sprague, III
                                                  President and Chief
                                                  Executive Officer

                                       By:  /s/ Gregory H. Smith
                                           ------------------------------
                                           Title: Gregory H. Smith
                                                  Senior Vice President
                                                  Chief Financial Officer
                                                  and Treasurer



                                      2
<PAGE>   162


                         Syndicated Loan Note (cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    SYNDICATED LOANS AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL                 
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Base Rate,          Amount           Amount of                    
                 or Euro-            of               Principal             Maturity          Notation
Date             Dollar Loan         Loan             Repaid                Date              Made By
                                                                             
<S>              <C>                 <C>              <C>                   <C>                <C>
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________


</TABLE>




                                       3

<PAGE>   1




                       THIRD AMENDMENT TO NOTE AGREEMENTS

          THIS THIRD AMENDMENT TO NOTE AGREEMENTS (this "Amendment") is made as
of the 29th day of March, 1996, by and among Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.,
a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance
Company ("Great-West"), The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company
("Variable"), The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company ("MMLIC"), Mutual
Trust Life Insurance Company ("Mutual"), National Travelers Life  Company
("National"), and The Reliable Life Insurance Company ("Reliable") (each of
Great-West, Variable, MMLIC, Mutual, National and Reliable, a "Holder" and,
collectively, the "Holders").  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreements (as defined below).

          WHEREAS, the Company entered into those certain Note Agreements, each
dated as of September 1, 1992, each as amended by that certain First Amendment
to Note Agreements effective as of June 15, 1994, and that certain Waiver and
Second Amendment to Note Agreements dated on or about June 28, 1995 (each, as
heretofore amended, an "Agreement" and, collectively, the "Agreements"), with
each of the Holders (or their predecessors in interest), pursuant to which the
Company issued its 8.35% Series A Senior Notes Due November 1, 2002 in the
aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000 (the "Series A Notes") and its 7.15%
Series B Senior Notes Due November 1, 2002 in the aggregate principal amount of
$20,000,000 (the "Series B Notes" and, collectively with the Series A Notes, the
"Notes");

          WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Holders amend the
Agreements to, among other things, eliminate certain covenants of the Company
and modify the "Events of Default" under the Agreements;

          WHEREAS, the Holders are willing to amend the Agreements pursuant to
the Company's request on the condition that the Company have issued, for the
benefit of the Holders, a standby letter of credit, containing such terms and
issued by such bank as are acceptable to the Holders; and

          WHEREAS, the Company and the Holders, as the holders of 100% in
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes, desire to enter into this
Amendment to effectuate the foregoing.

          NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the parties
hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Amendments.

          1.1 Section 2.3 of the Agreement is amended by adding thereto the
following sentence:  "If the Company shall so request in connection with a
notice of optional prepayment in full of the Notes pursuant to this Section 2.3
and shall have tendered to the holders of the Notes the Make-Whole Amount, then
the holders of the Notes shall direct the Collateral Agent to draw on the Letter
of Credit on the date fixed for optional prepayment, such draw to be in the
amount of

<PAGE>   2

the unpaid principal amount of the Notes and accrued interest thereon, together
with any Potential Preference Amount, as defined in the Collateral Agency
Agreement.

          1.2 Section 5 of the Agreements is hereby amended by (i) deleting
Sections 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12 and 5.13 in their entirety
(provided, however, that intervening and subsequent Section numbers shall remain
unchanged and shall not be re-numbered); and (ii) by deleting paragraphs (c),
(e), (g) and (h) of Section 5.18 (provided, however, that intervening and
subsequent paragraph letters in such Sections 5.18 shall remain unchanged and
shall not be re-lettered).

          1.3 Section 5 of the Agreements is hereby further amended by adding
new Sections 5.19, 5.20 and 5.21, as follows:

           "Section 5.19.  Maintenance of Letter of Credit.  In order to
           provide credit enhancement for the principal amount of, and interest
           on the Notes, the Company will maintain at all times from and after
           April 1, 1996 to and including the one hundred twentieth (120th) day
           after payment or prepayment in full of the Notes an irrevocable
           standby letter of credit in favor of the Collateral Agent in an
           amount at least equal to $62,500,000, subject to reduction in
           accordance with the provisions of Section 5.20 (such letter of
           credit, together with any letter of credit issued in renewal or
           substitution therefor in accordance with the provisions of this
           Agreement, is hereinafter referred to as the "Letter of Credit");
           provided, however, that the holders of the Notes will not
           unreasonably withhold their consent to immediate surrender and
           cancellation of the Letter of Credit upon payment in full of the
           principal amount of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes.
           Each Letter of Credit shall be substantially in the form attached
           hereto as Exhibit F and shall be issued by a bank which at all times
           during the term of such Letter of Credit is a national banking
           association organized under the laws of and doing business in the
           United States, has capital stock and surplus of at least
           $100,000,000 and is rated A+ or better by Standard & Poor's.  At
           least sixty (60) days prior to the expiry date of each Letter of
           Credit (as such expiry date may be automatically extended from time
           to time in accordance with the terms of such Letter of Credit) the
           Company shall cause to be delivered to the Collateral Agent (i) a
           renewal of such Letter of Credit extending the expiry date for an
           additional period of fifteen (15) months or, if such fifteen
           (15)-month period would extend beyond February 28, 2003, extending
           the expiry date of the Letter of Credit to February 28, 2003, or
           (ii) a Substitute Letter of Credit in accordance with the provisions
           of Section  5.21.  The Company agrees to pay the fees and other
           charges of the Collateral Agent for its services under the
           Collateral Agency Agreement."

           "Section 5.20.  Reduction of Letter of Credit.  At any time and from
           time to time, in order to reflect the reduction in the outstanding
           principal amount of the Notes resulting from a mandatory or optional
           prepayment thereof, upon obtaining the prior written approval of the
           holders of the Notes, the Company may reduce the amount of the Letter
           of Credit to an amount not less than 105% of the aggregate
           outstanding principal amount of the Notes (i) as of the ninety-fifth
           (95th) -2-


<PAGE>   3


           day preceding the date of such reduction, or (ii) if so approved by
           the holders of the Notes, as of the date of reduction (such approval
           not to be unreasonably withheld).  Provided that no Event of Default
           or Default has occurred and is continuing, the holders of the Notes
           shall, or shall cause the Collateral Agent to, execute such
           certificates as may be reasonably required by the issuing bank of the
           Letter of Credit to evidence their approval of any such reduction in
           the amount of the Letter of Credit."

           "Section 5.21.  Substitute Letters of Credit.  The Company shall
           have the right, which may be exercised at any time and from time to
           time (but in no event on more than one occasion in any period of
           twelve (12) consecutive months), to substitute a new Letter of
           Credit (a "Substitute Letter of Credit") for the Letter of Credit
           then held by the Collateral Agent, provided that all the
           requirements of this Section  5.21 are met.  Any such substitution
           shall not be valid, and the Letter of Credit then held by the
           Collateral Agent shall not be surrendered, unless and until the
           following conditions are met:

                (i) The bank issuing the Substitute Letter of Credit shall meet
           the requirements set forth in Section  5.19 and the Company shall
           have delivered or caused to be delivered to the holders of the Notes
           such evidence thereof as they may reasonably request.

                (ii) The Substitute Letter of Credit shall be in an amount at
           least equal to 105% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of
           the Notes as the ninety-fifth (95th) day preceding the substitution,
           have an expiry date no earlier than fifteen (15) months after the
           date of substitution or, if such fifteen (15)-month period would
           extend beyond February 28, 2003, have an expiry date of February 28,
           2003, and be substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto.

                (iii) Such Substitute Letter of Credit shall be accompanied by
           a favorable opinion of counsel for the issuing bank of such
           Substitute Letter of Credit, in form and substance satisfactory to
           the holders of the Notes, as to all matters specified in Exhibit G
           hereto.

                (iv) There shall not exist any Event of Default or Default."

          1.4 Section 6.1 of the Agreements is hereby amended by deleting
clauses (d) through (k), inclusive, in their entirety; by deleting the phrase
"or any Restricted Subsidiary" wherever it appears in clauses (l) and (m); and
by adding new clauses (n),  (o) and (p) as follows:

           "(n) Default shall occur in the performance or observance of
           Section 5.19 of this Agreement; or


                                      -3-


<PAGE>   4


           (o) The Company shall have defaulted in any material respect in the
           payment, observance or performance of its obligations under the bank
           agreement pursuant to which the Letter of Credit was issued, such
           default shall not have been remedied, and the bank issuing the
           Letter of Credit shall have notified the holders of the Notes of
           such default and directed that the holders cause the Collateral
           Agent to draw on the Letter of Credit (whereupon the holders of the
           Notes shall so direct the Collateral Agent); or

           (p) the issuing bank of the Letter of Credit is subject to
           insolvency or receivership proceedings."

          1.5 Section 6.3 of the Agreements is hereby amended by deleting the
first two sentences of Section 6.3 in their entirety and substituting the
following therefor:

           "Whenever any Event of Default described in paragraph (a), (b), (c)
           or (n) of Section 6.1 has happened and is continuing, any holder of
           any Note may, by notice to the Company, declare the entire principal
           and all interest accrued on all Notes to be, and all Notes shall
           thereupon become, forthwith due and payable, without any
           presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are
           hereby expressly waived.  When any Event of Default described in
           paragraph (l), (m), (o) or (p) of Section 6.1 has occurred, then all
           outstanding Notes shall immediately become due and payable without
           presentment, demand or notice of any kind."

          1.6 Section 6.4 of the Agreements is hereby amended by deleting the
reference to "paragraphs (a) through (j), inclusive," in the fourth line of such
Section and substituting "paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (n)" therefor.

          1.7 Section 7 of the Agreements is hereby amended by (i) amending and
restating clause (iv) of Section 7.1 as follows: "(iv) which will change Section
5.19, Section 5.20 or Section 5.21"; and (ii) by adding a new Section 7.4 as
follows:

           "Section 7.4.  Banks as Third Party Beneficiaries.  Notwithstanding
           anything to the contrary in this Section 7, no amendment to Section
           6 of this Agreement shall be effective without the prior written
           consent of all of the Banks under and as defined in that certain
           Credit Agreement, as from time to time amended, dated as of April 1,
           1996 among the Company, the Banks party thereto, and Wachovia Bank
           of Georgia, N.A., as agent.  Each of such Banks shall be a third
           party beneficiary of this Agreement for purposes of this Section 7.4
           during the term of such Credit Agreement, as from time to time
           amended.  Following such term, this Section 7.4 shall be of no
           further force or effect."

          1.8 Section 8 of the Agreements is hereby amended by adding the
following definitions:

                                      -4-


<PAGE>   5


           "'Collateral Agent' shall mean Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., as
           "Collateral Agent" under the Collateral Agency Agreement, or such
           other bank as shall from time to time serve as "Collateral Agent"
           thereunder in accordance with the terms thereof."

           "'Collateral Agency Agreement' shall mean that certain Collateral
           Agency Agreement between Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A., Great-West
           Life & Annuity Insurance Company, The Variable Annuity Life
           Insurance Company, The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company,
           Mutual Trust Life Insurance Company, National Travelers Life
           Company, and The Reliable Life Insurance Company dated as of March
           29, 1996, as from time to time amended."

           "'Letter of Credit' shall have the meaning set forth in Section
           5.19."

           "'Substitute Letter of Credit' shall have the meaning set forth in
           Section 5.21."

Section 2. Conditions to Effectiveness of Amendment.  Upon execution and
delivery, pursuant to the instructions of the holders of the Notes, of the
following documents and legal opinion, this Amendment shall be and become
effective as of March 31, 1996:

          (i)  Ten (10) originals of this Amendment duly authorized and executed
by all parties hereto;

          (ii)  a Letter of Credit issued by Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
complying with the provisions of Section 5.19 of the Agreement (to be added to
the Agreement pursuant to this Amendment) and having an expiry date on or after
June 30, 1997;

          (iii)  Ten (10) originals of the Collateral Agency Agreement in the
form of Attachment 1 hereto duly authorized and executed by all parties thereto;
and

          (iv)  Ten (10) originals of  a favorable opinion of  Jones, Day,
Reavis & Pogue, special counsel to Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., addressed to
the holders of the Notes and dated the effective date of this Amendment,
substantially in the form of Exhibit G to the Agreement (to be added to the
Agreement pursuant to this Amendment).

Section 3. Expenses.  The Company acknowledges and agrees that the
out-of-pocket expenses of the Holders in connection with this Amendment and the
Collateral Agency Agreement shall be paid directly by the Company in accordance
with Section 9.4 of the Agreement.

Section 4. Governing Law.  This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

Section 5. Execution in Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
taken together shall constitute the same instrument.


                                      -5-

<PAGE>   6



Section 6. Ratification.  Nothing in this Amendment shall be deemed to amend
the Agreements, or waive any provision thereof, except as expressly set forth
herein.  The Agreements, as amended hereby, are in all respects ratified and
confirmed and the provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment to be
effective as of the date first written above.

                                   SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.


                                   By:_____________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:

                                   GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY
                                        INSURANCE COMPANY


                                   By:_____________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                   And: ___________________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                   THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE
                                        INSURANCE COMPANY


                                   By:  ___________________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:


                                      -6-


<PAGE>   7


                                   THE MINNESOTA MUTUAL LIFE
                                        INSURANCE COMPANY

                                   By: MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT        
                                       COMPANY

                                   By:_____________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                   MUTUAL TRUST LIFE INSURANCE
                                        COMPANY

                                   By: MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT
                                          COMPANY


                                   By:_____________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:

                                   NATIONAL TRAVELERS LIFE COMPANY

                                   By: MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT
                                         COMPANY


                                   By:_____________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:

                                   THE RELIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
                                     COMPANY

                                   By: MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT
                                         COMPANY



                                   By:_____________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:

                                      -7-


M1-0118862.07

<PAGE>   8


                      IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT

                         WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.
                           191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                          Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1757




Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.                                      April 1, 1996
Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0069                       CREDIT NO.
                                                                  -------------


Attention:  Corporate Trust


Dear Sirs:

You, as Collateral Agent under the Collateral Agency Agreement, dated as of
March 29, 1996 (the "Collateral Agency Agreement"), among Great-West Life &
Annuity Insurance Company, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, The
Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company, Mutual Trust Life Insurance Company,
National Travelers Life Company, and The Reliable Life Insurance Company (the
"Holders") and you, pursuant to which you have agreed to act as Collateral
Agent for the Holders and any subsequent holders of the 8.35% Series A Senior
Notes of Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc. in the original principal amount of
Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) and 7.15% Series B Notes of Savannah Foods
& Industries, Inc. in the original principal amount of Twenty Million Dollars
($20,000,000) (together with any notes issued in substitution or exchange
therefor, collectively the "Notes") issued pursuant to the terms of those
certain Note Agreements dated as of September 1, 1992, as amended, among
Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc. and the Holders (or their predecessors in
interest) (collectively, the "Note Agreements"), are hereby irrevocably
authorized to draw on Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A. (the "Bank"), Irrevocable
Letter of Credit No.        , for the account of Savannah Foods & Industries,
Inc., available by your draft at sight upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth, an amount not exceeding SIXTY-TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND DOLLARS ($62,500,000) (the "Stated Amount").

The amount of this Letter of Credit may be reduced at any time and from time to
time by our receipt of a signed completed request in the form of EXHIBIT A
hereto, appropriately completed.



*This page constitutes page__ of__ pages of Letter of Credit____and is not 
 to be detached. 
<PAGE>   9


Your draft may be submitted with respect to (i) the aggregate unpaid principal
amount of and accrued interest on the Notes as of the date of the draft,
together with (ii) any Potential Preference Amount, as defined in the
Collateral Agency Agreement.

Funds under this Letter of Credit are available to you against your sight draft
drawn on us, stating on its face:  "Drawn under Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.,
Irrevocable Letter of Credit No._____________ " accompanied by your written 
certificate signed by your authorized officer in the form of EXHIBIT B hereto,
appropriately completed.

Presentation of such draft and certificate shall be made at                   ,
located at (provided that presentation of the draft and certificate to the Bank
may be made by telecopy and confirmed by prompt delivery to Bank of the original
executed draft and certificate) or at any other office of ours which may be
designated by us by written notice delivered to you.  We hereby agree that a
draft drawn under and in compliance with the terms of this Letter of Credit will
be duly honored by us upon delivery of the certificate as specified above,
appropriately completed, if presented at such office on or before the Expiration
Date.  If the drawing in respect of payment is made by you hereunder on a
Business Day, and provided that such drawing and the documents presented in
connection therewith conform to the terms and conditions hereof and are
presented to such office at or prior to 2:30 p.m. Atlanta, Georgia time, payment
shall be made to you of the amount specified, in immediately available funds,
not later than 2:00 p.m., Atlanta, Georgia time, on the next succeeding Business
Day.  If so presented after such time, and such drawing and the documents
presented in connection therewith conform to the terms and conditions hereof,
payment shall be made to you of the amount specified, in immediately available
funds, not later than 2:00 p.m. Atlanta, Georgia time, on the second succeeding
Business Day after such presentation. If requested by you, payment under this
Letter of Credit may be made by wire transfer of federal funds to your account,
by a Federal Funds check or by deposit of immediately available funds into a
designated account that you maintain with us.  Payments made hereunder shall not
be made from any funds of Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc.  As used herein
"Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday or
other day on which banks located in the city or cities in which the principal
office of the Collateral Agent and the principal office of the Bank are
authorized or required to close for general banking business or on which the New
York Stock Exchange is closed.

A draw in respect of payment hereunder honored by us shall not exceed the
amount of the Stated Amount, as in effect from time to time.

Only you, as Collateral Agent, may make a drawing under this Letter of Credit.
Upon the payment to you or your account of the amount specified in a sight
draft drawn hereunder, we shall be fully discharged on our obligation under
this Letter of Credit with respect to such draft, and we shall not thereafter
be obligated to make any further payments under this Letter of Credit in
respect of such draft to you or to any other person who may have made to you or
who makes to you a demand for payment of principal of, or interest on the
Notes.



*This page constitutes page__ of__ pages of Letter of Credit____and is not 
 to be detached. 

<PAGE>   10

This Letter of Credit and the ability to draw hereon with respect to the Stated
Amount shall be effective immediately and shall expire at 5:00 p.m. Atlanta,
Georgia time, on June 30, 1997 (such date or such later date to which the
expiration of this Letter of Credit shall have been extended in accordance with
its terms, hereinafter called the "Expiration Date"); provided, however, that on
the last day of each calendar quarter (i.e., March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31) from and after the date hereof, commencing June 30, 1996 (each such
day hereinafter called an "Extension Date") this Standby Letter of Credit will
be extended automatically, and without further act or deed by you or us, for an
additional period of one calendar quarter beyond the original or any extended
Expiration Date (so that on each Extension Date this Standby Letter of Credit
will always have a remaining term of fifteen (15) months), unless at least sixty
(60) days prior to the original or any subsequent Extension Date we notify you
by a certificate in the form of EXHIBIT C hereto, appropriately completed, that
this Letter of Credit will not be extended.

This Letter of Credit may be terminated prior to the Expiration Date upon
delivery to the Bank of the Letter of Credit accompanied by a duly executed
request in the form of EXHIBIT D hereto, appropriately completed.

This Letter of Credit is subject to the Uniform Customs and Practice for
Documentary Credits (1993 Revision), International Chamber of Commerce,
publication No. 500 (the "Uniform Customs").  This Letter of Credit shall be
deemed to be made under the laws of Georgia including Article 5 of the Uniform
Commercial Code, and shall, as to matters not governed by the Uniform Customs,
be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Georgia.

Communications with respect to this Letter of Credit shall be in writing and
shall be addressed to Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., 301 North Main Street,
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27150, Attention: Standby Letter of Credit
Department, specifically referring thereon to Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
Irrevocable Letter of Credit No.          .

Notwithstanding anything in Article 48 of the Uniform Customs to the contrary,
this Letter of Credit is transferable in its entirety (but not in part), to any
transferee who has succeeded you as Collateral Agent under the Collateral
Agency Agreement and such transferred Letter of Credit may be successively
transferred.  Transfer of the amount available under this Letter of Credit to
such transferee shall be effected by the presentation to us of this Letter of
Credit accompanied by the transfer form substantially in the form of EXHIBIT E
hereto, appropriately completed, and unless this Letter of Credit is so
presented to us, we shall have no obligation hereunder to any transferee.  Upon
such transfer, we will either reissue this Letter of Credit in the maximum
amount then available hereunder or otherwise amend this Letter of Credit to
reflect such maximum amount then available.

This Letter of Credit sets forth in full our undertaking, and such undertaking
shall not in any way be modified, amended, amplified or limited by reference to
any document, instrument or



*This page constitutes page__ of__ pages of Letter of Credit____and is not 
 to be detached. 

<PAGE>   11

agreement referred to herein, except only Exhibits A through E hereto, and the
draft referred to herein, and any such reference shall not be deemed to
incorporate herein by reference any document, instrument or agreement as set
forth above.

Very truly yours,

WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.



By:
   -----------------------
      Authorized Officer



M1:0120089.04



*This page constitutes page__ of__ pages of Letter of Credit____and is not 
 to be detached.


<PAGE>   12

                                                 EXHIBIT A TO LETTER OF CREDIT*
                                                 -----------------------------


                         Date:________________, ____




Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
c/o Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, N.A.
301 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27150

Attention:  Standby Letter of Credit Department
            -----------------------------------

          Re:  Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
               Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. ___________


Gentlemen:

     The undersigned is account party of the above-referenced Letter of Credit
and hereby requests that the amount thereof be reduced to $__________,
effective immediately.

     THIS REQUEST SHALL BE EFFECTIVE ONLY IF APPROVED BY THE BENEFICIARY.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC.


                                   By:  __________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                   Approval

     The undersigned beneficiary of the above-referenced Letter of Credit
hereby approves the request by the account party that the amount thereof be
reduced to $ ______________.

                                    NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.
                                    Collateral Agent


                                   By:  __________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:


______________________________
*For reduction of amount of Letter of Credit


*This page constitutes page ___of ___pages of Letter of Credit _____and is not
to be detached.


<PAGE>   13

                                                 EXHIBIT B TO LETTER OF CREDIT*


                            CERTIFICATE FOR DRAWING


     The undersigned, a duly authorized officer of Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.,
as Collateral Agent (the "Collateral Agent"), hereby certifies to Wachovia Bank
of Georgia, N.A. (the "Bank"), with reference to Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No._______________(the "Letter of Credit")
(any capitalized term used herein and not defined shall have its respective
meaning as set forth in the Letter of Credit) issued by the Bank in favor of the
Collateral Agent, that:

       (1) Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. is the Collateral Agent under the
       Collateral Agency Agreement.

       (2) The Collateral Agent is making a drawing for the sum of (a) the
       unpaid principal amount of the Notes as of the date hereof, (b) accrued
       interest on the Notes as of the date hereof at the rate stated therein
       and (c) the Potential Preference Amount, as defined in the Collateral
       Agency Agreement, computed as follows:

            (a) $________________
            (b) $________________
            (c) $________________
                                                  Total $____________

       (3) The amount of the draft accompanying this Certificate does not
       exceed the amount available on the date hereof to be drawn under the
       Letter of Credit.

       (4) The amount of the draft accompanying this Certificate was computed
       in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes, the Note
       Agreement and the Collateral Agency Agreement.

       (5) Please wire transfer "federal funds" as follows:
       ________________________________________________________________________
       ________________________________________________________________________







This page constitutes page_______of_____pages of Letter of Credit and is not be
detached.
M1:0120663.03


<PAGE>   14


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Collateral Agent has executed and delivered this
Certificate as of the_______day of________________, ______.

                                        NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.
                                        Collateral Agent

                                        By: ________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:



_______________________________
*To accompany draft.



























*This page constitutes page____of____pages of Letter of Credit and is not be
detached.
M1:0120663.03



<PAGE>   15

                                                  EXHIBIT C TO LETTER OF CREDIT*
                                                  -----------------------------



                         Date:______________, _______




Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.
Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0069

Attention:  Corporate Trust

      Re:  Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
           Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No.

Gentlemen:

     The undersigned, a duly authorized officer of Wachovia Bank of Georgia,
N.A. (the "Bank"), hereby notifies you with respect to the above-referenced
Letter of Credit (the "Letter of Credit") issued by the Bank to you as
Collateral Agent under the Collateral Agency Agreement, as defined in the
Letter of Credit, that the Letter of Credit will not be extended by the Bank
beyond its current Expiration Date of __________________, ______, and that
therefore, the Letter of Credit will expire at 10:00 a.m. Atlanta, Georgia time
on ___________________, ______.


                                    WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.


                                    By:___________________________________
                                       Name:
                                       Title:





____________________________
*For notice of no extension.


*This page constitutes page____of____pages of Letter of Credit and is not be
detached.
M1:0120096.01



<PAGE>   16

                                                  EXHIBIT D TO LETTER OF CREDIT*
                                                  -----------------------------


                     Date:_______________________,____


Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
c/o Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, N.A.
301 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27150

Attention:  Standby Letter of Credit Department

      Re:  Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
           Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No._______

Gentlemen:

     The undersigned, a duly authorized officer of Norwest Bank Minnesota,
N.A., as Collateral Agent (the "Collateral Agent") under the Collateral Agency
Agreement, as defined in the above-referenced Letter of Credit ("Letter of
Credit") issued by the Bank in favor of the Collateral Agent, hereby certifies
to Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A., with respect to the Letter of Credit, that
(i) Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc. has requested that the Letter of Credit
be delivered for cancellation, and (ii) for more than ninety-five (95) days no
Notes have been outstanding under the Note Agreements, as defined in the Letter
of Credit, or the holders of the Notes have approved delivery of the Letter of
Credit for cancellation prior to the expiration of such ninety-five (95) day
period.

     We are delivering herewith the Letter of Credit for cancellation.

                                    NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.

                                    Collateral Agent



                                    By:___________________________________
                                       Name:
                                       Title:



__________________________________
*For delivery of Letter of Credit for cancellation.





*This page constitutes page____of____pages of Letter of Credit and is not be
detached.
M1:0120093.03



<PAGE>   17


                                                  EXHIBIT E TO LETTER OF CREDIT*
                                                  -----------------------------


                       Date:________________________,____


Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
c/o Wachovia Bank of North Carolina, N.A.
301 North Main Street
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27150
Attention:  Standby Letter of Credit Department


     Re:  Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
          Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. __________

Gentlemen:

     For value received, the undersigned beneficiary of the above-referenced
Letter of Credit (the "Letter of Credit") hereby irrevocably transfers to the
following named transferee (the "Transferee"):

            (Name of Transferee)
            (Address)

all rights of the undersigned beneficiary to draw under the above Letter of
Credit in its entirety.

     By this transfer, all rights of the undersigned beneficiary in the Letter
of Credit are transferred to the Transferee and the Transferee shall have the
sole rights as beneficiary thereof, including sole rights relating to any
amendments of the Letter of Credit, whether such amendments now exist or are
made after the date hereof.  All amendments of the Letter of Credit are to be
advised direct to the Transferee without necessity of any consent of or notice
to the undersigned beneficiary.  The undersigned hereby certifies that the
Transferee has become successor Collateral Agent under the Collateral Agency
Agreement, and has accepted such appointment in writing.






____________________________
*For transfer of Letter of Credit to successor Collateral Agent.


*This page constitutes page____of____ pages of Letter of Credit and is not be
detached.
M1:0120095.02

<PAGE>   18


     The original of such Letter of Credit is returned herewith, and in
accordance therewith we ask you to endorse the transfer on the reverse thereof,
and forward it directly to the Transferee with your customary notice of
transfer.

                                       Yours very truly,

                                       NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.
                                       Collateral Agent



                                       By:________________________________
                                       Name:
                                       Title:


*This page constitutes page____of____pages of Letter of Credit and is not be
detached.
M1:0120095.01


<PAGE>   19
                                                                       EXHIBIT G

                  OPINION OF COUNSEL TO LETTER OF CREDIT BANK




          (i) The Bank is a national banking association duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the United States of America.

          (ii) The Letter of Credit has been duly authorized by all necessary
action on the part of the Bank.

          (iii) The Letter of Credit has been duly executed, acknowledged and
delivered on behalf of the Bank and constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Bank enforceable against the Bank in accordance with its
terms.

          (iv) The issuance by the Bank of the Letter of Credit and the
performance by the Bank of its obligations thereunder are within the Bank's
corporate power as a national banking association, require no consent or
approval of or filing, other than filings in the ordinary course of the Bank's
business, with any governmental or other regulatory agency, and do not conflict
with or constitute a breach of or default under, any indenture, commitment,
agreement or other instrument to which the Bank is a party or by which it is
bound or under any existing law, rule, regulation, ordinance, judgment, order or
decree to which the Bank is subject.

          (v) There is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation at
law or in equity, or before or by any court, public board or body pending or, to
the best of our knowledge, threatened, against the Bank, which in any way could
adversely affect the validity or enforceability of the Letter of Credit or which
would materially adversely affect the financial condition or operations of the
Bank.

          (vi) Payment of principal of, and interest on the Notes from funds
paid by the Bank pursuant to a draft drawn under and in accordance with the
terms of the Letter of Credit would not constitute a voidable preference under
the United States Bankruptcy Code, 11 USC Section 547 or under the applicable
laws or regulations in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company.







M1:0119444.03



<PAGE>   20


                          COLLATERAL AGENCY AGREEMENT

     COLLATERAL AGENCY AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), dated as of March 29, 1996
among Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company ("Great-West"), The Variable
Annuity Life Insurance Company ("Variable"), The Minnesota Mutual Life
Insurance Company ("MMLIC"), Mutual Trust Life Insurance Company ("Mutual"),
National Travelers Life  Company ("National"), and The Reliable Life Insurance
Company ("Reliable") (each of Great-West, Variable, MMLIC, Mutual, National and
Reliable, a "Noteholder" and, collectively, the "Noteholders"), and Norwest
Bank Minnesota, N.A. as agent (the "Collateral Agent").

                                  WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, Savannah Foods & Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), entered into those certain Note Agreements, each dated as of
September 1, 1992, each as amended by that certain First Amendment to Note
Agreements effective as of June 15, 1994, and that certain Waiver and Second
Amendment to Note Agreements dated on or about June 28, 1995 (each, as
heretofore amended and as may be further amended from time to time, a "Note
Agreement" and, collectively, the "Note Agreements"), with each of the
Noteholders (or their predecessors in interest), pursuant to which the Company
issued its 8.35% Series A Senior Notes Due November 1, 2002 in the aggregate
original principal amount of $50,000,000 (the "Series A Notes") and its 7.15%
Series B Senior Notes Due November 1, 2002 in the aggregate original principal
amount of $20,000,000 (the "Series B Notes" and, collectively with the Series A
Notes, the "Notes");

     WHEREAS, the Company and the Noteholders have agreed to enter into that
certain Third Amendment to Note Agreements of even date herewith to, among
other things, eliminate certain covenants of the Company, modify the "Events of
Default" under the Note Agreements, and provide for the issuance of  an
irrevocable standby letter of credit (together with any letter of credit issued
in substitution therefor in accordance with the Note Agreements, the "Letter of
Credit") for the benefit of  the Noteholders; and

     WHEREAS, the Noteholders wish to appoint the Collateral Agent to act as
their agent on their behalf under the Letter of Credit.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants
and agreements contained herein, the Noteholders and the Collateral Agent agree
as follows:

     1. Appointment and Authorization.  Each Noteholder designates and appoints
the Collateral Agent as the agent of such Noteholder under the Letter of
Credit, and authorizes the Collateral Agent to take such action as agent on its
behalf and to exercise such


<PAGE>   21

powers and perform such duties under the Letter of Credit, as are delegated to
the Collateral Agent by the terms hereof, together with all such powers as are
reasonably incidental thereto.

     2. Duties and Powers of Collateral Agent.

     (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the
Collateral Agent (i) shall not take, and shall be fully justified in failing or
refusing to take, any action under this Agreement or the Letter of Credit
unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required
Noteholders (as hereinafter defined), and (ii) shall take such actions under
this Agreement or the Letter of Credit upon written direction of  the Required
Noteholders, and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be
binding upon all of the Noteholders and all future holders of the Notes.

     (b) Once each calendar quarter during the term of this Agreement, the
Collateral Agent shall determine the Standard & Poor's rating of the issuer of
the Letter of Credit and, if such rating is below A+, shall give prompt written
notice thereof to the Noteholders.  In addition, the Collateral Agent shall
immediately notify the Noteholders in the event there is not delivered to the
Collateral Agent at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiry date of any
Letter of Credit (as such expiry date may be automatically extended from time
to time in accordance with the terms of such Letter of Credit) either (i) a
renewal of such Letter of Credit, or (ii) a new Letter of Credit in
substitution therefor.  The Collateral Agent shall deliver to the Noteholders,
within two (2) business days of its receipt thereof, any renewal of a Letter of
Credit or any substitute Letter of Credit, together with a letter from the
Collateral Agent stating that such renewal or substitution has been received
but has not been reviewed by the Collateral Agent to determine its compliance
with the terms and conditions of the Note Agreements.  The Collateral Agent
shall not surrender a Letter of Credit for which a substitute Letter of Credit
has been delivered, except upon written direction of the Required Noteholders.

     (c) Upon written notice from the Required Noteholders (i) that an Event of
Default has occurred and the Notes have been accelerated or that the Notes are
to be prepaid in full by a draw on the Letter of Credit; (ii) that the Notes
have theretofore been paid or prepaid in full by the Company, thereafter a
petition was filed by or against the Company commencing a case under the United
States Bankruptcy Code (a "Bankruptcy Petition") and the date of such payment
or prepayment was within the ninety (90)-day period prior to the date of the
filing of the Bankruptcy Petition (calculated in accordance with the provisions
of Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedures 9006(a)); or (iii) that the Notes
have theretofore been paid or prepaid in full but the expiry date of the Letter
of Credit (as such expiry date may be automatically extended from time to time
in accordance with the terms of such Letter of Credit) is ninety-five (95) days
or less after the date of payment or prepayment and the Company has not caused
a renewal or substitute Letter of Credit to be delivered to the Collateral
Agent in accordance with the provisions of the Note Agreements at least sixty
(60) days prior to such expiry date, then, upon any such event, the Collateral
Agent shall submit a draft under the Letter of Credit for the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of and accrued

                                       2


<PAGE>   22

interest on the Notes as of the date of the draft, together with the aggregate
amount (the "Potential Preference Amount") of principal and interest paid or
prepaid on the Notes during the Applicable Period, as hereinafter defined.
"Applicable Period" shall mean:

                  (1)  for a draw with respect to the
                       foregoing clause (i) of this Section 2(c), the period
                       commencing on the date specified below and ending on the
                       date of such draw --

                        (A) if a proceeding instituted by the filing of a
                        Bankruptcy Petition is pending at the time of such
                        draw, the period commences ninety (90) days prior to
                        the filing of such Bankruptcy Petition (calculated in
                        accordance with the provisions of Federal Rules of
                        Bankruptcy Procedures 9006(a)); or

                        (B) if no proceeding instituted by the filing of a
                        Bankruptcy Petition is pending at the time of such
                        draw, the period commences on the date ninety-five (95)
                        days prior to such draw;

                  (2)  for a draw with respect to the
                       foregoing clause (ii) of this Section  2(c), the period
                       commencing on the date ninety (90) days prior to the
                       filing of the Bankruptcy Petition (calculated in
                       accordance with the provisions of Federal Rules of
                       Bankruptcy Procedures 9006(a)) and ending on the date of
                       such draw; and

                  (3)  for a draw with respect to the
                       foregoing clause (iii) of this Section 2(c), the period
                       commencing on the date ninety-five (95) days prior to
                       the date of the draw and ending on the date of such
                       draw.

     (d) The Collateral Agent shall distribute the proceeds from the Letter of
Credit as follows:  (i) proceeds with respect to the aggregate unpaid principal
amount of and accrued interest on the Notes as of the date of the draft shall
be distributed by wire transfer of immediately available funds within one (1)
business day of receipt by the Collateral Agent to the Noteholders, based upon
the unpaid principal amount of and accrued interest on the Notes held by each
such Noteholder; (ii) if a proceeding initiated by the filing of a Bankruptcy
Petition is pending on the date of the draft, proceeds with respect to any
Potential Preference Amount shall be distributed as soon as practicable to the
Company as debtor-in-possession, or if a trustee is appointed in the bankruptcy
proceeding, to the trustee; and (iii) if a proceeding initiated by the filing
of a Bankruptcy Petition is not pending on the date of the draft, the
Collateral Agent shall hold the proceeds with respect to any Potential
Preference Amount for the balance of the ninety-five (95) day period from and
after the payment or prepayment of the Notes, shall thereafter inquire in
writing of the Noteholders as to whether

                                       3


<PAGE>   23

a Bankruptcy Petition has been filed by or against the Company during such
ninety-five (95) day period, and upon receipt of the written response from the
Required Noteholders shall either (x) if a Bankruptcy Petition has been filed
by or against the Company and the date of such payment or prepayment was within
the ninety (90)-day period prior to the filing of the Bankruptcy Petition
(calculated in accordance with the provisions of Federal Rules of Bankruptcy
Procedures 9006(a)), distribute such proceeds of the Letter of Credit to the
Company as debtor-in-possession, or if a trustee is appointed in the bankruptcy
proceeding, to the trustee, or (y) remit such proceeds to the issuer of the
Letter of Credit if no such Bankruptcy Petition has been filed.

     (e) The obligations of the Collateral Agent hereunder are only those
expressly set forth herein.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the Collateral Agent shall not be required to take any action with respect to
any Event of Default or Default (as defined in the Note Agreements), except as
expressly provided in this Agreement.

     3. Consultation with Experts.  The Collateral Agent may consult with legal
counsel, independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and
shall not be liable for any action taken, or omitted to be taken, by it in good
faith in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.

     4. Liability of Collateral Agent.  Neither the Collateral Agent nor any of
its directors, officers, agents, employees or affiliates shall be liable for
any actions taken or not taken by them in connection herewith (i) with the
consent or at the request of the Required Noteholders or (ii)  in the absence
of their own gross negligence, willful misconduct or, solely with respect to
the handling of funds, simple negligence.  Neither the Collateral Agent nor any
of its directors, officers, agents, employees or affiliates shall be
responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into or verify (i) any
statement, warranty or representation made in connection with this Agreement or
the Note Agreements, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document
referred to or provided for therein, or received by the Collateral Agent under
or in connection therewith; (ii) the performance or observance of any of the
covenants or agreements of the Company; or (iii) the validity, effectiveness or
genuineness of any Letter of Credit or any other instrument or writing
furnished in connection herewith.  The Collateral Agent shall not incur any
liability in acting in reliance upon any notice, consent, certificate,
statement, or other writing believed by it to be genuine or to be signed by the
proper party or parties.  Each Noteholder has independently evaluated all
aspects of the transactions contemplated by the Note Agreements and the
Collateral Agent (i) shall not be responsible for any representations or
warranties made by the Company, and (ii) makes no representation or warranty as
to the Company, any financial statements submitted by or for the Company, any
risk of loss with respect to any loan evidenced by the Notes or any other
matter whatsoever.

     5. Notice of Default.   The Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have
knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Default under
the Note Agreements, unless the Collateral Agent has received written notice
from a Noteholder or the

                                       4



<PAGE>   24

Company describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such
notice is a notice of default.  In the event that the Collateral Agent receives
such a notice, the Collateral Agent shall give notice thereof to the
Noteholders.  The Collateral Agent shall take such action under the Letter of
Credit with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be directed by
the Required Noteholders.

     6. Indemnification.  Each Noteholder shall, ratably in accordance with the
principal amount of the Notes held by such Noteholder, indemnify the Collateral
Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Company) against any cost, expense
(including counsel fees and disbursements), claim, demand, action, loss or
liability (except such as result from the Collateral Agent's gross negligence
or willful misconduct) that the Collateral Agent may suffer or incur in
connection with this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Collateral
Agent hereunder or under the Letter of Credit.  The Collateral Agent may apply
any payments received from the Company or any other person first to reimburse
itself for such costs, expenses, claims, demands, actions, losses and
liabilities.

     7. Resignation or Replacement of the Collateral Agent.

     (a) The Collateral Agent may resign as collateral agent by delivering
written notice thereof to the Noteholders, specifying the date (not earlier
than 60 days after the giving of such notice) when such resignation shall take
effect.  Such resignation shall become effective on the date specified in such
notice, unless prior to such date a successor collateral agent shall have been
appointed as provided in subsection (c) below, in which event such resignation
shall take effect immediately upon the appointment of such successor collateral
agent.

     (b) The Collateral Agent may be removed at any time, with or without
cause, by an instrument in writing executed by the Required Noteholders and
delivered to the Collateral Agent, a copy of which shall forthwith be sent by
such Noteholders to the Company, giving notice of such removal and the date
when it shall take effect.

     (c) In case at any time the Collateral Agent shall resign or be removed or
otherwise become incapable of acting, a successor collateral agent may be
appointed by an instrument in writing executed by the Required Noteholders.

     (d) Any new collateral agent appointed pursuant to any of the provisions
hereof shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Noteholders, with a copy
to the Company, an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon such
new collateral agent, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become
vested with all the rights and powers of its predecessor hereunder with like
effect as if originally named as collateral agent herein.  The collateral agent
ceasing to act shall deliver to such new collateral agent, or, if no new
collateral agent shall have been appointed, to such Noteholder or Noteholders
as such withdrawing collateral agent shall, in its sole discretion, designate,
without recourse and

                                       5



<PAGE>   25

without representation or warranties of any kind, express of implied, any
collateral in its possession in the same form as received.

     8. Required Noteholders.  Each of the Noteholders agrees that (i) whenever
in this Agreement or the Letter of Credit, the Collateral Agent, acting on
behalf of the Noteholders, is authorized or permitted to approve, consent to,
waive, take or direct any action, inaction or another matter, (ii) whenever any
of the Noteholders desires to amend, modify, discharge, release, terminate,
supplement or waive any provision or provisions of the Letter of Credit, or
(iii) whenever any of the Noteholders desires to deal in any way whatsoever
with, or to take any action whatsoever with respect to, the Letter of Credit,
including, without limitation, exercising or enforcing any rights or remedies
under the Letter of Credit, such approval, consent, waiver, taking or
direction, or such amendment, modification, discharge, release, termination,
supplementation or waiver, or such dealing or action, as the case may be, shall
require and be valid only upon the concurrence of Noteholders representing at
least 66-2/3% of the aggregate then unpaid principal amount of all the Notes
outstanding at the time such vote is taken (or if no Notes are then
outstanding, such percentage shall be determined based upon the Notes
outstanding immediately prior to the most recent payment or prepayment of the
Notes) (the "Required Noteholders").

     9. Collateral Agent's Fees.  All fees charged by the Collateral Agent as
compensation for its services provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be paid
by the Company; provided, however, the Noteholders acknowledge and agree that
the Collateral Agent may deduct pro rata from the amount of any proceeds to be
distributed to the Noteholders as provided in Section 2(d) above the amount of
all outstanding and unpaid fees at such time.

     10. Notices. Any notice hereunder shall be in writing and transmitted by
(i) telecopier (with duplicate notice sent by overnight air express service),
(ii) Express Mail, Federal Express or similar overnight air express service, or
(iii) first class mail, and if to the Collateral Agent, addressed to the
Collateral Agent at the address shown below its signature hereto, or at such
other address as it may, by written notice given to the Noteholders, have
designated as its address for such purposes, and if to the Noteholders,
addressed to the Noteholders at their respective addresses shown on Schedule A
attached hereto, or at such other address as any Noteholder may, by written
notice given to the other Noteholders and the Collateral Agent, have designated
as its address for such purpose.

     11. Representations and Warranties by Noteholders.    Each Noteholder
hereby severally represents and warrants that set forth below its  name on
Schedule A attached hereto is the principal amount of the Notes held by such
Noteholder, the notice address  for such Noteholder, and the wire transfer
instructions where any proceeds of the Letter of Credit to be delivered to such
Noteholder shall be sent.


                                       6


<PAGE>   26


     12. Amendment.   This Agreement, or any provision hereof, may be amended
at any time only by written agreement executed by the Collateral Agent and the
Required Noteholders.

     13. Captions.   Captions used in this Agreement are for convenience only
and shall not affect the construction of this Agreement.

     14. Governing Law.   This Agreement shall be a contract made under and
governed by the internal laws of the State of Illinois.

     15. Successors and Assigns; Transfer of Notes.   This Agreement shall be
binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of each Noteholder and its
respective successors and assigns, including without limitation each transferee
of any of the Notes.  Each Noteholder agrees that if it transfers any Note, or
any part thereof, it will prior to the closing of such transfer provide the
transferee with a copy of this Agreement and promptly after such closing shall
notify the Collateral Agent in writing of such transfer, whereupon the
transferee shall become a "Noteholder" for purposes of the Agreement.  The
Collateral Agent shall be entitled to assume conclusively that no such transfer
has been made, unless and until such written notice is received.  Each
transferee of any Note, or any part thereof, shall take such Note or part
thereof subject to the provisions of this Agreement and to any notice given or
other action taken hereunder prior to the receipt by the Collateral Agent of
written notice of such transfer.

     16. Counterparts.   This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall
constitute but one Agreement.


                                       7


<PAGE>   27


     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.


COLLATERAL AGENT:                  NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, N.A.



                                   By:_____________________________________
                                       Name:
                                       Title:


                                    Address: Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.
                                             Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue
                                             Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0069
                                             Attention:  Corporate Trust
                                             Telefacsimile No.: (612) 667-9825
                                             Confirmation No.: (612) 667-3252



NOTEHOLDERS:                       GREAT-WEST LIFE & ANNUITY
                                         INSURANCE COMPANY


                                   By:_____________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:


                                   And:  __________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                   THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE
                                         INSURANCE COMPANY


                                   By:_____________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:


                                       8


<PAGE>   28


                                    THE MINNESOTA MUTUAL LIFE
                                         INSURANCE COMPANY

                                    By: MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY


                                    By:_____________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                    MUTUAL TRUST LIFE INSURANCE
                                         COMPANY

                                    By: MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY


                                    By:_____________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                    NATIONAL TRAVELERS LIFE COMPANY

                                    By: MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY


                                    By:_____________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                    THE RELIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
                                         COMPANY

                                    By: MIMLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY


                                    By:_____________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:
M1:0119423.05

                                       9



<PAGE>   29

NAME AND ADDRESS                                  OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF HOLDER                                                  OF NOTES HELD


GREAT-WEST LIFE AND ANNUITY                          Series A     Series B
 INSURANCE COMPANY                                   $25,000,000  $2,428,571.43
8515 East Orchard Road
3rd Floor, Tower 2
Englewood, Colorado 80111
Attention: U.S. Private Placement Investments
Telefacsimile No.: (303) 689-6193
Confirmation No.: (303) 889-3000

Payments

      All payments on or in respect of the Notes
      to be by bank wire transfer of Federal or
      other immediately available funds
      (identifying each payment as "Savannah
      Foods & Industries, Inc., 8.35% Series A
      Senior Notes due 2002 or 7.15% Series B
      Senior Notes due 2002, principal or
      interest" and further identifying the
      allocation of each payment between
      principal and interest and confirming the
      principal balance) to:

            Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.
            Norwest Center
            Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue
            Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0047
            ABA No. 091000019

            for credit to the
            Trust Clearing Account 08-40-245
            Re:    The Great-West Life
            for Account No. 12468800

Notices

      All notices of payments, on or in respect
      of the Notes and written confirmation of
      each such payment to:


                                   SCHEDULE A
                        (to Collateral Agency Agreement)


<PAGE>   30



            Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A.
            733 Marquette Avenue
            Investors Building, 5th Floor
            Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0047
            Attention: Income Collections

      All notices and communications other than
      those in respect to payments to be
      addressed as first provided above.

Name of Nominee in which Notes are held:  None

Taxpayer I.D. No. 84-0467907




                                      A-2

<PAGE>   31


NAME AND ADDRESS                                  OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF HOLDER                                                  OF NOTES HELD

                                                     Series A     Series B
THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE                            $10,000,000  $9,714,285.71
 INSURANCE COMPANY
c/o American General Corporation
P.O. Box 3247
Houston, Texas 77253-3247
(or if by overnight delivery service to
 the following street address:)
2929 Allen Parkway
Houston, Texas 77019-2155
Attention: Investment Research Department, A37-01
Telefacsimile No.: (713) 831 - 1366
Confirmation No.: (713) 831 - 1140

Payments

      All payments on or in respect of the Notes
      to be by bank wire transfer of Federal or
      other immediately available funds
      (identifying each payment as "Savannah
      Foods & Industries, Inc., 8.35% Series A
      Senior Notes due 2002 or 7.15% Series B
      Senior Notes due 2002. principal or
      interest") to:

                 State Street Bank and Trust Company
                 Boston, Massachusetts 02101
                 ABA No. 011000028
                 Re:  The Variable Annuity Life
                      Insurance Company

                 Account No. 0125-821-9
                 Fund Number: PA 54

Notices

      All notices of payment, on or in respect
      of the Notes and written confirmation of
      each such payment to:


                 The Variable Annuity Life
                 Insurance Company and PA 54
                 c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company
                 Insurance Services Custody (AH2)
                 1776 Heritage Drive
                 North Quincy, Massachusetts 02171


                                      A-3

<PAGE>   32


      All notices and communications, including
      a duplicate copy of all notices in respect
      to payments to be addressed as first
      provided above.

Name of Nominee in which Notes are held:  None

Taxpayer I.D. No. 74-1625348



                                      A-4

<PAGE>   33


NAME AND ADDRESS                                  OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF HOLDER                                                OF NOTES HELD

                                                    Series A        Series B
THE MINNESOTA MUTUAL LIFE                           $10,285,714.28  $-0-
 INSURANCE COMPANY
400 North Robert Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Attention:  MIMLIC Asset Management Company
Telefacsimile No.: (612) 223-5959
Confirmation No.: (612) 298-3826

Payments

      All payments on or in respect of the Notes
      to be by bank wire transfer of Federal or
      other immediately available funds
      (identifying each payment as "Savannah
      Foods & Industries, Inc., 8.35% Series A
      Senior Notes due 2000, principal or
      interest") to:

            First Bank National Association
            Minneapolis, Minnesota
            ABA #091000022,
            BNF The Minnesota Mutual
             Life Insurance Company
            Account No. 1-801-10-006004

Notices

      All notices and communications, including
      notices with respect to payments and
      written confirmation of each such payment,
      to be addressed as first provided above.

Name of Nominee in which Notes are held: None

Taxpayer I.D. No. 41-0417830










                                      A-5


<PAGE>   34


NAME AND ADDRESS                                  OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF HOLDER                                                  OF NOTES HELD

                                                      Series A       Series B
MUTUAL TRUST LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY                   $ 857,142.86   $ -0-
c/o MIMLIC Asset Management Company
400 North Robert Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Attention:  Client Administrator
Telefacsimile No.: (612) 223-5959
Confirmation No.: (612) 298-3826

Payments

      All payments on or in respect of the Notes
      to be by bank wire transfer of Federal or
      other immediately available funds
      (identifying each payment as "Savannah
      Foods & Industries. Inc., 8.35% Series A
      Senior Notes due 2002, principal or
      interest") to:

            The Northern Trust Company
            50 South LaSalle Street
            Chicago, IL 60675
            ABA No. 07-1000-152
            for credit wire account No. 5186041000, for
            further credit to Mutual Trust Life Insurance
            Company, Account No. 26-00621
            Attention: M.B.S. Department

            for credit to Mutual Trust Life Insurance
            Company Account No. 26-00621

Notices

      All notices and communications, including
      notices with respect to payments and
      written confirmation of each such payment,
      to be addressed as first provided above.

Name of Nominee in which Notes are held:  ELL & Co.



Taxpayer I.D. No. 36-1516780


                                      A-6

<PAGE>   35


NAME AND ADDRESS                                    OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF HOLDER                                                    OF NOTES HELD

                                                       Series A     Series B
NATIONAL TRAVELERS LIFE COMPANY                        $857,142.86  $-0-
c/o MIMLIC Asset Management Company
400 North Robert Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Attention: Client Administrator
Telefacsimile No.: (612) 223-5959
Confirmation No.: (612) 298-3826

Payments

      All payments on or in respect of the Notes
      to be by bank wire transfer of Federal or
      other immediately available funds
      (identifying each payment as "Savannah
      Foods & Industries, Inc., 8.35% Series A
      Senior Notes due 2002, principal or
      interest") to:


           First Bank, N.A.
           Minneapolis, Minnesota
           ABA # 091000022
           For credit to:
           First Trust, N.A.
           Account # 180121167365, TSU: 050
           For further credit to:
           National Travelers Life Company
           Account # 12609110
           Attention:  Peggy Sime
                       (612) 244-0647


Notices

      All notices and communications, including
      notices with respect to payments and
      written confirmation of each such payment,
      to be addressed as first provided above.

Name of Nominee in which Notes are held:  Var & Co.


Taxpayer I.D. No. 42-0432940


                                      A-7

<PAGE>   36


NAME AND ADDRESS                                  OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
OF HOLDER                                                 OF NOTES HELD

                                                       Series A     Series B
THE RELIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY                    $857,142.86  $-0-
c/o MIMLIC Asset Management Company
400 North Robert Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Attention: Client Administrator
Telefacsimile No.: (612) 293-5959
Confirmation No.: (612) 298-3826

Payments

      All payments on or in respect of the Notes
      to be by bank wire transfer of Federal or
      other immediately available funds
      (identifying each payment as "Savannah
      Foods & Industries, Inc., 8.35% Series A
      Senior Notes due 2002, principal or
      interest") to:

            Mercantile Bank
            St. Louis Missouri
            ABA #081-000-210
            Credit to:
            The Reliable Life Insurance Company
            Account #1000602969

Notices

      All notices and communications, including
      notices with respect to payments and
      written confirmation of each such payment,
      to be addressed as first provided above.

Name of Nominee in which Notes are held:  None

Taxpayer I.D. No. 43-0476110



M1:0120113.04



                                      A-8



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SAVANNAH FOODS & INDUSTRIES, INC. FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
MARCH 31, 1996, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-29-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<CASH>                                          10,178
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   60,713
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    195,721
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               280,367
<PP&E>                                         435,165
<DEPRECIATION>                                 214,297
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 535,880
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          188,321
<BONDS>                                         90,611
                           17,365
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                     152,398
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   535,880
<SALES>                                        555,213
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               555,213
<CGS>                                          502,325
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  502,325
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                16,175
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               6,665
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  2,308
<INCOME-TAX>                                       808
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,500
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,500
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .06
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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