AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP INC
10-Q, 1999-08-13
SURETY INSURANCE
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<PAGE>

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549



                                    FORM 10-Q

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

                  For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 1999

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

    Commission File Number: 1-10777

                           Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


                 Delaware                               13-3621676
         (State of incorporation)           (I.R.S. employer identification no.)

          One State Street Plaza
            New York, New York                              10004
 (Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip code)


                                 (212) 668-0340
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


     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 June 30, 1999, 69,902,936 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, (net of 777,448 treasury shares) of the Registrant were outstanding.
<PAGE>

                  Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                      INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                 PAGE
                                                                                                 ----
<S>        <C>                                                                               <C>
PART I       FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.      Consolidated Financial Statements

                Consolidated Balance Sheets - June 30, 1999
                and December 31, 1998......................................................        3

                Consolidated Statements of Operations - three months and
                six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998....................................        4

                Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - six months
                ended June 30, 1999 and 1998...............................................        5

                Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - six months ended
                June 30, 1999 and 1998.....................................................        6

                Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................        7

Item 2.      Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                Condition and Results of Operations........................................       10

Item 3.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
                Market Risk................................................................       21

PART II      OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.      Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..............................................       22

SIGNATURES.................................................................................       24

INDEX TO EXHIBITS..........................................................................       25

</TABLE>
<PAGE>

PART 1- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1- Financial Statements of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries


                 Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
                      June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998
                            (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                June 30, 1999               December 31, 1998
                                                                             --------------------        ------------------------
                                                                                   (unaudited)
Assets
- ------
<S>                                                                      <C>                           <C>
Investments:
   Fixed income securities, at fair value
          (amortized cost of $8,784,445 in 1999 and $8,307,046 in 1998)               $8,766,846                      $8,622,282
   Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value)                             117,438                         119,528
   Other                                                                                   6,611                           6,567
                                                                             --------------------        ------------------------
          Total investments                                                            8,890,895                       8,748,377

Cash                                                                                       8,309                           8,239
Securities purchased under agreements to resell                                           68,986                         252,295
Receivable for investment agreements                                                     181,657                          73,142
Receivable for securities sold                                                            31,706                          16,233
Investment income due and accrued                                                        111,913                         125,929
Reinsurance recoverable                                                                    3,668                           3,638
Prepaid reinsurance                                                                      202,141                         199,920
Deferred acquisition costs                                                               130,238                         120,619
Loans                                                                                    681,600                         673,930
Receivable from brokers and dealers                                                      600,000                         750,000
Other assets                                                                             170,686                         239,989
                                                                             --------------------        ------------------------
          Total assets                                                               $11,081,799                     $11,212,311
                                                                             ====================        ========================
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
- ------------------------------------

Liabilities:
   Unearned premiums                                                                  $1,339,268                      $1,294,214
   Losses and loss adjustment expenses                                                   120,483                         115,794
   Ceded reinsurance balances payable                                                      5,878                           6,576
   Obligations under investment and payment agreements                                 4,845,625                       4,774,953
   Obligations under investment repurchase agreements                                  1,368,199                       1,181,810
   Deferred income taxes                                                                  43,240                         145,782
   Current income taxes                                                                   14,493                           6,949
   Debentures                                                                            423,962                         423,929
   Accrued interest payable                                                               79,495                          89,615
   Other liabilities                                                                     166,973                         262,423
   Payable to brokers and dealers                                                        600,000                         750,000
   Payable for securities purchased                                                       29,715                          64,176
                                                                             --------------------        ------------------------
          Total liabilities                                                            9,037,331                       9,116,221
                                                                             --------------------        ------------------------

   Preferred stock                                                                             -                               -
   Common stock                                                                              707                             707
   Additional paid-in capital                                                            520,466                         519,305
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                (18,437)                        159,313
   Retained earnings                                                                   1,577,902                       1,449,832
   Common stock held in treasury at cost                                                 (36,170)                        (33,067)
                                                                             --------------------        ------------------------
          Total stockholders' equity                                                   2,044,468                       2,096,090
                                                                             --------------------        ------------------------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                 $11,081,799                     $11,212,311
                                                                             ====================        ========================

</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                       3
<PAGE>

                  Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                      Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                   (Unaudited)
                  For the Periods Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
                    (Dollars in Thousands Except Share Data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                     Three Months Ended                     Six Months Ended
                                                          June 30,                              June 30,
                                             -----------------------------------   -----------------------------------
                                                  1999               1998               1999               1998
                                             -----------------------------------   -----------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                   <C>             <C>                <C>

Revenues:
  Financial Guarantee:
     Gross premiums written                          $98,708            $88,042           $188,862           $165,529
     Ceded premiums written                          (16,458)           (10,048)           (21,544)           (36,135)
                                             ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------
       Net premiums written                           82,250             77,994            167,318            129,394

     Increase in unearned premiums                   (18,306)           (24,676)           (43,077)           (22,892)
                                             ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------
       Net premiums earned                            63,944             53,318            124,241            106,502

     Net investment income                            51,296             45,872            100,780             90,912
     Net realized (losses) gains                      (5,569)              (509)            (5,480)               666
     Other income                                      1,077                235              2,584              2,200
  Financial Management Services:
     Revenue                                          13,138             12,732             25,850             25,486
     Net realized losses                              (2,987)            (6,350)            (3,300)            (7,248)
  Other:
     Revenue                                           2,603              4,047              6,423              5,403
     Net realized gains                                    -                910                775              1,517
                                             ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------

       Total revenues                                123,502            110,255            251,873            225,438
                                             ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------

Expenses:
  Financial Guarantee:
     Losses and loss adjustment expenses               2,500              1,423              5,000              3,000
     Underwriting and operating expenses              11,872             11,190             23,789             23,208
  Financial Management Services                        6,779              8,603             13,756             16,046
  Interest                                             9,094              8,782             18,177             14,394
  Other                                                1,272              1,744              3,215              4,080
                                             ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------

       Total expenses                                 31,517             31,742             63,937             60,728
                                             ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------

Income before income taxes                            91,985             78,513            187,936            164,710
Provision for income taxes                            21,016             17,717             43,773             38,256
                                             ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------

       Net income                                    $70,969            $60,796           $144,163           $126,454
                                             ================   ================   ================   ================


       Net income per share                            $1.02              $0.87              $2.06              $1.81
                                             ================   ================   ================   ================

       Net income per diluted share                    $1.00              $0.85              $2.02              $1.77
                                             ================   ================   ================   ================

Weighted average number of
  shares outstanding                              69,877,457         70,015,177         69,898,316         70,027,486
                                             ================   ================   ================   ================

Weighted average number of diluted
  shares outstanding                              71,309,111         71,665,662         71,319,712         71,619,424
                                             ================   ================   ================   ================

</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                       4
<PAGE>

                  Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
                                   (Unaudited)
                 For The Six Months Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
                             (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                             1999                                 1998
                                                                 -------------------------------     -------------------------------
<S>                                                            <C>               <C>               <C>              <C>

Retained Earnings:
       Balance at January 1                                          $1,449,832                           $1,262,740
       Net income                                                       144,163        $144,163              126,454       $126,454
                                                                                ----------------                     ---------------
       Dividends declared - common stock                                (13,983)                             (12,593)
       Exercise of stock options                                         (2,110)                             (20,644)
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------
       Balance at June 30                                            $1,577,902                           $1,355,957
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
       Balance at January 1                                            $159,313                             $135,223
       Unrealized (losses) gains on securities, ($281,009),
         and $28,464, pre-tax in 1999 and 1998, respectively(1)                        (176,693)                             18,120
       Foreign currency (loss) gain                                                      (1,057)                                173
                                                                                ----------------                     ---------------
       Other comprehensive (loss) income                               (177,750)       (177,750)              18,293         18,293
                                                                 -------------------------------     -------------------------------
       Comprehensive (loss) income                                                     ($33,587)                           $144,747
                                                                                ================                     ===============
       Balance at June 30                                              ($18,437)                            $153,516
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------

Preferred Stock:
       Balance at January 1 and June 30                                      $-                                   $-
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------

Common Stock:
       Balance at January 1 and June 30                                    $707                                 $707
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------

Additional Paid-in Capital:
       Balance at January 1                                            $519,305                             $500,107
       Exercise of stock options                                          1,161                               11,932
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------
       Balance at June 30                                              $520,466                             $512,039
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------

Common Stock Held in Treasury at Cost:
       Balance at January 1                                            ($33,067)                            ($26,295)
       Cost of shares acquired                                           (9,126)                             (20,856)
       Shares issued under equity plans                                   6,023                               14,866
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------
       Balance at June 30                                              ($36,170)                            ($32,285)
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------


Total Stockholders' Equity at June 30                                $2,044,468                           $1,989,934
                                                                 ===============                     ================

(1) Disclosure of reclassification amount:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period               ($181,896)                             $19,580
Less: reclassification adjustment for net (losses) gains
    included in net income                                               (5,203)                               1,460
                                                                 ---------------                     ----------------
Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities                           ($176,693)                             $18,120
                                                                 ===============                     ================

</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



                                       5
<PAGE>

                  Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                   (Unaudited)
                  For The Periods Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
                             (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                                            Six Months Ended
                                                                                June 30,
                                                                  --------------------------------------

                                                                       1999                  1998
                                                                  ----------------      ----------------
<S>                                                             <C>                    <C>

Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income                                                          $144,163              $126,454
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
            provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                                          1,407                   792
     Amortization of bond premium and discount                             (3,234)               (2,416)
     Current income taxes                                                   7,544                (6,753)
     Deferred income taxes                                                  1,773                (5,094)
     Deferred acquisition costs                                            (9,619)               (4,977)
     Unearned premiums, net                                                42,833                22,938
     Losses and loss adjustment expenses                                    4,659                 9,306
     Ceded reinsurance balances payable                                      (698)               (1,380)
     Investment income due and accrued                                     14,016                (8,467)
     Accrued interest payable                                             (10,120)                8,897
     (Losses) gains on sales of investments                                 8,005                 5,065
     Interest rate swaps, at market                                       (22,386)                2,800
     Other, net                                                            (6,219)              (13,420)
                                                                  ----------------      ----------------
            Net cash provided by operating activities                     172,124               133,745
                                                                  ----------------      ----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
     Proceeds from sales of bonds                                       1,753,245               265,478
     Proceeds from matured bonds                                          693,290             1,157,445
     Purchases of bonds                                                (2,935,988)           (2,268,960)
     Change in short-term investments                                       2,090               (41,149)
     Securities purchased under agreements to resell                      183,309              (128,852)
     Loans                                                                 (7,670)             (173,720)
     Other, net                                                             8,210               (18,138)
                                                                  ----------------      ----------------
            Net cash used in investing activities                        (303,514)           (1,207,896)
                                                                  ----------------      ----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
     Dividends paid                                                       (13,983)              (12,593)
     Proceeds from issuance of investment agreements                    1,310,852             1,705,983
     Payments for investment agreement draws                           (1,169,976)             (961,435)
     Proceeds from issuance of debentures                                       -               193,700
     Payment agreements                                                     7,670               173,720
     Proceeds from sale of treasury stock                                   6,023                14,866
     Purchases of treasury stock                                           (9,126)              (20,856)
                                                                  ----------------      ----------------
            Net cash provided by financing activities                     131,460             1,093,385
                                                                  ----------------      ----------------

Net cash flow                                                                  70                19,234
Cash at January 1                                                           8,239                 9,256
                                                                  ----------------      ----------------
     Cash at June 30                                                       $8,309               $28,490
                                                                  ================      ================

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
     Cash paid during the period for:
            Income taxes                                                  $33,500               $41,250
                                                                  ================      ================
            Interest expense on debt                                      $18,266               $14,515
                                                                  ================      ================
            Interest expense on investment agreements                    $143,436              $115,551
                                                                  ================      ================

</TABLE>

    See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                       6
<PAGE>

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands)

(1)      Basis of Presentation

     Ambac Financial Group, Inc., (the "Company") headquartered in New York
City, is a holding company whose affiliates provide financial guaranties and
financial management services to clients in both the public and private sectors
around the world. The Company's principal operating subsidiary, Ambac Assurance
Corporation ("Ambac Assurance"), a leading insurer of municipal and structured
finance obligations, has earned triple-A ratings, the highest ratings available
from Moody's Investors Service, Inc., Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Fitch
IBCA, Inc., and Japan Rating and Investment Information, Inc. The Company,
through its subsidiaries, also provides investment agreements, interest rate
swaps and investment advisory and cash management services, primarily to states,
municipalities and municipal authorities.

     The Company's consolidated unaudited interim financial statements have been
prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")
and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods
presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates. The results of operations for the three months and six months ended
June 30, 1999 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the
full year ending December 31, 1999. These consolidated financial statements and
notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes
included in the audited consolidated financial statements of Ambac Financial
Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries contained in (i) the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, which was filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on March 30, 1999, and
(ii) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended
March 31, 1999, which was filed with the Commission on May 12, 1999.

     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and each of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances have been
eliminated.

     Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods' amounts to
conform to the current period's presentation.

(2)      Segment Information

     The Company has two reportable segments, as follows: (1) Financial
Guarantee, which provides insurance of municipal and structured finance
obligations; and (2) Financial Management Services, which provides investment
agreements, interest rate swaps, and investment advisory and cash management
services. During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company discontinued its
operations relating to electronic commerce applications for the municipal
marketplace.

     The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer
different products and services. They are managed separately because each
business requires different marketing strategies, personnel skill sets and
technology.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)


     Pursuant to insurance and indemnity agreements, Ambac Assurance guarantees
the swap and investment agreement obligations of those financial management
services subsidiaries. Intersegment revenues include the premiums earned under
those agreements but which are eliminated in the consolidated financial
statements. Such premiums are accounted for as if they were premiums to third
parties, that is, at current market prices.

     Information provided below for "Corporate and Other" relates to Ambac
Financial Group, Inc. corporate activities. Corporate and other revenue from
unaffiliated customers consists primarily of interest income and realized gains
or losses from investment securities.

     The following tables summarize the financial information by reportable
segment as of and for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 1999 and
1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Financial
                                          Financial       Management     Corporate      Intersegment
Three months ended June 30,               Guarantee        Services       and Other     Eliminations     Consolidated
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
1999:
<S>                                    <C>             <C>              <C>            <C>             <C>
    Revenues:
        Unaffiliated customers .....         $110,748        $10,151           $2,603              $-         $123,502
        Intersegment ...............              770           (840)          13,143        (13,073)                -
                                        --------------  ------------------------------  --------------  ---------------
    Total revenues..................         $111,518         $9,311          $15,746       ($13,073)         $123,502
                                        --------------  ------------------------------  --------------  ---------------
    Income before income taxes:
        Unaffiliated customers .....          $96,376         $3,372          ($7,763)             $-          $91,985
        Intersegment ...............              912         (1,057)          13,143        (12,998)                -
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Total income before income taxes          $97,288         $2,315           $5,380       ($12,998)          $91,985
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Identifiable assets.............       $3,955,428     $6,985,291         $141,080              $-      $11,081,799
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------

1998:
    Revenues:
        Unaffiliated customers .....          $98,916         $6,382           $4,957              $-         $110,255
        Intersegment ...............              644         (1,891)          12,060        (10,813)                -
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Total revenues..................          $99,560         $4,491          $17,017       ($10,813)         $110,255
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Income before income taxes:
        Unaffiliated customers .....          $86,303        ($2,221)         ($5,569)             $-          $78,513
        Intersegment ...............              634         (1,111)          12,060        (11,583)                -
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Total income before income taxes          $86,937        ($3,332)          $6,491       ($11,583)          $78,513
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Identifiable assets.............       $3,599,449     $6,351,501         $284,190              $-      $10,235,140
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------

</TABLE>

                                       8
<PAGE>

Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                          Financial
                                          Financial       Management      Corporate     Intersegment
Six months ended June 30,                 Guarantee        Services       and Other     Eliminations     Consolidated
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
<S>                                    <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>              <C>
1999:
    Revenues:
        Unaffiliated customers .....         $222,125        $22,550           $7,198              $-         $251,873
        Intersegment ...............            1,542         (1,740)          26,343        (26,145)                -
                                        --------------  ------------------------------  --------------  ---------------
    Total revenues..................         $223,667        $20,810          $33,541       ($26,145)         $251,873
                                        --------------  ------------------------------  --------------  ---------------
    Income before income taxes:
        Unaffiliated customers .....         $193,336         $8,794         ($14,194)             $-         $187,936
        Intersegment ...............            1,684         (1,967)          26,343        (26,060)                -
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Total income before income taxes         $195,020         $6,827          $12,149       ($26,060)         $187,936
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Identifiable assets                    $3,955,428     $6,985,291         $141,080              $-      $11,081,799
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------

1998:
    Revenues:
        Unaffiliated customers .....         $200,280        $18,238           $6,920              $-         $225,438
        Intersegment ...............            1,363         (1,305)          24,153        (24,211)                -
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Total revenues..................         $201,643        $16,933          $31,073       ($24,211)         $225,438
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Income before income taxes:
        Unaffiliated customers .....         $174,072         $2,192         ($11,554)             $-         $164,710
        Intersegment ...............            1,353         (2,064)          24,153        (23,442)                -
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Total income before income taxes         $175,425           $128          $12,599       ($23,442)         $164,710
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
    Identifiable assets                    $3,599,449     $6,351,501         $284,190              $-      $10,235,140
                                        --------------  ---------------  -------------  --------------  ---------------
</TABLE>

     The following table summarizes gross premiums written and net premiums
earned included in the financial guarantee segment by location of risk for the
three and six-month periods ended June 30, 1999 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                        Three Months                          Six Months
                                             ----------------------------------   ----------------------------------
                                              Gross Premiums     Net Premiums       Gross Premiums    Net Premiums
                                                  Written           Earned             Written           Earned
                                             -----------------  ---------------   ------------------ ---------------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>               <C>                <C>
 1999:
     United States ......................             $79,222          $56,876             $157,003        $111,321
     United Kingdom .....................               9,530              747               15,197           1,408
     Japan ..............................               1,493            1,490                2,488           2,467
     France..............................                 727              183                1,081             431
     Australia...........................                 165              244                  546             665
     Italy ..............................                   -              226                    -             458
     Internationally diversified (1).....               3,304            1,957                5,475           3,517
     Other international.................               4,267            2,221                7,072           3,974
                                             -----------------  ---------------   ------------------ ---------------

         Total...........................             $98,708          $63,944             $188,862        $124,241
                                             -----------------  ---------------   ------------------ ---------------
 1998:

     United States ......................             $70,500          $50,298             $132,334        $100,599
     United Kingdom .....................              10,466              356               19,822             720
     Japan ..............................               1,510              568                2,499           1,063
     France..............................                 544              439                  780             913
     Australia...........................               3,469              125                7,658             193
     Italy ..............................                   -              248                    -             497
     Internationally diversified (1).....                 797              724                1,588           1,377
     Other international.................                 756              560                  848           1,140
                                             -----------------  ---------------   ------------------ ---------------

         Total...........................             $88,042          $53,318             $165,529        $106,502
                                             -----------------  ---------------   ------------------ ---------------
</TABLE>

(1)      Internationally diversified represents insured policies with multiple
         locations of risk.

                                       9
<PAGE>

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

     The following paragraphs describe the consolidated results of operations of
Ambac Financial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (sometimes collectively
referred to as the "Company") for the three and six month periods ended June 30,
1999 and 1998, and its financial condition as of June 30, 1999 and December 31,
1998. These results include the Company's two reportable segments: Financial
Guarantee and Financial Management Services.

     In this Form 10-Q, we make statements about our future results that are
considered "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on our current expectations and
the current economic environment. We caution you that these statements are not
guarantees of future performance. They involve a number of risks and
uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Our actual results could differ
materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: (1)
changes in the economic, credit, or interest rate environment in the United
States and abroad; (2) the level of activity within the national and worldwide
debt markets; (3) competitive conditions and pricing levels; (4) legislative and
regulatory developments; (5) changes in tax laws; and (6) other risks and
uncertainties that have not been identified at this time. We undertake no
obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement if we
later become aware that it is not likely to be achieved.

Results of Operations

         Consolidated Net Income

     The Company's net income for the three months ended June 30, 1999 was $71.0
million or $1.00 per diluted share. This represents a 17% increase from the
three months ended June 30, 1998 net income of $60.8 million, and an 18%
increase in net income per diluted share from $0.85 for the prior period. This
increase in net income was largely attributable to higher Financial Guarantee
operating income and lower expenses and lower net realized losses in the
Financial Management Services segment. The Company's net income for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 was $144.2 million or $2.02 per diluted share. This
represents an increase of 14% from the comparable prior period net income of
$126.5 million or $1.77 per diluted share. This increase in net income was
largely attributable to higher Financial Guarantee operating income and lower
expenses and lower net realized losses in the Financial Management Services
segment partially offset by higher interest expense.

         Financial Guarantee

     Gross Par Written. Ambac Assurance insured $17.4 billion in par value bonds
during the three months ended June 30, 1999 and $36.5 billion in par value bonds
during the six months ended June 30, 1999, an increase of 7% from $16.3 billion
in the three months ended June 30, 1998 and an increase of 18% from $30.9
billion in par value bonds during the six months ended June 30, 1998. Par value
written for the second quarter of 1999 was comprised of $7.9 billion from
municipal bond obligations, $7.2 billion from structured finance obligations and
$2.3 billion from international obligations, compared to $8.6 billion, $6.5
billion and $1.2 billion, respectively, in the second quarter of 1998. Par value
written for the six months ended June 30, 1999 was comprised of $16.6 billion
from municipal bond obligations, $16.4 billion

                                       10
<PAGE>

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

from structured finance obligations and $3.5 billion from international
obligations, compared to $17.7 billion, $11.0 billion and $2.2 billion,
respectively, in the six months ended June 30, 1998. Insured municipal
obligations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 1999 were
affected by declines of 26% and 22%, respectively, in total issuance. The
decline in issuance in 1999 has been more than offset by an overall increase in
Ambac's municipal market share. The increases in insured structured finance
obligations during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 1999, were
principally in the mortgage-backed and asset-backed sectors.

     Management believes, based on growth experienced in the last few years,
that in the foreseeable future, the structured finance and international markets
may grow more rapidly than the municipal market. These markets may see large
quarterly variances primarily due to general market conditions and the
developmental nature of these markets.

     Ambac serves clients in international markets through its wholly-owned
subsidiary Ambac Assurance UK Limited and through its participation in a joint
venture with MBIA Insurance Corporation, MBIA-AMBAC International (the "JV
arrangement").

     Gross Premiums Written. Gross premiums written for the three and six-month
periods ended June 30, 1999 were $98.7 million and $188.9 million, respectively,
increases of 12% and 14% from $88.0 million and $165.5 million, in the three and
six-month periods ended June 30, 1998, respectively. Increased business activity
in structured finance transactions, especially mortgage-backed and asset-backed
transactions, has spurred the increase. Additionally, on the municipal side,
improved market premium rates as well as Ambac's increased market share during
the first six months of 1999 has more than offset the overall decline in
municipal market issuance when compared to the first six months of 1998. The
following tables set forth the amounts of gross premiums written and the related
gross par written by type:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                         Three Months Ended June 30,
                                                             ----------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Millions)                                                  1999                       1998
                                                             -------------------------  -------------------------
                                                               Gross         Gross         Gross        Gross
                                                              Premiums        Par        Premiums        Par
                                                              Written       Written       Written      Written
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>          <C>           <C>
Municipal finance:
    Up-front:
      New issue.........................................          $54.2        $6,417         $49.8       $6,954
      Secondary market..................................            2.7           489           7.8          703
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
        Sub-total up-front .............................           56.9         6,906          57.6        7,657
    Installment:                                                    7.2           949           4.1          986
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
           Total municipal finance......................           64.1         7,855          61.7        8,643
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
Structured finance:
      Up-front..........................................            0.5            29           0.7          189
      Installment.......................................           14.6         7,174           8.1        6,283
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
            Total structured finance....................           15.1         7,203           8.8        6,472
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
International(1):
         Up-front.......................................           11.0           130          14.9          393
         Installment....................................            8.5         2,182           2.6          784
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
              Total  international......................           19.5         2,312          17.5        1,177
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
              Total.....................................          $98.7       $17,370         $88.0      $16,292
                                                             ===========   ===========  ============  ===========

Total up-front..........................................          $68.4        $7,065         $73.2       $8,239
Total installment.......................................           30.3        10,305          14.8        8,053
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
              Total.....................................          $98.7       $17,370         $88.0      $16,292
                                                             ===========   ===========  ============  ===========

</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>

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



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                          Six Months Ended June 30,
                                                             ----------------------------------------------------
(Dollars in Millions)                                                  1999                       1998
                                                             -------------------------  -------------------------
                                                               Gross         Gross         Gross        Gross
                                                              Premiums        Par        Premiums        Par
                                                              Written       Written       Written      Written
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>
Municipal finance:
    Up-front:
      New issue.........................................         $114.7       $14,102         $99.3      $15,264
      Secondary market..................................            4.0           630          10.7          956
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
        Sub-total up-front .............................          118.7        14,732         110.0       16,220
    Installment:                                                   10.8         1,919           6.8        1,473
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
           Total municipal finance......................          129.5        16,651         116.8       17,693
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
Structured finance:
      Up-front..........................................            0.5            36           0.7          297
      Installment.......................................           27.0        16,316          14.8       10,646
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
            Total structured finance....................           27.5        16,352          15.5       10,943
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
International(1):
         Up-front.......................................           18.2           276          28.5          705
         Installment....................................           13.7         3,260           4.7        1,525
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
              Total  international......................           31.9         3,536          33.2        2,230
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
              Total.....................................         $188.9       $36,539        $165.5      $30,866
                                                             ===========   ===========  ============  ===========

Total up-front..........................................         $137.4       $15,044        $139.2      $17,222
Total installment.......................................           51.5        21,495          26.3       13,644
                                                             -----------   -----------  ------------  -----------
              Total.....................................         $188.9       $36,539        $165.5      $30,866
                                                             ===========   ===========  ============  ===========
</TABLE>

(1) Gross par written excludes amounts ceded to MBIA Insurance Corporation under
our international joint venture of $1,345.5 million and $224.0 million for the
three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and $2,146.4 million
and $1,031.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.

     Ceded Premiums Written. Ceded premiums written for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1999 were $16.5 million and $21.5 million, respectively, an
increase of 65% from $10.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 1998 and a
decrease of 40% from $36.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 1998. The
increase in ceded premiums written for the second quarter of 1999 is primarily
due to increased ceded premiums written on international policies via the JV
arrangement with MBIA. The decrease in ceded premiums written for the six months
ended June 30, 1999 is primarily due to the one-time cede of $11.3 million of
the portfolio purchased through the acquisition of Connie Lee Insurance Company
("Connie Lee") during the first quarter of 1998 as well as the overall decrease
in international premiums ceded under the JV arrangement during the first
quarter of 1999 as compared to the first quarter of 1998. Ceded premiums written
were 16.7% and 11.4% of gross premiums written for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1999, respectively, compared with 11.4% and 15.0% (excluding the
one-time cede of the Connie Lee portfolio in 1998) for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1998, respectively.

     Net Premiums Written. Net premiums written for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1999 were $82.3 million and $167.3 million, respectively. The
increase of 6% from $78.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 1998
reflects the higher gross premiums written partially offset by the increased
ceded premiums. The increase of 29% from $129.4 million in the six months ended
June 30, 1998 reflects the higher gross premiums written as well as the
substantial decrease in premiums ceded to reinsurers during first quarter of
1999, compared with the corresponding prior period.

     Net Premiums Earned. Net premiums earned during the three and six months
ended June 30, 1999 were $63.9 million and $124.2 million, respectively, an
increase of 20% from $53.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 1998 and
an increase of 17% from $106.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 1998.
These increases were primarily the result of

                                       12
<PAGE>

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

increased premiums earned from the underlying book of business, referred to as
normal net premiums earned. Normal net premiums earned increased 37% from $39.5
million in the second quarter of 1998 to $54.0 million in the second quarter of
1999. Normal net premiums earned for the six months ended June 30, 1999 were
$103.9 million, an increase of 36% from $76.3 million in the six months ended
June 30, 1998.

     Net premiums earned include accelerated premiums that result from
refundings, calls, and other accelerations of previously insured obligations
(collectively referred to as "refundings"). When an issue insured by Ambac
Assurance has been refunded or called, the remaining unearned premium (net of
refunding credits, if any) is generally earned at that time. Refunding levels
vary depending upon a number of conditions, primarily the relationship between
current interest rates and interest rates on outstanding debt. Net premiums
earned for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 included $9.9 million
(which had a net income per diluted share effect of $0.08) and $20.3 million
(which had a net income per diluted share effect of $0.16), respectively, from
refundings. Net premiums earned in the three and six months ended June 30, 1998
included $13.9 million (which had a net income per diluted share effect of
$0.11) and $30.2 million (which had a net income per diluted share effect of
$0.24), respectively, from refundings.

     Net Investment Income. Net investment income for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1999 were $51.3 million and $100.8 million, respectively, an
increase of 12% from $45.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 1998 and
an increase of 11% from $90.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 1999. The
increases were primarily attributable to the growth of the investment portfolio
from ongoing operations. Additionally, investment income grew in the second
quarter of 1999 compared with the corresponding prior period due to a capital
contribution of $100 million from the parent company to Ambac Assurance in late
April 1999. Ambac Assurance's investments in tax-exempt securities amounted to
74% of the total market value of its portfolio as of June 30, 1999, versus 71%
at June 30, 1998. The average pre-tax yield-to-maturity on the investment
portfolio was 6.09% and 6.39% as of June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

     Net Realized Gains (Losses). Net realized losses were $5.6 million for the
three months ended June 30, 1999, compared to $0.5 million in net realized
losses for the comparative prior period in 1998. Net realized losses were $5.5
million for the six months ended June 30, 1999, compared to net realized gains
of $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998.

     Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses
for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 were $2.5 million and $5.0
million, respectively, compared to $1.4 million and $3.0 million for the three
and six months ended June 30, 1998, respectively. The increase is due to
increased business written. Losses and loss adjustment expenses are generally
based upon estimates of the ultimate aggregate losses inherent in the insured
portfolio. There has been no salvage received during 1999, compared to $5.5
million and $7.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 1998,
respectively.

     Underwriting and Operating Expenses. Underwriting and operating expenses
for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 were $11.9 million and $23.8
million, respectively, an increase of 6% from $11.2 million in the three months
ended June 30, 1998 and an increase of 3% from $23.2 million in the six months
ended June 30, 1998. Underwriting and operating expenses consist of gross
underwriting and operating expenses, less the deferral to future periods of
expenses and reinsurance commissions related to the acquisition of new insurance
contracts, plus the amortization of previously deferred expenses and reinsurance
commissions.

                                       13
<PAGE>

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

During the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 1999, gross underwriting
and operating expenses were $18.1 million and $35.9 million, respectively, an
increase of 10% from $16.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 1998 and
an increase of 13% from $31.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 1998.
These increases reflect the overall increased business activity during the
period. Underwriting and operating expenses deferred for the three and six
months ended June 30, 1999 were $11.2 million and $21.7 million, respectively,
compared to $9.5 million and $17.7 million for the three and six months ended
June 30, 1998, respectively. The amortization of previously deferred expenses
and reinsurance commissions for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999
were $4.9 million and $9.7 million, respectively, compared to $4.6 million and
$9.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 1998, respectively.

         Financial Management Services

     Through its financial management services subsidiaries, the Company
provides investment agreements, interest rate swaps and investment advisory and
cash management services, principally to states, municipalities and their
authorities, school districts, and hospitals and health organizations. Revenues,
net of realized gains and losses, for the three and six months ended June 30,
1999 were $13.1 million and $25.9 million, respectively, up 3% from $12.7
million for the three months ended June 30, 1998 and up 2% from $25.5 million in
the six months ended June 30, 1998. Continuing the trend from the first quarter
of 1999, higher investment agreement revenue ($6.2 million in the second quarter
of 1999, up 24% from $5.0 million in the second quarter of 1998), was offset by
lower interest rate swap revenue ($4.2 million in the second quarter of 1999,
down 18% from $5.1 million in the second quarter of 1998). Expenses for the
three and six months ended June 30, 1999 were $6.8 million and $13.8 million,
respectively, down 21% from $8.6 million for the three months ended June 30,
1998 and down 14% from $16.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
These decreases were primarily due to savings related to the fourth quarter 1998
closing of Ambac Connect, Inc., a former electronic commerce subsidiary.

         Corporate Items

     Interest Expense. Interest expense for the three and six months ended June
30, 1999 were $9.1 million and $18.2 million, respectively, compared to $8.8
million and $14.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 1998,
respectively. The increase in interest expense for the six-month period ended
June 30, 1999, compared with the corresponding prior period is due to the $200
million debt issuance in April, 1998.

     Income Taxes. Income taxes for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999
were at an effective rate of 22.8% and 23.3%, respectively, versus 22.6% and
23.2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 1998.

         Supplemental Analytical Financial Data

     Management, equity analysts and investors consider the following four
measures important in analyzing the financial results, and measuring the
intrinsic value of the Company: core earnings; operating earnings; adjusted
gross premiums written; and adjusted book value. However, none of these measures
are promulgated in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as
substitutes for net income, gross premiums written and book value. The
definitions of core earnings, operating earnings, adjusted gross premiums
written and adjusted book value described below may differ from the definitions
used by other public holding companies of financial guarantee insurers.

                                       14
<PAGE>

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


     Core Earnings. Core earnings for the three and six months ended June 30,
1999 were $70.9 million and $137.8 million, respectively, an increase of 25%
from $56.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 1998 and an increase of
22% from $112.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998. These increases
in core earnings were primarily the result of higher normal net premiums earned
from the growth in the insurance book of business and higher net investment
income from insurance operations. The Company defines core earnings as
consolidated net income, less the effect of net realized gains and losses, net
insurance premiums earned from refundings and calls and certain non-recurring
items.

     Operating Earnings. Operating earnings for the three and six months ended
June 30, 1999 were $76.5 million and $149.4 million, respectively, an increase
of 18% from $64.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 1998 and an
increase of 15% from $129.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 1998. The
Company defines operating earnings as consolidated net income, less the effect
of net realized gains and losses and certain non-recurring items.

     The following table reconciles net income computed in accordance with GAAP
to operating earnings and core earnings for the three and six months ended June
30, 1999 and 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              Three Months Ended                 Six Months Ended
                                                                   June 30,                          June 30,
                                                        ------------------------------- -- -----------------------------
(Dollars in Millions)                                         1999             1998            1999            1998
                                                        --------------    -------------    -------------    ------------
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Net Income............................................        $71.0             $60.8           $144.2           $126.5

Net realized losses (gains), after tax................          5.5               3.9              5.2              3.2
                                                        --------------    -------------    -------------    ------------

         Operating earnings...........................         76.5              64.7            149.4            129.7

Premiums earned from refundings, calls and other
accelerations, after tax..............................         (5.6)             (7.9)           (11.6)           (17.2)

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

         Core earnings................................        $70.9             $56.8           $137.8           $112.5
                                                        ==============    =============    =============    ============
</TABLE>


     There were 71.3 million weighted-average diluted shares outstanding during
the three and six months ended June 30, 1999. The weighted-average number of
diluted shares outstanding during the three and six months ended June 30, 1998
were 71.7 million and 71.6 million, respectively.

     Adjusted Gross Premiums Written. The Company defines adjusted gross
premiums written as gross up-front premiums written plus the present value of
estimated future installment premiums written on insurance policies and
structured credit derivatives issued in the period. While a majority of premiums
are collected up-front at policy issuance, a growing portion of premiums is
collected on an installment basis. Adjusted gross premiums written for the three
and six months ended June 30, 1999 were $134.8 million and $265.2 million,
respectively, up 18% from $114.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 1998
and up 33% from $199.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 1998. The
increases in the second quarter of 1999, as well as the six-month period ended
June 30, 1999 were primarily due to the increase in installment premiums written
on structured finance transactions, especially on mortgage-backed and
asset-backed securities. The present value of future installment premiums
written for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 was $71.9 million and
$136.7 million, respectively, an increase of 55% from $46.5 million written in
the second quarter of 1998 and an increase of 91% from $71.6 million written in
the six months ended June 30, 1998. The aggregate net present value of estimated
future installment premiums was $373.8 million and $308.4 million as of June 30,
1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively.

                                       15
<PAGE>

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


     The following table sets forth the amounts of adjusted gross premiums
written by type and percent of total for the three and six months ended June 30,
1999 and 1998:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Three Months Ended June 30,              Six Months Ended June 30,
                                            -------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
(Dollars in Millions)                         1999        %       1998       %       1999        %        1998        %
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>      <C>       <C>
Municipal Finance:
    Up-front:
      New issue...........................      $54.3       40%    $49.8       43%    $114.7       43%     $99.3        50%
      Secondary market....................        2.7        2       7.9        7        4.0        2       10.7         5
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
        Sub-total up-front ...............       57.0       42      57.7       50      118.7       45      110.0        55
    Installment...........................       13.8       10       8.8        8       23.6        9       11.9         6
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
           Total Municipal Finance........       70.8       52      66.5       58      142.3       54      121.9        61
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
Structured Finance:
      Up-front............................        0.5        -       0.7        1        0.4        -        0.7         -
      Installment.........................       36.9       28      15.9       14       77.1       29       30.4        15
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
         Total Structured Finance.........       37.4       28      16.6       15       77.5       29       31.1        15
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
International (1):
         Up-front.........................        5.5        4       9.5        8        9.4        3       17.3         9
         Installment......................       21.1       16      21.8       19       36.0       14       29.3        15
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
         Total  International.............       26.6       20      31.3       27       45.4       17       46.6        24
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
Total adjusted gross premiums.............     $134.8     100%    $114.4     100%     $265.2     100%     $199.6      100%
                                            ========== ======== ========= ======== ==========  =======  =========  ========

Total up-front............................
                                                $62.9       47%    $67.9       59%    $128.5       48%    $128.0        64%
Total installment.........................       71.9       53      46.5       41      136.7       52       71.6        36
                                            ---------- -------- --------- -------- ----------  -------  ---------  --------
Total  adjusted gross premiums............     $134.8     100%    $114.4     100%     $265.2     100%     $199.6      100%
                                            ========== ======== ========= ======== ==========  =======  =========  ========
</TABLE>

(1) Excludes amounts ceded to MBIA Insurance Corporation under our international
joint venture of $13.5 million and $8.2 million for the three months ended June
30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, and $29.8 million and $15.5 million for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

     Adjusted Book Value. Adjusted book value ("ABV") per common share increased
3% to $43.14 at June 30, 1999 compared to $41.98 at December 31, 1998. The
Company derives ABV by beginning with stockholders' equity (book value) and
adding or subtracting the after-tax value of: the net unearned premium reserve;
deferred acquisition costs; the present value of estimated net future
installment premiums; and the unrealized gain or loss on investment agreement
liabilities. These adjustments will not be realized until future periods and may
differ materially from the amounts used in determining ABV. The ABV was
positively affected by the Company's net income for the six-month period ended
June 30, 1999, the increase in the after-tax present value of estimated net
future installment premiums, net unearned premium reserve and the unrealized
gain on investment agreement liabilities during the period, partially offset by
the negative effect of the change in the after-tax unrealized gain/loss in the
investment portfolio (included in book value), which went from a net unrealized
gain of $159.0 million at December 31, 1998, to a net unrealized loss of $17.7
million at June 30, 1999.

     The following table reconciles book value per share to ABV per share as of
June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                 June 30,           December 31,
                                                                                   1999                 1998
                                                                             ------------------   ------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                   <C>
Book value per share....................................................            $29.25               $29.97
After-tax value of:
     Net unearned premium reserve.......................................             10.57                10.17
     Deferred acquisition costs.........................................             (1.22)               (1.12)
     Present value of installment premiums..............................              3.48                 2.86
     Unrealized gain on investment agreement liabilities................              1.06                 0.10
                                                                             ------------------   ------------------
Adjusted book value per share...........................................            $43.14               $41.98
                                                                             ==================   ==================
</TABLE>

                                       16
<PAGE>

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


         Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Ambac Financial Group, Inc. Liquidity. The Company's liquidity, both on a
short-term basis (for the next twelve months) and a long-term basis (beyond the
next twelve months), is largely dependent upon (i) Ambac Assurance's ability to
pay dividends or make payments to the Company; and (ii) external financings.
Pursuant to Wisconsin insurance laws, Ambac Assurance may declare dividends,
provided that, after giving effect to the distribution, it would not violate
certain statutory equity, solvency and asset tests. During the six months ended
June 30, 1999, Ambac Assurance paid dividends of $26.0 million on its common
stock to the Company.

     The Company's principal uses of liquidity are for the payment of its
operating expenses, interest on its debt, dividends on its shares of common
stock and capital investments in its subsidiaries. Based on the amount of
dividends that Ambac Assurance expects to pay during the next twelve months and
the income it expects to receive from its investment portfolio, the Company
believes it will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy its liquidity needs over
the next twelve months, including the payment of dividends on the common stock
in accordance with its dividend policy. Beyond the next twelve months, Ambac
Assurance's ability to declare and pay dividends to the Company may be
influenced by a variety of factors, including adverse market changes, insurance
regulatory changes and changes in general economic conditions. Consequently,
although management believes that it will continue to have sufficient liquidity
to meet its debt service and other obligations over the long term, no guarantee
can be given that Ambac Assurance will be permitted to dividend amounts
sufficient to pay all of the Company's operating expenses, debt service
obligations and cash dividends on its common stock.

     Ambac Assurance Liquidity. The principal uses of Ambac Assurance's
liquidity are the payment of operating expenses, reinsurance premiums, income
taxes and dividends to the Company. The Company believes that Ambac Assurance's
operating liquidity needs can be funded exclusively from its operating cash
flow. The principal sources of Ambac Assurance's liquidity are gross premiums
written, scheduled investment maturities and net investment income. The Company
believes that Ambac Assurance will have sufficient liquidity to satisfy any
claims that may occur related to the Y2K problem, as defined below.

     Financial Management Services Liquidity. The principal uses of liquidity by
Financial Management Services subsidiaries are the payment of investment
agreement obligations pursuant to defined terms, net obligations under interest
rate swaps and related hedges, operating expenses and income taxes. The Company
believes that its financial management services liquidity needs can be funded
primarily from its operating cash flow and the maturity of its invested assets.
The principal sources of this segment's liquidity are proceeds from issuance of
investment agreements, net investment income, maturities of securities from its
investment portfolio (which are invested with the objective of matching the
duration of its obligations under the investment agreements), net receipts from
interest rate swaps and related hedges, and fees for investment management
services. Additionally, from time to time, liquidity needs are satisfied by
short-term inter-company loans from Ambac Financial Group, Inc. The investment
objectives with respect to investment agreements are to achieve the highest
after-tax total return, subject to a minimum average quality rating of Aa/AA on
invested assets, and to maintain cash flow matching of invested assets to funded
liabilities to minimize interest rate and liquidity exposure. A portion of
Financial Management Services assets is maintained in short-term investments and
repurchase agreements in order to meet unexpected liquidity needs.

                                       17
<PAGE>

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

     Credit Facilities. The Company and Ambac Assurance have a revolving credit
facility with three major international banks for $150 million, which expires in
August 2000 and provides a two-year term loan provision. The facility is
available for general corporate purposes, including the payment of claims. As of
June 30, 1999 and 1998, no amounts were outstanding under this credit facility.

     Ambac Assurance maintains third party capital support in the form of a
seven-year irrevocable limited recourse credit facility from a group of
highly-rated international banks. This credit facility provides liquidity to
Ambac Assurance in the event claims from municipal obligations in its covered
portfolio exceed specified levels. Repayment of amounts drawn under the facility
is limited primarily to the amount of any recoveries of losses related to policy
obligations. On May 3, 1999, total third party capital support was increased
from $555 million to $575 million. The line expires in December 2005. As of June
30, 1999 and 1998, no amounts were outstanding under this facility.

     Ambac Credit Products, LLC ("ACP"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambac
Assurance, has a revolving credit facility with one major international bank for
$50 million, which expires in June 2000 and provides a three-year term loan
provision. The facility is available to ACP for general corporate purposes,
including payments in regard to its credit derivatives activities. The credit
facility became effective on July 1, 1999.

     Stock Repurchase Program. The Board of Directors of the Company has
authorized the establishment of a stock repurchase program that permits the
repurchase of up to 6,000,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock. During the
six months ended June 30, 1999, the Company acquired approximately 169,000
shares for an aggregate amount of $9.1 million. Since inception of the Stock
Repurchase Program, the Company has acquired approximately 4,417,000 shares for
an aggregate amount of $151.8 million.

     Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 1999, the fair value of the Company's
consolidated investment portfolio was $8.89 billion, an increase of 2% from
$8.75 billion at December 31, 1998. This increase was primarily due to the
increased volume in investment and payment agreements and cash flow from
operations largely offset by declines in the market values of the investment
portfolios resulting from higher interest rates during the period.

     Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities was $172.1 million
and $133.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. These cash flows were primarily provided from insurance
operations.

     Net cash provided by financing activities was $131.5 million during the six
months ended June 30, 1999, of which $140.9 million was from investment
agreements issued (net of draws paid). For the six months ended June 30, 1998,
$1,093.4 million was provided in financing activities, of which $744.5 million
was from investment agreements issued (net of draws paid).

     Net cash used in investing activities was $303.5 million during the six
months ended June 30, 1999, of which $2,936.0 million was used to purchase
bonds, partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of bonds of
$2,446.5 million. For the six months ended June 30, 1998, $1,207.9 million was
used in investing activities, of which $2,269.0 million was used to purchase
bonds, partially offset by proceeds from sales and maturities of bonds of
$1,422.9 million.

                                       18
<PAGE>

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

     Material Commitments. The Company has made no commitments for material
capital expenditures within the next twelve months.

     Year 2000. The issue commonly known as the Y2K problem ("Y2K") relates to
whether computer programs and embedded computer chips will be able to
distinguish between the year 1900 and the year 2000. In 1998, the Company
commenced an initiative to assess and address any risks posed by the Y2K
problem. This initiative was a high priority undertaking and considered crucial
to the operation of the Company's businesses. Pursuant to this initiative, the
Company assessed the risks to its businesses related to the functionality of its
own computer systems and those of third parties. All phases of the initiative
have been completed and the Company has substantially addressed any problems
brought to light as a result of the initiative.

     The Company appointed a Y2K Steering Committee comprised of members of
senior management. The committee was given full responsibility and authority to
establish methodologies and budgets and to allocate necessary resources. The
committee was responsible for the coordination of internal and external
resources with the goal of evaluating and remediating, if necessary, critical
internal and external technology systems. The Company also contracted with an
outside consultant to support its Y2K initiative.

     The initiative was comprised of a three-phase process. Phase I was an
inventory analysis and impact assessment. Inventory included: (a) those
information technology systems which were deemed critical to running the
businesses, (b) non-information technology systems such as fire systems,
elevators and the like, (c) material third parties such as electronic data
interchange ("EDI") partners, (d) hardware and software vendors, and (e)
business user spreadsheets. Phase II was the testing phase during which: (a) all
critical systems were tested, (b) transactions were run through critical systems
by applying various permutations and combinations of Y2K sensitive dates, and
(c) results were reviewed independently by each business unit. In Phase III, the
extent of code repair was determined and remediated.

     The total cost of identifying, testing and remediating its critical systems
was approximately $1.1 million, $0.4 million of which was incurred during 1999.

The Company's principal Y2K risks were grouped into four categories:

     (1) Company's Internal Systems Risk. This is the risk that the Company does
     not successfully ready its operations for the next century. The Company,
     like other financial institutions, is heavily dependent upon its computer
     systems. Y2K problems in the Company's internal systems could result in an
     interruption in, or failure of, certain normal business activities or
     operations. Such failures could adversely affect the Company's operations.
     Although findings indicate that the systems supporting the Company's
     internal operations will be compliant, management has nevertheless
     developed contingent procedures in the event its critical systems should
     fail. These procedures have been approved by the Company's Board of
     Directors and are in the process of being tested.

     (2) Third Party Risk. This is the risk of disruption of Company operations
     due to operational failures of third parties. Computer failure of third
     parties may also jeopardize Company operations, but how seriously depends
     on the nature and duration of such failures. Such third parties could
     include suppliers of telecommunications, electric power suppliers, and
     services provided by governmental agencies. Based on the results of its

                                       19
<PAGE>

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

     inquiries to third parties, the Company does not expect significant
     disruptions related to the Y2K failure of its suppliers.

     (3) Issuer Risk. This is the risk of failure by an obligor of obligations
     insured by Ambac Assurance Corporation and its subsidiaries, including
     Connie Lee Insurance Company (collectively, the "insurance companies") to
     make scheduled payment of debt service due to the obligor's Y2K-related
     systems, thus triggering a claim under the applicable insurance policy. In
     the event a claim resulting solely from a Y2K problem occurs, the Company
     would utilize its sources of liquidity to pay claims and has in fact
     increased liquidity for such purpose. The Company would expect full
     recovery of such claims when Y2K problems are resolved. The Company
     presently has no specific reserves for claims solely associated with Y2K
     events. The Company has incorporated Y2K guidelines into its underwriting
     and surveillance process and routinely assesses Y2K risk associated with
     issuers of both its insured obligations and potential issuers. The Company
     relies on information provided by the issuers of these obligations, does
     not independently verify such information and therefore cannot attest to
     its accuracy.

     (4) Financial Institution Risk. Financial institution risk includes the
     risk of Y2K systems-related failures by the trustees or paying agents on
     transactions insured by one of the insurance companies. The Company relies
     on the operating systems of such trustees to identify the correct interest
     payment dates, calculate the correct payments and, through various payment
     systems, to move the funds to the bondholders. This risk is mitigated by
     the fact that the insurance companies' obligations to pay claims is related
     to the creditworthiness of the issuer and not the trustee. However, to
     minimize payment disruption and identify potential future problems, the
     Company requested compliance statements from certain trustees or paying
     agents of its insured transactions, reviewed the appropriate publicly
     available disclosures and monitored the activities of the banking
     regulatory agencies for Y2K developments. Additionally, financial
     institution risk relates to custodians of securities held for its own
     account and the accounts of others. The securities settlement and custody
     systems deemed critical to the conduct of the Company's operations were
     also tested. Based on the results of its reviews and inquiries, the Company
     believes that the likelihood of system failure by a third party financial
     institution is minimal.

                                       20
<PAGE>

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     In the ordinary course of business, the Company, through its subsidiaries,
manages a variety of risks, principally market, credit, liquidity, operational,
and legal. These risks are identified, measured and monitored through a variety
of control mechanisms that are in place at different levels throughout the
organization.

     Market risk represents the potential for losses that may result from
changes in the market value of a financial instrument as a result of changes in
market conditions. The Company has financial instruments held for purposes other
than trading and for trading purposes. The principal market risk for the
Company's financial instruments held for purposes other than trading is interest
rate risk. An independent market risk management group is involved in setting
and monitoring risk limits and the application of risk measurement
methodologies. The estimation of potential losses arising from adverse changes
in market conditions is a key element in managing market risk. The Company
utilizes various models and stress test scenarios to monitor and manage interest
rate risk. This process includes frequent analyses of both parallel and
non-parallel shifts in the yield curve. These models include estimates, made by
management, that utilize current and historical market information. The
valuation results from these models could differ materially from amounts that
would actually be realized in the market. Financial instruments held for
purposes other than trading which may be adversely affected by changes in
interest rates consist primarily of investment securities, investment agreement
liabilities, debentures, and related derivative contracts (primarily interest
rate swaps and financial futures) used for hedging
purposes.

     The Company, through its subsidiary Ambac Financial Services, L.P.
("AFSLP"), is a provider of interest rate swaps to states, municipalities and
their authorities and other entities in connection with their financings. AFSLP
manages its business with the goal of being market neutral to changes in overall
interest rates, while seeking to profit from retaining some basis risk. If
actual or projected tax-exempt interest rates change in relation to taxable
interest rates, AFSLP will experience a mark-to-market gain or loss. The AFSLP
swap portfolio is considered held for trading purposes. Since late 1995, most
municipal interest rate swaps transacted by AFSLP contain provisions that are
designed to protect the Company against certain forms of tax reform, thus
mitigating its basis risk. An independent market risk management group monitors
trading risk limits and, together with senior management, is involved in the
application of risk measurement methodologies.



                                       21
<PAGE>

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

     Items 1, 2, 3, and 5 are omitted either because they are inapplicable or
because the answer to such question is negative.

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

     The following matters were voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
of the Company held on May 12, 1999, and received the votes set forth below:

     Proposal 1. The following directors were elected to serve on the Company's
     Board of Directors:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                      Number of Votes Cast
                                              --------------------------------------
                                                   For                  Withheld
                                              --------------------- ----------------
<S>                                         <C>                    <C>
              Phillip B. Lassiter                63,502,220                83,469
              Michael A. Callen                  63,509,605                76,084
              Renso L. Caporali                  63,508,356                77,333
              Richard Dulude                     63,509,041                76,648
              W. Grant Gregory                   63,500,380                85,309
              C. Roderick O'Neil                 63,509,141                76,548
</TABLE>

There were no broker non-votes for this proposal.

     Proposal 2. The proposal to approve the amendment to the 1997 Equity Plan
to broaden the definition of "eligible individuals" for awards under the Plan
was adopted, with 61,323,606 votes in favor, 2,210,368 votes against and 51,714
votes abstaining. There were no broker non-votes for this proposal.

     Proposal 3. The proposal to ratify the selection of KPMG as independent
auditors of the Company and its subsidiaries for 1999 was adopted, with
63,562,979 votes in favor, 9,579 votes against and 13,132 votes abstaining.
There were no broker non-votes for this proposal.

                                       22
<PAGE>


PART II- OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)      The following are annexed as exhibits:


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

            10.23       First Amendment, dated August 3, 1999, to the U.S.
                        $150,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated August 3, 1998,
                        among the Company and Ambac Assurance Corporation as
                        the Borrowers, certain commercial lending institutions
                        as the Lenders, Citibank, N.A. as the Documentation
                        Agent, First National Bank of Chicago as the Co-Agent,
                        and the Bank of Nova Scotia acting through its New York
                        Agency as the Arranger and the Administrative Agent.

            10.24       Conformed copy of U.S. $50,000,000 Revolving Credit
                        Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999 among Ambac Credit
                        Products, LLC, the banks, financial institutions and
                        other institutional lenders (the "Initial Lenders")
                        listed on the signature pages thereof, and The Bank of
                        New York, as Agent for the Lenders.

            10.25       Amendment, effective as of May 3, 1999, to the Amended
                        and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 2,
                        1998, among Ambac Assurance Corporation, the Banks
                        party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG,
                        New York Branch, as Agent.

            27.00       Financial Data Schedule.

            99.03       Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
                        Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements as of June
                        30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 and for the periods
                        ended June 30, 1999 and 1998.


(b)      Reports on Form 8-K:

         There was no reports on Form 8-K filed during the second quarter of
         1999.

                                       23
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES


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





                                 Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
                                 (Registrant)




Dated:    August 13, 1999        By:     /s/ Frank J. Bivona
                                         ----------------------------------
                                         Frank J. Bivona
                                         Executive Vice President and Chief
                                         Financial Officer  (Principal
                                         Financial and Accounting Officer
                                         and Duly Authorized Officer)

                                       24
<PAGE>

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS


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

               10.23         First Amendment, dated August 3, 1999, to the U.S.
                             $150,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated August 3,
                             1998, among the Company and Ambac Assurance
                             Corporation as the Borrowers, certain commercial
                             lending institutions as the Lenders, Citibank, N.A.
                             as the Documentation Agent, First National Bank of
                             Chicago as the Co-Agent, and the Bank of Nova
                             Scotia acting through its New York Agency as the
                             Arranger and the Administrative Agent.

               10.24         Conformed copy of U.S. $50,000,000 Revolving Credit
                             Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999 among Ambac
                             Credit Products, LLC, the banks, financial
                             institutions and other institutional lenders (the
                             "Initial Lenders") listed on the signature pages
                             thereof, and The Bank of New York, as Agent for the
                             Lenders.

               10.25         Amendment, effective as of May 3, 1999, to the
                             Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of
                             December 2, 1998, among Ambac Assurance
                             Corporation, the Banks party thereto from time to
                             time and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as
                             Agent.

               27.00         Financial Data Schedule.

               99.03         Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
                             Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements as of
                             June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 and for the
                             periods ended June 30, 1999 and 1998.

                                       25

<PAGE>

Execution Copy                                                     Exhibit 10.23


                      FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT


        This FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of August 3, 1999
(this "First Amendment"), among AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. ("AMBAC Financial"),
       ---------------                                        ---------------
AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION ("AMBAC Assurance"; together with AMBAC Financial,
the "Borrowers"), the various commercial lending institutions as are or may
     ---------
become parties thereto (collectively, the "Lenders"), CITIBANK, N.A.
                                           -------
("Citibank"), as documentation agent (the "Documentation Agent"), THE FIRST
  --------                                 -------------------
NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO ("FNBC"), as co-agent (the "Co-Agent"), and THE BANK OF
                           ----                      --------
NOVA SCOTIA ("BNS"), acting through its New York Agency, as arranger and
              ---
administrative agent (the "Administrative Agent") for the Lenders.
                           --------------------

                             W I T N E S S E T H:

        WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the Lenders and the Agents are parties to that
certain Credit Agreement, dated as of August 3, 1998 (as amended, supplemented
or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the "Existing Credit
                                                     ---------------
Agreement");
- ---------

        WHEREAS, the parties to the Existing Credit Agreement wish to amend
certain provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement in certain respects as set
forth below; and

        WHEREAS, the Lenders have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth, to amend such provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement
in certain respects as provided below (the Existing Credit Agreement, as so
amended by this First Amendment, being referred to as the "Credit Agreement");
                                                           ----------------

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements herein contained, the
parties hereto agree as follows:


                                    PART I
                                  DEFINITIONS

        SUBPART I.1. Certain Definitions. The following terms (whether or not
                     -------------------
underscored) when used in this Amendment shall have the following meanings (such
meanings to be equally applicable to the singular and plural form thereof):
<PAGE>

        "Borrowers" is defined in the preamble.
         ---------                    --------

        "Credit Agreement" is defined in the third recital.
         ----------------                    -------------

        "Existing Credit Agreement" is defined in the first recital.
         -------------------------                    -------------

        "First Amendment" is defined in the preamble.
         ---------------                    --------

        "First Amendment Effective Date" is defined in Section 3.1.
         ------------------------------                -----------

        "Lenders" is defined in the preamble.
         -------                    --------

        SUBPART 1.2 Other Definitions. Terms for which meanings are provided in
                    -----------------
the Existing Credit Agreement are, unless otherwise defined herein or the
context otherwise requires, used in this First Amendment with such meanings.


                                    PART II
                               AMENDMENTS TO THE
                           EXISTING CREDIT AGREEMENT

        Effective on (and subject to the occurrence of) the First Amendment
Effective Date, the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended in accordance
with the terms of this Part II; except as so amended, the Existing Credit
                       -------
Agreement and all Exhibits and Schedules shall continue in full force and effect
and are in all respects hereby ratified and confirmed.

        SUBPART II.1. (a) Section 1.1 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby
amended by inserting the following definitions in such Section in the
appropriate alphabetical sequence:

               "First Amendment Effective Date" means August 3, 1999.
                ------------------------------

               "Utilization Fee" is defined in Section 3.3.3.
                ---------------                -------------

               "Utilization Fee Determination Date" is defined in Section 3.3.3.
                ----------------------------------                -------------
        (b)  The definition of "Loan Documents" in Section 1.1 of the Existing
Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:

               "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Notes, any other
                --------------
               agreement designated as a "Loan Document" by the Borrowers and
               the Required Lenders, and any amendments, waivers or supplements
               from time to time to any of the foregoing.
<PAGE>

        (c) The definition of "Scheduled Commitment Termination Date" in Section
1.1 of the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read
as follows:

               ""Scheduled Commitment Termination Date" means with respect to
                 -------------------------------------
               any Lender, (a) August 3, 2000, or (b) as it may be extended from
               time to time in accordance with Section 2.7 with respect to such
               Lender, the applicable Extension Date."

        SUBPART 2.3. A new Section 3.3.3 shall be inserted at the end of Section
3.3.2 of the Existing Credit Agreement, which new Section shall read as follows:

               "SECTION 3.3.3. Utilization Fee.
                               ---------------

               The Borrowers agree to pay to the Administrative Agent for the
        account of each Lender a non-refundable utilization fee (a "Utilization
                                                                    -----------
        Fee") equal to a pro rata portion (based on the ratio of the aggregate
        ---              --------
        principal amount of such Lender's outstanding Loans on the applicable
        dates to the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Loans on the
        applicable dates) of the sum of (a) .125% per annum on the aggregate
        principal amount of outstanding Loans, for each day on which the
        aggregate principal amount of outstanding Loans exceeds 25% of the
        Commitment Amount and (b) if on any day the aggregate principal amount
        of the outstanding Loans exceeds 75% of the Commitment Amount, .125% per
        annum on the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Loans, for each
        such day. The Utilization Fee due to each Lender shall be payable in
        arrears on each Quarterly Payment Date, commencing with the initial
        Quarterly Payment Date following the First Amendment Effective Date, and
        on the later of the Scheduled Maturity Date and the date on which all
        Loans are no longer outstanding (each such Quarterly Payment Date and
        such later date being a "Utilization Fee Determination Date") if a
        Utilization Fee is payable pursuant to the provisions of the immediately
        preceding sentence for any day during the period from (i) the First
        Amendment Effective Date (in the case of the initial Utilization Fee
        Determination Date) or, thereafter, the Quarterly Payment Date next
        preceding the relevant Utilization Fee Determination Date to (ii) such
        relevant Utilization Fee Determination Date.


                                   PART III
                          CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS

        SUBPART III.1. First Amendment Effective Date. This First Amendment (and
                       ------------------------------
the amendments contained herein) shall become effective on August 3, 1999 (the
"First Amendment Effective Date"), provided that all of the conditions set forth
 ------------------------------
in this Subpart 3.1 have been satisfied.
        -----------

        SUBPART III.1.1. Execution of Counterparts. On or prior to the First
                         -------------------------
Amendment Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received
counterparts of this First

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

Amendment, duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Borrowers all the
Lenders and the Agents.

        SUBPART III.1.2. Delivery of Officer's Certificate. The Administrative
                         ---------------------------------
Agent shall have received from each Borrower, on the First Amendment Effective
Date, a certificate, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereof and dated as
of the Amendment Effective Date, of an Authorized Officer of such Borrower
certifying that both before and after giving effect to this First Amendment: (i)
the representations and warranties set forth in Article VI of the Existing
                                                ----------

Credit Agreement shall be true and correct as if then made (unless stated to
relate solely to an earlier date, in which case such representations and
warranties shall be true and correct as of such earlier date) and (ii) no
Default shall have then occurred and be continuing.

        SUBPART III.1.3. Legal Details, etc. All documents executed or submitted
                         ------------------
pursuant hereto shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the
Administrative Agent and its counsel. The Administrative Agent and its counsel
shall have received all information and such counterpart originals or such
certified or other copies or such materials, as the Administrative Agent or its
counsel may reasonably request, and all legal matters incident to the
transactions contemplated by this First Amendment shall be satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent and its counsel.


                                    PART IV
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

        SUBPART IV.1.    Cross-References. References in this First Amendment to
                         ----------------
any Part or Subpart are, unless otherwise specified or otherwise required by the
context, to such Part or Subpart of this First Amendment.

        SUBPART IV.2.    Loan Document Pursuant to Existing Credit Agreement.
                         ---------------------------------------------------
This First Amendment is a Loan Document executed pursuant to the Existing Credit
Agreement and shall be construed, administered and applied in accordance with
all of the terms and provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement.

        SUBPART IV.3.    Representations and Warranties. The Borrower hereby
                         ------------------------------
represents and warrants that both before and after giving effect to this First
Amendment, the statements contained in Article VI of the Existing Credit
Agreement are true and correct.

        SUBPART IV.4.    Successors and Assigns. This First Amendment shall be
                         ----------------------
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns.

        SUBPART IV.5.    Counterparts. This First Amendment may be executed by
                         ------------
the parties hereto in several counterparts, each of which when executed and
delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall constitute
together but one and the same agreement.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

        SUBPART IV.6.  Governing Law. THIS FIRST AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
                       -------------
AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

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

                                            AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.


                                            By:________________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                            AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION


                                            By:________________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                            THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, acting
                                              through its New York Agency, as
                                              Arranger and Administrative Agent


                                            By:________________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                            CITIBANK, N.A., as Documentation
                                              Agent


                                            By:________________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                            THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                                               as Co-Agent


                                            By:________________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:



                                            THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

                                            By:________________________________
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

                                            CITIBANK, N.A.


                                            By:________________________________
                                               Name:
                                               Title:

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

                                            THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO


                                            By:________________________________
                                               Name:
                                               Title:

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

                                                              EXHIBIT A to
                                                              First Amendment to
                                                              Credit Agreement

                             OFFICER'S CERTIFICATE
                                      OF
                         [AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.]
                         [AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION]


        This Officer's Certificate is delivered pursuant to Subpart 3.1.2 of
                                                            -------
that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of August 3,1999 (the
"First Amendment"), amending that certain Credit Agreement dated as of August 3,
 ---------------
1998 (together with all amendments and other modifications, if any, from time to
time made thereto, the "Credit Agreement"), among AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.,
                        ----------------
AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION, the various commercial lending institutions as are
or may become parties thereto, CITIBANK, N.A. ("Citibank"), as Documentation
                                                --------
Agent, FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO ("FNBC"), as co-agent and THE BANK OF NOVA
                                        ----
SCOTIA, acting through its New York Agency, as arranger and Administrative
Agent. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms used herein have the meanings
provided therefor in , or as designated pursuant to, the First Amendment.

        The Undersigned hereby certifies, represents and warrants on behalf of
[AMBAC Financial Group, Inc.] [AMBAC Assurance Corporation] (the "Borrower) as
follows:

        Both before and after giving effect to the First Amendment, the
        representations and warranties of the Borrower in the Existing Credit
        Agreement are true and correct (unless stated to relate solely to an
        earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be
        true and correct as of such earlier date) and no Default has occurred
        and is continuing.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed my name as of the 3rd day of August,
1999.

                                               By: ___________________________

                                      -9-

<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.24



                               U.S. $50,000,000


                          REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

                           Dated as of July 1, 1999

                                     Among

                          AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC

                                  as Borrower
                                  -- --------

                                      and

                       THE INITIAL LENDERS NAMED HEREIN

                              as Initial Lenders
                              -- ------- -------

                                      and

                             THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                                   as Agent
                                   -- -----
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Page
<S>                                                                     <C>

                  ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
SECTION 1.01.  Certain Defined Terms....................................   1
SECTION 1.02.  Computation of Time Periods..............................  10
SECTION 1.03.  Accounting Terms.........................................  10

                 ARTICLE II AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES
SECTION 2.01.  The Advances.............................................  10
SECTION 2.02.  Making the Advances......................................  10
SECTION 2.03.  Fees.....................................................  11
SECTION 2.04.  Termination or Reduction of the Commitments..............  12
SECTION 2.05.  Repayment................................................  12
SECTION 2.06.  Interest.................................................  12
SECTION 2.07.  Interest Rate Determination..............................  14
SECTION 2.08.  Optional Conversion of Advances..........................  14
SECTION 2.09.  Optional Prepayments.....................................  14
SECTION 2.10.  Increased Costs..........................................  15
SECTION 2.11.  Illegality...............................................  15
SECTION 2.12.  Payments and Computations................................  16
SECTION 2.13.  Taxes....................................................  17
SECTION 2.14.  Sharing of Payments, Etc.................................  19
SECTION 2.15.  Use of Proceeds..........................................  20
SECTION 2.16.  Extension of Commitment Termination Date.................  20
SECTION 2.17.  Increase of Commitments..................................  21

              ARTICLE III CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS AND LENDING
SECTION 3.01.  Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness of Section 2.01....  22
SECTION 3.02.  Conditions Precedent to Each Borrowing...................  23

                   ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
SECTION 4.01.  Representations and Warranties of the Borrower...........  24

                      ARTICLE V COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER
SECTION 5.01.  Affirmative Covenants....................................  26
SECTION 5.02.  Negative Covenant........................................  27

                         ARTICLE VI EVENTS OF DEFAULT
SECTION 6.01.  Events of Default........................................  28
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                      ii

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Page
<S>                                                             <C>
                             ARTICLE VII THE AGENT
SECTION 7.01.  Authorization and Action......................... 30
SECTION 7.02.  Agent's Reliance, Etc............................ 30
SECTION 7.03.  BNY and Affiliates............................... 31
SECTION 7.04.  Lender Credit Decision........................... 31
SECTION 7.05.  Indemnification.................................. 31
SECTION 7.06.  Successor Agent.................................. 32

                          ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 8.01.  Amendments, Etc.................................. 32
SECTION 8.02.  Notices, Etc..................................... 33
SECTION 8.03.  No Waiver; Remedies.............................. 33
SECTION 8.04.  Costs and Expenses............................... 33
SECTION 8.05.  Right of Set-off................................. 34
SECTION 8.06.  Binding Effect................................... 34
SECTION 8.07.  Assignments and Participations................... 35
SECTION 8.08.  Confidentiality.................................. 37
SECTION 8.09.  Governing Law.................................... 37
SECTION 8.10.  Execution in Counterparts........................ 37
SECTION 8.11.  Waiver of Jury Trial............................. 38
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                      iii

Schedules

Schedule I - List of Applicable Lending Offices

Schedule 4.01(h) - Contingent Liabilities

Schedule 5.02 - Ongoing Debt



Exhibits

Exhibit A -  Form of Promissory Note

Exhibit B -  Form of Notice of Borrowing

Exhibit C -  Form of Assignment and Acceptance

Exhibit D -  Form of Surety Bond

Exhibit E -  Form of Opinion of Anne G. Gill, First Vice President, Assistant
             General Counsel and Secretary of Ambac Financial

Exhibit F -  Form of Opinion of Kevin J. Doyle, Managing Director and General
             Counsel, Specialized Finance, of the Guarantor

Exhibit G -  Form of Opinion of DeWitt, Ross & Stevens, S.C., Wisconsin Special
             Counsel to the Guarantor

Exhibit H -  Form of Opinion of Shearman & Sterling, Special New York Counsel to
             the Borrower
<PAGE>

                          REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

                           Dated as of July 1, 1999


          AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
"Borrower"), the banks, financial institutions and other institutional lenders
 --------
(the "Initial Lenders") listed on the signature pages hereof, and THE BANK OF
      ---------------
NEW YORK ("BNY"), as agent (the "Agent") for the Lenders (as hereinafter
           ---                   -----
defined), agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I

                       DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

          SECTION 1.01.  Certain Defined Terms.  As used in this Agreement, the
                         ---------------------
following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally
applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

          "Advance" means an advance by a Lender to the Borrower pursuant to
           -------
     Article II, and refers to a Base Rate Advance or a Eurodollar Rate Advance
     (each of which shall be a "Type" of Advance).
                                ----

          "Affiliate" means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly
           ---------
     or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with
     such Person or is a director or officer of such Person.  For purposes of
     this definition, the term "control" (including the terms "controlling",
     "controlled by" and "under common control with") of a Person means the
     possession, direct or indirect, of the power to vote 10% or more of the
     Voting Stock of such Person or to direct or cause the direction of the
     management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of
     Voting Stock, by contract or otherwise.

          "Agent's Account" means the account of the Agent maintained by the
           ---------------
     Agent at BNY with its office at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York
     10286, Account No. GLA 111556, Attention:  Maria Hernandez.

          "Ambac Financial" means Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
           ---------------

          "Applicable Lending Office" means, with respect to each Lender, such
           -------------------------
     Lender's Domestic Lending Office in the case of a Base Rate Advance and
     such Lender's Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate
     Advance.

<PAGE>

                                       2

          "Applicable Margin" means, as of any date, a percentage per annum
           -----------------
     determined by reference to the Financial Strength Rating in effect on such
     date as set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          ===========================================================
               Financial Strength Rating        Applicable Margin
                     S&P/Moody's
          ===========================================================
          <S>                                   <C>
           Level 1
           -------
           Aaa/AAA or above                            0.375%
          -----------------------------------------------------------

           Level 2
           -------
           Aa1/AA+                                     0.500%
          -----------------------------------------------------------

           Level 3
           -------
           Aa2/AA                                      0.650%
          -----------------------------------------------------------

           Level 4
           -------
           Aa3/AA-                                      1.00%

           Level 5
           -------
           A1/A+ or below                               1.50%
          ===========================================================
</TABLE>

          "Assignment and Acceptance" means an assignment and acceptance entered
           -------------------------
     into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Agent, in
     substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto.

          "Base Rate" means a fluctuating interest rate per annum in effect from
           ---------
     time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be equal to the
     higher of:

               (a)  the rate of interest announced publicly by BNY in New York,
          New York, from time to time, as BNY's prime rate; and

               (b)  the Federal Funds Rate.

          "Base Rate Advance" means an Advance that bears interest as provided
           -----------------
     in Section 2.06(a)(i).

          "Borrowing" means a borrowing consisting of Advances of the same Type
           ---------
     made on the same day by the Lenders.

          "Business Day" means a day of the year on which banks are not required
           ------------
     or authorized by law to close in New York City and, if the applicable
     Business Day relates
<PAGE>

                                       3

     to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, on which dealings are carried on in the
     London interbank market.

          "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
           ----
     to time.

          "Commitment" has the meaning specified in Section 2.01.
           ----------

          "Commitment Date" has the meaning specified in Section 2.17.
           ---------------

          "Commitment Termination Date" means the earlier of (a) the date which
           ---------------------------
     is 364-days after the Effective Date, as such date may be extended pursuant
     to Section 2.16, and (b) the date of termination in whole of the
     Commitments pursuant to Section 2.04 or 6.01.

          "Confidential Information" means information that the Borrower
           ------------------------
     furnishes to the Agent or any Lender, but does not include any such
     information that is or becomes generally available to the public.

          "Consolidated" refers to the consolidation of accounts in accordance
           ------------
     with GAAP.

          "Controlled Group" means all members of a controlled group of
           ----------------
     corporations and all members of a controlled group of trades or businesses
     (whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together with
     either Borrower, are treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or
     414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.

          "Convert", "Conversion" and "Converted" each refers to a conversion of
           -------    ----------       ---------
     Advances of one Type into Advances of the other Type pursuant to Section
     2.07 or 2.08.

          "Debt" of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations
           ----
     of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person
     evidenced by bonds, debentures or notes; (b)  all obligations, contingent
     or otherwise, of such Person relative to the face amount of all letters of
     credit, whether or not drawn, and banker's acceptances issued for the
     account of such Person; (c)  all obligations of such Person as lessee under
     leases which have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as
     capitalized lease liabilities; (d) all Debt of others referred to in
     clauses (a) through (c) above secured by a Lien on property owned by such
     Person; and (e) all Debt of others referred to in clauses (a) to (c) above
     guaranteed by such Person.
<PAGE>

                                       4

          "Declining Lender" has the meaning specified in Section 2.16.
           ----------------

          "Default" means any Event of Default or any event that would
           -------
     constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given
     or time elapse or both.

          "Domestic Lending Office" means, with respect to any Lender, the
           -----------------------
     office of such Lender specified as its "Domestic Lending Office" opposite
     its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant
     to which it became a Lender, or such other office of such Lender as such
     Lender may from time to time specify to the Borrower and the Agent.

          "Effective Date" has the meaning specified in Section 3.01.
           --------------

          "Eligible Assignee" means (a)  the Federal Reserve Bank of the United
           -----------------
     States; (b) except in the event of an assignment demanded by the Borrower
     pursuant to Section 8.07, an Eligible Transferee; and (c) any other Person
     approved by the Agent and, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is
     continuing at the time any assignment is effected in accordance with
     Section 8.07, the Borrower, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld
     or delayed; provided, however, that neither the Borrower nor an Affiliate
                 --------  -------
     of the Borrower shall qualify as an Eligible Assignee.

          "Eligible Transferee" means a commercial bank or other financial
           -------------------
     institution having the Required Lender Rating.

          "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
           -----
     amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings
     issued thereunder.

          "Eurocurrency Liabilities" has the meaning assigned to that term in
           ------------------------
     Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in
     effect from time to time.

          "Eurodollar Lending Office" means, with respect to any Lender, the
           -------------------------
     office of such Lender specified as its "Eurodollar Lending Office" opposite
     its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant
     to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its
     Domestic Lending Office), or such other office of such Lender as such
     Lender may from time to time specify to the Borrower and the Agent.

          "Eurodollar Rate" means, for any Interest Period for each Eurodollar
           ---------------
     Rate Advance comprising part of the same Borrowing, an interest rate per
     annum equal to
<PAGE>

                                       5

     the rate per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by the
     principal office of BNY in London, England to prime banks in the London
     interbank market at 11:00 A.M. (London time) two Business Days before the
     first day of such Interest Period in an amount substantially equal to BNY's
     Eurodollar Rate Advance comprising part of such Borrowing to be outstanding
     during such Interest Period and for a period equal to such Interest Period.

          "Eurodollar Rate Advance" means an Advance that bears interest as
           -----------------------
     provided in Section 2.06(a)(ii).

          "Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage" for any Interest Period for all
           ----------------------------------
     Eurodollar Rate Advances comprising part of the same Borrowing means the
     reserve percentage applicable two Business Days before the first day of
     such Interest Period under regulations issued from time to time by the
     Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for
     determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation,
     any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) for a
     member bank of the Federal Reserve System in New York City with respect to
     liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities
     (or with respect to any other category of liabilities that includes
     deposits by reference to which the interest rate on Eurodollar Rate
     Advances is determined) having a term equal to such Interest Period.

          "Events of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.
           -----------------

          "Extending Lender" has the meaning specified in Section 2.16.
           ----------------

          "Extension Request" has the meaning specified in Section 2.16.
           -----------------

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

          "Financial Strength Rating" means, as of any date, the rating that has
           -------------------------
     been most recently announced by either S&P or Moody's, as the case may be,
     for the financial strength of the Guarantor.  For purposes of the
     foregoing, (a) if the ratings established by S&P and Moody's shall fall
     within different levels, the Applicable Margin shall be
<PAGE>

                                       6

     based upon the lower rating; (b) if any rating established by S&P or
     Moody's shall be changed, such change shall be effective as of the date on
     which such change is first announced publicly by the rating agency making
     such change; and (c) if S&P or Moody's shall change the basis on which
     ratings are established, each reference to the Financial Strength Rating
     announced by S&P or Moody's, as the case may be, shall refer to the then
     equivalent rating by S&P or Moody's, as the case may be.

          "GAAP" has the meaning specified in Section 1.03.
           ----

          "Guarantor" means Ambac Assurance Corporation, a Wisconsin stock
           ---------
     insurance corporation.

          "Increase Date" has the meaning specified in Section 2.17.
           -------------

          "Increase Request" has the meaning specified in Section 2.17.
           ----------------

          "Increasing Lender" has the meaning specified in Section 2.17.
           -----------------

          "Increasing Extending Lender" has the meaning specified in Section
           ---------------------------
     2.16

          "Interest Period" means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance, the period
           ---------------
     commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the
     Conversion of any Base Rate Advance into such Eurodollar Rate Advance and
     ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to
     the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on
     the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the
     last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions
     below.  The duration of each such Interest Period shall be one, two, three,
     six months, or, if available, 12 months, as the Borrower may, upon notice
     received by the Agent not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the
     third Business Day prior to the first day of such Interest Period, select;
     provided, however, that:
     --------  -------

               (a)  the Borrower may not select any Interest Period with respect
          to any Eurodollar Rate Advance that ends after any principal repayment
          installment date unless, after giving effect to such selection, the
          aggregate principal amount of Base Rate Advances and of Eurodollar
          Rate Advances having Interest Periods that end on or prior to such
          principal repayment installment date shall be at least equal to the
          aggregate principal amount of Advances due and payable on or prior to
          such date;
<PAGE>

                                       7

               (b)  whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise
          occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such
          Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding
          Business Day; provided, however, that, if such extension would cause
                        --------  -------
          the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following
          calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on
          the next preceding Business Day; and

               (c)  whenever the first day of any Interest Period occurs on a
          day of an initial calendar month for which there is no numerically
          corresponding day in the calendar month that succeeds such initial
          calendar month by the number of months equal to the number of months
          in such Interest Period, such Interest Period shall end on the last
          Business Day of such succeeding calendar month.

          "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
           ---------------------
     amended from time to time, and the regulations promulgated and rulings
     issued thereunder.

          "Lenders" means the Initial Lenders and each Person that shall become
           -------
     a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.07.

          "Lien" means any security interest, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation,
           ----
     assignment, encumbrance, lien (statutory or otherwise), charge against or
     interest in property to secure payment of a debt, or the interest of any
     vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or
     other title retention agreement.

          "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Notes and the Surety Bond.
           --------------

          "Material Adverse Change" means any material adverse change in the
           -----------------------
     business, financial condition or operations of the Guarantor and its
     Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

          "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on the
           -----------------------
     business, financial condition or operations of the Guarantor and its
     Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

          "Material Subsidiary" means, at any date of determination, any
           -------------------
     Subsidiary of the Borrower that, together with its Subsidiaries, as of the
     end of the most recent fiscal year, was the owner of (or, in the case of
     any Subsidiary that is acquired following such fiscal year end, would have
     been the owner of) at least 10% of the consolidated assets of the Borrower
     and its Subsidiaries at the end of such fiscal year, all as set forth
<PAGE>

                                       8

     on the most recently available consolidated financial statements of the
     Borrower for such fiscal year.

          "Maturity Date" means the third anniversary of the earlier of (a) the
           -------------
     date which is 364-days after the Effective Date, as such date may be
     extended pursuant to Section 2.16, and (b) the date of termination in whole
     of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.04.

          "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
           -------

          "Note" means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to the order of
           ----
     any Lender, in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, evidencing the
     aggregate indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the
     Advances made by such Lender.

          "Notice of Borrowing" has the meaning specified in Section 2.02.
           -------------------

          "Other Taxes" has the meaning specified in Section 2.13(b).
           -----------

          "Pension Plan" means a "pension plan", as such term is defined in
           ------------
     Section 3(2) of ERISA, which is subject to Title IV of ERISA (other than a
     multiemployer plan as defined in section 4001(a) (3) of ERISA), and to
     which either Borrower or any corporation, trade or business that is, along
     with such Borrower, a member of a Controlled Group, may have liability,
     including any liability by reason of having been a substantial employer
     within the meaning of section 4063 of ERISA at any time during the
     preceding five years, or by reason of being deemed to be a contributing
     sponsor under section 4069 of ERISA.

          "Permitted Liens" means: (a) Liens for taxes, assessments and
           ---------------
     governmental charges or levies; (b) Liens imposed by law, such as
     materialmen's, mechanics', carriers', workmen's and repairmen's Liens and
     other similar Liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing
     obligations that are not overdue for a period of more than 60 days; (c)
     pledges or deposits to secure obligations under workers' compensation laws
     or similar legislation or to secure public or statutory obligations; and
     (d) encumbrances on title to real property that do not render title to the
     property encumbered thereby unmarketable or materially adversely affect the
     use of such property for its present purposes.

          "Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a
           ------
     business trust), joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association,
     joint venture, limited
<PAGE>

                                       9

     liability company or other entity, or a government or any political
     subdivision or agency thereof.

          "Register" has the meaning specified in Section 8.07(c).
           --------

          "Replacement Lenders" has the meaning specified in Section 2.16.
           -------------------

          "Required Lenders" means at any time Lenders owed at least a majority
           ----------------
     in interest of the then aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances
     owing to Lenders, or, if no such principal amount is then outstanding,
     Lenders having at least a majority in interest of the Commitments.

          "Required Lender Rating" means an unsecured short-term senior debt
           ----------------------
     rating of not less than A-1 from Moody's and P-1 from S&P.

          "Responsible Officer" means [the president, chief financial officer or
           -------------------
     treasurer] of the Borrower.

          "S&P" means Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill
           ---
     Companies, Inc.

          "Subsidiary" of any Person means any corporation, partnership, joint
           ----------
     venture, limited liability company, trust or estate of which (or in which)
     more than 50% of (a) the issued and outstanding capital stock having
     ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of such
     corporation (irrespective of whether at the time capital stock of any other
     class or classes of such corporation shall or might have voting power upon
     the occurrence of any contingency), (b) the interest in the capital or
     profits of such limited liability company, partnership or joint venture or
     (c) the beneficial interest in such trust or estate is at the time directly
     or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person, by such Person and one or
     more of its other Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person's other
     Subsidiaries.

          "Surety Bond" has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(c)(iv).
           -----------

          "Taxes" has the meaning specified in Section 2.13(a).
           -----

          "Voting Stock" means capital stock issued by a corporation, or
           ------------
     equivalent interests in any other Person, the holders of which are
     ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to vote for the
     election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such
     Person, even if the right so to vote has been suspended by the happening of
     such a contingency.
<PAGE>

                                       10

          "Welfare Plan" means a "welfare plan", as such term is defined in
           ------------
     section 3(1) of ERISA.

          SECTION 1.02.  Computation of Time Periods.  In this Agreement in the
                         ---------------------------
computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date,
the word "from"  means "from and including" and the words "to" and "until" each
mean "to but excluding".

          SECTION 1.03.  Accounting Terms.  All accounting terms not
                         ----------------
specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistent with those applied in the preparation
of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(e) ("GAAP").
                                                             ----


                                  ARTICLE II

                       AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES

          SECTION 2.01.  The Advances.  Each Lender severally agrees, on the
                         ------------
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make Advances to the Borrower
from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Effective Date
until the Commitment Termination Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed at
any time outstanding the amount set forth opposite such Lender's name on the
signature pages hereof or, if such Lender has entered into any Assignment and
Acceptance, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Agent
pursuant to Section 8.07(c), as such amount may be reduced pursuant to Section
2.04 or increased pursuant to Section 2.16 or 2.17 (such Lender's "Commitment").
                                                                   ----------
Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount of $2,000,000 or an integral
multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall consist of Advances of the
same Type made on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their
respective Commitments.  Within the limits of each Lender's Commitment, the
Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01, prepay pursuant to Section 2.09 and
reborrow under this Section 2.01.

          SECTION 2.02.  Making the Advances.  (a)  Each Borrowing shall be made
                         -------------------
on notice, given not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the third
Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing in the case of a
Borrowing consisting of Eurodollar Rate Advances, or 2:00 P.M.  (New York City
time) on the Business Day of the proposed Borrowing in the case of a Borrowing
consisting of Base Rate Advances, by the Borrower to the Agent, which shall give
to each Lender prompt notice thereof by telecopier.  Each such notice of a
Borrowing (a "Notice of Borrowing") shall be by telephone, confirmed immediately
              -------------------
in writing or by telecopier, in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto,
specifying therein the requested (i) date of such Borrowing, (ii) Type of
Advances comprising such Borrowing, (iii) aggregate amount of such Borrowing and
(iv) in the case of a Borrowing consisting of Eurodollar Rate Advances, initial
Interest Period for each such Advance.  Each
<PAGE>

                                       11

Lender shall, before 11:00 A.M. (New York City time) on the date of such
Borrowing in the case of a Borrowing consisting of Eurodollar Rate Advances, or
3:00 P.M. (New York City time) on the date of such Borrowing in the case of a
Borrowing consisting of Base Rate Advances, make available for the account of
its Applicable Lending Office to the Agent at the Agent's Account, in same day
funds, such Lender's ratable portion of such Borrowing. After the Agent's
receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set
forth in Article III, the Agent will make such funds available to the Borrower
at the Agent's address referred to in Section 8.02.

     (b)  Anything in subsection (a) above to the contrary notwithstanding, (i)
the Borrower may not select Eurodollar Rate Advances for any Borrowing if the
obligation of the Lenders to make Eurodollar Rate Advances shall then be
suspended pursuant to Section 2.07 or 2.11 and (ii) no more than 12 separate
Interest Periods may be outstanding at any time.

     (c)  In the case of any Borrowing that the related Notice of Borrowing
specifies is to be comprised of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall
indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender
as a result of any failure to fulfill on or before the date specified in such
Notice of Borrowing for such Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in
Article III, including any loss (excluding loss of anticipated profits), cost or
expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or
other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Advance to be made by such
Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure,
is not made on such date.

     (d)  Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the
date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Agent such
Lender's ratable portion of such Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such
Lender has made such portion available to the Agent on the date of such
Borrowing in accordance with subsection (a) of this Section 2.02 and the Agent
may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such
date a corresponding amount.  If and to the extent that such Lender shall not
have so made such ratable portion available to the Agent, such Lender and the
Borrower severally agree to repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such
corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date
such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is
repaid to the Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate
applicable at the time to Advances comprising such Borrowing and (ii) in the
case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Rate.  If such Lender shall repay to the
Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such
Lender's Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

     (e)  The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part
of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any,
hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall
be responsible for the failure of
<PAGE>

                                       12

any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date
of any Borrowing.

          SECTION 2.03.  Fees.  (a)  Facility Fee.  The Borrower shall pay to
                         ----        ------------
each Lender a facility fee on the aggregate amount of such Lender's Commitment
from the Effective Date in the case of each Initial Lender and from the later of
the Effective Date and the effective date specified in the Assignment and
Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender
until the Commitment Termination Date at a rate per annum as may from time to
time be agreed between the Borrower and such Lender, payable in arrears
quarterly on the final day of each March, June, September and December,
commencing September 30, 1999, and on the Commitment Termination Date.

     (b)  Agent's Fees.  The Borrower shall pay to the Agent for its own account
          ------------
such fees as may from time to time be agreed between the Borrower and the Agent.

          SECTION 2.04.  Termination or Reduction of the Commitments.  The
                         -------------------------------------------
Borrower shall have the right, upon at least five Business Days' notice to the
Agent, to terminate in whole or reduce ratably in part the unused portions of
the respective Commitments of the Lenders, provided that each partial reduction
                                           --------
shall be in the aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of
$1,000,000 in excess thereof.

          SECTION 2.05.  Repayment. The Borrower shall repay on the Maturity
                         ---------
Date to the Agent for the ratable account of the Lenders the aggregate principal
amount of any Advances outstanding on the Commitment Termination Date.

          SECTION 2.06.  Interest.  (a)  Scheduled Interest.  The Borrower shall
                         --------        ------------------
pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance owing to each Lender
from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full,
at the following rates per annum:

          (i)  Base Rate Advances. During such periods as such Advance is a Base
               ------------------
     Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to  the Base Rate in
     effect from time to time,  payable in arrears monthly on the final day of
     each month during such periods and on the date such Base Rate Advance shall
     be Converted or paid in full.

          (ii) Eurodollar Rate Advances.  During such periods as such Advance is
               ------------------------
     a Eurodollar Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times during each
     Interest Period for such Advance to the sum of (A) the Eurodollar Rate for
     such Interest Period for such Advance plus (B) the Applicable Margin in
                                           ----
     effect from time to time, payable in arrears on the last day of such
     Interest Period and, if such Interest Period has a duration of more than
     three months, on each day that occurs during such Interest
<PAGE>

                                       13

     Period every three months from the first day of such Interest Period and on
     the date such Eurodollar Rate Advance shall be Converted or paid in full.

     (b)  Default Interest.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a
          ----------------
Default under Section 6.01(a) as a consequence of any failure by the Borrower to
pay when due hereunder  any amount of principal, interest, fee or other amount
payable hereunder, the Borrower shall pay interest on such amount of principal,
interest, fee or other amount that is not paid when due, from the date such
Default shall occur until such amount shall be paid in full, payable in arrears
on the date such amount shall be paid in full and on demand, at a rate per annum
equal at all times to the sum of the Base Rate in effect from time to time plus
2% per annum.  Any interest payable pursuant to this Section 2.06(b) on any
amount of principal of an Advance shall be in lieu of interest which would
otherwise be payable on such amount of principal pursuant to Section 2.06(a).

     (c)  Additional Interest on Eurodollar Rate Advances.  The Borrower shall
          -----------------------------------------------
pay to each Lender, so long as and to the extent such Lender shall be required
under regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to
maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or
including Eurocurrency Liabilities, additional interest on the unpaid principal
amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such
Eurodollar Rate Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an
interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by
subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the then existing Interest Period for
such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a
percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage of such
                         -----
Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is
payable on such Advance.  Each Lender shall, as promptly as practicable after an
authorized officer of such Lender having direct and ongoing involvement in the
decisions made in respect of this Agreement obtains knowledge of such
circumstances and the determination of such Lender to request additional
interest from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.06(c), provide notice to
the Agent and the Borrower of the circumstances entitling such Lender to such
additional interest, which notice shall (A) specify the amount of any such
additional interest incurred in connection with such Eurodollar Rate Advance
and/or to be incurred in connection with Eurodollar Rate Advances made by such
Lender from time to time thereafter and (B) certify that such Lender's claim for
payment of such additional interest is not inconsistent with its treatment of
other borrowers that, as a credit matter, are substantially similar to the
Borrower and that are subject to comparable provisions in the loan or other
credit documentation to which such borrowers are parties; provided, however,
                                                          --------  -------
that no Lender shall be entitled to additional interest on any Eurodollar Rate
Advance pursuant to this Section 2.06(c) for any Interest Period ending more
than 90 days prior to the date that notice of such additional interest is first
provided by such Lender to the Borrower.  A notice delivered by any Lender to
the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.06(c) shall be conclusive
and binding, absent manifest error. A Lender that delivers a notice under this
Section 2.06(c) shall
<PAGE>

                                       14

promptly notify the Agent and the Borrower if the circumstances that gave rise
to such notice no longer exist.

          SECTION 2.07.  Interest Rate Determination.  (a)  The Agent shall give
                         ---------------------------
prompt notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of the applicable interest rate
determined by the Agent for purposes of Section 2.06(a)(i) or (ii) or 2.06(b).

     (b)  If the Borrower shall fail to select the duration of any Interest
Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advances in accordance with the provisions
contained in the definition of "Interest Period" in Section 1.01, the Agent will
forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders and such Advances will
automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor,
Convert into Base Rate Advances.

     (c)  On the date on which the aggregate unpaid principal amount of
Eurodollar Rate Advances having the same Interest Period shall be reduced, by
payment or prepayment or otherwise, to less than $5,000,000, such Advances shall
automatically Convert into Base Rate Advances.

     (d)  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default
under Section 6.01(a), (i) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on
the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into a Base
Rate Advance and (ii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert
Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended.

          SECTION 2.08.  Optional Conversion of Advances.  The Borrower may on
                         -------------------------------
any Business Day, upon notice given to the Agent not later than 11:00 A.M. (New
York City time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed
Conversion and subject to the provisions of Sections 2.07 and 2.11, Convert all
Advances of one Type comprising the same Borrowing into Advances of the other
Type; provided, however, that (a) any Conversion of Eurodollar Rate Advances
      --------  -------
into Base Rate Advances shall be made only on the last day of an Interest Period
for such Eurodollar Rate Advances and (b) no Conversion of any Advances shall
result in more separate Interest Periods than permitted under Section 2.02(b).
Each such notice of a Conversion shall, within the restrictions specified above,
specify (i) the date of such Conversion, (ii) the Advances to be Converted, and
(iii) if such Conversion is into Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the
initial Interest Period for each such Advance.

          SECTION 2.09.  Optional Prepayments.  The Borrower may, upon at least
                         --------------------
one Business Days' notice to the Agent stating the proposed date and aggregate
principal amount of the prepayment, and if such notice is given the Borrower
shall, prepay the outstanding principal amount of the Advances comprising part
of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, together with accrued
interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount
<PAGE>

                                       15

prepaid; provided, however, that in the event of any such prepayment of a
         --------  -------
Eurodollar Rate Advance other than on the last day of the Interest Period for
such Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in
respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(c). Each such prepayment of any Advance
shall be applied to the installments thereof in order of maturity.

          SECTION 2.10.  Increased Costs.  If, due to either (a) the
                         ---------------
introduction of or any change after the date hereof in or in the interpretation
of any law or regulation or (b) the compliance with any guideline or request
promulgated after the date hereof from any central bank or other governmental
authority (whether or not having the force of law), there shall be any increase
in (i) the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or
maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances (excluding for purposes of this Section
2.10 any such increased costs resulting from changes in the basis or rate of
taxation of net income or gross income by the United States or by the foreign
jurisdiction or state under the laws of which such Lender is subject to tax as a
result of a present or former connection between such Lender and such foreign
jurisdiction or state) or (ii) the amount of capital required to be maintained
by such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender based on the existence
of its Commitment hereunder, then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon a
written demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Agent), pay to
the Agent for the account of such Lender additional amounts as shall accrue from
and after the date of demand by such Lender to compensate such Lender for such
increased cost or such increase of capital; provided, however, that before
                                            --------  -------
making any such demand, each Lender agrees to use reasonable efforts (consistent
with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to minimize such
additional amounts and to designate a different Applicable Lending Office if the
making of such a designation would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of,
such increased cost or such increase of capital and would not, in the reasonable
judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender; and
provided, further, that the Borrower shall be required to pay to such Lender
- --------  -------
only such additional amounts as shall be required to compensate such Lender for
such increased cost or such increase of capital as shall accrue from and after
the date of demand by such Lender.  In determining such additional amounts, such
Lender will act reasonably and in good faith and will use averaging and
attribution methods which are reasonable, provided that such Lender's
                                          --------
determination of compensation owing under this Section 2.10 shall be conclusive
and binding, absent manifest error.  Each Lender, upon determining that any
additional amounts will be payable pursuant to this Section 2.10, will give
prompt written notice thereof to the Borrower, which notice shall show the basis
for the calculation of such additional amounts.  Notwithstanding anything herein
to the contrary, the Borrower shall have the right to unilaterally terminate the
Commitment of any Lender demanding additional amounts under this Section 2.10
sixty (60) days after providing to such Lender a notice of termination.  The
Borrower shall, concurrent with such termination, pay to such Lender the
aggregate amount if any at such time, payable by the Borrower to such Lender
under this Agreement.  Notwithstanding any provision of this
<PAGE>

                                       16

Agreement to the contrary, Section 2.13 shall provide the exclusive remedy to
the Lenders in respect of Taxes and Other Taxes.

          SECTION 2.11.  Illegality.  Notwithstanding any other provision of
                         ----------
this Agreement, if any Lender shall notify the Agent that the introduction of or
any change after the date hereof in or in the interpretation of any law or
regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental
authority asserts after the date hereof that it is unlawful, for any Lender or
its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make
Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances
hereunder, (i) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, upon such
demand, Convert into a Base Rate Advance and (ii) the obligation of the Lenders
to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be
suspended until the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the
circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist; provided, however, that
                                                       --------  -------
before making any such demand, each Lender agrees to use reasonable efforts
(consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to
designate a different Eurodollar Lending Office if the making of such a
designation would allow such Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to continue
to perform its obligations to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to continue to
fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances and would not, in the reasonable
judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

          SECTION 2.12.  Payments and Computations.  (a)  The Borrower shall
                         -------------------------
make each payment hereunder and under the Notes not later than 11:00 A.M. (New
York City time) on the day when due in U.S. dollars to the Agent at the Agent's
Account in same day funds.  The Agent will promptly thereafter cause to be
distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest ratably
(other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.10, 2.13 or 8.04(c)) to the
Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like
funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such
Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be
applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Upon its acceptance of
an Assignment and Acceptance and recording of the information contained therein
in the Register pursuant to Section 8.07(d), from and after the effective date
specified in such Assignment and Acceptance, the Agent shall make all payments
hereunder and under the Notes in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the
Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Assignment and Acceptance
shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to
such effective date directly between themselves.

     (b)  All computations of interest based on the Base Rate and of facility
fees shall be made by the Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as
the case may be, and all computations of interest based on the Eurodollar Rate
or the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Agent on the basis of a year of
360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day
but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such
<PAGE>

                                       17

interest or facility fees are payable. Each determination by the Agent of an
interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding, absent manifest error.

     (c)  Whenever any payment hereunder or under the Notes shall be stated to
be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the
next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be
included in the computation of payment of interest or facility fee, as the case
may be; provided, however, that, if such extension would cause payment of
        --------  -------
interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next
following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next preceding
Business Day.

     (d)  Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to
the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower
will not make such payment in full, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has
made such payment in full to the Agent on such date and the Agent may, in
reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such
due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender.  If and to the
extent the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Agent,
each Lender shall repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed
to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such
amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such
amount to the Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

          SECTION 2.13.  Taxes.  (a)  Any and all payments by the Borrower
                         -----
hereunder or under the Notes shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.12,
free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes,
levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by the United
States or by any political subdivision thereof or therein with respect to such
payments, and all penalties and interest with respect thereto, excluding, in the
                                                               ---------
case of each Lender and the Agent, taxes imposed on or measured by its net
income or net profit, and branch profit taxes, franchise taxes, taxes on doing
business and taxes measured by or imposed upon its capital or net worth, in each
case imposed as a result of a present or former connection between the Agent or
such Lender and the jurisdiction imposing such tax or any political subdivision
or taxing authority thereof or therein (other than any such connection arising
solely from the Agent or such Lender having executed, delivered or performed its
obligations or received a payment under, or enforced this Agreement or the
Notes) (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges,
withholdings and liabilities in respect of payments hereunder or under the Notes
being hereinafter referred to as "Taxes").  If the Borrower shall be required by
                                  -----
law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under
any Note to any Lender or the Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as
may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including
deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.13) such
Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it
would have received had no
<PAGE>

                                       18

such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and
(iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation
authority or other authority in accordance with applicable law.

     (b)  In addition, the Borrower shall pay any present or future stamp or
documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar
levies that arise from the execution, delivery or registration of this Agreement
or the Notes (hereinafter referred to as "Other Taxes"); provided, however, that
                                          -----------    --------  -------
the Borrower shall have no obligation to pay Other Taxes that may arise as a
result of a participation referred to in Section 2.14 or 8.07.

     (c)  The Borrower shall indemnify each Lender and the Agent for and hold it
harmless against the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes imposed on or paid by
such Lender or the Agent (as the case may be) and any liability for penalties,
interest and expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto.  This
indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender or the
Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor.

     (d)  Each Lender that is not a "United States person" within the meanings
specified in Section 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code, on or prior to the date
of its execution and delivery of this Agreement in the case of each Initial
Lender and on the date of the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it
becomes a Lender in the case of each other Lender, and from time to time
thereafter as requested in writing by the Borrower (but only so long as such
Lender remains lawfully able to do so), shall provide each of the Agent and the
Borrower with (i) two accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal
Revenue Service Form 1001 or 4224, as appropriate, or any successor or other
form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service, certifying to such Lender's
entitlement to a complete exemption from United States withholding tax with
respect to payments to be made under this Agreement or the Notes or (ii) if the
Lender is not a "bank" within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code
and cannot deliver either Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 or 4224 pursuant to
clause (i) above, (A) a certificate in form and substance satisfactory to the
Agent and the Borrower stating that such Lender is not a "person" described in
Section 871(h)(3) or Section 881(c)(3) of the Code (a "Foreign Lender
Certificate") and (B) two accurate and complete original signed copies of
Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 (or successor form) certifying to such
Lender's entitlement to a complete exemption from United States withholding tax
with respect to payments to be made under this Agreement and under any Note.  In
addition, each Lender agrees that from time to time, when a lapse in time or
change in circumstances renders the previous certification obsolete or
inaccurate in any material respect, it will deliver to the Borrower and the
Agent two new accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue
Service Form 4224 or 1001, or Form W-8 and a Foreign Lender Certificate, as the
case may be, and such other forms as may be required in order to confirm or
establish the entitlement of such Lender to a continued exemption from United
States withholding tax with respect to payments under this Agreement and any
Note or it shall immediately notify the Borrower and the Agent of its inability
to deliver any such form or certificate, in which case such Lender shall not be
required to deliver any such form or certificate pursuant to this Section
<PAGE>

                                       19

2.13(d) for so long as such payments may be made free from United States
withholding tax.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender shall be required to
deliver any such form or certificate described in the immediately preceding
sentence if a change in treaty, law or regulation has occurred prior to the date
on which such delivery would otherwise be required that renders any such form or
certificate inapplicable or would prevent the Lender from duly completing and
delivering any such form or certificate with respect to it and such Lender so
advises the Borrower.

     (e)  For any period with respect to which a Lender has failed to provide
the Borrower with the appropriate form described in Section 2.13(d), such Lender
shall not be entitled to indemnification under Section 2.13(a) or (c) with
respect to Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by the United States by reason of such
failure.

     (f)  Any Lender claiming additional amounts payable pursuant to this
Section 2.13 agrees to use reasonable efforts (consistent with its internal
policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to minimize such additional
amounts and to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the
making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any
such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue and would not, in the
reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     (g)  If a Lender changes its Applicable Lending Office (other than pursuant
to subsection (f) above or Section 2.11 or 2.12) and the effect of such change,
as of the date of such change, would be to cause the Borrower to become
obligated to pay any additional amounts under subsection 2.14, the Borrower
shall not be obligated to pay such additional amounts.

     (h)  If the Borrower is required to pay any amounts pursuant to the
provisions of this Section 2.13, and if thereafter the Lender shall receive or
be granted a credit against or remission or other relief for any taxes payable
by the Lender solely in respect of the amounts so paid by the Borrower, the
Lender shall to the extent that it can do so without prejudice to the retention
of the amount of such credit, remission or other relief, pay to the Borrower
twenty days after the date on which the Lender effectively obtains the benefit
of such credit, remission or effectively obtains the benefit of such credit,
remission or other relief in an amount which the Lender reasonably determines to
be equal to such credit, remission or other relief less any sum which the Lender
is required by law to deduct therefrom.  The Lender may, in its reasonable
discretion, determine the order of utilization of all charges, deductions,
credits and expenses which reduce Taxes imposed on its net income.  Nothing in
this Section 2.13(h) shall be construed as requiring the Lender to conduct its
business or to arrange or alter in any respect its tax or financial affairs so
that it is entitled to receive such credit, remission or other relief other than
performing any ministerial acts necessary to be entitled to receive such credit,
remission or other relief.

     (i)  If requested by the Borrower, the Lender shall take such steps as may
be appropriate to seek a refund of any Taxes paid by it and shall permit the
Borrower to participate in the preparation of any such refund claim.  If the
Lender receives a refund in respect of any
<PAGE>

                                       20

Taxes for which the Lender has received payments from the Borrower hereunder,
the Lender, within 15 days of such receipt, shall deliver to the Borrower, the
amount of such refund. In addition, within 15 days of a written request of the
Borrower, the Lender shall execute and deliver to the Borrower such
certificates, forms or other documents which can be reasonably furnished
consistent with the facts and which are reasonably necessary to assist the
Borrower in applying for refunds of Taxes remitted hereunder.

          SECTION 2.14.  Sharing of Payments, Etc.  If any Lender shall obtain
                         ------------------------
any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right
of set-off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances owing to it (other than
pursuant to Section 2.10, 2.13 or 8.04(c)) in excess of its ratable share of
payments on account of the Advances obtained by all the Lenders, such Lender
shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the
Advances owing to them as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to
share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided, however, that if
                                                    --------  -------
all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such
purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such
Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of
such recovery together with an amount equal to such Lender's ratable share
(according to the proportion of (a) the amount of such Lender's required
repayment to (b) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of
any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect
of the total amount so recovered.  The Borrower agrees that any Lender so
purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.14
may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment
(including the right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as
if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such
participation.

          SECTION 2.15.  Use of Proceeds.  The Borrower shall use the proceeds
                         ---------------
of the Advances for general corporate or company purposes of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries.

          SECTION 2.16.  Extension of Commitment Termination Date.  (a) Within
                         ----------------------------------------
30 days prior to the then scheduled Commitment Termination Date (but no later
than the twentieth day prior to the then scheduled Commitment Termination Date),
the Borrower may make a written request (an "Extension Request") to the Agent
                                             -----------------
who shall forward a copy to each Lender that the Commitment Termination Date be
extended to the date that occurs exactly 364 days after the then scheduled
Commitment Termination Date.  Such Extension Request shall include a
certification by a senior officer of the Borrower that no Default or Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing and all representations and warranties
contained herein are true and correct in all material aspects on and as of the
date of the Extension Request (it being understood and agreed that any
representation or warranty which expressly refers by its terms to a specified
date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects only as
of such date).  If by the date occurring 10 days next succeeding the Agent's
receipt of such Extension Request, any Lender agrees thereto in writing by so
indicating on counterparts of the Extension Request and delivering
<PAGE>

                                       21

such counterpart to the Borrower, "Commitment Termination Date" as to such
                                   ---------------------------
Lender shall mean the date occurring 364 days after the Commitment Termination
Date then in effect; provided, however, that if such date is not a Business Day,
                     --------  -------
the Commitment Termination Date shall extend to the Business Day next preceding
the date that is exactly 364 days after the then scheduled Termination Date;
and, provided, further, that any failure to so notify the Borrower shall be
     --------  -------
deemed to be a disapproval by such Lender of the Borrower's Extension Request.
The Commitment of any Lender which does not so agree shall terminate upon the
Commitment Termination Date then in effect. No Lender shall be obligated to
grant any extension pursuant to this Section 2.16 and any such extension shall
be in the sole discretion of each Lender.

     (b)  If less than all of the Lender's consent to an Extension Request (each
Lender that has not so consented being a "Declining Lender", and each other
                                          ----------------
Lender being an "Extending Lender"), the Borrower shall have the right to
                 ----------------
require any Declining Lender to assign in full its rights and obligations under
this Agreement (i) to any one or more Extending Lenders designated by the
Borrower that have offered in their returned counterpart of the Extension
Request to increase their respective Commitments in an aggregate amount at least
equal to the amount of such Declining Lender's Commitment (each such Extending
Lender being an "Increasing Extending Lender") and (ii) to the extent of any
                 ---------------------------
shortfall in the aggregate amount of extended Commitments, to any one or more
Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower that agree to assume all of such
rights and obligations (each such Eligible Assignee being a "Replacement
                                                             -----------
Lender"), provided that (A) such Declining Lender shall have received payment of
- ------    --------
all amounts owing under its Note and this Agreement on the effective date of
such assignment, (B) such assignment shall otherwise have occurred in compliance
with Section 8.07 and (C) the effective date of such assignment shall be the
date specified by the Borrower and agreed to by the Replacement Lender or
Increasing Extending Lender, as the case may be, which date shall be on or prior
to the applicable Commitment Termination Date.

          SECTION 2.17.  Increase of Commitments.  (a)  The Borrower may, at any
                         -----------------------
time but in any event not more than one time during any period of six
consecutive calendar months, make a written request (an "Increase Request") to
                                                         ----------------
the Agent (who shall forward a copy to each Lender) that the Commitments of the
Lenders be increased by an aggregate amount, together with the aggregate amount
by which the Commitments of the Lenders were previously increased pursuant to
this Section 2.17, not to exceed $50,000,000 in excess of the aggregate amount
of the Commitments as of the date of this Agreement.  Such Increase Request
shall include a certification by a senior officer of the Borrower that no
Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and all
representations and warranties contained herein are true and correct in all
material respects on and as of the date of the Increase Request (it being
understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which expressly refers
by its terms to a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all
material respects only as of such date).  Any such increase in Commitments shall
be effective as of a date (the "Increase Date") specified in the related
                                -------------
Increase Notice that is (i) prior to the Commitment Termination Date and (ii) at
least 10 days after the date of such Increase Notice.  Each Increase Notice
shall specify the date by which Lenders who wish
<PAGE>

                                       22

to increase their Commitment must consent to such increase (the "Commitment
                                                                 ----------
Date"), which date shall be no later than five Business Days prior to the
- ----
related Increase Date. Each Lender that is willing to increase its Commitment
(each an "Increasing Lender"), shall notify the Agent on or prior to the
          -----------------
Commitment Date of the amount by which it is willing to increase its Commitment,
which amount shall not exceed the respective amount specified in the relevant
Increase Notice. No Lender shall be obligated to increase its Commitment
pursuant to this Section 2.17 and any such increase shall be in the sole
discretion of each Lender. If the Lenders notify the Agent that they are willing
to increase the amount of their respective Commitments by an aggregate amount
that exceeds the amount of the requested increase, the requested increase shall
be allocated among the Lenders willing to participate therein ratably in
accordance with the amount by which they offered to increase their respective
Commitments on the Commitment Date.

     (b)  Promptly following each Commitment Date, the Agent shall notify the
Borrower as to the amount, if any, by which the Lenders are willing to
participate in the requested increase.  If the aggregate amount by which the
Lenders are willing to increase their Commitments on any such Commitment Date is
less than the requested amount, then any one or more Eligible Transferees
designated by the Borrower that agree to provide Commitments for the shortfall
may become party to this Agreement by executing and delivering a counterpart of
this Agreement.

     (c)  On each Increase Date, each Eligible Transferee that accepts an offer
to participate in a requested Commitment increase in accordance with Section
2.17(b) shall become a Lender party to this Agreement as of such Increase Date
and the Commitment of each Increasing Lender shall be increased as of such
Increase Date by the amount set forth in its notice delivered to the Agent in
accordance with Section 2.17(a) (or by the amount allocated to such Lender
pursuant to the last sentence of Section 2.17(a)).


                                  ARTICLE III

                    CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS AND LENDING

          SECTION 3.01.  Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness of Section 2.01.
                         -----------------------------------------------------
Section 2.01 of this Agreement shall become effective on and as of the first
date (the "Effective Date") on which the following conditions precedent have
           --------------
been satisfied:

     (a)  There shall have occurred no Material Adverse Change since December
31, 1998

     (b)  On the Effective Date, the following statements shall be true and the
Agent shall have received for the account of each Lender a certificate signed by
a duly authorized officer of the Borrower, dated the Effective Date, stating
that:
<PAGE>

                                       23

          (i)    The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01
     are correct on and as of the Effective Date (it being understood and agreed
     that any representation or warranty which expressly refers by its terms to
     a specified date shall be required to be correct in all material respects
     only as of such date), and

          (ii)   No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes a
     Default.

     (c)  The Agent shall have received on or before the Effective Date the
following, each dated such day, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent
and (except for the Notes) in sufficient copies for each Lender:

          (i)    The Notes to the order of the Lenders, respectively.

          (ii)   Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors
     of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the Notes, and of all
     documents evidencing other necessary corporate action and governmental
     approvals, if any, with respect to this Agreement and the Notes.

          (iii)  A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
     Borrower and the Guarantor certifying the names and true signatures of the
     officers of the Borrower and the Guarantor, respectively, authorized to
     sign this Agreement, the Notes and the Surety Bond (as appropriate) and the
     other documents to be delivered hereunder.

          (iv)   A surety bond in substantially the form of Exhibit D (as
     amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance
     with its terms, the "Surety Bond"), duly executed by the Guarantor.
                          -----------

          (v)    An opinion of Anne G. Gill, First Vice President, Assistant
     General Counsel and Secretary of Ambac Financial, substantially in the form
     of Exhibit E hereto.

          (vi)   An opinion of Kevin J. Doyle, Managing Director and General
     Counsel, Specialized Finance, of the Guarantor, substantially in the form
     of Exhibit F hereto.

          (vii)  An opinion of DeWitt, Ross & Stevens, S.C., Wisconsin special
     counsel to the Guarantor, substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto.

          (viii) An opinion of Shearman & Sterling, counsel for the Borrower,
     substantially in the form of Exhibit H hereto.
<PAGE>

                                       24

          SECTION 3.02.  Conditions Precedent to Each Borrowing.  The obligation
                         --------------------------------------
of each Lender to make an Advance on the occasion of each Borrowing shall be
subject to the conditions precedent that the Effective Date shall have occurred
and on the date of such Borrowing:

     (a)  The following statements shall be true (and each of the giving of the
applicable Notice of Borrowing and the acceptance by the Borrower of the
proceeds of such Borrowing shall constitute a representation and warranty by the
Borrower that on the date of such Borrowing such statements are true):

          (i)  the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01
     (other than the final sentence of subparagraph (e) thereof) are correct on
     and as of the date of such Borrowing, before and after giving effect to
     such Borrowing and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though
     made on and as of such date (it being understood and agreed that any
     representation or warranty which expressly refers by its terms to a
     specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material
     respects only as of such date), and

          (ii) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from
     such Borrowing or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, that
     constitutes a Default; and

     (b)  The Financial Strength Rating shall be above Level 5.


                                  ARTICLE IV

                        REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

          SECTION 4.01.  Representations and Warranties of the Borrower.  The
                         ----------------------------------------------
Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

          (a)  Each of the Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries (i) is a
     limited liability company, corporation or partnership duly formed or
     organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the
     jurisdiction of its formation or organization, as the case may be, (ii) is
     duly registered or qualified to do business as a foreign limited liability
     company, corporation or partnership in each jurisdiction where the nature
     of its business requires such registration or qualification and (iii) holds
     all requisite governmental licenses, permits and other approvals to own and
     hold under lease its property and to conduct its business substantially as
     conducted by it, except where the failure to be so qualified or hold such
     licenses, permits and approvals, singly
<PAGE>

                                       25

     or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect.

          (b)  The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of each
     Loan Document to which it is party are within the Borrower's corporate
     powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do
     not (i) contravene the Borrower's certificate of formation or limited
     liability company agreement; (ii) contravene any contractual restriction,
     law or governmental regulation or court decree or order binding on or
     affecting the Borrower; or (iii) result in, or require the creation or
     imposition of, any Lien on any of the Borrower's properties.

          (c)  No authorization or approval or other action by, and no notice to
     or filing with, any governmental authority or regulatory body or other
     Person is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by the
     Borrower of any Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party.  The
     Borrower is not an "investment company" within the meaning of the
     Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

          (d)  Each Loan Document to which the Borrower is a party constitutes
     the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable
     against the Borrower in accordance with its terms.

          (e)  The consolidated balance sheets of Ambac Financial and its
     Subsidiaries at December 31, 1998, and the related consolidated statements
     of operations and cash flows of Ambac Financial and its Subsidiaries for
     the fiscal year ended on such date and the consolidated balance sheet of
     Ambac Financial and its Subsidiaries at March 31, 1999, and the related
     consolidated statements of operations and cash flows of Ambac Financial and
     its Subsidiaries for the three months then ended, heretofore furnished to
     the Agent, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied
     and fairly present, subject, in the case of such balance sheet at March 31,
     1999, and such statements of operations and cash flows for the three months
     then ended, to year-end audit adjustments, the consolidated financial
     condition of Ambac Financial and its Subsidiaries as at the respective
     dates thereof and the results of their operations for the respective
     periods then ended.  Since December 31, 1998, there has been no Material
     Adverse Change.

          (f)  There is no pending or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower,
     threatened litigation, action, proceedings or labor controversy affecting
     the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or any of their respective
     properties, businesses, assets or revenues which may reasonably be expected
     to have a Material Adverse Effect or which purports to affect the legality,
     validity or enforceability of any Loan Document.
<PAGE>

                                       26

          (g)  Each of the Borrower and its Material Subsidiaries has filed all
     tax returns and reports required by law to have been filed by it and has
     paid all taxes and governmental charges thereby shown to be owing, except
     any such taxes or charges which are being diligently contested in good
     faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves in
     accordance with GAAP (or statutory accounting principles, as appropriate)
     shall have been set aside on its books and except where the failure to file
     said returns or reports or to pay such taxes or charges could not
     reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (h)  During the twelve-consecutive-month period prior to the date of
     the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior to the date of any
     Borrowing hereunder, except as disclosed in Schedule 4.01(h), no steps have
     been taken to terminate any Pension Plan, and no contribution failure has
     occurred with respect to any Pension Plan sufficient to give rise to a Lien
     under section 302(f) of ERISA.  No condition exists or event or transaction
     has occurred with respect to any Pension Plan which might result in the
     incurrence by either Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group of any
     material liability, fine or penalty other than a non-defaulted obligation
     to make a contribution under Section 302 of ERISA.  Except as disclosed in
     Schedule 4.01(h), the Borrower and each member of the Controlled Group does
     not have any  contingent liability with respect to any post-retirement
     benefit under a Welfare Plan, other than liability for continuation
     coverage described in Part 6 of Title I of ERISA.

          (i)  After applying the proceeds of each Advance, not more than 25% of
     the value of the assets of the Borrower are margin stock (as defined in
     Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System).


                                   ARTICLE V

                           COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

          SECTION 5.01.  Affirmative Covenants.  So long as any Advance shall
                         ---------------------
remain unpaid or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower
will:

          (a)  Compliance with Statutes, Etc.  Comply, and cause each of its
               -----------------------------
     Material Subsidiaries to comply, in all material respects with all
     applicable statutes, regulations and orders of, and all applicable
     restrictions imposed by, all governmental bodies, domestic or foreign, in
     respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership of its property,
     except where noncompliance therewith could not reasonably be expected to
     have, in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
<PAGE>

                                       27

          (b)  Maintenance of Insurance.  Maintain, and cause each of its
               ------------------------
     Material Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance with responsible and reputable
     insurance companies or associations in such amounts and covering such risks
     as is usually carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning
     similar properties in the same general areas in which the Borrower or such
     Material Subsidiary operates; provided, however, that the Borrower and its
                                   --------  -------
     Material Subsidiaries may self-insure to the same extent as other companies
     engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in the same
     general areas in which the Borrower or such Material Subsidiary operates
     and to the extent consistent with prudent business practice.

          (c)  Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc.  Preserve and maintain,
               ----------------------------------------
     and cause each of its Material Subsidiaries to preserve and maintain, its
     material rights, franchises and licenses; provided, however, that nothing
                                               --------  -------
     in this Section 5.01(c) shall prevent the withdrawal, lapse or termination
     by the Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries of any right, franchise
     or license where such withdrawal, lapse or termination could not reasonably
     be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (d)  Keeping of Books; Visitation Rights.  (i) Keep, and cause each of
               -----------------------------------
     its Material Subsidiaries to keep, books of record and account which
     accurately reflect all of its business affairs and transactions; and (ii)
     permit, and cause each of its Material Subsidiaries to permit, officers and
     designated representatives of the Agent to visit and inspect, under
     guidance of officers of the Borrower or such Material Subsidiary, any of
     the properties of the Borrower or such Material Subsidiary, and to examine
     the books of record and account of the Borrower or such Material Subsidiary
     and discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower or such
     Material Subsidiary with, and be advised as to the same by, its and their
     officers, all at such reasonable times and intervals (and, prior to the
     occurrence of any Default, with reasonable prior notice) and to such
     reasonable extent as any Lender may reasonably request.

          (e)  Reporting Requirements.  Furnish to the Agent:
               ----------------------

               (i)  Quarterly Financial Statements of Ambac Financial. Within 60
                    -------------------------------------------------
          days after the end of each of the first three quarterly accounting
          periods in each fiscal year of Ambac Financial, the consolidated
          balance sheets of Ambac Financial and its consolidated Subsidiaries as
          at the end of such quarterly period and the related consolidated
          statements of operations and cash flows for such quarterly period and
          for the elapsed portion of the fiscal year ended with the last day of
          such quarterly period all of which shall be certified by the chief
          financial officer or treasurer of Ambac Financial, subject to year-end
          audit adjustments.
<PAGE>

                                       28

               (ii)  Annual Financial Statements of Ambac Financial.  Within 120
                     ----------------------------------------------
          days after the end of each fiscal year of Ambac Financial, a copy of
          the annual report for such fiscal year for Ambac Financial and its
          consolidated Subsidiaries, including therein the consolidated balance
          sheets of Ambac Financial and its consolidated Subsidiaries as at the
          end of such fiscal year and the related consolidated statements of
          operations, stockholders' equity and of cash flow for such fiscal
          year, in each case, certified, in the case of the consolidated
          financial statements, by independent certified public accountants of
          recognized national standing reasonably acceptable to the Agent; and

               (iii) Occurrence of Default.  As soon as possible and in any
                     ---------------------
          event within five days after a Responsible Officer of the Borrower
          shall obtain actual knowledge of the occurrence of a Default
          continuing on the date of such statement, a statement of the chief
          financial officer of the Borrower setting forth details of such
          Default and the action that the Borrower has taken and proposes to
          take with respect thereto.

          SECTION 5.02.  Negative Covenant.  So long as any Advance shall remain
                         -----------------
unpaid or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower shall not
create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property,
revenues or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to secure Debt of
the Borrower except: (a) Liens granted prior to the date hereof securing Debt
existing as of the Effective Date which is identified in Schedule 5.02 ("Ongoing
                                                                         -------
Debt"); (b) any Lien on any asset granted to secure payment of Debt incurred or
- ----
assumed for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such asset, provided
that such Lien attaches to such asset no later than the ninetieth day after such
acquisition; (c) any Lien existing on any asset prior to the acquisition thereof
by the Borrower and not created in contemplation of such acquisition; (d) any
Lien arising out of the refinancing, extension, renewal or refunding of any Debt
secured by any Lien permitted in clause (a), (b) or (c), provided that such Debt
                                                         --------
is not increased and is not secured by any additional assets; (e) Permitted
Liens; and (f) other Liens where the aggregate principal amount of Debt secured
thereby at any time outstanding does not exceed $50,000,000 in the aggregate.


                                  ARTICLE VI

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT

          SECTION 6.01.  Events of Default.  If any of the following events
                         -----------------
("Events of Default") shall occur and be continuing:
  -----------------
<PAGE>

                                       29

          (a)  The Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Advance when
     the same becomes due and payable and the Guarantor shall fail to make
     payment in respect of such principal when the same becomes due and payable
     under the Surety Bond; or the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on
     any Advance or make any other payment of fees or other amounts payable
     under this Agreement or any Note within five Business Days after the same
     becomes due and payable and the Guarantor shall fail to make payment in
     respect of such interest, fees or other amounts when the same becomes due
     and payable under the Surety Bond; or

          (b)  Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower herein shall
     prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made; or

          (c)  The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any term, covenant
     or agreement contained in this Agreement on its part to be performed or
     observed if such failure shall remain unremedied for 30 days after written
     notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Agent or any
     Lender; or

          (d)  The Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries shall (i) fail
     to pay any principal of or premium or interest on any Debt that is
     outstanding in a principal or notional amount of at least $30,000,000 in
     the aggregate (but excluding Debt outstanding hereunder) of the Borrower or
     such Material Subsidiary (as the case may be), when the same becomes due
     and payable, and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace
     period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such
     Debt; or (ii) any other event shall occur or condition shall exist under
     any agreement or instrument relating to any such Debt and shall continue
     after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or
     instrument, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or
     to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Debt; or (iii) any such
     Debt shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid or
     redeemed (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment or
     redemption), purchased or defeased, or an offer to prepay, redeem, purchase
     or defease such Debt shall be required to be made, in each case prior to
     the stated maturity thereof; or

          (e)  The Borrower or any of its Material Subsidiaries or the Guarantor
     shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit
     in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make a
     general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or

          (f)  Any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or
     any of its Material Subsidiaries or the Guarantor seeking to adjudicate it
     a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up,
     reorganization, arrangement, adjustment,
<PAGE>

                                       30

     protection, relief, or composition of it or its debts under any law
     relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors,
     or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a
     receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any
     substantial part of its property and, in the case of any such proceeding
     instituted against it (but not instituted by it), either such proceeding
     shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 90 days, or any of the
     actions sought in such proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry
     of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee,
     custodian or other similar official for, it or for any substantial part of
     its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any of its Material
     Subsidiaries or the Guarantor shall take any corporate action to authorize
     any of the actions set forth above in subsection (e) or in this subsection
     (f); or

          (g)  Any judgment or order for the payment of money in excess of
     $30,000,000,  shall be rendered against the Borrower or any of its Material
     Subsidiaries and either (i) enforcement proceedings shall have been
     commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall
     be any period of 30 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of
     such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall
     not be in effect; provided, however, that the amount of any such judgment
                       --------  -------
     or order shall not be considered in determining whether a Default or an
     Event of Default exists under this Section 6.01(f) if and to the extent
     that (i) the amount of such judgment or order is covered by a valid and
     binding policy of insurance between the defendant and the insurer covering
     payment thereof and (ii) such insurer, which shall be rated at least "A" by
     A.M. Best Company, has been notified of, and has not disputed the claim
     made for payment of, the amount of such judgment or order; or

          (h)  The Surety Bond shall be determined in a final, non-appealable
     judgement by a court or any governmental authority of competent
     jurisdiction to be invalid and not binding on or unenforceable against the
     Guarantor or the Guarantor shall so state in writing; or

          (i)  The Financial Strength Rating shall be withdrawn by Moody's or
     S&P or shall be lower than A3, in the case of Moody's, or A-, in the case
     of S&P;

then, and in any such event, the Agent (i) shall at the request, or may with the
consent, of the Required Lenders, by notice to the Borrower, declare the
obligation of each Lender to make Advances to be terminated, whereupon the same
shall forthwith terminate, and (ii) shall at the request, or may with the
consent, of the Required Lenders, by notice to the Borrower, declare the Notes,
all interest thereon and all other amounts payable under this Agreement to be
forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Notes, all such interest and all such
amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment,
demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly
waived by the Borrower; provided,
                        --------
<PAGE>

                                       31

however, that in the event of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief
- -------
with respect to the Borrower under the Federal Bankruptcy Code, (A) the
obligation of each Lender to make Advances shall automatically be terminated and
(B) the Notes, all such interest and all such amounts shall automatically become
and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of
any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                   THE AGENT

          SECTION 7.01.  Authorization and Action.  Each Lender hereby appoints
                         ------------------------
and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to
exercise such powers and discretion under this Agreement and the Surety Bond as
are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such
powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto.  As to any matters
not expressly provided for by this Agreement and the Surety Bond (including,
without limitation, enforcement or collection of the Notes), the Agent shall not
be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required
to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or
refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Required Lenders, and such
instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and all holders of Notes;
provided, however, that the Agent shall not be required to take any action that
- --------  -------
exposes the Agent to personal liability or that is contrary to this Agreement or
the Surety Bond or applicable law.  The Agent agrees to give to each Lender
prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower and the Guarantor
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or the Surety Bond.

          SECTION 7.02.  Agent's Reliance, Etc.  Neither the Agent nor any of
                         ---------------------
its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to any Lender for
any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection
with this Agreement and the Surety Bond, except for its or their own gross
negligence or willful misconduct.  Without limitation of the generality of the
foregoing, the Agent:  (i) may treat the payee of any Note as the holder thereof
until the Agent receives and accepts an Assignment and Acceptance entered into
by the Lender that is the payee of such Note, as assignor, and an Eligible
Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.07; (ii) may consult with legal
counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and
other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or
omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with  the advice of such
counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to
any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements,
warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection
with this Agreement and the Surety Bond; (iv) shall not have any duty to
ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms,
covenants or conditions of this Agreement on the part of the Borrower or of the
Surety Bond on the part of the Guarantor or to inspect the property
<PAGE>

                                       32

(including the books and records) of the Borrower or the Guarantor; (v) shall
not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity,
enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of, this Agreement, the Surety
Bond or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; and (vi)
shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or the Surety
Bond by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or
writing (which may be by telecopier) believed by it to be genuine and signed or
sent by the proper party or parties.

          SECTION 7.03.  BNY and Affiliates.  With respect to its Commitment,
                         ------------------
the Advances made by it and the Note issued to it, BNY shall have the same
rights and powers under this Agreement or the Surety Bond as any other Lender
and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent; and the term "Lender"
or "Lenders" shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include BNY in its
individual capacity.  BNY and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend
money to, act as trustee under indentures of, accept investment banking
engagements from and generally engage in any kind of business with, the
Borrower, the Guarantor, any of their Subsidiaries and any Person who may do
business with or own securities of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any such
Subsidiaries, all as if BNY were not the Agent and without any duty to account
therefor to the Lenders.

          SECTION 7.04.  Lender Credit Decision.  Each Lender acknowledges that
                         ----------------------
it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender
and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01 and such other
documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit
analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender also
acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or
any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking action under this Agreement.

          SECTION 7.05.  Indemnification.  The Lenders agree to indemnify the
                         ---------------
Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to the
respective principal amounts of the Notes then held by each of them (or if no
Notes are at the time outstanding) ratably according to the respective amounts
of their Commitments), from and against any and all liabilities, obligations,
losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or
disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred
by, or asserted against the Agent in any way arising out of this Agreement or
any action taken or omitted by the Agent under this Agreement (collectively, the
"Indemnified Costs"), provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of
 -----------------    --------
the Indemnified Costs resulting from the Agent's gross negligence or willful
misconduct.  Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to
reimburse the Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out-of-
pocket expenses (including counsel fees) incurred by the Agent in connection
with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification,
amendment or enforcement
<PAGE>

                                       33

(whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal
advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the
extent that the Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by the Borrower. In
the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any
Indemnified Costs, this Section 7.05 applies whether any such investigation,
litigation or proceeding is brought by the Agent, any Lender or a third party.

          SECTION 7.06.  Successor Agent.  The Agent may resign at any time by
                         ---------------
giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower and may be removed
at any time with or without cause by the Required Lenders.  Upon any such
resignation or removal, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a
successor Agent.  If no successor Agent shall have been so appointed by the
Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after
the retiring Agent's giving of notice of resignation or the Required Lenders'
removal of the retiring Agent, then the retiring Agent may, on behalf of the
Lenders, appoint a successor Agent, which shall be a commercial bank organized
under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof and
having 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, discretion, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the
retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this
Agreement.  After any retiring Agent's resignation or removal hereunder as
Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall inure to its benefit as to any
actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this
Agreement.
<PAGE>

                                       34

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

          SECTION 8.01.  Amendments, Etc.  No amendment or waiver of any
                         ---------------
provision of this Agreement, the Notes or the Surety Bond, nor consent to any
departure by the Borrower or the Guarantor therefrom, shall in any event be
effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Required
Lenders, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific
instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that
                                                       --------  -------
no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the
Lenders, do any of the following:  (a) waive any of the conditions specified in
Section 3.01, (b) except as provided in Sections 2.16 and 2.17, increase the
Commitments of the Lenders or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations,
(c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Notes or other amounts payable
hereunder, (d) except as a consequence of any extension of the Commitment
Termination Date as provided in Section 2.16, postpone any date fixed for any
payment of principal of, or interest on, the Notes or any fees or other amounts
payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Notes, or the number of Lenders, that
shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder,
(f) reduce or limit the obligations of the Guarantor under the Surety Bond, or
(g) amend this Section 8.01; and provided further that no amendment, waiver or
                                 -------- -------
consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Agent in addition to the
Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the
Agent under this Agreement or any Note.

          SECTION 8.02.  Notices, Etc.  All notices and other communications
                         ------------
provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopier) and mailed,
telecopied or delivered, if to the Borrower, at its address at One State Street
Plaza, 19th Floor, New York, New York  10004, Attention: Robert W. Starr,
Treasurer; if to any Initial Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified
opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic
Lending Office specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it
became a Lender; and if to the Agent, at its address at Insurance Division, One
Wall Street, 17th Floor, New York, New York 10286, Attention: Maria Hernandez;
or, as to the Borrower or the Agent, at such other address as shall be
designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties and, as to
each other party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in
a written notice to the Borrower and the Agent.  All such notices and
communications shall, when mailed or telecopied, be effective when deposited in
the mails or telecopied, respectively, except that notices and communications to
the Agent pursuant to Article II, III or VII shall not be effective until
received by the Agent.  Delivery by telecopier of an executed counterpart of any
amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the Notes or of any
Exhibit hereto to be executed and delivered hereunder shall be effective as
delivery of a manually executed counterpart thereof.
<PAGE>

                                       35

          SECTION 8.03.  No Waiver; Remedies.  No failure on the part of any
                         -------------------
Lender or the Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder
or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise
thereof or the exercise of any other right.  The remedies herein provided are
cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

          SECTION 8.04.  Costs and Expenses.  (a)  The Borrower agrees to pay on
                         ------------------
demand all costs and expenses of the Agent in connection with the preparation,
execution, delivery, administration, modification and amendment of this
Agreement, the Notes and the other documents to be delivered hereunder,
including, the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the Agent with
respect thereto and with respect to advising the Agent as to its rights and
responsibilities under this Agreement.  The Borrower further agrees to pay on
demand all costs and expenses of the Agent and the Lenders, if any (including,
without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses), in connection with
the enforcement of this Agreement, the Notes and the other documents to be
delivered hereunder.

     (b)  The Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent and each
Lender and each of their Affiliates and their officers, directors, employees,
agents and advisors (each, an "Indemnified Party") from and against any and all
                               -----------------
claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses (including, without
limitation, reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) that may be incurred by or
asserted or awarded against any Indemnified Party, in each case arising out of
the Notes, this Agreement, the Surety Bond or the actual or proposed use of the
proceeds of the Advances except to the extent such claim, damage, loss,
liability or expense results from such Indemnified Party's gross negligence or
willful misconduct.

     (c)  If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate
Advance is made by the Borrower to or for the account of a Lender other than on
the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance, as a result of a payment
or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.07(c), 2.09 or 2.11, acceleration of the
maturity of the Notes pursuant to Section 6.01 or for any other reason, the
Borrower shall, upon written demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand
to the Agent), pay to the Agent for the account of such Lender any amounts
required to compensate such Lender for any additional losses, costs or expenses
that it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion,
including any loss (excluding loss of anticipated profits), cost or expense
incurred by reason of the liquidation or reemployment of deposits or other funds
acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance.

     (d)  Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the
Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in
Sections 2.10, 2.13 and 8.04 shall survive the payment in full of principal and
interest payable hereunder and under the Notes.
<PAGE>

                                       36

          SECTION 8.05.  Right of Set-off.  Upon the occurrence and during the
                         ----------------
continuance of any Default under Section 6.01(f) or any Event of Default and the
making of the request or the granting of the consent specified by Section 6.01
to authorize the Agent to declare the Notes due and payable pursuant to the
provisions of Section 6.01, each Lender is hereby authorized at any time and
from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply
any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final)
at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or
for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the
obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement and
the Note held by such Lender, whether or not such Lender shall have made any
demand under this Agreement or such Note.  Each Lender agrees promptly to notify
the Borrower after any such set-off and application, provided that the failure
                                                     --------
to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and
application.

          SECTION 8.06.  Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall become effective
                         --------------
when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Agent and when the
Agent shall have been notified by each Initial Lender that such Initial Lender
has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the Borrower, the Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and
assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights
hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the
Lenders.

          SECTION 8.07.  Assignments and Participations.  (a)  Each Lender may
                         ------------------------------
and, if demanded by the Borrower in the event that at any time any Lender shall
cease to have the Required Lender Rating, upon at least 5 Business Days' notice
to such Lender and the Agent, will assign to one or more Persons all or a
portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without
limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and the
Note or Notes held by it); provided, however, that (i) each such assignment
                           --------  -------
shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all rights and
obligations under this Agreement, (ii) except in the case of an assignment to a
Person that, immediately prior to such assignment, was a Lender or an assignment
of all of a Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, the amount of
the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such
assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with
respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than $5,000,000 or an
integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (iii) each such assignment
shall be to an Eligible Assignee, and (iv) the parties to each such assignment
shall execute and deliver to the Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the
Register, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with any Note subject to such
assignment and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500.  Upon such execution,
delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified
in each Assignment and Acceptance, (A) the assignee thereunder shall be a party
hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been
assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and
obligations of a Lender
<PAGE>

                                       37

hereunder and (B) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that
rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such
Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its
obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and
Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender's rights
and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party
hereto).

     (b)  By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the Lender
assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each
other and the other parties hereto as follows:  (i) other than as provided in
such Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or
warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements,
warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement and
the Surety Bond or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability,
genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or the Surety Bond or any
other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such assigning
Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with
respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the Guarantor or the
performance or observance by the Borrower or the Guarantor of any of its
obligations under this Agreement or the Surety Bond or any other instrument or
document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has
received a copy of this Agreement and the Surety Bond, together with copies of
the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01 and such other documents
and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and
decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will,
independently and without reliance upon the Agent, such assigning Lender or any
other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or
not taking action under this Agreement; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an
Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Agent to take
such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers and discretion
under this Agreement and the Surety Bond as are delegated to the Agent by the
terms hereof, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably
incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in
accordance with their terms all of the obligations that by the terms of this
Agreement and the Surety Bond are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

     (c)  The Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 8.02 a
copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and a
register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the
Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from
time to time (the "Register").  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive
                   --------
and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent
and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as
a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Register shall be
<PAGE>

                                       38

available for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time
and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

     (d)  Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an
assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee,
together with any Note or Notes subject to such assignment, the Agent shall, if
such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed and is in substantially the
form of Exhibit C hereto, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record
the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice
thereof to the Borrower.  Within five Business Days after its receipt of such
notice, the Borrower, at its own expense, shall execute and deliver to the Agent
in exchange for the surrendered Note a new Note to the order of such Eligible
Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by it pursuant to such
Assignment and Acceptance and, if the assigning Lender has retained a Commitment
hereunder, a new Note to the order of the assigning Lender in an amount equal to
the Commitment retained by it hereunder.  Such new Note or Notes shall be in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of such
surrendered Note or Notes, shall be dated the effective date of such Assignment
and Acceptance and shall otherwise be in substantially the form of Exhibit A
hereto.

     (e)  Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other
entities (other than the Borrower or any of its Affiliates) in or to all or a
portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without
limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and the
Note or Notes held by it); provided, however, that (i) such Lender's obligations
                           --------  -------
under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the
Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely
responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations,
(iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note for all purposes of
this Agreement, (iv) the Borrower, the Agent and the other Lenders shall
continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such
Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement and (v) no participant
under any such participation shall have any right to approve any amendment or
waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any Note, or any consent to any
departure by the Borrower therefrom, except to the extent that such amendment,
waiver or consent would reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Notes or
any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, in each case to the extent subject
to such participation, or postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal
of, or interest on, the Notes or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, in
each case to the extent subject to such participation or reduce or limit the
obligations of the Guarantor under the Surety Bond.

     (f)  Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or
proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 8.07, disclose to
the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information
relating to the Borrower
<PAGE>

                                       39

furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided that, prior
                                                          --------
to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or
participant shall agree to preserve the confidentiality of any Confidential
Information relating to the Borrower received by it from such Lender.

     (g)  Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Agreement, any
Lender may at any time create a security interest in all or any portion of its
rights under this Agreement (including, without limitation, the Advances owing
to it and the Note held by it) in favor of any Federal Reserve Bank in
accordance with Regulation A of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System.

          SECTION 8.08.  Confidentiality.  Neither the Agent nor any Lender
                         ---------------
shall disclose any Confidential Information to any other Person without the
consent of the Borrower, other than (a) to the Agent's or such Lender's
Affiliates and their officers, directors, employees, agents and advisors and, as
contemplated by Section 8.07(f), to actual or prospective assignees and
participants, and then only on a confidential basis, (b) as required by any law,
rule or regulation or judicial process and (c) as requested or required by any
state, federal or foreign authority or examiner regulating banks or banking.

          SECTION 8.09.  Governing Law.  This Agreement and the Notes shall be
                         -------------
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New
York.

          SECTION 8.10.  Execution in Counterparts.  This Agreement may be
                         -------------------------
executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an
original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same
agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this
Agreement by telecopier shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed
counterpart of this Agreement.

          SECTION 8.11.  Waiver of Jury Trial.  Each of the Borrower, the Agent
                         --------------------
and the Lenders hereby irrevocably waives all right to trial by jury in any
action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or
otherwise) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the Notes or the
actions of the Agent or any Lender in the negotiation, administration,
performance or enforcement thereof.
<PAGE>

                                       40

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the
date first above written.

                                             AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC



                                             By_________________________________
                                               Title:



                                             The BANK OF NEW YORK              ,
                                               as Agent



                                             By_________________________________
                                               Title:


                                Initial Lenders
                                ---------------

Commitment
- ----------

$50,000,000                                  THE BANK OF NEW YORK


                                             By_________________________________
                                               Title:

__________________________


$50,000,000  Total of the Commitments
===========
<PAGE>

                                                                      SCHEDULE I
                                                      AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC
                                                      REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                                      APPLICABLE LENDING OFFICES

Name of Initial Lender  Domestic Lending Office  Eurodollar Lending Office
- ----------------------  -----------------------  -------------------------

The Bank of New York    101 Barclay Street       101 Barclay Street
                        New York, NY 10286       New York, NY 10286
                        ABA #: 021000018         ABA #: 021000018
                        Loan Servicing Dept.     Loan Servicing Dept.
                        BBK#: GLA 111556         BBK#: GLA 111556

<PAGE>

                                                             EXHIBIT A - FORM OF
                                                                 PROMISSORY NOTE



U.S.$_______________                              Dated:  _______________, 1999


          FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company (the "Borrower"), HEREBY PROMISES TO PAY on
                                         --------
the Maturity Date (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below) to the
order of _________________________ (the "Lender") for the account of its
                                         ------
Applicable Lending Office (as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below)
the aggregate principal amount of the Advances made by the Lender to the
Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 among the
Borrower, the Lender and certain other lenders parties thereto, and The Bank of
New York, as Agent for the Lender and such other lenders (as amended or modified
from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"; the terms defined therein being used
                        ----------------
herein as therein defined) outstanding on the Commitment Termination Date.

          The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount
of each Advance from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is
paid in full, at such interest rates, and payable at such times, as are
specified in the Credit Agreement.

          Both principal and interest are payable in lawful money of the United
States of America to The Bank of New York, as Agent, at 101 Barclay Street, New
York, New York  10286, in same day funds.  Each Advance owing to the Lender by
the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and all payments made on account
of principal thereof, shall be recorded by the Lender and, prior to any transfer
hereof, endorsed on the grid attached hereto which is part of this Promissory
Note.
<PAGE>

                                       2

          This Promissory Note is one of the Notes referred to in, and is
entitled to the benefits of, the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement, among
other things, (i) provides for the making of Advances by the Lender to the
Borrower from time to time in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time
outstanding the U.S. dollar amount first above mentioned, the indebtedness of
the Borrower resulting from each such Advance being evidenced by this Promissory
Note, and (ii) contains provisions for acceleration of the maturity hereof upon
the happening of certain stated events and also for prepayments on account of
principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof upon the terms and conditions
therein specified.

                                    AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC


                                    By _____________________________
                                       Title:
<PAGE>

                      ADVANCES AND PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL

=============================================================================
                                     Amount of
                   Amount of         Principal       Unpaid      Notation
      Date          Advance            Paid         Principal    Made By
                                    or Prepaid       Balance
_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
=============================================================================
<PAGE>

                                                            EXHIBIT B - FORM OF
                                                            NOTICE OF BORROWING

The Bank of New York, as Agent
 for the Lenders parties
 to the Credit Agreement
 referred to below
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10286                               [Date]


          Attention: Maria Hernandez

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          The undersigned, Ambac Credit Products, LLC, refers to the Credit
Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999 (as amended or modified from time to time,
the "Credit Agreement", the terms defined therein being used herein as therein
     ----------------
defined), among the undersigned, certain Lenders parties thereto and The Bank of
New York, as Agent for said Lenders, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably,
pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby
requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets
forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the "Proposed
                                                             --------
Borrowing") as required by Section 2.02(a) of the Credit Agreement:
- ---------

          (i)   The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is _______________,
     199_.

          (ii)  The Type of Advances comprising the Proposed Borrowing is [Base
     Rate Advances] [Eurodollar Rate Advances].

          (iii) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is
     $_______________.

          [(iv) The initial Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance
     made as part of the Proposed Borrowing is __________ month[s].]

          The undersigned hereby certifies that the following statements are
true on the date hereof, and will be true on the date of the Proposed Borrowing:

          (A)   the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01
     (other than the final sentence of subparagraph (e) thereof) of the Credit
     Agreement are correct, before and after giving effect to the Proposed
     Borrowing and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made
     on and as of such date; and
<PAGE>

          (B)  no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from
     such Proposed Borrowing or from the application of the proceeds therefrom,
     that constitutes a Default.

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC



                                    By______________________________
                                      Title:
<PAGE>

                                                             EXHIBIT C - FORM OF
                                                       ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE


          Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of July 1, 1999 (as
amended or modified from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") among Ambac
                                            ----------------
Credit Products, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "Borrower"), the
                                                                 --------
Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) and The Bank of New York, as agent
for the Lenders (the "Agent").  Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used
                      -----
herein with the same meaning.

          The "Assignor" and the "Assignee" referred to on Schedule I hereto
agree as follows:

          1.  The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the
     Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, an interest in and
     to the Assignor's rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of
     the date hereof equal to the percentage interest specified on Schedule 1
     hereto of all outstanding rights and obligations under the Credit
     Agreement.  After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Assignee's
     Commitment and the amount of the Advances owing to the Assignee will be as
     set forth on Schedule 1 hereto.

          2.  The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is the legal and
     beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that
     such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim; (ii) 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; (iii) makes no
     representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to
     the financial condition of the Borrower or the Guarantor or the performance
     or observance by the Borrower or the Guarantor of any of its obligations
     under the Credit Agreement or the Surety Bond, respectively, or any other
     instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (iv) attaches the
     Note held by the Assignor and requests that the Agent exchange such Note
     for a new Note payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to
     the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto or new Notes payable
     to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed
     by the Assignee pursuant hereto and the Assignor in an amount equal to the
     Commitment retained by the Assignor under the Credit Agreement,
     respectively, as specified on Schedule 1 hereto.

          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 4.01
<PAGE>

                                       2

     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 Lender and based
     on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
     continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action
     under the Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee;
     (iv) appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such action as agent on its
     behalf and to exercise such powers and discretion under the Credit
     Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof, together with
     such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees
     that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations
     that by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by
     it as a Lender; and (vi) attaches any U.S. Internal Revenue Service forms
     required under Section 2.13 of the Credit Agreement.

          4.  Following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance, it will
     be delivered to the Agent for acceptance and recording by the Agent.  The
     effective date for this Assignment and Acceptance (the "Effective Date")
                                                             --------------
     shall be the date of acceptance hereof by the Agent, unless otherwise
     specified on Schedule 1 hereto.

          5.  Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, as of the
     Effective Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement
     and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, have the
     rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall,
     to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its
     rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.

          6.  Upon such acceptance and recording by the Agent, from and after
     the Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments under the Credit
     Agreement and the Notes in respect of the interest assigned hereby
     (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and
     facility fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee.  The Assignor and
     Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the
     Credit Agreement and the Notes for periods prior to the Effective Date
     directly between themselves.

          7.  This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by, and construed
     in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

          8.  This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any number of
     counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each
     of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of
     which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.  Delivery
     of an executed counterpart of
<PAGE>

                                       3

     Schedule 1 to this Assignment and Acceptance by telecopier shall be
     effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment
     and Acceptance.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Assignor and the Assignee have caused Schedule
1 to this Assignment and Acceptance to be executed by their officers thereunto
duly authorized as of the date specified thereon.
<PAGE>

                                  Schedule 1
                                      to
                           Assignment and Acceptance

     Percentage interest assigned:                                    _____%


     Assignee's Commitment:
     $_______________


     Aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances
     assigned:
     $_______________


     Principal amount of Note payable to Assignee:
     $_______________


     Principal amount of Note payable to Assignor:
     $_______________


     Effective Date*:  _______________, ____


                                    [NAME OF ASSIGNOR], as Assignor


                                    By ____________________________________
                                      Title:

                                    Dated:  _______________, _____


                                    [NAME OF ASSIGNEE], as Assignee


                                    By ____________________________________
                                      Title:

                                    Domestic Lending Office:
                                         [Address]

________________

*    This date should be no earlier than five Business Days after the delivery
     of this Assignment and Acceptance to the Agent.
<PAGE>

                                    Eurodollar Lending Office:
                                         [Address]

Accepted [and Approved] this
__________ day of _______________, _____

_________________________, as Agent


By ____________________________
   Title:


[Approved this __________ day
of _______________, _____


AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC


By ____________________________]
   Title:
<PAGE>

                                                  EXHIBIT H - FORM OF OPINION OF
                                                             SHEARMAN & STERLING


                                             [Effective Date]


To each of the Lenders listed on
  Schedule I hereto and
  The Bank of New York,
  as Agent

                          Ambac Credit Products, LLC
                          --------------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.01(c)(viii) of
the Credit Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1999 (the "Credit Agreement"), among
                                                     ----------------
Ambac Credit Products, LLC (the "Borrower"), the Lenders parties thereto and The
                                 --------
Bank of New York, as Agent for said Lenders.  Terms defined in the Credit
Agreement are used herein as therein defined.

          We have acted as special New York counsel for the Borrower in
connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement.

          In that connection, we have examined:

          (1) The Credit Agreement.

          (2) The documents furnished by the Borrower pursuant to Article III of
     the Credit Agreement.

We have also examined the originals, or copies certified to our satisfaction, of
such certificates of  officers of the Borrower and agreements, instruments,
other documents, as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions
expressed below.  As to questions of fact material to such opinions, we have,
when relevant facts were not independently established by us, relied upon
certificates of the Borrower

          In our examination of the documents, certificates and instruments
referred to above, we have assumed the authenticity of all such documents,
certificates and instruments submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of
all signatures, the due authority of the parties executing such documents,
certificates and instruments, and the conformity to the originals of all
<PAGE>

                                       2

such documents, certificates or instruments submitted to us as copies. We have
also assumed, without independent investigation, that (a) the Borrower (i) is a
limited liability company duly formed and validly existing under the laws of the
state of its formation and (ii) has full power and authority to enter into and
perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement and the Notes, (b) the
execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement and
the Notes have been duly authorized by all necessary company, member, manager or
officer action and do not violate or contravene any statutory law, rule or
regulation applicable to the Borrower or any agreement, instrument or other
document binding on or affecting the Borrower or any constituent document of the
Borrower, (c) no authorization, approval or other action by, and no notice to or
filing with, any governmental authority or regulatory body or any other Person
is required for the due execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower of
the Credit Agreement or the Notes, or if any such authorization, approval,
action, notice or filing is required therefor, it has been duly obtained or made
and is in full force and effect, (d) the Credit Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered, with all necessary power and authority (corporate and otherwise),
by each of you, and (e) the Credit Agreement [has] [and the Notes have been, or
when executed by the Borrower will have been] duly executed and delivered on
behalf of the Borrower.

          Based upon the foregoing and upon such investigation as we have deemed
necessary and subject to the qualifications set forth below, we are of the
opinion that the Credit Agreement is, and if a Loan were made, each of the Notes
evidencing such Loan would be, the legal, valid and binding obligations of the
Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective
terms.

          Our opinion above is subject to the following qualifications:

          (a) Our opinion is subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy,
     insolvency (including, without limitation, all laws relating to fraudulent
     transfers), reorganization, moratorium or similar law affecting creditors'
     rights generally.

          (b) Our opinion is also subject to the effect of general principles of
     equity, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality,
     reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether
     considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

          (c) We express no opinion (i) as to the enforceability of the
     indemnification provisions set forth in Section 8.04(b) of the Credit
     Agreement to the extent enforcement thereof is contrary to the public
     policy regarding exculpation of criminal violations, intentional harm and
     acts of gross negligence or recklessness and (ii) as to the effect of the
     law of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York wherein any Lender
     may be located or wherein enforcement of the Credit Agreement or the Notes
     may be sought that limits the rates of interest legally chargeable or
     collectible.
<PAGE>

                                       3

          Our opinion is limited to the law of the State of New York and the
federal law of the United States, and we do not express any opinion herein
concerning any other law.

          A copy of this opinion letter may be delivered by each of you to any
Eligible Assignee in connection with and at the time of any assignment and
delegation by any of you as a Lender to such Eligible Assignee of a portion of
your Loans and Commitment in accordance with the provisions of the Credit
Agreement, and such Eligible Assignee may rely on the opinion expressed above
with respect to the Credit Agreement as if this opinion letter were addressed
and delivered to such Eligible Assignee on the date hereof.

          This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof.  We expressly
disclaim any responsibility to advise any of you or any other Person who is
permitted to rely on the opinion expressed herein as specified in the next
preceding paragraph of any development or circumstance of any kind including any
change of law or fact that may occur after the date of this opinion letter even
though such development, circumstance or change may affect the legal analysis, a
legal conclusion or any other matter set forth in or relating to this opinion
letter.  Accordingly, any Lender relying on this opinion letter at any time
should seek advice of its counsel as to the proper application of this opinion
letter at such time.



                                    Very truly yours,

<PAGE>

                                                                   SCHEDULE 5.02
                                                      AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC
                                                      REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                                                    ONGOING-DEBT


None
<PAGE>

                                                                SCHEDULE 4.01(h)
                                                      AMBAC CREDIT PRODUCTS, LLC
                                                      REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
                                                          CONTINGENT LIABILITIES



None

<PAGE>

                                 Exhibit 10.25



                                             Rabobank
                                             New York Branch
                                             245 Park Avenue
                                             New York, NY  10167-0062 U.S.A.
                                             212-916-7800

April 26, 1999


Ambac Assurance Corporation
One State Street Plaza
New York, New York 10004
Attn: Anne Gill

Deutsche Bank AG,
New York Branch, as Agent
31 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019

Acceptance Notice
- -----------------

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated
as of December 2, 1998 (the "Credit Agreement"), among Ambac Assurance
Corporation (the "Borrower"), the Banks party thereto from time to time and
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, as Agent (the "Agent"), and (b) the Increase
Request dated April 23, 1999 delivered by the Borrower.  Terms defined in the
Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined unless otherwise defined
herein.

     The undersigned Bank is a Triple-A Bank (as defined in the Increase Request
referred to above) and is willing to increase the amount of its Commitment by
$20,000,000.

     In the event that our offer in the next preceding sentence is accepted by
the Borrower by executing the acceptance below and returning an accepted copy to
the undersigned Bank (with a copy to the Agent) on or prior to May 3, 1999, then
our Commitment shall, effective as of May 3, 1999, be increased by the amount
set forth in the next preceding paragraph and we agree that we 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 with such an
increased Commitment.
<PAGE>

     If our Commitment is so increased, we understand that, upon the surrender
by us to the Borrower of the Note previously issued to us, a new Note will be
issued to us in the stated amount of our increased Commitment.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        COOPERATIVE CENTRALE
                                          RAIFFEISEN-BOERENLEENBANK
                                          B.A., "RABOBANK NEDERLAND",
                                          NEW YORK BRANCH


                                        By:       /s/ Angela  R. Reilly
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Name:  Angela  R. Reilly
                                             Title: Vice President


                                        By:      /s/ Michel de Konkoly Thege
                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Name:  Michel de Konkoly Thege
                                             Title: Managing Director

ACCEPTED:

AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION


By:       /s/ Robert W. Starr
     --------------------------------
     Name:  Robert W. Starr
     Title: First Vice President


ACKNOWLEDGED:

DEUTSCHE BANK AG,
New York Branch, as Agent


By:  /s/ Ira Lubinsky
     --------------------------------
     Name:  Ira Lubinsky
     Title: Vice President

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 7
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1999
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                         8,766,846
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                                0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                                  0
<EQUITIES>                                       6,611
<MORTGAGE>                                           0
<REAL-ESTATE>                                        0
<TOTAL-INVEST>                               8,890,895
<CASH>                                           8,309
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                                   0
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                         130,238
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              11,081,799
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                120,483
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                          1,339,268
<POLICY-OTHER>                                       0
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                                0
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                423,962
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           707
<OTHER-SE>                                   2,043,761
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                11,081,799
                                     124,241
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                            100,780
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                             (8,005)
<OTHER-INCOME>                                   2,584
<BENEFITS>                                       5,000
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                     23,789
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                                 0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                187,936
<INCOME-TAX>                                    43,773
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            144,163
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   144,163
<EPS-BASIC>                                       2.06
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.02
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                       0
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                                  0
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                                    0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                                   0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                                     0
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                      0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                              0


</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.03



                 AMBAC ASSURANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
          (a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.)

                  Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements

                   As of June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998
               and for the Periods Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
<PAGE>

Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements
(Dollars in Thousands)

     (1)  Basis of Presentation


     Ambac Assurance Corporation ("Ambac Assurance") is a leading insurer of
municipal and structured finance obligations.  Ambac Assurance has earned
triple-A ratings, the highest ratings available from Moody's Investors Service,
Inc., Standard & Poor's Rating Group, Fitch IBCA, Inc., and Japan Rating and
Investment Information, Inc. Financial guarantee insurance underwritten by Ambac
Assurance guarantees payment when due of the principal of and interest on the
obligation insured. In the case of a monetary default on the insured bond,
payments under the insurance policy may not be accelerated by the policyholder
without Ambac Assurance's consent. As of June 30, 1999, Ambac Assurance's net
insurance in force (principal and interest) was $350,694,000. Ambac Assurance is
a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. ("AFGI"), a holding
company whose subsidiaries provide financial insurance and financial management
services to clients in both the public and private sectors around the world.

     In December 1997, Ambac Assurance acquired Construction Loan Insurance
Corporation ("CLIC"). CLIC's wholly owned subsidiary, Connie Lee Insurance
Company ("Connie Lee"), a triple-A rated financial insurance company, guaranteed
bonds primarily for college and hospital infrastructure projects. Ambac
Assurance and Connie Lee have arrangements in place to assure that Connie Lee
maintains a level of capital sufficient to support Connie Lee's outstanding
obligations and for Connie Lee insured bonds to retain their triple-A rating.

     Ambac Assurance serves clients in international markets through its wholly-
owned subsidiary Ambac Assurance UK Limited and through an arrangement with MBIA
Insurance Company ("MBIA") to participate in MBIAAMBAC International, an
unincorporated joint venture (the "Joint Venture") formed in 1995. The joint
venture was formed with the goal of bringing the combined resources of the two
companies together to more efficiently serve the international market. Under the
joint venture arrangement, financial guarantee policies are issued separately by
each of the companies and each company has the opportunity to assume up to 50%
of international business written by the other.

     Ambac Assurance, through it's wholly owned subsidiary, Ambac Credit
Products ("ACP") enters into structured credit derivative transactions. These
structured credit derivatives require ACP to make payments upon the occurrence
of certain defined credit events relating to an underlying obligation. Should a
credit event occur, ACP would generally be required to purchase the impaired
asset or to make a payment equivalent to the difference between the par value
and market value of the underlying obligation. The majority of ACP's credit
derivatives have been structured so that a level of first loss protection is
provided.
<PAGE>

Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements (Continued)
(Dollars in Thousands)

     Ambac Assurance, as the sole limited partner, owns a limited partnership
interest representing 90% of the total partnership interests of Ambac Financial
Services, L.P. ("AFSLP"), a limited partnership which provides interest rate
swaps primarily to states, municipalities and their authorities. The sole
general partner of AFSLP, Ambac Financial Services Holdings, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of AFGI, owns a general partnership interest representing 10%
of the total partnership interest in AFSLP.

     The accompanying consolidated unaudited interim financial statements have
been prepared on the basis of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
("GAAP") and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the
Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the
periods presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates. The results of operations for the six months ended June
30, 1999 may not be indicative of the results that may be expected for the full
year ending December 31, 1999. These financial statements and notes should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the
audited consolidated financial statements of Ambac Assurance Corporation and its
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1998.
<PAGE>

                 Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets
                      June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998
                   (Dollars in Thousands Except Share Data)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  June 30, 1999    December 31, 1998
                                                                                 ---------------  -------------------
                                                                                  (unaudited)
<S>                                                                              <C>              <C>
                                    ASSETS
                                    ------
Investments:
       Fixed income securities, at fair value
           (amortized cost of $3,345,725 in 1999 and $3,097,289 in 1998)          $3,407,424           $3,310,047
       Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value)                      86,879               93,912
                                                                                  ----------           ----------
           Total investments                                                       3,494,303            3,403,959

Cash                                                                                   6,684                4,895
Securities purchased under agreements to resell                                        3,605                5,449
Receivable for securities sold                                                        29,726               12,132
Investment income due and accrued                                                     57,949               54,088
Deferred acquisition costs                                                           130,238              120,619
Reinsurance recoverable                                                                3,668                3,638
Prepaid reinsurance                                                                  202,141              199,920
Other assets                                                                         128,291              212,475
                                                                                  ----------           ----------
           Total assets                                                           $4,056,605           $4,017,175
                                                                                  ==========           ==========

                     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                     ------------------------------------
Liabilities:
       Unearned premiums                                                          $1,348,980           $1,303,203
       Losses and loss adjustment expenses                                           120,483              115,794
       Ceded reinsurance balances payable                                              5,879                6,576
       Deferred income taxes                                                          98,245              144,565
       Current income taxes                                                           19,675               19,984
       Other liabilities                                                             138,955              226,950
       Payable for securities purchased                                               29,439               33,758
                                                                                  ----------           ----------
           Total liabilities                                                       1,761,656            1,850,830
                                                                                  ----------           ----------

Stockholder's equity:
       Preferred stock, par value $1,000 per share; authorized
           shares - 285,000; issued and outstanding shares - none                          -                    -
       Common stock, par value $2.50 per share; authorized shares
           - 40,000,000; issued and outstanding shares - 32,800,000
           at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998                                     82,000               82,000
       Additional paid-in capital                                                    643,565              541,021
       Accumulated other comprehensive income                                         39,406              138,651
       Retained earnings                                                           1,529,978            1,404,673
                                                                                  ----------           ----------
           Total stockholder's equity                                              2,294,949            2,166,345
                                                                                  ----------           ----------
                                                                                  $4,056,605           $4,017,175
                                                                                  ==========           ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.
<PAGE>

                 Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations
                                  (Unaudited)
                 For The Periods Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
                            (Dollars in Thousands)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              Three Months Ended                        Six Months Ended
                                                                   June 30,                                 June 30,
                                                         ----------------------------            -----------------------------
                                                           1999                 1998               1999                 1998
                                                         -------              -------            --------             --------
<S>                                                      <C>                  <C>                <C>                  <C>
Revenues:

    Gross premiums written                             $ 100,009             $ 88,975            $191,050             $168,596
    Ceded premiums written                               (16,458)             (10,048)            (21,544)             (36,135)
                                                         -------              -------            --------             --------
          Net premiums written                            83,551               78,927             169,506              132,461

    Increase unearned premiums, net                      (18,873)             (25,038)            (43,799)             (24,742)
                                                         -------              -------            --------             --------
          Net premiums earned                             64,678               53,889             125,707              107,719

    Net investment income                                 51,371               45,939             100,958               91,075
    Net realized losses                                   (5,569)              (6,943)             (5,480)              (6,793)
    Other income                                           5,198                5,337              10,946               12,660
                                                         -------              -------            --------             --------
         Total revenues                                  115,678               98,222             232,131              204,661
                                                         -------              -------            --------             --------

Expenses:

    Losses and loss adjustment expenses                    2,500                1,423               5,000                3,000
    Underwriting and operating expenses                   13,606               12,624              27,234               26,172
    Interest expense                                         733                  661               1,457                1,422
                                                         -------              -------            --------             --------
         Total expenses                                   16,839               14,708              33,691               30,594
                                                         -------              -------            --------             --------

    Income before income taxes                            98,839               83,514             198,440              174,067

    Provision for income taxes                            23,101               18,087              47,135               39,916
                                                         -------              -------            --------             --------

    Net income                                         $  75,738             $ 65,427            $151,305             $134,151
                                                         =======              =======            ========             ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements
<PAGE>

                 Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
                Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity
                                  (Unaudited)
                 For The Periods Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
                            (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           1999                            1998
                                                                  -----------------------         ------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Retained Earnings:
       Balance at January 1                                        $1,404,673                      $1,179,322
       Net income                                                     151,305     $151,305            134,151     $ 134,151
                                                                                  --------                        ---------
       Dividends declared - common stock                              (26,000)                        (24,000)
                                                                   ----------                      ----------
       Balance at June 30                                          $1,529,978                      $1,289,473
                                                                   ----------                      ----------

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
       Balance at January 1                                        $  138,651                      $ 118,119
       Unrealized (losses) gains on securities, ($151,059)
         and $9,529, pre-tax, in 1999 and 1998, respectively /(1)/                 (98,188)                       $   6,194
       Foreign currency (loss) gain                                                 (1,057)                             173
                                                                                  --------                        ---------
       Other comprehensive (loss) income                              (99,245)     (99,245)             6,367         6,367
                                                                   -----------------------         ------------------------
       Comprehensive income                                                        $52,060                        $ 140,518
                                                                                   =======                        =========
       Balance at June 30                                          $   39,406                      $  124,486
                                                                   ----------                      ----------

Preferred Stock:
       Balance at January 1 and June 30                            $        -                      $        -
                                                                   ----------                      ----------

Common Stock:
       Balance at January 1 and June 30                            $   82,000                      $   82,000
                                                                   ----------                      ----------

Additional Paid-in Capital:
       Balance at January 1                                        $  541,021                      $  521,153
       Capital contribution                                           101,479                               -
       Exercise of stock options                                        1,065                           4,784
                                                                   ----------                      ----------
       Balance at June 30                                          $  643,565                      $  525,937
                                                                   ----------                      ----------


Total Stockholder's Equity at June 30                              $2,294,949                      $2,021,896
                                                                   ==========                      ==========

(1) Disclosure of reclassification amount:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period             ($101,750)                     $    6,626
Less: reclassification adjustment for net (losses)
    gains included in net income                                       (3,562)                            432
                                                                   ----------                      ----------
Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities                          ($98,188)                     $    6,194
                                                                   ==========                      ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.
<PAGE>

                 Ambac Assurance Corporation and Subsidiaries
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                  (Unaudited)
                 For The Periods Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
                            (Dollars in Thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  Six Months Ended
                                                                                      June 30,
                                                                          ----------------------------------
                                                                                1999               1998
                                                                          ---------------     --------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                 <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
     Net income                                                                $ 151,305          $ 134,151
     Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
            provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                                                 1,100                792
     Amortization of bond premium and discount                                    (2,479)              (351)
     Current income taxes                                                           (309)            (6,634)
     Deferred income taxes                                                         6,551              2,096
     Deferred acquisition costs                                                   (9,619)            (4,977)
     Unearned premiums, net                                                       43,556             24,789
     Losses and loss adjustment expenses                                           4,659              9,306
     Ceded reinsurance balances payable                                             (697)            (1,380)
     Losses on sales of investments                                                5,480              6,793
     Net unrealized portfolio gain                                                (5,137)           (22,595)
     Other, net                                                                    5,047             15,066
                                                                          --------------      -------------
            Net cash provided by operating activities                            199,457            157,056
                                                                          --------------      -------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
     Proceeds from sales of bonds                                                742,060            471,056
     Proceeds from maturities of bonds                                            79,961             47,080
     Purchases of bonds                                                         (995,702)          (590,082)
     Change in short-term investments                                              7,033            (41,867)
     Securities purchased under agreements to resell                               1,844              2,484
     Other, net                                                                     (864)            (7,838)
                                                                          --------------      -------------
            Net cash used in investing activities                               (165,668)          (119,167)
                                                                          --------------      -------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
     Dividends paid                                                              (26,000)           (24,000)
     Short-term financing                                                         (6,000)                 -
                                                                          --------------      -------------
            Net cash used in financing activities                                (32,000)           (24,000)
                                                                          --------------      -------------

            Net cash flow                                                          1,789             13,889
Cash at January 1                                                                  4,895              8,004
                                                                          --------------      -------------
Cash at June 30                                                                $   6,684          $  21,893
                                                                          ==============      =============

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
     Cash paid during the period for:
            Income taxes                                                       $  37,000          $  39,700
                                                                          ==============      =============

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing activities:
     The Company received a capital contribution from its parent company in
     April, 1999, in the form of fixed income securities amounting to $101,479.
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Unaudited Financial Statements.


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