UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC
S-3/A, 1997-04-03
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIAL APPARATUS
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<PAGE>

   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 3, 1997
    
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-23073
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
    
 
                                    FORM S-3
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
                                     UNDER
 
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                            ------------------------
 
                            UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                                       <C>
                DELAWARE                                                                           06-1385548
    (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                                                             (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
     INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                                                          IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
                             39 OLD RIDGEBURY ROAD
                           DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06817
                                 (203) 207-7700
 
              (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
       INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                            ------------------------

 
                             PETER B. MANCINO, ESQ.
                       VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                            UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.
                             39 OLD RIDGEBURY ROAD
                           DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06817
                                 (203) 207-7740
 
          (NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                   INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                            ------------------------
 
                              Copies Requested To:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>                                       <C>
        M. RIDGWAY BARKER, ESQ.                    WILSON S. NEELY, ESQ.                    D. COLLIER KIRKHAM, ESQ.
        KELLEY DRYE & WARREN LLP                 SIMPSON THACHER & BARTLETT                 CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
           TWO STAMFORD PLAZA                       425 LEXINGTON AVENUE                        WORLDWIDE PLAZA
         281 TRESSER BOULEVARD                    NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017                     825 EIGHTH AVENUE
      STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06901                                                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
possible after the effective date of
this Registration Statement.
 
     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. / /
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. / /
 
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
                                                                   -------------
 
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
                                                 ------------------
 
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
 

                            ------------------------
 
     The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

                                EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
   
     This Registration Statement contains two Prospectuses, one relating to a
public offering in the United States and Canada (the 'U.S. Offering') of an
aggregate of 4,640,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ('Common
Stock'), of UCAR International Inc. and the other relating to a concurrent
offering outside the United States and Canada (the 'International Offering') of
an aggregate of 1,160,000 shares of Common Stock. The complete Prospectus for
the U.S. Offering follows immediately after this explanatory note. After such
Prospectus are the following alternate pages for the Prospectus relating to the
International Offering: a front outside cover page, a front inside cover page
and the pages containing the captions 'Available Information,' 'Incorporation of
Documents by Reference,' 'Subscription and Sale,' 'Legal Matters' and 'Experts.'
All other pages of the Prospectus for the U.S. Offering are to be used for both
the U.S. Offering and the International Offering, except the back outside cover
page, which will be blank in the Prospectus for the International Offering, and
the information appearing under 'Notice to Canadian Residents,' which will not
be included in the Prospectus for the International Offering.
    


<PAGE>
   
    

   

                                5,800,000 Shares
                            UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.
    
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                ($.01 par value)
 
                               ------------------
 
   
All 5,800,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share ('Common Stock'),
of UCAR International Inc. ('UCAR') being sold (the 'Shares') are being sold by
Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant Banking Fund L.P. ('BCP'), Blackstone
 Offshore Capital Partners II L.P. ('BOCP') and Blackstone Family Investment
  Partnership II L.P. ('BFIP' and, together with BCP and BOCP, 'Blackstone'
    or the 'Selling Stockholders'). See 'Selling Stockholders.' UCAR will
       repurchase 1,300,000 shares of Common Stock from Blackstone (the
     'Blackstone Share Repurchase') upon the closing of the Offering (as
       defined below), which repurchase will constitute part of UCAR's
     previously announced stock repurchase program. See 'Summary--Recent
         Developments.' Following the closing of the Offering and the
       Blackstone Share Repurchase and excluding the Retained Interest
        (as defined under 'Selling Stockholders'), Blackstone will own
              1.3% of the outstanding Common Stock (0.0%, if the
          over-allotment option is exercised in full). The Retained
        Interest will constitute 3.1% of the outstanding Common Stock.
           See 'Risk Factors--Shares Eligible For Future Sale' and
           'Selling Stockholders.' UCAR will not receive any of the
                    proceeds from the sale of the Shares.
    
 
   
 Of the 5,800,000 shares of Common Stock being offered, 4,640,000 shares (the
'U.S. Shares') are initially being offered in the United States and Canada by
    the U.S. Underwriters (the 'U.S. Offering') and 1,160,000 shares (the
   'International Shares') are initially being concurrently offered outside
       the United States and Canada by the Managers (the 'International
       Offering' and, together with the U.S. Offering, the 'Offering').
       The offering price and underwriting discounts and commissions of
       the U.S. Offering and the International Offering are identical.
    
 

   
The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the 'NYSE') under the
  symbol 'UCR.' On April 2, 1997, the last reported sale price of the Common
                        Stock on the NYSE was $38.00.
    
 
   
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH
 AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK, SEE 'RISK FACTORS' BEGINNING ON PAGE 11.
    
 
   THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
    AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
           COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
             PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                              CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      UNDERWRITING        PROCEEDS TO
                                                                       PRICE TO      DISCOUNTS AND          SELLING
                                                                        PUBLIC        COMMISSIONS       STOCKHOLDERS(1)
                                                                    ---------------  --------------     ----------------
<S>                                                                 <C>              <C>                <C>
Per Share.........................................................      $38.00          $1.425              $36.575
 
Total(2)..........................................................      $220,400,000    $8,265,000          $212,135,000
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) Before deduction of expenses payable by UCAR estimated at $800,000.
    
   
(2) Blackstone has granted the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers an option,
    exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation for 30 days from the
    date of this Prospectus, to purchase a maximum of 611,227 additional shares
    of Common Stock solely to cover over-allotments of Shares. If the option 
    is exercised in full, the total Price to Public will be $243,626,626, 
    Underwriting Discounts and Commissions will be $9,135,998, and Proceeds 
    to Selling Stockholders will be $234,490,628.
    
   
    The U.S. Shares are offered by the several U.S. Underwriters when, as and if
delivered to and accepted by the U.S. Underwriters and subject to their right to
reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that the U.S. Shares will be
ready for delivery on or about April 8, 1997, against payment in immediately
available funds.
    
 
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
 
             DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
 
                          GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 
                                         MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
                                                    PAINEWEBBER
                                                       INCORPORATED
 
                                                        THE NIKKO SECURITIES CO.
                                                             INTERNATIONAL, INC.
   
                         Prospectus dated April 3, 1997.
    

<PAGE>

                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     UCAR is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the 'Exchange Act') and, in accordance therewith, files
reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission'). The reports, proxy and
information statements and other information so filed may be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Commission's
Regional Offices located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New
York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such reports, proxy and information statements and
other information can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The
Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding registrants (including UCAR) that
file electronically with the Commission. The address of such Web site is
http://www.sec.gov. The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE, and reports, proxy
and information statements and other information filed with the Commission can
also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.
 
     UCAR has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3
(together with amendments, exhibits, schedules and supplements thereto, the
'Registration Statement') under the Securities Act of 1933 (the 'Securities
Act') with respect to the Shares. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of
the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in
the Registration Statement. Information omitted has been omitted as permitted by
the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information with
respect to UCAR and the Shares, reference is made to the Registration Statement.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or
other document are not necessarily complete and, where such contract or other
document is an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement is
qualified in all respects by the provisions in such exhibit, to which reference
is hereby made. The Registration Statement may be inspected at, and copies of
all or any portion of the Registration Statement can be obtained at prescribed
rates from, the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.
 
     UCAR is a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on
November 24, 1993. The mailing address of its principal executive office is 39
Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, Connecticut 06817. The telephone number of such
office is (203) 207-7700.
 
                           INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS
                                  BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents previously filed by UCAR with the Commission are
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:
 
     (a) UCAR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996;
 

     (b) UCAR's Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement for the 1996 Annual
         Meeting of Stockholders; and
 
     (c) the description of UCAR's capital stock contained in UCAR's
         Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated July 28, 1995, as updated by
         any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such
         description.
 
     In addition, all documents filed by UCAR pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the Offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any
statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document that also is incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
                                      -2-

<PAGE>

     UCAR will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial
owner of Common Stock, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the
written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the
documents incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits to such
documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in
the documents that this Prospectus incorporates by reference). Such requests
should be addressed to UCAR International Inc., 39 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury,
Connecticut 06817, Attention: Investor Relations, telephone number (203)
207-7726.

                            ------------------------
 
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED
HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE SHORT
COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES,
SEE 'UNDERWRITING.'
 
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF
SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SECTION 21E OF THE EXCHANGE ACT. ACTUAL
RESULTS, EVENTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE SET FORTH
IN SUCH STATEMENTS DUE TO VARIOUS FACTORS. SUCH FACTORS INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY
THAT ANNOUNCED ADDITIONS TO ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE STEEL PRODUCTION CAPACITY MAY
NOT OCCUR, INCREASED ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE STEEL PRODUCTION MAY NOT OCCUR OR
RESULT IN INCREASED DEMAND OR HIGHER PRICES FOR GRAPHITE ELECTRODES, ACQUIRED
MANUFACTURING CAPACITY MAY NOT BE FULLY UTILIZED, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES
EXPECTED BY THE COMPANY MAY NOT BE ACHIEVED, CHANGING ECONOMIC AND COMPETITIVE
CONDITIONS, OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND OTHER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES,
INCLUDING THOSE SET FORTH OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN.
 
                                      -3-

<PAGE>

                                    SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by and should be read in
conjunction with the more detailed information and Consolidated Financial
Statements, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere or incorporated by
reference herein. Unless otherwise indicated, all information (i) assumes that
there will be no exercise of the over-allotment option, (ii) has been adjusted
to reflect the reclassification of the Common Stock in connection with, and the
stock splits effected after, the leveraged recapitalization on January 26, 1995
(the 'Recapitalization') described in note 1 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements and (iii) assumes there have been no exercises after February 28,
1997 of options which have been or may be granted under employee stock option or
equity incentive plans.
 
     Unless the context requires otherwise or otherwise indicated, all
references to 'UCAR' mean UCAR International Inc. and to the 'Company' mean
UCAR, its wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries (including UCAR Global
Enterprises Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of UCAR ('Global')), EMSA
(Pty.) Ltd., its 50%-owned affiliate ('EMSA'), and its and their predecessors
(insofar as a predecessor's activities related to the carbon and graphite
products business), collectively, except that such references do not include
UCAR Grafit OAO ('UCAR Grafit'), Carbone Savoie S.A.S. ('Carbone Savoie') or
UCAR Elektroden GmbH ('UCAR Elektroden' and, together with UCAR Grafit and
Carbone Savoie, the 'Acquired Companies') with respect to time periods prior to
their respective acquisitions. Unless otherwise indicated, all financial
information refers to that of the Company (including UCAR Grafit since its
acquisition) on a consolidated basis (using the equity method for EMSA).
 
     All references to 'Home Markets' mean North America, Western Europe,
Brazil, Mexico and South Africa and to 'Free World' mean worldwide, excluding
China, the former Soviet Union, India and Eastern Europe (other than the former
East Germany).
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company is the largest manufacturer of graphite and carbon electrodes
in the world, with sales in over 70 countries and manufacturing facilities, on
four continents. Graphite electrodes, the Company's principal product, are
consumed primarily in the production of steel in an electric arc furnace
('EAF'), the steelmaking technology used by virtually all 'mini-mills,' as well
as in the refining of steel using ladle furnaces. Carbon electrodes are consumed
primarily to produce silicon metal, which is used in the manufacture of
aluminum. Graphite electrodes and carbon electrodes accounted for approximately
73% and 6%, respectively, of the Company's net sales in 1996. The Company also
manufactures other graphite and carbon products as well as cooling systems and
components for steelmaking furnaces and other high temperature applications.
 
     The Company has benefited from reduced costs resulting from its successful
restructuring and re-engineering projects as well as from significant increases
in graphite electrode pricing (attributable in large part to an industry-wide
capacity reduction) which have taken place since mid-1992. The Company's net
sales have increased to $948 million in 1996 from $659 million in 1992. The

Company had operating profit in 1996 of $268 million as compared to operating
profit of $8 million (excluding restructuring costs) in 1992.
 
                         INDUSTRY OVERVIEW AND OUTLOOK
 
     Electrodes act as conductors of electricity in a furnace, generating
sufficient heat to melt scrap metal or other raw materials used to produce
steel, silicon metal or other materials. The electrodes are gradually consumed
in the course of such production. In the case of graphite electrodes in an EAF,
one electrode must be replaced, on average, every eight to ten operating hours
('a stick a shift'). Graphite electrodes are presently the only products
available that are capable of sustaining the levels of heat (as high as 5,000
degrees Fahrenheit) required in an EAF and, therefore, demand for graphite
electrodes is directly related to the amount of EAF steel produced.
 
     Worldwide EAF steel production has significantly increased over the past
two decades and represented approximately 33% of total steel production in 1995
as compared to approximately 18% in 1975, according to
 
                                      -4-

<PAGE>

industry and Company estimates. There are presently in excess of 2,000 EAFs
operating worldwide, which the Company estimates produced approximately 247
million metric tons of steel in 1995. The Company estimates that the net
increase in EAF steel production capacity was approximately 20 million metric
tons in 1995 and approximately 24 million metric tons in 1996. The Company
estimates that it supplied all or a portion of the graphite electrodes consumed
by approximately 50% of the new EAFs which commenced operation during 1995 and
1996.
 
     The Company believes that EAF steelmaking will continue to grow in the
future and that EAF steelmaking is a cost effective and efficient method of
steel production. Over the past two decades, EAF steelmaking has become more
efficient and cost effective due to technological improvements in EAF
steelmaking processes and equipment design and in graphite electrodes. This
improved efficiency has resulted in a decrease in the quantity of graphite
electrodes consumed per metric ton of steel produced (known as 'Specific
Consumption'). From 1985 through mid-1992, the decrease was offset by increased
levels of EAF steel production, which resulted in relatively stable demand for
graphite electrodes. The Company believes that, since mid-1992, increased levels
of EAF steel production have more than offset the decrease in Specific
Consumption. The Company believes that global demand for graphite electrodes
will increase over the long-term at an average rate of 1% to 2% per year. The
Company has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, volatility with
respect to demand for graphite electrodes in certain geographic areas as general
economic conditions in such areas fluctuate. The Company believes that, on
average, as the costs (relative to the benefits) of achieving significant
further efficiencies in EAF graphite electrode consumption increase, the decline
in Specific Consumption will continue at a more gradual pace, although there can
be no assurance that such will be the case.
 
     Since the mid-1980s, there has been a consolidation in the number of Free

World graphite electrode producers and a reduction of Free World graphite
electrode manufacturing capacity. Company capacity and Free World capacity, as
estimated by the Company, each has been reduced by one-third since 1985. In 1992
and 1993, in two separate transactions, three of the Company's largest
competitors combined into a single entity, SGL Carbon AG ('SGL'). The Company
believes that SGL's capacity is approximately one-third less than the combined
capacity of those three competitors in 1986. Principally as a result of this
consolidation and reduction, the Company believes that Free World capacity and
demand are currently in relative balance. The Company is not aware of any
construction of new graphite electrode manufacturing facilities in the Free
World. Presently, SGL is the only other global manufacturer of electrodes in the
Free World and there are in total only eight other Free World manufacturers.
 
     The excess graphite manufacturing capacity and decreases in Specific
Consumption during the 1980s resulted in downward pressure on worldwide pricing.
The Company believes that, from 1982 to mid-1992, the average Free World
industry-wide price (in dollars and net of changes in currency exchange rates)
for graphite electrodes declined by approximately one-third. Since mid-1992,
there has been a significant improvement in Free World electrode pricing
(attributable, in large part, to such industry-wide reduction in capacity). The
Company believes that there were Free World industry-wide graphite electrode
price increases in 1992 through 1996, the effect of which was to increase
average Free World industry-wide prices (in dollars and net of changes in
currency exchange rates) by approximately 9% in 1993 as compared to 1992, by
approximately 12% in 1994 as compared to 1993, by approximately 9% in 1995 as
compared to 1994 and by approximately 6% in 1996 as compared to 1995. The
Company estimates that the price of graphite electrodes represents only
approximately 3% of the price of finished steel produced by EAF steelmakers in
the Free World.
 
     The Company believes that worldwide total crude steel production in 1997
will increase by approximately 2.5% to approximately 767 million metric tons and
that EAF steel production will increase at a greater rate due to a net increase
in EAF steel production capacity. Approximately 24 million metric tons of net
new EAF steel production capacity was added in 1996 and the Company is aware of
another approximately 54 million metric tons of announced net new EAF steel
production capacity that is scheduled to start-up through 1999. The Company
believes that this additional EAF production capacity will lead to continued
increases in worldwide demand for graphite electrodes in 1997 and that the
Company's worldwide manufacturing facilities and market share have positioned
the Company to benefit from these trends.
 
                                      -5-

<PAGE>

                    GROWTH STRATEGIES AND RECENT INITIATIVES
 
     The Company expects worldwide demand for graphite electrodes to increase in
the near term due to increased EAF steel production from existing and proposed
new EAFs. The Company believes that it currently has adequate manufacturing
capacity to meet increased sales volume resulting from such increased near term
demand. In addition, the Company actively studies opportunities to leverage its
core competencies, technologies and products for growth. Management teams,

working with outside consultants, continually seek to define the Company's
strengths and evaluate opportunities to use these strengths to increase the
Company's net sales at margins which, within two to three years after
implementation, are at or near the margins that exist today. Areas of potential
growth currently being pursued or considered include:
 
          o Geographic expansions
 
          o Product expansions
 
          o Expansion of manufacturing operations
 
     In line with its strategy of achieving growth both domestically and
internationally, the Company actively reviews possible acquisitions and other
business opportunities on a regular basis.
 
     Acquisition of Minority Interests and Interest in Joint Venture
Affiliate.  In 1994, the Company acquired substantially all of the minority
stockholders' interest in its Mexican subsidiary at a net cost of $23 million.
In addition, in 1995, the Company acquired substantially all of the shares of
its Brazilian subsidiary that were owned by public shareholders in Brazil for an
aggregate purchase price of $52 million, plus expenses of $3 million.
Thereafter, the Company acquired additional shares from such Brazilian
shareholders for $2 million.
 
   
     On February 10, 1997, UCAR's Board of Directors approved the purchase of
the shares of EMSA held by its joint venture partner in this 50%-owned
affiliate. The purchase price is expected to be approximately $75 million, plus
expenses. In 1996, EMSA sold approximately 99% of all graphite electrodes
purchased in South Africa (which represents 4% of all graphite electrodes
purchased in the Home Markets), and had net sales of $65 million. The Company
intends to finance the acquisition of the EMSA shares with borrowings under its
revolving credit facility. The Company expects that the purchase will be
completed by the end of the second quarter of 1997.
    
 
     The Company believes that these acquisitions have enabled and will enable
the Company to optimize production of products at various facilities, to better
integrate worldwide operations of these subsidiaries and affiliate with those of
the Company's other subsidiaries, to recognize production efficiencies at
various manufacturing facilities to lower average Company-wide cost of sales and
to better capture and manage cash flow from operations of these subsidiaries and
affiliate.
 
     Focused Factory Project.  During 1996, the Company began the construction
of an integrated 'focused factory' at its manufacturing facility in Clarksburg,
West Virginia (the 'Focused Factory Project') at an estimated cost of $16
million. The Focused Factory Project will add additional manufacturing processes
and new technology (developed and tested over the preceding two years by the
Company at its United States technology center) to expand capacity to
manufacture 'superfine grain' graphite specialty products on a cost competitive
basis. The Company believes that worldwide industry sales of such products
approach $400 million annually, that demand for these products has grown and

will continue to grow for at least the next several years (primarily for use in
semiconductor, continuous casting, non-ferrous metal extrusion and electrical
discharge machining applications) and that all of the significant Free World
manufacturers of these products are currently operating at or near capacity. The
Company expects that the Focused Factory Project will be completed by the end of
1998.
 
     Acquisitions in Russia and Germany.  On November 10, 1996, the Company
purchased 90% of the equity of UCAR Grafit, which operates a graphite electrode
business in Vyazma, Russia. The aggregate investment was $50 million. The
Company anticipates increasing its ownership up to 98% of such equity at an
additional cost of approximately $2 million. On February 1, 1997, the Company,
through a newly-formed 70%-owned subsidiary, UCAR Elektroden, purchased the
graphite electrode business of Elektrokohle Lichtenberg AG ('EKL') in Berlin,
Germany. The 30% minority interest in UCAR Elektroden is held by a private
German company. The
 
                                      -6-

<PAGE>

aggregate purchase price paid by UCAR Elektroden for the EKL assets was
approximately $15 million, consisting of $3 million for equipment and
approximately $12 million for working capital. UCAR Elektroden and UCAR Grafit
work in tandem with UCAR Elektroden manufacturing green electrodes and UCAR
Grafit baking, pitch impregnating, rebaking and graphitizing those electrodes.
The graphitized electrodes are then returned to UCAR Elektroden for machining
and distribution. Together, UCAR Elektroden and UCAR Grafit have capacity to
produce approximately 17,000 metric tons of finished graphite electrodes.
 
     The Company acquired UCAR Grafit and UCAR Elektroden to expand
geographically. While the Company has been a supplier to Eastern Europe for over
25 years, the Company believes that these acquisitions will increase its
penetration of the large and potentially growing graphite electrode markets in
Eastern Europe, Russia and the other countries of the former Soviet Union, and
the Middle East. In addition, many of the EAF steel producers in these markets
consume lower quality graphite electrodes. Accordingly, net sales by UCAR Grafit
and UCAR Elektroden of such types of electrodes are expected to be additive to
sales currently made by the Company, which expects to continue to export ultra
high power graphite electrodes to its existing customer base in these regions.
While the Company plans to use its process technology to improve operating
efficiency and gross profit margins at UCAR Grafit and UCAR Elektroden, the
Company does not intend to upgrade the quality of their products until demand
for higher quality products in these regions increases. The Company does not
expect that any significant capital expenditures will be required to achieve
such planned improvements.
 
     Acquisition of Cathode Manufacturing Operations. On January 2, 1997, the
Company acquired 70% of the outstanding shares of Carbone Savoie, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Pechiney S.A., for a purchase price of $33 million. Carbone
Savoie, with facilities in Notre Dame and Venissieux, France, is the leading
worldwide manufacturer of carbon cathodes (with capacity to manufacture
approximately 30,000 metric tons annually). Carbon cathodes are consumed in the
production of aluminum. This acquisition creates an alliance between the Company

and Aluminium Pechiney S.A. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pechiney S.A.), one of
the world's leading producers of aluminum and the leading supplier of smelting
technology to the aluminum industry. Aluminium Pechiney S.A. is developing the
use of graphite cathodes (instead of carbon cathodes) in its aluminum smelting
technology, which the Company believes allows for substantial improvement in
process efficiency. The new graphite cathodes will be used by Aluminium Pechiney
S.A. in its own plants and will be marketed to its licensees as well as to third
parties. The Company believes that joint development efforts combining Aluminium
Pechiney S.A.'s technology and the Company's graphite technology and expertise
in high temperature industrial applications should result in important advances.
Carbone Savoie (which had net sales of approximately $80 million in 1996) and
the Company together supplied one-third of the worldwide market for carbon and
graphite cathodes in 1996, according to Company estimates.
 
                              BUSINESS STRATEGIES
 
     Restructuring and Re-engineering Projects.  The Company has implemented
several successful restructuring and re-engineering projects since the mid-1980s
which have eliminated work, improved operating efficiency and reduced costs. In
connection with these projects, the Company has reduced or eliminated production
at higher cost facilities, maximized production at lower cost facilities,
lowered inventory levels for a given level of forecast sales, significantly
reduced the number of employees worldwide, significantly shortened average
graphite electrode production cycle time, closed manufacturing facilities,
consolidated manufacturing operations and consolidated sales offices. As a
result primarily of these projects, by the end of 1994, the Company had achieved
annual cost savings of approximately $101 million (as compared to 1990) and had
achieved approximately $15 million in additional annual cost savings by the end
of 1996 (as compared to 1994). In January 1995, UCAR's Board of Directors
approved an additional modernization project (the 'Rationalization Project')
designed to close certain high cost manufacturing operations and expand lower
cost manufacturing operations at the Company's North American graphite electrode
plants. The Rationalization Project was completed in July 1996, yielded
approximately $8 million in annual cost savings in 1995 and $20 million in 1996
and is expected to yield $23 million in annual cost savings in 1997 (in each
case, as compared to 1994). Other smaller projects to improve raw materials
technology, enhance equipment technology and upgrade certain production
facilities (collectively, the 'Technology Improvement Projects'), implemented in
1996 or expected
 
                                      -7-

<PAGE>

to be implemented in 1997, are expected to yield approximately $5 million of
additional annual cost savings by the end of 1997 (as compared to 1994). The
Company intends to continue to implement total quality control techniques and
pursue other opportunities for cost savings.
 
     Emphasis on Customer Service.  The Company believes that its dedication to
providing customers with a high level of technical service support provides an
important competitive advantage. The Company employs approximately 60 engineers
to provide technical assistance to customers in, among other things, all areas
of EAF operation and design, including equipment evaluation and control, power

utilization and electrode purchase management as well as to provide training in
the use of Company products. Such technical assistance includes periodically
monitoring certain customers' EAF efficiency levels via computer modem. In
addition, the Company employs a global direct sales force in 19 sales offices on
five continents to serve its customers more effectively. The Company intends to
integrate the customer service activities of UCAR Elektroden and UCAR Grafit
with its own customer service activities to enhance their effectiveness. Carbone
Savoie has its own dedicated customer service group which works closely with
Aluminium Pechiney S.A.'s customer service group to maximize use of their
respective products and technologies.
 
     Technical Improvements.  The Company operates a graphite and carbon
technology center in the United States dedicated to improving product quality
and manufacturing processes through research and development activities
conducted by approximately 80 technical professionals. These activities are
integrated with the efforts of over 100 engineers at manufacturing facilities
who are focused on improving manufacturing processes. Developments by the
Company include larger and stronger electrodes (increasing the Company's ability
to supply various 'supersized' electrodes), new chemical additives to enhance
raw materials used in graphite electrodes and new applications for water spray
cooling technology and other technological advances, resulting in the
development of safer, more cost effective and more efficient EAF steel and
graphite electrode production. The Company has received recognition for the high
quality of its products under several programs around the world and has been
awarded preferred or certified supplier status by many major steel and other
manufacturing companies. In addition, Carbone Savoie operates a dedicated
cathode technology center in Venissieux, France employing approximately 20
professionals.
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
   
     Amendments to Credit Facilities.  On March 19, 1997, the Company's senior
secured bank credit facilities (the 'Senior Bank Facilities') were amended to
reduce the interest rates on amounts outstanding under the Senior Bank
Facilities, to increase the amount available under the revolving credit facility
to $250 million from $100 million and to change the covenants to allow more
flexibility in uses of free cash flow for acquisitions, capital expenditures and
stock repurchases.
    

   
     Stock Repurchase Program.  On February 10, 1997, UCAR's Board of Directors
authorized a program to repurchase up to $100 million of Common Stock at
prevailing prices from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on
market conditions and other factors, without any established minimum or maximum
time period or number of shares. UCAR will repurchase 1,300,000 shares of Common
Stock from Blackstone upon the closing of the Offering at the same price per
share at which the Shares are sold to the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers in
the Offering, which repurchase will constitute a part of such repurchase
program. UCAR intends to finance such repurchases from existing cash balances,
cash flow from operations, short-term borrowings and borrowings under its
revolving credit facility, except that UCAR intends to finance the Blackstone
Share Repurchase primarily from borrowings under the revolving credit facility. 
    

 
                                      -8-

<PAGE>

                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Common Stock offered by the Selling
  Stockholders...............................  5,800,000 shares
 
Common Stock offered for sale in:
  The U.S. Offering..........................  4,640,000 shares
  The International Offering.................  1,160,000
     Total...................................  5,800,000 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding after the
  Offering...................................  45,497,777 shares(a)(b)
 
Use of proceeds..............................  UCAR will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Shares by the
                                               Selling Stockholders.
 
Dividend policy..............................  It is the current policy of UCAR's Board of Directors to retain
                                               earnings to finance operations, fund acquisitions, repurchase
                                               shares of Common Stock and repay debt. See 'Price Range of Common
                                               Stock and Dividend Policy.'
 
NYSE symbol..................................  'UCR'
 
Risk factors.................................  Prospective investors should carefully consider all the information
                                               set forth in this Prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate
                                               the specific factors set forth under 'Risk Factors' before
                                               purchasing any of the Shares.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------
(a) As of February 28, 1997 and after giving effect to the Blackstone Share
    Repurchase.
(b) Excludes 3,313,840 shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of options
    outstanding as of February 28, 1997 under UCAR's Management Stock Option
    Plan and UCAR's 1996 Mid-Management Equity Incentive Plan.
 
                                      -9-

<PAGE>

                      SUMMARY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                                                    1994        1995        1996
                                                                                 -------     -------     -------
                                                                                      (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS,
                                                                                     EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                              <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
    Net sales.................................................................      $758        $901        $948
    Gross profit..............................................................       243         345         365
    Selling, administrative and other expenses................................        79         115          90
    Restructuring costs(a)....................................................        --          30          --
    Operating profit..........................................................       162         189(b)      268
    Total interest expense....................................................        19          93          61
    Income before extraordinary charge and cumulative effect of changes in
      accounting principles...................................................       100          25(b)      145
    Extraordinary charge, net of tax(c).......................................        --          37          --
    Cumulative effect of changes in accounting
      principles..............................................................        --          --           7
    Net income (loss).........................................................       100         (12)(b)     152
    Net income per share before cumulative effect of change in accounting
      principles (Pro forma in 1995)..........................................                 $1.87(d)    $3.00
    Net income per share......................................................                             $3.15
    Weighted average shares outstanding (Pro forma in 1995) (in
      thousands)(e)...........................................................                48,763      48,469
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
    Cash and cash equivalents.................................................      $ 60        $ 53        $ 95
    Total assets..............................................................       778         864         988
    Total debt................................................................       247         668         635
    Stockholders' equity (deficit)............................................       192        (167)         (2)
OTHER DATA:
    Gross profit margin.......................................................      32.1%       38.3%       38.5%
    Operating profit margin...................................................      21.4        21.0        28.3
    Depreciation..............................................................      $ 39        $ 38        $ 36
    Capital expenditures......................................................        34          65          62
    EBITDA(f).................................................................       201         249         304
    Cash flow from operations.................................................       174         130         172
    Cash flow from investing..................................................       (56)       (116)       (104)
    Cash flow from financing..................................................      (105)        (18)        (26)
    Quantity of graphite electrodes sold (thousands of metric tons)(g)........       196(h)      217(h)      205
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Represents costs recorded in connection with closing or downsizing
    operations at certain locations as part of the Company's restructuring and
    re-engineering projects. These costs consisted primarily of write-offs of
    fixed assets and other shut-down costs.
 

(b) Includes, in 1995, non-recurring charges related to the Recapitalization of
    $8 million related to payments for a senior subordinated credit facility
    which was available but not used and payments under the Company's Long Term
    Incentive Compensation Plan and non-recurring expenses related to the
    Initial Offering (as defined herein) of $18 million for compensation
    expense, related to the accelerated vesting of performance stock options and
    restricted matching stock.
 
(c) Resulted from early extinguishment of debt in connection with the Redemption
    (as defined herein) and the Refinancing (as defined herein).
 
(d) For unaudited pro forma net income per share, historical net income (loss)
    has been adjusted assuming that the Recapitalization, the Initial Offering,
    the Redemption and the Refinancing had occurred as of January 1, 1994.
    Historical net income (loss) per share has been omitted as the historical
    capitalization of the Company is not indicative of the Company's current
    capital structure.
 
(e) Reflects Common Stock and Common Stock equivalents outstanding after the
    Initial Offering, including Common Stock equivalents calculated in
    accordance with the 'treasury stock method,' wherein the net proceeds from
    the exercise of Common Stock equivalents are assumed to be used for the
    repurchase of shares of Common Stock at the average price for such year.
 
(f) EBITDA, for this purpose, means operating profit plus depreciation,
    amortization and the portion of restructuring costs applicable to fixed
    asset write-offs. The amount of restructuring costs applicable to fixed
    asset write-offs for 1995 was $22 million. The Company believes that EBITDA
    is generally accepted as providing useful information regarding a company's
    ability to service and/or incur debt. EBITDA should not be considered in
    isolation or as a substitute for net income, cash flows from continuing
    operations or other consolidated income or cash flow data prepared in
    accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of
    a company's profitability or liquidity.
 
(g) Excludes graphite electrodes sold by EMSA, which aggregated 24,000 metric
    tons, 27,000 metric tons and 26,000 metric tons in 1994, 1995 and 1996,
    respectively.
 
(h) The quantity of graphite electrodes sold in the first quarter of 1994 was
    impacted by Customer Buy-Ins (as defined herein) during the fourth quarter
    of 1993 in advance of price increases effective in January 1994, and the
    quantity of graphite electrodes sold in the first quarter of 1995 was
    impacted by Customer Buy-Ins in advance of price increases effective in
    April 1995.
 
                                      -10-

<PAGE>

                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Prospective investors should consider carefully the following factors in
addition to other information included or incorporated by reference in this

Prospectus before purchasing any of the Shares.
 
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE AND DEBT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
 
     The Company is highly leveraged and has negative stockholders' equity. At
December 31, 1996, the Company had an aggregate of $635 million of outstanding
indebtedness and a stockholders' deficit of $2 million. The Company's
indebtedness may increase in connection with the implementation of its stock
repurchase program and future acquisitions.
 
     The Company's high degree of leverage could have important consequences to
investors, including the following: (i) the Company's ability to obtain
additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions,
general corporate purposes or other purposes may be impaired in the future; (ii)
a substantial portion of the Company's cash flow from operations must be
dedicated to debt service, thereby reducing the funds available to the Company
for other purposes; (iii) the Company may be substantially more leveraged than
certain of its competitors, which may place the Company at a competitive
disadvantage; and (iv) the Company's substantial degree of leverage may hinder
its ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions and could make it
more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions or its
business.
 
     The Company's ability to service or to refinance its debt will depend on
its financial and operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to
prevailing economic conditions and to certain financial, business and other
factors beyond its control. If the Company's cash flow and capital resources are
insufficient to fund its debt service obligations, the Company may be forced to
reduce or delay planned capital expenditures, sell assets, obtain additional
equity capital or restructure its debt. While substantially all minimum required
principal payments due on such debt through the end of the second quarter of
1998 have been prepaid, there can be no assurance that the Company's results of
operations, cash flow and capital resources will be sufficient to pay the
interest on such debt or subsequent required principal payments. In the absence
of such results of operations, cash flow and resources, the Company could face
substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material
assets or operations to meet its debt service and other obligations. There can
be no assurance as to the timing of such sales or the amount of proceeds which
the Company could realize therefrom. In addition, since the Company's
obligations under the Senior Bank Facilities bear interest at floating rates, an
increase in interest rates could adversely affect, among other things, the
Company's ability to meet its debt service obligations.
 
GRAPHITE ELECTRODE INDUSTRY RISKS; DECLINE IN SPECIFIC CONSUMPTION
 
     The Company's revenues are currently derived primarily from the sale of
graphite electrodes. Growth in EAF steel production through the 1970s led to an
over-expansion in capacity for the manufacture of graphite electrodes. Since
1979, there has been a significant decline in Specific Consumption of graphite
electrodes as a result of technological improvements in EAF steelmaking
processes and equipment design and in graphite electrodes. The over-expansion in
capacity and the decline in Specific Consumption resulted in significant
downward pressure on graphite electrode pricing. From 1985 to mid-1992, there
was a significant consolidation in the number of manufacturers (which has

continued at a more moderate pace since that time) and a reduction in
industry-wide capacity. In addition, during that period, demand for graphite
electrodes became relatively stable as the decrease in Specific Consumption was
offset by increased levels of EAF steel production. The Company believes that,
since mid-1992, increased levels of EAF steel production have more than offset
the decrease in Specific Consumption. The Company believes that global demand
for graphite electrodes will increase over the long-term at an average rate of
1% to 2% per year. Although the Company believes that the decline in Specific
Consumption will continue at a more gradual rate, there can be no assurance that
such will be the case. If, for any reason, demand for graphite electrodes were
to decline significantly or manufacturing capacity were to materially exceed
demand, the Company would be materially adversely affected. In addition, the
graphite electrode industry is capital intensive.
 
                                      -11-

<PAGE>

DEPENDENCE ON EAF STEEL INDUSTRY
 
     The Company's products are sold primarily to the EAF steel industry.
Although EAF steel production has experienced only two relatively minor
downturns in the past 20 years, the steel industry generally is cyclical and
experiences significant fluctuations in profits based on numerous factors. Sales
of the Company's principal products have historically been somewhat adversely
affected by weakness in the steel industry. Although worldwide EAF steel
production continues to experience growth and worldwide demand for steel
generally has improved over the past several years, there can be no assurance
that growth in EAF steel production will continue or that conditions in the
steel industry will remain favorable.
 
RESTRICTIVE DEBT COVENANTS
 
     The Senior Bank Facilities contain a number of significant covenants that,
among other things, restrict the ability of the Company to dispose of assets,
incur additional indebtedness, repay or refinance other indebtedness or amend
other debt instruments, create liens on assets, enter into leases, make
investments or acquisitions, engage in mergers or consolidations, make capital
expenditures or engage in certain transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates
and otherwise restrict corporate activities. In addition, under the Senior Bank
Facilities, the Company is required to comply with specified financial ratios
and tests, including minimum interest coverage and maximum leverage ratios. The
indenture among UCAR, Global and the United States Trust Company of New York, as
Trustee (the 'Subordinated Note Indenture'), relating to the 12% senior
subordinated notes due 2005 (the 'Subordinated Notes') issued by Global and
guaranteed by UCAR in connection with the Recapitalization also contains certain
restrictive convenants.
 
     The Company is currently in compliance with the covenants contained in the
Senior Bank Facilities and the Subordinated Note Indenture. However, its ability
to continue to comply may be affected by events beyond its control, including
prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. The breach of any of
such covenants could result in a default under the Senior Bank Facilities and/or
the Subordinated Note Indenture, which would permit the senior lenders or the

holders of the Subordinated Notes to declare all amounts borrowed thereunder to
be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, and the
commitments of the senior lenders to make further extensions of credit under the
Senior Bank Facilities could be terminated. If the Company were unable to repay
its indebtedness to its senior lenders, such lenders could proceed against the
collateral securing such indebtedness.
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
 
     The Company operates manufacturing and other facilities in 19 countries on
five continents and sells its products in over 70 countries. Net sales of the
Company's products outside the United States in 1996 totalled approximately $642
million, representing approximately 68% of the Company's net sales in 1996. As a
result of its international operations, the Company is subject to risks
associated with operating in foreign countries, including devaluations and
fluctuations in currency exchange rates, imposition of limitations on conversion
of foreign currencies into dollars or remittance of dividends and other payments
by foreign subsidiaries, imposition or increase of withholding and other taxes
on remittances and other payments by foreign subsidiaries, hyperinflation in
certain foreign countries and imposition or increase of investment and other
restrictions or requirements by foreign governments and, in the case of
operations in Russia, nationalization and other risks which could result from a
change in government. Although such risks have not had a material adverse effect
on the Company within the past decade, no assurance can be given that such risks
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company in the future.
 
SEASONALITY; FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The Company's net sales of graphite electrodes fluctuate from quarter to
quarter due to such factors as scheduled plant shut downs by customers, national
vacation practices, changes in customer production schedules in response to
seasonal changes in energy costs, weather conditions, strikes and work stoppages
at customer plants and changes in customer order patterns in response to the
announcement of price increases. The Company
 
                                      -12-

<PAGE>

has experienced, and expects to continue to experience, volatility with respect
to demand for graphite electrodes in certain geographic areas as general
economic conditions in such areas fluctuate. These factors tend to affect the
Company's quarterly as well as annual results of operations. In addition, in the
past, typically during the period prior to the effective date of a price
increase, customers tended to buy additional quantities of graphite electrodes
at the then lower pricing ('Customer Buy-Ins'), which added to the Company's net
sales during that period. During the period following the effective date of a
price increase, customers tended to use those additional quantities before
placing further orders, which reduced the Company's net sales during that
period. Accordingly, results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily
indicative of the results of operations for a full year or otherwise. In order
to mitigate the effect of Customer Buy-Ins on period-to-period net sales, the
Company has begun announcing price increases at different times in different
geographic regions.

 
DEPENDENCE ON RAW MATERIALS AND ENERGY SUPPLIES
 
     The Company purchases its raw materials and energy from a variety of
sources and has no material long-term purchase contracts with respect to any raw
materials or energy. The principal raw material used in the manufacture of
graphite electrodes and graphite specialty products is petroleum coke, which is
an engineered by-product of the petroleum industry. Over the past several
decades, the Company has purchased a majority of its petroleum coke from
multiple plants of a single major petroleum company and, since 1988, has done so
pursuant to annual purchase contracts. The Company believes that, under current
conditions, its raw materials are available in adequate quantities at market
prices. The availability and price of raw materials and energy may be subject to
curtailment or change due to limitations which may be imposed under new
legislation or governmental regulations, suppliers' allocations to meet demand
of other purchasers during periods of shortage (or, in the case of energy
suppliers, extended cold weather), interruptions in production by suppliers, and
market and other events and conditions. Petroleum products, including petroleum
coke, have been subject to significant price fluctuations and, recently, market
prices of petroleum coke have increased for the Company and its competitors.
Over the past several years, the Company has mitigated the effect of such price
increases on its results of operations through a combination of improved
operating efficiency, permanent on-going cost savings and passing such price
increases on to customers. However, there can be no assurance that such measures
will successfully mitigate future increases in the price of petroleum coke or
other raw materials or energy. A substantial increase in raw material or energy
prices which cannot be mitigated or passed on to customers or a continued
interruption in supply, particularly in the supply of petroleum coke, would have
a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The graphite and carbon products industry is highly competitive.
Competition is based primarily on price, product quality and customer service.
Graphite electrodes, in particular, are subject to rigorous price competition.
Although the Company has periodically increased prices over the past several
years, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to increase
prices in the future. In addition, further price increases by the Company or
price reductions by competitors, decisions by the Company with respect to
maintaining profit margins rather than market share, or other competitive or
market factors or strategies could adversely affect the Company's market share
or results of operations. Competition could prevent institution of price
increases or could require price reductions or increased spending on research
and development, marketing and sales which could adversely affect the Company's
results of operations.
 
                                      -13-

<PAGE>

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
     The Company's operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign
laws and regulations relating to the storage, handling, generation, treatment,

emission, release, discharge and disposal of certain substances and wastes.
While the Company believes that it is currently in material compliance with
those laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that the Company will not
incur significant costs to remediate violations thereof or to comply with
changes in existing laws and regulations (or the enforcement thereof). Such
costs could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations.
 
PROVISIONS HAVING POSSIBLE ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS
 
     UCAR's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws contain provisions
concerning voting, issuance of preferred stock, removal of officers and
directors and other matters which may have the effect of discouraging, delaying
or preventing a change in control of UCAR. The Subordinated Note Indenture
requires Global, in the event of a change of control in respect of which it has
not elected to redeem the Subordinated Notes, to repurchase any Subordinated
Notes that holders thereof desire to have repurchased at 101% of the principal
amount thereof, plus accrued interest. In addition, the Senior Bank Facilities
restrict certain events which would constitute a change of control and provide
that certain events which would constitute a change in control would also
constitute an event of default. The exercise by the holders of the Subordinated
Notes of their right to require Global to repurchase the Subordinated Notes may
cause a default under the Senior Bank Facilities or other indebtedness, even if
the change of control does not. Finally, there can be no assurance that Global
will have the financial resources necessary to purchase the Subordinated Notes
upon a change of control or repay amounts due under the Senior Bank Facilities
upon such an event of default.
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
     As of February 28, 1997, 46,797,777 shares of Common Stock were
outstanding. In addition, as of February 28, 1997, UCAR had reserved an
additional 6,568,769 shares of Common Stock for issuance pursuant to employee
stock option and equity incentive plans. In general, the outstanding shares are,
and any reserved shares issued (other than reserved shares issued to affiliates
of UCAR) will be, freely transferable by persons other than affiliates of UCAR.
Outstanding shares held by, and any reserved shares issued to, affiliates of
UCAR may not be sold other than pursuant to an effective registration statement
or Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act.
Outstanding shares acquired by management in the Recapitalization or to be
acquired upon exercise of stock options (or otherwise acquired under employee
stock option or equity incentive plans) have been or will be registered for
resale to the public. In connection with the Recapitalization, UCAR has granted
to Blackstone certain 'piggy-back' registration rights with respect to shares of
Common Stock owned by Blackstone, which rights will continue in effect after 
the closing of the Offering and the Blackstone Share Repurchase. Following 
the closing of the Offering and the Blackstone Share Repurchase and excluding 
the Retained Interest, Blackstone will own 611,227 shares of Common Stock 
(no shares, if the over-allotment option is exercised in full). UCAR, certain 
of its executive officers and directors and Blackstone have agreed that,
for a period of 90 days, in the case of UCAR, and 45 days, in the case of
Blackstone and certain of UCAR's directors and executive officers, after the
date of this Prospectus, they will not sell or otherwise dispose of any shares
of Common Stock without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse First

Boston Corporation, subject to certain limited exceptions. The shares included
in the Retained Interest will be freely transferable after the end of such
45-day period, except that if the distributee is or has been an affiliate of
UCAR, sales by such distributee will be subject to the volume and other
limitations of Rule 144 until such time as the distributee has not been an
affiliate within the three-month period preceding the sale. No prediction can be
made as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares, or the availability
of shares for future sale, will have on the market price of the Common Stock
prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in
the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could
adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Common Stock and could impair
UCAR's ability to raise capital through an offering of its equity securities.
    
 
                                      -14-

<PAGE>

                                  THE COMPANY
 
     The Company's business was founded in 1886 by National Carbon Company. In
1917, National Carbon Company, along with Union Carbide Company and three other
companies, became subsidiaries of a new corporation named Union Carbide and
Carbon Company, now known as Union Carbide Corporation ('Union Carbide'). In the
1950s, National Carbon Company was dissolved, and its business subsequently
became the Carbon Products Division of Union Carbide.
 
     Effective January 1, 1989, Union Carbide realigned each of its worldwide
businesses into separate subsidiaries (the 'Realignment'). In connection
therewith, the business of the Carbon Products Division was separated from Union
Carbide's other busineses and became owned by the Company, which was then
wholly-owned by Union Carbide. On February 25, 1991, Union Carbide sold 50% of
the common equity of the Company to Mitsubishi Corporation ('Mitsubishi') for
$233 million (the 'Mitsubishi Purchase'). Since the Mitsubishi Purchase, the
Company has operated on a stand alone basis in all material respects. In this
regard, the Company has been self-financing, except for certain credit
enhancements which were provided by Union Carbide and Mitsubishi and which the
Company terminated in their entirety in September 1994.
 
     On January 26, 1995, the Company consummated the Recapitalization pursuant
to the Recapitalization and Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of
November 14, 1994 (the 'Recapitalization Agreement') among Union Carbide,
Mitsubishi, UCAR and Blackstone. Pursuant to the Recapitalization: (i) UCAR
issued Common Stock representing approximately 75% of the then outstanding
Common Stock to Blackstone, Chase Equity Associates, L.P. and certain members of
management for $203 million; (ii) Global and certain of its subsidiaries
borrowed $585 million under senior secured bank facilities (the
'Recapitalization Bank Facilities'); (iii) Global issued $375 million of
Subordinated Notes; (iv) the Company repaid approximately $250 million of then
existing indebtedness; (v) UCAR repurchased and cancelled all of the common
equity then held by Mitsubishi for $406 million; (vi) UCAR paid to Union Carbide
a cash dividend of $347 million on the common equity then held by Union Carbide,
which common equity was reclassified and immediately thereafter represented
approximately 25% of the then outstanding Common Stock; and (vii) certain

members of management received restricted stock matching a portion of the Common
Stock purchased by them and options to purchase up to an aggregate of 12% of the
then outstanding Common Stock on a fully diluted basis, subject to certain
vesting provisions. In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company
transferred all of the stock of its operating subsidiaries to Global or
subsidiaries of Global. UCAR currently holds no material assets other than
common stock of Global.
 
   
     On August 15, 1995, UCAR completed the initial public offering of Common
Stock (the 'Initial Offering'). In connection with the Initial Offering, UCAR
sold Common Stock representing 22% of the Common Stock outstanding immediately
after the Initial Offering for net proceeds of $227 million and Union Carbide
sold all of the Common Stock then owned by it. UCAR used net proceeds from the
Initial Offering to contribute to Global an amount sufficient to redeem $175
million aggregate principal amount of Subordinated Notes at a redemption price
equal to 110% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest
thereon of $4 million (the 'Redemption'). On October 19, 1995, the Company
refinanced the Recapitalization Bank Facilities with the Senior Bank Facilities
at more favorable interest rates and with more favorable covenants (the
'Refinancing'). The Redemption and Refinancing reduced the Company's annual
interest expense by approximately $34 million (based on the principal amounts
outstanding and the interest rates in effect at the time of the Redemption and
the Refinancing, respectively). The Senior Bank Facilities were amended on March
19, 1997. See 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources.'
    
 
     In March 1996, certain stockholders of UCAR sold an aggregate of 16,675,000
shares of Common Stock in a secondary public offering (the 'Secondary
Offering'). In the Secondary Offering, Blackstone, Chase Equity Associates, L.P.
and certain members of management sold approximately 15,449,000 shares, 826,000
shares and 400,000 shares, respectively. After the Secondary Offering,
Blackstone owned approximately 20% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock.
UCAR did not sell any shares in the Secondary Offering and did not receive any
proceeds from the shares sold by the selling stockholders. Approximately 193,000
of the shares sold by management consisted of shares issued upon the exercise of
stock options concurrently with the Secondary Offering, and UCAR received
proceeds of approximately $1.5 million from the exercise of such options.
 
                                      -15-

<PAGE>

                PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol 'UCR.' The
following table sets forth on a per share basis the high and low sale prices for
the Common Stock as reported on the NYSE for the periods indicated:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   HIGH          LOW

                                                                                ----------    ----------
<S>                                                                             <C>           <C>
1995
  Third Quarter*.............................................................   $   29 1/4    $   24 3/4
  Fourth Quarter.............................................................       33 3/4        26 3/8
1996
  First Quarter..............................................................       39 1/2        31
  Second Quarter.............................................................       44 7/8        39
  Third Quarter..............................................................       41 7/8        34 3/4
  Fourth Quarter.............................................................       41 1/8        32 5/8
1997
  First Quarter (through April 2, 1997)......................................       45 1/4        36 5/8
</TABLE>
    
- ------------------
* Public trading commenced on August 10, 1995.
 
     As of December 31, 1996, there were 66 holders of record of outstanding
shares of Common Stock. The Company estimates that approximately 9,700
stockholders are represented by nominees.
 
     Although the Company is currently able to pay certain cash dividends, it is
the current policy of UCAR's Board of Directors to retain earnings to finance
operations, fund acquisitions, repurchase shares of Common Stock and repay debt.
Any declaration and payment of cash dividends will be subject to the discretion
of UCAR's Board of Directors and will be dependent upon the Company's financial
condition, results of operations, cash requirements and future prospects, the
limitations contained in the Senior Bank Facilities and the Subordinated Note
Indenture and other factors deemed relevant by UCAR's Board of Directors. There
can be no assurance that any cash dividends will be declared or paid.
 
     UCAR is a holding company that derives all of its cash flow from Global,
the common stock of which constitutes UCAR's only material asset. Consequently,
UCAR's ability to pay dividends is dependent upon the earnings of Global and its
subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings by Global to UCAR.
   
     Under the Senior Bank Facilities as amended on March 19, 1997, Global and 
UCAR are permitted to pay dividends to their respective stockholders and
repurchase Common Stock only in an aggregate cumulative amount subsequent to
March 19, 1997 equal to a percentage, ranging from 50% to 65% based on certain
financial tests, of cumulative adjusted consolidated net income subsequent to
December 31, 1996 (provided that (i) in any event, dividends and repurchases
aggregating up to $15 million are permitted in any twelve-month period and (ii)
dividends and repurchases that were permitted during the period from October 19,
1995 through December 31, 1996 but not paid or made (not exceeding $45,000,000)
may be paid or made during 1997 in addition to dividends and repurchases
otherwise permitted in 1997). In addition, if certain financial tests are not
met, total dividends and repurchases in any year may not exceed $65,000,000. In
addition, Global is permitted to pay dividends to UCAR (i) in respect of UCAR's
administrative fees and expenses and (ii) for the specific purpose of the
purchase or redemption by UCAR of capital stock held by present or former
officers of the Company up to $5 million per year or $25 million in the
aggregate. In general,

amounts which are permitted to be paid as dividends or used to repurchase Common
Stock in a year but not so paid or used may be paid or used in subsequent years.
    
   
     The Subordinated Note Indenture restricts the payment of dividends
by Global to UCAR if (a) at the time of such proposed dividend, Global is unable
to meet certain indebtedness incurrence and income tests or (b) the total amount
of the dividends paid exceeds specified aggregate limits based on consolidated
net income, net proceeds from asset and stock sales and certain other
transactions. Such restrictions are not applicable to dividends paid to UCAR (i)
in respect of UCAR's administrative fees and expenses and (ii) for the specific
purpose of the purchase or redemption by UCAR of capital stock held by present
or former officers of the Company in the amount of up to $5 million per year or
$25 million in the aggregate.
    
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     All of the Shares offered hereby are being sold by the Selling
Stockholders. UCAR will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of Shares
by the Selling Stockholders.
 
                                      -16-


<PAGE>

                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company at December 31, 1996. This table should be read in conjunction with
'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations' and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes which
are incorporated by reference herein.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                                               ---------------------
                                                                                               (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                            <C>
Cash and cash equivalents...................................................................           $  95
                                                                                                      ------
                                                                                                      ------
Debt (including current portion):
  Revolving credit facility under Senior Bank Facilities(a).................................           $  27
  Term loans under Senior Bank Facilities...................................................             352
  Subordinated Notes........................................................................             200
  Other debt(b).............................................................................              56
                                                                                                      ------
     Total debt.............................................................................             635
                                                                                                      ------
 
Minority stockholders' equity in consolidated entities......................................               6
 

Stockholders' equity (deficit):
  Preferred stock--par value $.01; authorized--10,000,000 shares; issued--none..............              --
  Common stock--par value $.01; authorized--100,000,000 shares; issued--
     46,614,724 shares......................................................................              --
  Additional paid-in capital................................................................             498
  Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment........................................            (116)
  Retained earnings (deficit)...............................................................            (384)
                                                                                                      ------
     Total stockholders' equity (deficit)...................................................              (2)
                                                                                                      ------
       Total capitalization.................................................................           $ 639
                                                                                                      ------
                                                                                                      ------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------
 
   
(a) On March 19, 1997, the Senior Bank Facilities were amended to reduce the
    interest rates on amounts outstanding under the Senior Bank Facilities, to
    increase the amount available under the revolving credit facility to $250
    million from $100 million and to change the covenants to allow more
    flexibility in uses of free cash flow for acquisitions, capital
    expenditures and stock repurchases. At March 31, 1997, amounts outstanding
    under the revolving credit facility totalled approximately $39 million. The
    Company expects to finance the Blackstone Share Repurchase primarily from
    borrowings under the revolving credit facility. If the Blackstone Share
    Repurchase were financed entirely from borrowings under the revolving credit
    facility, amounts under the revolving credit facility would have totalled 
    approximately $87 million at March 31, 1997.
    
 
   
(b) As of March 31, 1997, other debt totalled approximately $78 million. The
    increase was principally due to new borrowings by certain of the Company's
    foreign subsidiaries.
    
                                     -17-
<PAGE>
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following selected annual consolidated financial data (excluding the
'quantity of graphite electrodes sold') has been derived from the Consolidated
Financial Statements at the dates and for the periods indicated, which have been
audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as indicated in their reports thereon. The
selected annual consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in
conjunction with 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations' and the Consolidated Financial Statements at December
31, 1995 and 1996 and for each of the years in the three year period ended
December 31, 1996 and the related notes which are incorporated by reference
herein.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,

                                                                    ---------------------------------------------
                                                                     1992      1993      1994      1995      1996
                                                                    -----     -----     -----     -----     -----
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net sales......................................................   $ 659     $ 740     $ 758     $ 901     $ 948
  Gross profit...................................................     104(a)    203       243       345       365
  Selling, administrative and other expenses.....................      78        73        79       115        90
  Restructuring costs(b).........................................       9        33        --        30        --
  Operating profit (loss)........................................      (1)(a)    80       162       189(c)    268
  Total interest expense.........................................      22        21        19        93        61
  Income (loss) before extraordinary charge and cumulative effect
     of changes in accounting principles.........................     (30)(a)    50       100        25(c)    145
  Extraordinary charge, net of tax(d)............................      --        --        --        37        --
  Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles..........     (55)      (20)       --        --         7
  Net income (loss)..............................................     (85)(a)    30       100       (12)(c)   152
  Net income per share before cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principles (Pro forma in 1995)...................                                 $1.87(e)  $3.00
  Net income per share...........................................                                           $3.15
  Weighted average shares outstanding (Pro forma 1995) (in
     thousands)(f)...............................................                                 48,763    48,469
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT PERIOD END):
  Cash and cash equivalents......................................   $  28     $  54     $  60     $  53     $  95
  Total assets...................................................     784       831       778       864       988
  Total debt.....................................................     269       268       247       668       635
  Stockholders' equity (deficit).................................     198       188       192      (167)       (2)
 
OTHER DATA:
  Gross profit margin............................................    15.8%     27.4%     32.1%     38.3%     38.5%
  Operating profit margin........................................     N/M      10.8      21.4      21.0      28.3
  Depreciation...................................................   $  44     $  39     $  39     $  38     $  36
  Capital expenditures...........................................      19        26        34        65        62
  EBITDA(g)......................................................      43       147       201       249       304
  Cash flow from operations......................................      52        64       174       130       172
  Cash flow from investing.......................................     (13)      (25)      (56)     (116)     (104)
  Cash flow from financing.......................................     (26)      (13)     (105)      (18)      (26)
  Quantity of graphite electrodes sold (thousands of metric
     tons)(h)....................................................     205       217(i)    196(i)    217(i)    205
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
N/M: Not meaningful.
 
                                                    (See footnotes on next page)
 
                                       18

<PAGE>

(a) Reduction of domestic inventory quantities in 1992 resulted in liquidation
    of certain inventories carried on a 'last in, first out' basis acquired at
    lower cost in prior years. This liquidation increased gross profit by $5

    million and reduced net loss by $3 million in 1992.
 
(b) Represents costs recorded in connection with closing or downsizing
    operations at certain locations as part of the Company's restructuring and
    re-engineering projects. These costs consisted primarily of write-offs of
    fixed assets and other shut down costs.
 
(c) Includes, in 1995, non-recurring charges related to the Recapitalization of
    $8 million related to payments for a senior subordinated credit facility
    which was available but not used and payments under the Company's Long Term
    Incentive Compensation Plan and non-recurring expenses related to the
    Initial Offering of $18 million for compensation expense related to
    accelerated vesting of performance stock options and restricted matching
    stock.
 
(d) Resulted from early extinguishment of debt in connection with the Redemption
    and the Refinancing.
 
(e) For unaudited pro forma net income per share, historical net income (loss)
    has been adjusted assuming that the Recapitalization, the Initial Offering,
    the Redemption and the Refinancing had occurred as of January 1, 1994.
    Historical net income (loss) per share has been omitted as the historical
    capitalization of the Company is not indicative of the Company's current
    capital structure.
 
(f) Reflects Common Stock and Common Stock equivalents outstanding after the
    Initial Offering, including Common Stock equivalents calculated in
    accordance with the 'treasury stock method,' wherein the net proceeds from
    the exercise of Common Stock equivalents are assumed to be used for the
    repurchase of shares of Common Stock at the average price for such year.
 
(g) EBITDA, for this purpose, means operating profit (loss) plus depreciation,
    amortization and the portion of restructuring costs applicable to fixed
    asset write-offs. The amount of restructuring costs applicable to fixed
    asset write-offs for 1993 and 1995 were $28 million and $22 million,
    respectively. The Company believes that EBITDA is generally accepted as
    providing useful information regarding a company's ability to service and/or
    incur debt. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute
    for net income, cash flows from continuing operations or other consolidated
    income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles or as a measure of a company's profitability or
    liquidity.
 
(h) Excludes graphite electrodes sold by EMSA, which aggregated 25,000 metric
    tons, 25,000 metric tons, 24,000 metric tons, 27,000 metric tons, and 26,000
    metric tons in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
(i) The quantity of graphite electrodes sold in the first quarter of 1994 was
    impacted by Customer Buy-Ins during the fouth quarter of 1993 in advance of
    price increases effective in January 1994, and the quantity of graphite
    electrodes sold in the first quarter of 1995 was impacted by Customer
    Buy-Ins in advance of price increases effective in April 1995.
 
                                       19


<PAGE>

                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
   
     In 1995, the Company consummated the Recapitalization, the Initial
Offering, the Redemption and the Refinancing. In 1996, the Secondary Offering
was consummated and the Company acquired 90% of the equity of UCAR Grafit.
Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the Company acquired 70% of the equity of
Carbone Savoie and through a newly-formed 70%-owned subsidiary, UCAR Elektroden,
acquired the graphite electrode business of EKL in Berlin, Germany. In addition,
the Company announced its intention to acquire the outstanding shares of EMSA
held by the Company's joint venture partner in South Africa. The acquisitions of
UCAR Grafit, Carbone Savoie and the graphite electrode business of EKL were
accounted for as purchases. See 'Summary--Growth Strategies and Recent
Initiatives' and 'The Company.' On March 19, 1997, the Senior Bank Facilities
were amended. See'--Liquidity and Capital Resources--Debt Financing and Debt
Reduction.'
    
 
     In May and July 1994, the Company increased its ownership of its Mexican
business from 79% to substantially 100% at a net cost of $23 million. These
transactions were accounted for as purchases. In 1995, the Company acquired
substantially all of the shares of its Brazilian subsidiary owned by public
shareholders in Brazil. The aggregate purchase price was $52 million, plus
expenses of $3 million. Thereafter, the Company acquired additional shares from
such Brazilian shareholders for $2 million. These acquisitions were accounted
for as purchases. See 'Summary--Growth Strategies and Recent Initiatives' and
'The Company.'
 
     Cost Reduction Initiatives.  Beginning in the mid-1980s, the Company
initiated a project to remove excess, high cost capacity. This project was
designed to close the older, highest cost facilities and increase the operating
efficiencies of the remaining facilities. Five locations were closed as a result
of this project (i.e., three separate manufacturing facilities in the Niagara
Falls, New York area, a manufacturing facility in Sweden and a manufacturing
facility in Puerto Rico). As a result of this project, the Company recorded
fixed asset write-offs and severance costs in 1985 and 1987 through 1989.
 
     A second project was initiated in 1991 and continued through 1992 to
re-engineer work processes in manufacturing facilities and offices and to
downsize the global work force. The Company, working with outside consultants,
redesigned work processes to improve the productivity of the work force and
eliminate unnecessary or redundant activities. The Company recorded severance
costs associated with this project of $28 million and $8 million in 1991 and
1992, respectively.
 
     As a result of these projects, the Company developed a strategy to be the
low cost producer in its industry. With the improved productivity and
efficiencies that had been achieved in its manufacturing facilities, the Company

identified another project, which was approved by UCAR's Board of Directors in
1993, to close the Company's highest cost and oldest graphite manufacturing
facilities at that time, which were located in Sheffield, England and Forno
Allione, Italy, and to increase production at lower cost manufacturing
facilities in Europe and North America. The closing of these facilities resulted
in fixed asset write-offs of $28 million and related shut down costs of $5
million in 1993.
 
     As a result primarily of the projects described in the three preceding
paragraphs, the Company reduced its work force by approximately 2,100 employees,
reduced the average manufacturing cycle time for graphite electrode production
by approximately 50% and achieved a one-third reduction in then existing
inventory levels. By the end of 1994, the Company had achieved annual cost
savings of approximately $101 million (as compared to 1990). The Company
achieved additional annual cost savings from these projects aggregating
approximately $15 million by the end of 1996 (as compared to 1994).
 
     In January 1995, as part of the Company's low cost producer strategy,
UCAR's Board of Directors approved the Rationalization Project to close certain
high cost manufacturing operations and to add modern lower cost manufacturing
operations at the Company's North American graphite electrode plants. The
Rationalization Project was completed in July 1996 and is expected to yield
approximately $23 million in annual cost savings, with approximately $8 million
in savings having been realized in 1995, $20 million having been realized in
1996 and the full $23 million expected to be realized in 1997 (in each case, as
compared to 1994). Capital expenditures
 
                                      -20-

<PAGE>

of $27 million to build the new facilities and $4 million to shut down the old
facilities were pre-funded as part of the Recapitalization. The Company has
written-off fixed assets of approximately $22 million and recorded $8 million of
shut down costs as restructuring costs in 1995 in connection with the
Rationalization Project. In addition, the Technology Improvement Projects are
expected to yield approximately $5 million in additional annual cost savings by
the end of 1997 (as compared to 1994) at an aggregate cost of approximately $7
million.
 
     Currency Matters.  The Company sells its products in multiple currencies
but seeks to price its products based on dollar equivalent target prices for
each of its subsidiaries. These target prices are based on evaluations of the
relevant exchange rates, the relationship between all of the target prices and
other factors, if any, which the Company may deem appropriate. Each subsidiary
then seeks to institute price increases to achieve its target price when, as and
if local conditions permit. A subsidiary may rescind a price increase or grant
price discounts if required by local conditions. The impact on net sales of any
price increase in foreign countries can be mitigated or exaggerated by changes
in currency exchange rates. The Company has entered into hedging transactions to
reduce its exposure to changes in currency exchange rates.
 
     While most of the Company's sales are made to customers in markets where
local currencies are readily convertible into dollars, the Company makes sales

to customers in other markets, particularly countries in the former Soviet
Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region. When the
Company deems appropriate, the terms of sale to customers in these markets
require payment in dollars or deutsche marks and may additionally require
prepayment or delivery of a bank letter of credit or equivalent security for
payment.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain items
from the Consolidated Statements of Operations and the increase or decrease
(expressed as a percentage of such item in the comparable prior period) of such
items:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PERCENTAGE
                                                                           INCREASE
                                             FOR THE YEAR ENDED           (DECREASE)
                                                DECEMBER 31,           -----------------
                                           -----------------------     1994 TO   1995 TO
                                           1994     1995     1996       1995      1996
                                           -----    -----    -----     -------   -------
                                            (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                        <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
Net sales...............................   $758     $901     $948        18.9%      5.2%
Cost of sales...........................    515      556      583         8.0       4.9
                                           -----    -----    -----     -------   -------
Gross profit............................    243      345      365        42.0       5.8
Selling, administrative and other
  expenses..............................     79      115       90        45.6     (21.7)
Restructuring costs.....................     --       30       --         N/M       N/M
Operating profit........................    162      189      268        16.7      41.8
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
N/M: Not meaningful.
 
     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage
(rounded to the nearest tenth) of net sales represented by certain items in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                           -----------------------
                                           1994     1995     1996
                                           -----    -----    -----
<S>                                        <C>      <C>      <C>
Net sales...............................   100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales...........................    67.9     61.7     61.5
                                           -----    -----    -----
Gross profit............................    32.1     38.3     38.5

Selling, administrative and other
  expenses..............................    10.4     12.8      9.5
Restructuring costs.....................    --        3.3     --
Operating profit........................    21.4     21.0     28.3
</TABLE>
 
     1996 Compared to 1995.  Net sales in 1996 were $948 million, an increase of
5% from $901 million in 1995. This increase was led by the Company's graphite
specialties and carbon specialties businesses, which both had net sales
increases of 13% in 1996 as compared to 1995. The average selling prices (in
dollars and net of changes in currency exchange rates) for products of these
businesses increased approximately 8% in 1996 as
 
                                      -21-

<PAGE>

compared to 1995. The carbon specialties business had increased volume in carbon
refractory products, which are sold primarily to the steel industry. The
graphite specialties business had increased volume in 'superfine grain'
products, which are used in the semiconductor industry, and increased volume in
graphite cathodes, which are used in the aluminum industry. Net sales of the
Company's core graphite electrodes business, which accounted for 73% of total
net sales in 1996, increased approximately 3% to $696 million in 1996 as
compared to $675 million in 1995. The average selling price (in dollars and net
of changes in currency exchange rates) of graphite electrodes sold increased
approximately 6% to $3,185 per metric ton in 1996 as compared to $3,000 per
metric ton in 1995. The volume of graphite electrodes sold in 1996 declined by
approximately 5% in 1996 as compared to 1995. Graphite electrode sales volume in
Western Europe declined 18% in 1996 as compared to 1995 as a result of lower
economic activity as members of the European Union continued to work toward a
unified monetary system. The Company believes that demand for graphite
electrodes will increase if economic conditions in Western Europe improve and as
announced new electric arc furnaces achieve typical operating rates. Net sales
for the Company's products outside of the United States amounted to $642
million, or approximately 68% of total net sales, in 1996.
 
     Gross profit in 1996 was $365 million, an increase of $20 million, or 6%,
from gross profit of $345 million in 1995. Price increases on all products sold
together with cost savings offset the decline in graphite electrode sales volume
and allowed for an increase in gross margin to 38.5% in 1996 as compared to
38.3% in 1995.
 
     Operating profit in 1996 was $268 million (28% of net sales), an increase
of $79 million, or 42%, from operating profit of $189 million (21% of net sales)
in 1995. Excluding restructuring costs of $30 million, non-recurring expense of
$6 million associated with a senior subordinated credit facility available but
not used in connection with the Recapitalization, $18 million of non-recurring
compensation expense included in selling, administrative and other expenses as a
result of accelerated vesting of performance stock options and restricted
matching stock in connection with the Initial Offering and $2 million of other
expenses due to payments under the Company's Long Term Incentive Compensation
Plan accelerated as a result of the Recapitalization, operating profit in 1995
would have been $245 million (27% of net sales).

 
     Selling, administrative and other expenses were $90 million in 1996, a
decrease of $25 million, or 22%, from $115 million in 1995. Selling,
administrative and other expenses in 1995 included $18 million in non-recurring
compensation expense associated with the accelerated vesting of performance
stock options and restricted matching stock in connection with the Initial
Offering and $4 million associated with scheduled vesting of performance stock
options.
 
     Restructuring costs of $30 million were incurred in 1995 in connection with
the Rationalization Project. No restructuring costs were incurred in 1996.
 
     Other (income) expense (net) was income of $1 million in 1996 as compared
to expense of $3 million in 1995. The change resulted primarily from a $14
million decrease in interest income (primarily due to a reduction in short-term
investments by the Company's Brazilian subsidiary), a $9 million reduction in
expense from foreign currency adjustments (including reduced translation losses
from Brazilian operations and from dollar-denominated debt of the Company's
foreign subsidiaries) and a non-recurring expense of $7 million associated with
bank fees due to the Recapitalization which were incurred in 1995 but not in
1996.
 
     Interest expense decreased to $61 million in 1996 from $93 million in 1995.
In 1996, the average outstanding total debt balance was $643 million and the
average annual interest rate was 9.4% as compared to an average outstanding
total debt balance of $820 million and an average annual interest rate of 11.5%
in 1995.
 
     Provision for income taxes was $68 million in 1996 as compared to $74
million in 1995. In 1995, income tax expense was higher than the amount computed
by applying the United States federal income tax rate primarily due to
non-recurring taxes of approximately $37 million associated with the
Recapitalization.
 
     Minority stockholders' share of income of the Company's Brazilian
subsidiary decreased to $1 million in 1996 from $4 million in 1995 due to an
increase in the Company's ownership of that subsidiary. Substantially all of the
minority interest of the Brazilian subsidiary was purchased by the Company in
1995. The Company's share of net income of EMSA remained stable at $7 million in
1996 and 1995.
 
                                      -22-

<PAGE>

     1995 Compared to 1994.  Net sales for 1995 were $901 million, an increase
of $143 million, or 19%, from net sales of $758 million in 1994. This increase
was largely the result of the improved performance of the Company's graphite
electrode business. This increase was driven primarily by increases in the
volume and price of graphite electrodes sold. An 11% increase in the volume of
graphite electrodes sold brought volume to 217,000 metric tons in 1995 from
196,000 metric tons in 1994. Substantially all of the volume increase resulted
from increased sales in Eastern Europe, the Asia Pacific region and the Middle
East. This volume increase also reflected the negative impact on volume in 1994

from Customer Buy-Ins in late 1993 in anticipation of announced price increases
which became effective on January 1, 1994. The average selling price per metric
ton (in dollars and net of changes in currency exchange rates) of graphite
electrodes sold increased 9% in 1995 as compared to 1994. Net sales of the
Company's other products were $224 million, an increase of $36 million, or 19%,
from net sales of $188 million in 1994. This increase was a result of higher
demand and increased prices for these products. Net sales for the Company's
products outside of the United States amounted to $615 million, or 68% of total
net sales, in 1995.
 
     Gross profit in 1995 was $345 million, an increase of $102 million, or 42%,
from gross profit of $243 million in 1994. Price and volume increases of
graphite electrodes sold, as well as continued improvement in manufacturing
efficiency, helped to increase gross margin for 1995 to 38% as compared to 32%
for 1994.
 
     Operating profit in 1995 was $189 million (21% of net sales), an increase
of $27 million, or 17%, from operating profit of $162 million (21% of net sales)
in 1994. On a pro forma basis, as if the Recapitalization, the Initial Offering,
the Redemption and the Refinancing had occurred on January 1, 1994, operating
profit in 1995 would have been $214 million (24% of net sales and a 35% increase
from 1994 operating profit, on such pro forma basis, of $158 million), excluding
$18 million of non-recurring compensation expense due to the accelerated vesting
of performance options and restricted matching stock in connection with the
Initial Offering and $8 million of non-recurring costs related to the
Recapitalization.
 
     Selling, administrative and other expenses increased 46% to $115 million in
1995 from $79 million in 1994. This increase was due primarily to $18 million in
non-recurring compensation expense associated with the accelerated vesting of
performance stock options and restricted matching stock in connection with the
Initial Offering and $4 million associated with scheduled vesting of performance
stock options, a $4 million increase in compensation expense for other variable
compensation plans and a $4 million increase in other variable costs resulting
from higher sales.
 
     Restructuring costs were $30 million in 1995 as compared to none in 1994.
The restructuring costs consisted of fixed asset write-offs of $22 million and
$8 million of related shutdown costs in connection with the Rationalization
Project.
 
     Other (income) expense (net) was expense of $3 million in 1995 as compared
to income of $5 million in 1994. The change was principally the result of a $6
million expense associated with a senior subordinated credit facility provided,
but not used, in connection with the Recapitalization and a $4 million
translation loss on dollar-denominated debt of the Company's foreign
subsidiaries.
 
     Interest expense increased to $93 million in 1995 from $19 million in 1994.
In 1995, the average outstanding total debt balance was $820 million and the
average annual interest rate was 11.5% as compared to an average outstanding
total debt balance of $254 million and an average annual interest rate of 7.4%
in 1994. The increases were primarily the result of the Recapitalization.
 

     Provision for income taxes was $74 million in 1995 as compared to $37
million in 1994. The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to
non-recurring taxes of approximately $37 million associated with the
Recapitalization as a result of the repatriation to the United States of funds
borrowed by foreign subsidiaries, partially offset by the effect of lower
pre-tax income.
 
     Minority stockholders' share of income of the Company's Brazilian and
Mexican subsidiaries decreased to $4 million in 1995 from $10 million in 1994
due to an increase in the Company's ownership of those subsidiaries.
Substantially all of the minority interest of the Mexican subsidiary was
purchased by the Company
 
                                      -23-

<PAGE>

in May and July 1994 and substantially all of the minority interest of the
Brazilian subsidiary was purchased by the Company in 1995. The Company's share
of net income of EMSA increased to $7 million in 1995 from $4 million in 1994
due to an increase in EMSA's earnings.
 
     The Company recorded an extraordinary charge of $37 million related to
early extinguishment of debt (net of tax benefit of $20 million) resulting from
the prepayment in connection with the Recapitalization of $175 million of senior
notes issued by UCAR in 1994, the Redemption and the Refinancing. The
extraordinary charge consisted of a premium of $18 million paid on the
redemption of the Subordinated Notes and the write-off of deferred debt issuance
costs of $39 million.
 
     Net loss for 1995 totaled $12 million as compared with net income of $100
million in 1994. On a pro forma basis, as if the Recapitalization, the Initial
Offering, the Redemption and the Refinancing had occurred on January 1, 1995,
net income for 1995 would have been $91 million (after giving effect to $20
million in after tax restructuring costs relating to the Rationalization
Project), an increase of 52% from net income, on such pro forma basis, of $60
million in 1994.
 
     The following table sets forth a summary of the results of operations for
1995, as adjusted for certain non-recurring expenses, taxes and costs:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      OPERATING     NET
                                                                                       PROFIT      INCOME
                                                                                      ---------    ------
                                                                                          (DOLLARS IN
                                                                                           MILLIONS,
                                                                                       EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                                             DATA)
<S>                                                                                   <C>          <C>
As reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements...............................     $ 189      $ (12)
Non-recurring expenses, taxes and costs:
  Compensation expense due to accelerated vesting of performance stock options and

     restricted matching stock in connection with the Initial Offering.............        18         12
  Senior subordinated credit facility expense and Long Term Incentive Compensation
     Plan payments in connection with the Recapitalization.........................         8          5
  Extraordinary charge for early extinguishment of debt............................        --         37
  Taxes associated with the Recapitalization.......................................        --         37
  Pro forma interest adjustment to give effect to the Recapitalization, the Initial
     Offering, the Redemption and the Refinancing as if they occurred on January 1,
     1995..........................................................................        (1)        12
                                                                                      ---------    ------
Pro forma operating profit/net income..............................................     $ 214      $  91
                                                                                      ---------    ------
                                                                                      ---------    ------
Pro forma net income per share.....................................................                $1.87
                                                                                                   ------
                                                                                                   ------
</TABLE>
 
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
 
     In general, the Company's cost of sales is affected by the inflation in
each country in which it has a manufacturing facility. During the past three
years, the effects of inflation in the United States and foreign countries
(except for hyperinflationary countries) have been offset by a combination of
improved operating efficiency, improved pricing and permanent, on-going cost
savings and, accordingly, have not been material to the Company. The Company
maintains operations in Brazil and Mexico, countries which historically have had
hyperinflationary economies. Through December 31, 1993, the financial statements
of these foreign entities have been remeasured as if the respective functional
currencies of the Brazilian and Mexican economic environments were the United
States dollar. Accordingly, translation gains and losses were included in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Foreign currency gains on debt and prior
period tax liabilities were included in interest expense and provision for
income taxes, respectively. Effective January 1, 1994, because of significant
declines in the rate of inflation in Mexico, the Company changed its functional
currency in Mexico to the Mexican peso. The reporting currency amounts at the
date of the change were translated into the local currency at the then current
exchange rates, and those amounts became the new functional currency accounting
basis. Hyperinflation
 
                                      -24-

<PAGE>

has not had a material effect on the Company's results of operations because the
Company has been able to mitigate the effects of hyperinflation by increasing
prices generally in line with inflation as well as through improved efficiency
and cost savings.
 
     The cost of petroleum coke, a principal raw material used by the Company,
and natural gas, which is used by the Company in its electrode and graphite
specialties baking operations, may fluctuate widely for various reasons,
including fuel shortages and cold weather. Changes in such costs have not been
material to the Company during the past three years.
 

EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES
 
     The Company produces and sells its products in multiple currencies. In
general, the Company's results of operations are affected by changes in currency
exchange rates. Although such has not been the case in the past, such changes in
the future could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations.
The Company attempts to mitigate the effects of exchange rate changes by
adjusting sales prices, in local currency (to the extent permitted by local
market conditions), to maintain a dollar equivalent target price. In addition,
the Company engages in hedging activities and uses various off-balance sheet
financial instruments to manage exposure to general economic and specific
financial market risks caused by currency exchange rate changes. The amount of
forward exchange contracts used by the Company to minimize these risks was $350
million at December 31, 1996, $269 million at December 31, 1995 and $80 million
at December 31, 1994.
 
     In connection with the Recapitalization, certain of the Company's foreign
subsidiaries borrowed $343 million of dollar-denominated debt. In November 1995,
the Company repatriated dollar-denominated debt of its Mexican subsidiary by
replacing it with debt of Global. As a result of such repatriation and other
principal payments, $189 million of dollar-denominated debt of the Company's
foreign subsidiaries was outstanding at December 31, 1996. Changes in the
exchange rates between the dollar and the currencies in the countries in which
these subsidiaries are located result in foreign currency gains and losses that
are reported in other (income) expense (net) in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. While changes in currency exchange rates have not materially
affected the Company in the past, there can be no assurance that such changes
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company at some future date. In
November 1995, the Company's foreign subsidiaries with dollar-denominated debt
entered into forward foreign currency contracts to protect against exchange rate
changes. The amount of such contracts was $169 million at December 31, 1996 and
$198 million at December 31, 1995. Premiums on the contracts are amortized over
the life of the contracts, resulting in $4 million in charges which have been
amortized to other (income) expense (net) over 1995 and 1996. The Company
believes that the repatriation of the dollar-denominated debt from its Mexican
subsidiary and such contracts substantially mitigate the Company's exposure to
exchange rate changes related to such borrowings.
 
     During December 1994 and in 1995, the Mexican peso devalued substantially
against the dollar. As a result of this devaluation, the stockholders' equity of
the Company's Mexican subsidiary was reduced by $14 million and $5 million
during December 1994 and in 1995, respectively. This reduction had no impact on
the Company's results of operations because translation gains and losses are
reported in the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment component of
stockholders' equity. The selling price of graphite electrodes sold in Mexican
pesos increased by 215% from December 1994 through December 1995, partially
offsetting the significant devaluation of the Mexican peso against the dollar.
Approximately 38% of the Mexican subsidiary's sales are made outside Mexico in
dollars. The Company's dollar earnings from such sales benefit to the extent
that local costs become lower in dollar terms.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company's sources of funds have consisted principally of invested

capital, operating cash flow and debt financing from affiliates, banks and
institutional investors. The Company's uses of those funds (other than for
operations) have consisted principally of debt reduction, capital expenditures,
distributions to stockholders (including the redemption and repurchases of
common equity), acquisition of controlling interests in new companies or
businesses and acquisition of minority stockholders' shares of consolidated
subsidiaries.
 
                                      -25-

<PAGE>
   
Acquisitions have been and are expected to be, and repurchases under UCAR's
stock repurchase program are expected to be, financed from existing cash
balances, cash flow from operations, short-term borrowings and borrowings under
the revolving credit facility, except that UCAR intends to finance the
Blackstone Share Repurchase primarily from borrowings under its revolving 
credit facility.
     
   
     Debt Financing and Debt Reduction.  Upon consummation of the
Recapitalization, the Company established the Recapitalization Bank Facilities
which provided for borrowings of up to $685 million, of which $585 million was
used in connection with the Recapitalization. On October 19, 1995, the Company
refinanced the Recapitalization Bank Facilities with the Senior Bank Facilities
at more favorable interest rates and with more favorable covenants. After the
Refinancing, the Senior Bank Facilities provided for borrowings of up to $620
million, of which $520 million was used in connection with the Refinancing and
$100 million was available on a revolving credit basis for general corporate
purposes. In 1995 and 1996, the Company voluntarily repaid an aggregate of $161
million and $55 million, respectively, of indebtedness under the
Recapitalization Bank Facilities and the Senior Bank Facilities, which
repayments were funded from available cash and cash flow from operations.
Accordingly, the Company's next required installment payments for the tranche A
facility and the tranche B term facility under the Senior Bank Facilities occur
during 1998 and 2002, respectively. In connection with the Recapitalization, the
Company, through Global, issued $375 million aggregate principal amount of
Subordinated Notes, of which $175 million aggregate principal amount were
redeemed with proceeds from the Initial Offering.
    
 
   
     At December 31, 1996, the Company had total debt of $635 million and a
stockholders' deficit of $2 million as compared to $668 million and $167
million, respectively, at December 31, 1995. At December 31, 1996, cash and cash
equivalents were $95 million as compared to $53 million at December 31, 1995. On
March 19, 1997, the Senior Bank Facilities were amended to reduce the interest
rates on amounts outstanding under the Senior Bank Facilities, to increase the
amount available under the revolving credit facility to $250 million and to
change the covenants to allow for more flexibility in uses of free cash flow for
acquisitions, capital expenditures and stock repurchases.
    
 
   
     Although no assurance can be given that such will be the case, the Company
believes that cash flow from operations combined with its revolving credit

facility and existing cash balances will be adequate to meet debt service
requirements, fund continued capital expenditures, allow for certain growth
opportunities and meet working capital and general corporate needs. The
acquisition of the remaining shares of EMSA will be financed with borrowings
under the revolving credit facility.
    
 
     Inventory Levels and Working Capital.  As a result of efficiencies achieved
pursuant to the Company's restructuring and re-engineering projects, there has
been improvement in managing inventory levels with respect to finished products,
work in process, raw materials and supplies for a given level of forecasted
sales. Inventory levels at any specified date are affected by increases in
inventories of raw materials to meet anticipated increases in sales of finished
products, Customer Buy-Ins in advance of announced price increases, changes in
scheduled production by the Company to meet anticipated Customer Buy-Ins and
other factors.
 
     The Company's working capital increased to $234 million at December 31,
1996 from $175 million at December 31, 1995, primarily as a result of a $40
million increase in inventory levels due principally to weaker than expected
graphite electrode sales volume in Western Europe and an $11 million increase
resulting from a change in accounting for LIFO inventories in the United States.
Cash and cash equivalents were $42 million higher at December 31, 1996 than at
December 31, 1995. Cash and cash equivalents increased due to cash flow from
operations in excess of cash used for financing and investing activities. In
addition, short-term debt increased by $22 million primarily due to the
acquisition of UCAR Grafit.
 
     Capital Expenditures.  Capital expenditures aggregated $62 million
(including $4 million for the Rationalization Project) in 1996. The Company
expects capital expenditures in 1997 to total approximately $75 million to $80
million (including approximately $11 million for the Focused Factory Project and
the Technology Improvement Projects and $15 million for capital improvements
relating to facilities of the Acquired Companies). In November 1996, UCAR's
Board of Directors approved a project to modernize the Company's manufacturing
facility in Caserta, Italy in order to reduce operating costs, improve product
quality, improve
 
                                      -26-

<PAGE>

working conditions and reduce emissions at a cost of approximately $21 million.
Capital expenditures aggregated $65 million and $34 million in 1995 and 1994,
respectively. Except for the Focused Factory Project, most of the Company's
capital expenditures have been, and are expected to be, made to maintain
existing facilities and equipment, achieve cost savings and improve operating
efficiency.
 
     Capital expenditures for the Rationalization Project of $27 million to
build new facilities and $4 million to pay costs to shut down old facilities
were pre-funded under the Recapitalization Bank Facilities as part of the
Recapitalization. During 1995, in connection with the Rationalization Project,
the Company wrote-off fixed assets of $22 million and recorded $8 million of

facility closing expenses and environmental clean-up costs.
 
     Cash Distributions and Restrictions on Dividends or Distributions.  The
Company made cash distributions to Union Carbide and Mitsubishi aggregating $84
million on September 30, 1994 and $10 million on January 20, 1995. On January
26, 1995, in connection with the Recapitalization, the Company repurchased and
cancelled all of the common equity then held by Mitsubishi for $406 million and
paid to Union Carbide a dividend of $347 million. In March 1995, Union Carbide
and Mitsubishi refunded approximately $7 million of the $10 million distributed
on January 20, 1995 as required by the Recapitalization Agreement.
 
   
     Under the Senior Bank Facilities as amended on March 19, 1997, Global and
UCAR are generally permitted to pay dividends to their respective stockholders
and to repurchase Common Stock only in an amount up to the greater of $15
million in any twelve-month period or a cumulative amount subsequent to March
19, 1997 equal to a specified percentage based on certain financial tests of
adjusted cumulative consolidated net income subsequent to December 31, 1996. The
Subordinated Note Indenture also limits the payment of dividends by Global to
UCAR.
    
 
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
 
     Effective January 1, 1996, the Company changed its method of determining
LIFO inventories. The new methodology provides specifically identified
parameters for defining new items within the LIFO pool which the Company
believes improves the accuracy of costing those items. The Company recorded
income of $7 million (after related income taxes of $4 million) as the
cumulative effect on prior years of this change in accounting for inventories.
The new method of accounting resulted in charging lower inventory costs to cost
of goods sold during 1996 which reduced cost of goods sold by $4 million (and
increased net income by $2 million).
 
     In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ('SFAS') 123, 'Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation' which is effective for years beginning after December 15, 1995.
SFAS 123 permits a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock
compensation plans. It also allows a company to continue to use the intrinsic
value method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, 'Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees' ('APB 25'). Companies electing to
continue to use the accounting prescribed by APB 25 must make pro forma
disclosures of net income and net income per share as if the fair value based
method of accounting defined in SFAS 123 had been applied. The Company has
elected to continue the accounting prescribed by APB 25. Accordingly, the
adoption of SFAS 123 will have no effect on the Company with the exception of
expanded disclosures required under SFAS 123.
 
COSTS RELATING TO PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
 
     The Company has been and is subject to increasingly stringent environmental
protection laws and regulations. In addition, the Company has an on-going
commitment to rigorous internal environmental protection standards. Expenses
relating to environmental protection were approximately $10 million, $15 million
and $15 million in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. Capital expenditures

relating to environmental protection were approximately $5 million, $6 million
and $14 million in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                      -27-

<PAGE>

                                   MANAGEMENT
 
     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
executive officers and directors of UCAR.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAME                                           AGE*                        POSITION
- ---------------------------------------------------   ----   -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>    <C>
Robert P. Krass....................................    60    Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
                                                             Officer
Robert J. Hart.....................................    60    Vice President and General Manager (North and South
                                                             America)
Peter B. Mancino...................................    54    Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Maurice Marcellin..................................    62    Vice President and General Manager (Europe and South
                                                             Africa)
William P. Wiemels.................................    52    Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Fred C. Wolf.......................................    52    Vice President, Administration and Strategic Projects
R. Eugene Cartledge................................    67    Director
John R. Hall.......................................    64    Director
Glenn H. Hutchins..................................    41    Director
Robert D. Kennedy..................................    64    Director
Howard A. Lipson...................................    33    Director
Peter G. Peterson..................................    70    Director
Stephen A. Schwarzman..............................    50    Director
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------
* As of February 28, 1997
 
     The business experience of each of the executive officers and directors is
set forth below. Following the Offering, Messrs. Hutchins, Lipson, Peterson and
Schwarzman will resign as directors.
 
     Robert P. Krass was elected director and Chairman of the Board of UCAR in
connection with the Recapitalization. Mr. Krass joined Union Carbide in 1963 and
held various sales and management positions in the United States and Europe,
including Director of Marketing, Europe, of the Carbon Products Division and
Managing Director of the Division's business in the United Kingdom. He was Vice
President, Marketing, of the Electrode Systems Division from 1983 to 1986. In
1987, Mr. Krass became President of the Carbon Products Division and Vice
President of Union Carbide. He has been President of the Company since 1989 and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 1991. Mr. Krass is a member of the
Nominating Committee of UCAR's Board of Directors.

 
     Robert J. Hart joined Union Carbide in 1961 and held various manufacturing
and marketing positions in the Carbon Products Division in the United States,
Europe and South America. In 1986, he returned from South America to the United
States as Vice President and General Manager of the Carbon Products Division,
first for the Pan American and South African regions and later worldwide. He has
been Vice President and General Manager, North and South America, of the Company
since 1991.
 
     Peter B. Mancino joined the Law Department of Union Carbide in 1975 and
became Division Counsel of the Industrial Gases and Carbon Products Divisions in
1980. In 1989, he became General Counsel of the Company. Mr. Mancino has been a
Vice President and the Secretary of the Company since 1991.
 
     Maurice Marcellin joined Union Carbide in 1962 and held various positions
in the Carbon Products Division in Europe. He has been Vice President and
General Manager, Europe and South Africa, of the Company since 1991.
 
     William P. Wiemels joined Union Carbide in 1967 and held various technical,
sales and marketing positions in the Carbon Products Division in the United
States and Europe. He became Director of Marketing in Europe in 1986 and
Director of Technology of the Company in 1989. Mr. Wiemels was Vice President,
U.S.A. Operations,
 
                                      -28-

<PAGE>

of the Company from 1991 to 1994 and has been Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer of the Company since 1994.
 
     Fred C. Wolf joined Union Carbide in 1967 and held various financial and
management positions in the Carbon Products Division until 1979. From 1979 to
1985, he held various finance and business positions in the Industrial Gases and
Engineering Products and Processes Divisions. He returned to the Carbon Products
Division in 1985 as Controller and was a Vice President of the Division from
1986 to 1989. He has been Vice President, Administration and Strategic Projects,
of the Company since 1990.
 
     R. Eugene Cartledge was elected director of UCAR in February 1996. From
1986 until his retirement in 1994, he was the Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Union Camp Corporation, where he had served in various
sales and management capacities since 1956. Mr. Cartledge is Chairman of the
Board of Savannah Foods and Industries, Inc. and a director of Union Camp
Corporation, Chase Brass Industries, Inc., Sun Company, Inc., Delta Air Lines,
Inc., and Blount, Inc. Mr. Cartledge is Chairman of the Nominating Committee and
a member of the Audit Committee of UCAR's Board of Directors.
 
     John R. Hall was elected director of UCAR in November 1995. He retired as
Chairman effective January 31, 1997 and as Chief Executive Officer effective
October 1, 1996 of Ashland Inc., which positions he held since 1981. Mr. Hall
served in various engineering and managerial capacities at Ashland Inc. since
1957. Mr. Hall is a director of Banc One Corporation, Canada Life Assurance
Company, CSX Corporation, Humana Inc. and Reynolds Metals Company. Mr. Hall is

Chairman of the Organization and Compensation Committee and a member of the
Audit Committee of UCAR's Board of Directors.
 
     Glenn H. Hutchins was elected director of UCAR in connection with the
Recapitalization. He is a member of Blackstone Group Holdings L.L.C. Mr.
Hutchins joined The Blackstone Group L.P. in September 1994. Mr. Hutchins was a
Managing Director of Thomas H. Lee Co. from 1987 until 1994 and, while on leave
from Thomas H. Lee Co. during parts of 1993 and 1994, was a Special Advisor in
the White House. Mr. Hutchins is a director of Haynes International Inc. Mr.
Hutchins is a member of the Nominating and Organization and Compensation
Committees of UCAR's Board of Directors.
 
     Robert D. Kennedy was elected director of the Company in June 1990. He
joined Union Carbide in 1955 and held various marketing and management positions
in the United States and Europe. He was Senior Vice President of Union Carbide
from 1981 to 1985. In 1985, Mr. Kennedy was elected a director and President of
Union Carbide. In 1986, he was elected Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of
the Board of Union Carbide. Mr. Kennedy retired as Chief Executive Officer and
President of Union Carbide in April 1995 and as Chairman of the Board (but not
as a director) of Union Carbide in December 1995. Mr. Kennedy is also a director
of Union Camp Corporation, Sun Company, Inc., Birmingham Steel Corp., KMart
Corp. and General Signal Corp. Mr. Kennedy is Chairman of the Audit Committee
and a member of the Organization and Compensation Committee of UCAR's Board of
Directors.
 
     Howard A. Lipson was elected director of UCAR in connection with the
Recapitalization. Mr. Lipson is a member of Blackstone Group Holdings L.L.C. Mr.
Lipson was a Managing Director from 1994 to 1995, was a Vice President from 1991
to 1994 and joined The Blackstone Group L.P. in 1988. Mr. Lipson is a director
of Volume Services, Inc., Prime Succession Inc., Ritvik Holdings, Inc., AMF
Group, Inc., Rose Hills, Inc. and Transtar Holdings, L.P. Mr. Lipson is a member
of the Organization and Compensation Committee of UCAR's Board of Directors..
 
     Peter G. Peterson was elected director of UCAR in connection with the
Recapitalization. He is a Co-Founder and has served as Chairman of The
Blackstone Group L.P. since 1985. Mr. Peterson is also a director of Sony
Corporation, Transtar Holdings L.P. and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
 
   
     Stephen A. Schwarzman was elected director of UCAR in connection with the
Recapitalization. He is a Co-Founder and has served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of The Blackstone Group L.P. since 1985. Mr. Schwarzman is
also a director of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation, Transtar, Inc.,
Collins & Aikman Corporation and Volume Services, Inc.
    
 
                                      -29-

<PAGE>
                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
   
     The following table sets forth the number and percentage, as of February
28, 1997, of outstanding shares of Common Stock owned beneficially by the
Selling Stockholders before the Offering, the number of Shares to be sold by the
Selling Stockholders in the Offering and the percentage, as of February 28,
1997, of outstanding shares of Common Stock to be beneficially owned by the
Selling Stockholders after the Offering and the Blackstone Share Repurchase.
With respect to shares held by BFIP and shares held by BCP and BOCP allocable to
the general partner thereof, 1,033,485 of such shares (the 'Principal Retained
Interest') will be retained for subsequent distribution to and/or sale by or for
the account of the indirect owners of such shares. With respect to shares held
by BCP and BOCP allocable to their limited partners, certain of such limited
partners have elected to retain an aggregate of 392,673 of their respective
allocated shares in lieu of having such shares sold in the Offering (the
'Limited Partner Retained Interest' and, together with the Principal Retained
Interest, the 'Retained Interest'). The Retained Interest constitutes
approximately 3.1% of the outstanding Common Stock.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PERCENTAGE OF OUTSTANDING SHARES
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
                                     NUMBER           SHARES                                        AFTER OFFERING AND
     NAME AND ADDRESS OF            OF SHARES         TO BE                  BEFORE                     BLACKSTONE
       BENEFICIAL OWNER          BEFORE OFFERING       SOLD                 OFFERING                 SHARE REPURCHASE
- ------------------------------   ---------------    ----------  --------------------------------    ------------------
<S>                              <C>                <C>         <C>                                 <C>
Blackstone Management               9,137,385(b)     7,700,958(c)               19.5%(b)                    0.0%(d)
  Associates II LLC
  ('BMA II')(a) ..............
  345 Park Avenue
  New York, NY 10154
Glenn H. Hutchins(b)(e)(f)....      9,137,385           --                    19.5%                      *
Howard A. Lipson(b)(e)(f).....      9,137,385           --                    19.5%                      *
Peter G. Peterson(b)(e)(f)....      9,137,385           --                    19.5%                      *
Stephen A.                          9,137,385           --                    19.5%                      *
  Schwarzman(b)(e)(f).........
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------
 (a) BMA II, as the general partner of each of BCP, BOCP and BFIP, exercises
     voting and dispositive power with respect to the shares beneficially owned
     by Blackstone.
 (b) 9,137,385 shares, or 19.5%, of the outstanding shares (before the Offering)
     are held collectively by BCP, BOCP and BFIP. BCP, BOCP and BFIP may be
     deemed beneficially to own 9,969,919 shares, or 21.3%, of the outstanding
     shares (before the Offering), collectively, due to (i) an agreement between
     Blackstone and Chase Equity Associates, L.P. pursuant to which Chase Equity

     Associates, L.P. has agreed to vote its shares in the same manner as
     Blackstone votes its shares and (ii) agreements between Blackstone and
     certain members of management pursuant to which they have agreed to vote
     their shares in the same manner as Blackstone votes its shares, all of
     which agreements are expected to terminate upon the closing of the
     Offering.
 (c) Assumes that the over-allotment option is exercised in full and gives
     effect to the Blackstone Share Repurchase.
   
 (d) Assumes that the over-allotment option is exercised in full and excludes
     the Retained Interest. If the over-allotment option is not exercised,
     approximately 1.3% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock would be owned
     by Blackstone after the Offering, excluding the Retained Interest.
    
 (e) Each such person's business address is c/o The Blackstone Group L.P., 345
     Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154.
 (f) Messrs. Peterson, Schwarzman, Hutchins and Lipson are members of the
     general partner of each of BCP, BOCP and BFIP. Beneficial ownership of
     shares by such four individuals (before the Offering) includes the shares
     beneficially owned by each of BCP, BOCP and BFIP, and each of such persons
     disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
   * Represents such person's allocable share of the Principal Retained 
     Interest, which in each case will represent less than 1% of the 
     outstanding shares.
 
   
     UCAR, Blackstone and Chase Equity Associates, L.P. are parties to an
Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement (the 'Stockholders' Agreement')
which granted certain registration rights, restricted certain transactions
between UCAR and Blackstone, contained certain transfer restrictions, granted
certain 'tag-along' and 'drag-along' rights and provided for certain rights and
obligations relating to voting shares of Common Stock held by Chase Equity
Associates, L.P. UCAR currently pays a monitoring fee of approximately $1
million per year to Blackstone as permitted by the Stockholders' Agreement. It
is expected that, in connection with the closing of the Offering and the
Blackstone Share Repurchase, such payments and all provisions of the
Stockholders' Agreement will terminate other than the provisions relating to
certain registration rights and indemnification and reimbursement of expenses in
connection with registration rights and monitoring services. Under the
Stockholders' Agreement, UCAR has agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholders
against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities
Act.
    
 
   
     Pursuant to a Stock Repurchase Agreement dated April 2, 1997 among UCAR,
BCP, BOCP, BFIP and Chase Equity Associates, L.P. (the 'Repurchase Agreement'),
UCAR has agreed to repurchase from Blackstone an aggregate of 1,300,000 shares
of Common Stock upon the closing of the Offering at the same price per share at
which the Shares are sold to the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers in the
Offering, which repurchase will constitute a part of UCAR's previously announced
stock repurchase program. The obligation to consummate such repurchase is
conditioned on the closing of the Offering and will terminate if the Offering 
does not close on or before April 30, 1997.

    
 
                                      -30-
<PAGE>

   
     In connection with the Recapitalization, certain members of management
entered into agreements with UCAR and UCAR adopted a stock option plan and an
equity ownership program structured with the advice of Blackstone. These
agreements, plan and program contained certain 'holdback' provisions, provided
for certain 'drag-along' and 'tag-along' rights, granted certain registration
rights, contained certain transfer restrictions, provided for certain tax
assistance loans and related collateralization arrangements and provided for
certain rights and obligations relating to voting shares of Common Stock held by
certain members of management. In connection with the closing of the Offering
and the Blackstone Share Repurchase, such provisions will terminate pursuant to
their terms or pursuant to the Repurchase Agreement, other than those related to
loan collateralization which shall be modified to release UCAR securities
constituting such collateral to the extent the value of such collateral exceeds
the principal amounts of such loans.
    
 
      CERTAIN UNITED STATES TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
     A general discussion of certain United States federal income and estate tax
consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Stock applicable to
Non-U.S. Holders (as defined) of Common Stock is set forth below. In general, a
'Non-U.S. Holder' is a person other than: (i) a citizen or resident (as defined
for United States federal income or estate tax purposes, as the case may be) of
the United States; (ii) a corporation organized in or under the laws of the
United States or a political subdivision thereof; or (iii) an estate or trust
the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation
regardless of its source. The discussion is based on current law and is provided
for general information only. The discussion does not address aspects of United
States federal taxation other than income and estate taxation and does not
address all aspects of federal income and estate taxation. The discussion does
not consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a particular
Non-U.S. Holder and does not address all aspects of United States federal income
tax law that may be relevant to Non-U.S. Holders that may be subject to special
treatment under such law (for example, insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, financial institutions or broker-dealers). ACCORDINGLY,
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE
UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. CURRENT AND POSSIBLE FUTURE
INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF COMMON STOCK.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     In general, the gross amount of dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder will be
subject to United States withholding tax at a 30% rate (or any lower rate
prescribed by an applicable tax treaty) unless the dividends are effectively
connected with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S. Holder within the
United States. In determining the applicability of a tax treaty that provides
for a lower rate of withholding, dividends paid to an address in a foreign
country are presumed under current regulations of the Treasury Department to be
paid to a resident of that country. Under proposed Treasury regulations,
however, a Non-U.S. Holder would be required to file certain forms in order to
claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate. Dividends effectively connected

with a trade or business carried on by a Non-U.S. Holder within the United
States will generally not be subject to withholding (if the Non-U.S. Holder
properly files Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 with the payor of the
dividend) and will generally be subject to United States federal income tax at
ordinary federal income tax rates. Effectively connected dividends may be
subject to different treatment under an applicable tax treaty depending on
whether such dividends are attributable to a permanent establishment of the
Non-U.S. Holder in the United States. In the case of a Non-U.S. Holder which is
a corporation, effectively connected income may be subject to the branch profits
tax (which is generally imposed on a foreign corporation at a rate of 30% of the
deemed repatriation from the United States of 'effectively connected earnings
and profits') except to the extent that an applicable tax treaty provides
otherwise. A Non-U.S. Holder eligible for a reduced rate of United States
withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any
excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the
Internal Revenue Service.
 
SALE OF COMMON STOCK
 
     Generally, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal
income tax on any gain realized upon the disposition of his Common Stock unless:
(i) UCAR has been, is, or becomes a 'U.S. real property holding corporation' for
federal income tax purposes and certain other requirements are met; (ii) the
gain is
 
                                      -31-

<PAGE>

effectively connected with a trade or business carried on by the Non-U.S. Holder
(or by a partnership, trust or estate in which the Non-U.S. Holder is a partner
or beneficiary) within the United States; or (iii) the Common Stock is disposed
of by an individual Non-U.S. Holder, who holds the Common Stock as a capital
asset and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable
year of the disposition, and the gains are considered derived from sources
within the United States. UCAR believes that it has not been, is not currently
and, based upon its current business plans, is not likely to become a U.S. real
property holding corporation. A Non-U.S. Holder also may be subject to tax
pursuant to the provisions of United States tax law applicable to certain United
States expatriates. Non-U.S. Holders should consult applicable treaties, which
may exempt from United States taxation gains realized upon the disposition of
Common Stock in certain cases.
 
ESTATE TAX
 
     Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual Non-U.S. Holder at
the time of death will be includible in the individual's gross estate for United
States federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable treaty provides
otherwise, and may be subject to United States federal estate tax.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
 
     UCAR must report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to Non-U.S.
Holders the amount of dividends paid to, and the tax withheld with respect to,

each Non-U.S. Holder. These information reporting requirements apply regardless
of whether withholding was reduced by an applicable tax treaty or if withholding
was not required because the dividends were effectively connected with a trade
or business in the United States of the Non-U.S. Holder. Copies of these
information returns also may be made available under the provisions of a
specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities in the country in which the
Non-U.S. Holder resides or is established. Under current law, United States
backup withholding tax (which generally is a withholding tax imposed at the rate
of 31% on certain payments to persons that fail to furnish the information
required under the United States information reporting and backup withholding
rules) generally will not apply to dividends paid on Common Stock to a Non-U.S.
Holder at an address outside the United States, absent actual knowledge by the
payor that the payee is not a Non-U.S. Holder or to dividends paid to Non-U.S.
Holders that are either subject to the U.S. withholding tax (whether at 30% or a
reduced treaty rate) or that are exempt from such withholding because such
dividends constitute effectively connected income. Under proposed United States
Treasury regulations not currently in effect, however, a Non-U.S. Holder will be
subject to backup withholding unless applicable certification requirements are
met. Backup withholding and information reporting generally will apply to
dividends paid on Common Stock to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address inside the
United States unless such Non-U.S. Holder owner, under penalties of perjury,
certifies, among other things, its status as a Non-U.S. Holder or otherwise
establishes an exemption.
 
     The payment of the proceeds from the disposition of Common Stock to or
through the United States office of a broker will be subject to information
reporting and backup withholding unless the owner certifies its foreign status
as described above or otherwise establishes an exemption. The payment of the
proceeds from the disposition of Common Stock to or through a foreign office of
a non-United States broker will not be subject to backup withholding and
generally will not be subject to information reporting. Unless the broker has
documentary evidence in its files that the owner is a Non-U.S. Holder and
certain conditions are met or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption,
information reporting generally will apply to dispositions through (a) a non-
United States office of a United States broker and (b) a non-United States
office of a non-United States broker that is either a 'controlled foreign
corporation' for United States federal income tax purposes or a person 50% or
more of whose gross income from all sources for a three year testing period was
effectively connected with a United States trade or business.
 
     The backup withholding and information reporting rules are currently under
review by the Treasury Department and their application to the Common Stock is
subject to change.
 
     Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
Non-U.S. Holder would be allowed as a credit against such Non-U.S. Holder's
United States federal income tax and any amounts withheld in excess of such
Non-U.S. Holder's United States federal income tax liability would be refunded,
provided that required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
 
                                      -32-

<PAGE>


                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated             , 1997 (the 'U.S. Underwriting Agreement') among
UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and the underwriters named below (the 'U.S.
Underwriters'), the U.S. Underwriters have severally but not jointly agreed to
purchase from the Selling Stockholders the following respective numbers of U.S.
Shares as set forth opposite their names:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              NUMBER OF
                                     U.S. UNDERWRITER                                        U.S. SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   -----------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation....................................................    1,081,668
Dillon, Read & Co. Inc....................................................................      465,000
Goldman, Sachs & Co.......................................................................    1,081,666
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
       Incorporated.......................................................................    1,081,666
PaineWebber Incorporated..................................................................      465,000
The Nikko Securities Co. International, Inc...............................................      465,000
                                                                                             -----------
       Total..............................................................................    4,640,000
                                                                                             -----------
                                                                                             -----------
</TABLE>
    
 
     The U.S. Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the U.S.
Underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the U.S.
Underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of such U.S. Shares offered
hereby (other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below)
if any are purchased. The U.S. Underwriting Agreement provides that, in the
event of a default by a U.S. Underwriter in certain circumstances, the purchase
commitments of non-defaulting Underwriters may be increased or the U.S.
Underwriting Agreement may be terminated.
 
     UCAR and the Selling Stockholders have entered into a Subscription
Agreement (the 'Subscription Agreement') with the Managers of the International
Offering (the 'Managers') providing for the concurrent offer and sale of the
International Shares outside the United States and Canada. The closing of the
U.S. Offering is a condition to the closing of the International Offering and
vice versa.
 
   
     Blackstone has granted to the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers an option,
exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation on behalf of the U.S.
Underwriters and the Managers, expiring at the close of business on the 30th day
after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional 611,227
shares of Common Stock (the 'Option Shares') from them at the initial public
offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions, all as set forth
on the cover page of this Prospectus. The U.S. Underwriters and the Managers may

exercise the option only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the Shares,
including the sale of the International Shares. To the extent that the option to
purchase is exercised, each U.S. Underwriter and each Manager will become
obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same
percentage of Option Shares as the number set forth next to such U.S.
Underwriter's name in the preceding table and as the number set forth next to
such Manager's name in the corresponding table in the prospectus relating to the
International Offering bears to the total number of Shares in such tables.
    
    
     UCAR and the Selling Stockholders have been advised by Credit Suisse First
Boston Corporation, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters, that the U.S.
Underwriters propose to offer the U.S. Shares in the United States and Canada to
the public initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus and to certain dealers at such price less a concession of $.85
per share and that the U.S. Underwriters and such dealers may allow a discount
of $.10 per share on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial public
offering, the public offering price, concession and discount to dealers may be
changed by the U.S. Underwriters.
    
     The public offering price, the aggregate underwriting discounts and
commissions per share and per share concession and discount to dealers for the
U.S. Offering and the International Offering will be identical. Pursuant to an
Agreement between the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers (the 'Intersyndicate
Agreement') relating to the Offering, changes in the public offering price,
concession and discount to dealers will be made only upon the mutual agreement
of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters,
and Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited ('CSFBL'), on behalf of the
Managers.
 
                                      -33-

<PAGE>

     Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, each of the U.S. Underwriters has
agreed that, as part of the distribution of the U.S. Shares and subject to
certain exceptions, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell,
directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or distribute any prospectus
relating to the Common Stock to any person outside the United States or Canada
or to any other dealer who does not so agree. Each of the Managers has agreed or
will agree that, as part of the distribution of the International Shares and
subject to certain exceptions, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or
sell, directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or distribute any
prospectus relating to the Common Stock to any person in the United States or
Canada or to any other dealer who does not so agree. These limitations do not
apply to stabilization transactions or to transactions between the U.S.
Underwriters and the Managers pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement. As used
herein, 'United States' means the United States of America (including the States
and the District of Columbia), its territories, possessions and other areas
subject to its jurisdiction, 'Canada' means Canada, its provinces, territories,
possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction, and an offer or sale
shall be in the United States or Canada if it is made to (i) an individual
resident in the United States or Canada or (ii) a corporation, partnership,
pension, profit-sharing or other trust or other entity (including any such

entity acting as an investment adviser with discretionary authority) whose
office most directly involved with the purchase is located in the United States
or Canada.
 
     Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, sales may be made between the
U.S. Underwriters and the Managers of such number of Shares as may be mutually
agreed. The price of any Shares so sold shall be the public offering price, less
such amount as may be mutually agreed upon by Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters, and CSFBL, on behalf of the
Managers, but not exceeding the selling concession applicable to such Shares. To
the extent there are sales between the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers
pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, the number of Shares initially
available for sale by the U.S. Underwriters or by the Managers may be more or
less than the amount appearing on the cover page of this Prospectus. Neither the
U.S. Underwriters nor the Managers are obligated to purchase from the other any
unsold Shares.
 
     This Prospectus may be used by underwriters and dealers in connection with
sales of International Shares to persons located in the United States, to the
extent such sales are permitted by the contractual limitations on sales
described above.
 
     UCAR, certain of its executive officers and directors and Blackstone have
agreed that none of them will, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, announce its
intention to sell, contract to sell, pledge, hypothecate, grant any option to
purchase or otherwise dispose of, and UCAR has agreed that it will not file with
the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to,
any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into or
exercisable for any shares of Common Stock without the prior written consent of
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation for a period of 90 days, in the case of
UCAR, and 45 days, in the case of Blackstone and certain of UCAR's directors and
executive officers, after the date of this Prospectus, subject to certain
limited exceptions.
 
     UCAR and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the U.S.
Underwriters and the Managers against certain liabilities, including civil
liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments that the
U.S. Underwriters and the Managers may be required to make in respect thereof.
 
     Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters
and the Managers, may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions,
syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M
under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the
offering size, which creates a syndicate short position. Stabilizing
transactions permit bids to purchase shares of Common Stock so long as the
stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering
transactions involve purchases of Common Stock in the open market after the
distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions.
Penalty bids permit Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, on behalf of the
U.S. Underwriters and the Managers, to reclaim a selling concession from a
dealer when the Shares originally sold by such dealer are purchased in a
syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Such
over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and
penalty bids

 
                                      -34-

<PAGE>

may cause the price of shares of Common Stock to be higher than it would
otherwise be in the absence of such transactions. These transactions may be
effected on the NYSE or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any
time.
 
     Certain of the U.S. Underwriters have provided certain financial advisory
and investment banking services to the Company and Blackstone in the past.
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation was the placement agent for the private
placement by UCAR of senior notes in June 1994, Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation and Goldman, Sachs & Co. were underwriters for the offering by
Global of the Subordinated Notes in January 1995 and certain of the U.S.
Underwriters and the Managers were underwriters, managing underwriters or
managers for the Initial Offering and the Secondary Offering, for which in each
case they received customary underwriting discounts and commissions. Credit
Suisse First Boston Corporation and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are market-makers with
respect to the Subordinated Notes and, at the time of the Redemption, may have
been the beneficial owner of Subordinated Notes, some of which may have been
redeemed.
 
                          NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
 
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
 
     The distribution of the Shares in Canada is being made only on a private
placement basis exempt from the requirements that a prospectus be prepared and
filed with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where trades
of the Shares are effected. Accordingly, any resale of the Shares in Canada must
be made in accordance with applicable securities laws which will vary depending
on the relevant jurisdiction and which may require resales to be made in
accordance with available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a discretionary
exemption granted by the applicable securities regulatory authority. Purchasers
are advised to seek legal advice prior to any resale of the Shares.
 
REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASERS
 
     Each purchaser of Shares in Canada who receives a purchase confirmation
will be deemed to represent to UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and the dealer
from whom such purchase confirmation is received that such purchaser or any
ultimate purchaser for which such initial purchaser is acting as agent (i) is
entitled under applicable provincial securities laws to purchase such Shares
without the benefit of a prospectus qualified under such securities laws and
pursuant to registration exemptions under such securities laws other than in
Ontario, (ii) where required by law, that such purchaser is purchasing as
principal and not as agent and (iii) such purchaser has reviewed the text above
under 'Resale Restrictions.' Such purchaser will also be deemed to represent (i)
if in Ontario and purchasing from a person registered with the Ontario
Securities Commission as an international dealer, that such person is a
'designated institution' within the meaning of Section 204 of the Regulation to
the Securities Act (Ontario), (ii) if in Quebec, and purchasing from a person

other than a dealer with an unlimited registration pursuant to the Securities
Act (Quebec), that such purchaser is a 'sophisticated purchaser' within the
meaning of Section 44 of the Securities Act (Quebec), (iii) if in Alberta, that
such purchaser is purchasing Shares with the benefit of the prospectus exemption
provided by Section 107(1) of the Securities Act (Alberta) and (iv) if in
Manitoba, that such purchaser is not an individual. Such purchaser will also be
agreeing that it is such purchaser's express wish that all documents evidencing
or relating in any way to the sale of Shares be written in the English language
only. Chaque acuereur de valeurs mobileres reconnaitra par les presentes et en
accusant reception de la confirmation de sa souscription, avoir expressement
exige que tous les documents attestant la vente des valeurs mobilieres ou s'y
rapportant de quelque maniere que ce soit soient rediges uniquement en anglais.
 
RIGHTS OF ACTION AND ENFORCEMENT
 
     The securities offered hereby are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario
purchasers will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by
Section 32 of the Regulation under the Securities Act (Ontario). As a result,
Ontario purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available, including
common law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of action under
the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United
States. Prospective purchasers are advised to consult their own legal advisers
as to which, or
 
                                      -35-

<PAGE>

whether, any of such rights of action under the civil liability provisions of
the federal securities laws of the United States are available to them.
 
     All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein and the Selling Stockholders may be located outside of Canada and, as a
result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of
process within Canada upon the issuer, such persons or the Selling Stockholders.
All or a substantial portion of the assets of the issuer, such persons and the
Selling Stockholders may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may
not be possible to satisfy a judgment against the issuer, such persons or the
Selling Stockholders in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian
courts against the issuer, such persons or the Selling Stockholders outside of
Canada.
 
NOTICE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RESIDENTS
 
     A purchaser of Shares to whom the Securities Act (British Columbia) applies
is advised that such purchaser is required to file with the British Columbia
Securities Commission a report within ten days of the sale of any Shares
purchased by such purchaser pursuant to the Offering. Such report must be in the
form attached to British Columbia Securities Commission Blanket Order BOR
#95/17, a copy of which may be obtained from UCAR. Only one such report must be
filed in respect of Shares purchased on the same date and under the same
prospectus exemption.
 
TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 
     Prospective purchasers of Shares should consult their own tax advisers with
respect to the Canadian and other tax considerations applicable to their
individual circumstances.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the Shares will be
passed upon for UCAR by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, New York, New York and
Stamford, Connecticut. Certain legal matters with respect to the Offering will
be passed upon for the Selling Stockholders by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (a
partnership which includes professional corporations), New York, New York. The
U.S. Underwriters have been represented by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York,
New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company at December 31, 1995
and 1996 and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31,
1996, which are included in UCAR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996, have been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in
the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent certified public accountants, which is incorporated by reference
herein, and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
 
     The report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP refers to a change in 1996 in the
Company's method of determining LIFO inventories.
 
                                      -36-

<PAGE>

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

     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND,
IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, ANY SELLING STOCKHOLDER OR ANY U.S.
UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY
JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH
JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE
HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
                               ------------------

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PAGE
                                                  ---------
<S>                                               <C>
Available Information...........................          2
Incorporation of Documents by Reference.........          2
Summary.........................................          4
Risk Factors....................................         11
The Company.....................................         15
Price Range of Common Stock and
  Dividend Policy...............................         16
Use of Proceeds.................................         16
Capitalization..................................         17
Selected Consolidated Financial Data............         18
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.................................         20
Management......................................         28
Selling Stockholders............................         30
Certain United States Tax Consequences to
  Non-United States Holders.....................         31
Underwriting....................................         33
Notice to Canadian Residents....................         35
Legal Matters...................................         36
Experts.........................................         36
</TABLE>

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

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

 
                            UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
   
                                5,800,000 Shares
                                  Common Stock
                                ($.01 par value)
    
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                           CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
                            DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
                              GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                            PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
                            THE NIKKO SECURITIES CO.
                              INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
            ------------------------------------------------------
            ------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>
   
    

   
                                5,800,000 Shares
    

[LOGO]
 
                            UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                                ($.01 par value)
 
                               ------------------
 
   
All 5,800,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share ('Common Stock'),
of UCAR International Inc. ('UCAR') being sold (the 'Shares') are being sold by
Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant Banking Fund L.P. ('BCP'), Blackstone
 Offshore Capital Partners II L.P. ('BOCP') and Blackstone Family Investment
  Partnership II L.P. ('BFIP' and, together with BCP and BOCP, 'Blackstone'
    or the 'Selling Stockholders'). See 'Selling Stockholders.' UCAR will
       repurchase 1,300,000 shares of Common Stock from Blackstone (the
     'Blackstone Share Repurchase') upon the closing of the Offering (as
       defined below), which repurchase will constitute part of UCAR's
     previously announced stock repurchase program. See 'Summary--Recent
         Developments.' Following the closing of the Offering and the
       Blackstone Share Repurchase and excluding the Retained Interest
        (as defined under 'Selling Stockholders'), Blackstone will own
              1.3% of the outstanding Common Stock (0.0%, if the
          over-allotment option is exercIsed in full). The Retained
        Interest will constitute 3.1% of the outstanding Common Stock.
           See 'Risk Factors--Shares Eligible For Future Sale' and
           'Selling Stockholders.' UCAR will not receive any of the
                    proceeds from the sale of the Shares.
    
 
   
 Of the 5,800,000 shares of Common Stock being offered, 1,160,000 shares (the
'International Shares') are initially being offered outside the United States
   and Canada by the Managers (the 'International Offering') and 4,640,000
    shares (the 'U.S. Shares') are initially being concurrently offered in
       the United States and Canada by the U.S. Underwriters (the 'U.S.

         Offering' and, together with the International Offering, the
        'Offering'). The offering price and underwriting discounts and
       commissions of the International Offering and the U.S. Offering
                                are identical.
    
 
   
 The Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the 'NYSE') under
       the symbol 'UCR.' On April 2, 1997, the last reported sale price
                 of the Common Stock on the NYSE was $38.00.
    
 
   
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH
 AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK, SEE 'RISK FACTORS' BEGINNING ON PAGE 11.
    
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
      EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
     COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
          ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

    
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  UNDERWRITING      PROCEEDS TO
                                                                    PRICE TO     DISCOUNTS AND        SELLING
                                                                     PUBLIC       COMMISSIONS     STOCKHOLDERS(1)
                                                                 --------------  --------------  ------------------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>             <C>
Per Share......................................................    $38.00          $1.425            $36.575
 
Total(2).......................................................    $220,400,000    $8,265,000        $212,135,000
</TABLE>
    
   
(1) Before deduction of expenses payable by UCAR estimated at $800,000.
     
   
(2) Blackstone has granted the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters an option,
    exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation for 30 days from the
    date of this Prospectus, to purchase a maximum of 611,227 additional shares
    of Common Stock solely to cover over-allotments of Shares. If the option is 
    exercised in full, the total Price to Public will be $243,626,626, 
    Underwriting Discounts and Commissions will be $9,135,998, and Proceeds 
    to Selling Stockholders will be $234,490,628.
    
 
    The International Shares are offered by the several Managers when, as and if
delivered to and accepted by the Managers and subject to their right to reject
orders in whole or in part. It is expected that the International Shares will be
ready for delivery on or about April 8, 1997, against payment in immediately
available funds.
 
                           CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON

 
DILLON, READ & CO. INC.                              GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL
 
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL                            PAINEWEBBER INTERNATIONAL
 
                                NIKKO EUROPE PLC
    
                         Prospectus dated April 3, 1997.
    

<PAGE>

     NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND,
IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY, ANY SELLING STOCKHOLDER OR ANY MANAGER.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN
OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER
ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
     IN THIS PROSPECTUS, REFERENCES TO 'DOLLARS' AND '$' ARE TO UNITED STATES
DOLLARS.
 
IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING, CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION, ON
BEHALF OF THE MANAGERS AND U.S. UNDERWRITERS, MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED
HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE SHORT
COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES,
SEE 'SUBSCRIPTION AND SALE.'
 
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING
OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND SECTION 21E OF THE EXCHANGE ACT.
ACTUAL RESULTS, EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE SET
FORTH IN SUCH STATEMENTS DUE TO VARIOUS FACTORS. SUCH FACTORS
INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY THAT ANNOUNCED ADDITIONS TO ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE
STEEL PRODUCTION CAPACITY MAY NOT OCCUR, INCREASED ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE
STEEL PRODUCTION MAY NOT OCCUR OR RESULT IN INCREASED DEMAND OR HIGHER
PRICES FOR GRAPHITE ELECTRODES, ACQUIRED MANUFACTURING CAPACITY MAY NOT
BE FULLY UTILIZED, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES EXPECTED BY THE COMPANY MAY
NOT BE ACHIEVED, CHANGING ECONOMIC AND COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS, OTHER
TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND OTHER RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, INCLUDING
THOSE SET FORTH OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              PAGE
                                                                                                              ----
<S>                                                                                                           <C>
Available Information......................................................................................     3
Incorporation of Documents by Reference....................................................................     3
Summary....................................................................................................     4
Risk Factors...............................................................................................    11
The Company................................................................................................    15
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividend Policy............................................................    16
Use of Proceeds............................................................................................    16
Capitalization.............................................................................................    17
Selected Consolidated Financial Data.......................................................................    18
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................    20

Management.................................................................................................    28
Selling Stockholders.......................................................................................    30
Certain United States Tax Consequences to Non-United States Holders........................................    31
Subscription and Sale......................................................................................    33
Legal Matters..............................................................................................    35
Experts....................................................................................................    35
</TABLE>
 
                                      -2-

<PAGE>

                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     UCAR is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the 'Exchange Act') and, in accordance therewith, files
reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'Commission'). The reports, proxy and
information statements and other information so filed may be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's
Regional Offices located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New
York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such reports, proxy and information statements and
other information can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The
Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding registrants (including UCAR) that
file electronically with the Commission. The address of such Web site is
http://www.sec.gov. The Common Stock is listed on the NYSE, and reports, proxy
and information statements and other information filed with the Commission can
also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.
 
     UCAR has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-3
(together with amendments, exhibits, schedules and supplements thereto, the
'Registration Statement') under the Securities Act of 1933 (the 'Securities
Act') with respect to the Shares. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of
the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in
the Registration Statement. Information omitted has been omitted as permitted by
the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further information with
respect to UCAR and the Shares, reference is made to the Registration Statement.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or
other document are not necessarily complete and, where such contract or other
document is an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement is
qualified in all respects by the provisions in such exhibit, to which reference
is hereby made. The Registration Statement may be inspected at, and copies of
all or any portion of the Registration Statement can be obtained at prescribed
rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549.
 
     UCAR is a corporation formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on
November 24, 1993. The mailing address of its principal executive office is 39
Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, Connecticut 06817. The telephone number of such

office is (203) 207-7700.
 
                           INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS
                                  BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents previously filed by UCAR with the Commission are
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:
 
     (a) UCAR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996;
 
     (b) UCAR's Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement for the 1996 Annual
         Meeting of Stockholders; and
 
     (c) the description of UCAR's capital stock contained in UCAR's
         Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated July 28, 1995, as updated by
         any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such
         description.
 
     In addition, all documents filed by UCAR pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c),
14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the Offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any
statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document that also is incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
     UCAR will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial
owner of Common Stock, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the
written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the
documents incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits to such
documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in
the documents that this Prospectus incorporates by reference). Such requests
should be addressed to UCAR International Inc., 39 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury,
Connecticut 06817, Attention: Investor Relations, telephone number (203)
207-7726.
 
                                      -3-

<PAGE>

                             SUBSCRIPTION AND SALE
   
      Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in a Subscription
Agreement dated April 2, 1997 (the 'Subscription Agreement') among UCAR,
the Selling Stockholders and the institutions named below (the 'Managers'), the
Managers have severally but not jointly agreed to purchase from the Selling
Stockholders the following respective numbers of International Shares as set
forth opposite their names:
    
   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            NUMBER OF
                                      MANAGER                                          INTERNATIONAL SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   --------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited.........................................      270,668
Dillon, Read & Co. Inc..............................................................      116,000
Goldman Sachs International.........................................................      270,666
Merrill Lynch International.........................................................      270,666
PaineWebber International (UK) Ltd..................................................      116,000
Nikko Europe Plc....................................................................      116,000
                                                                                       --------------------
       Total........................................................................    1,160,000
                                                                                       --------------------
                                                                                       --------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
     The Subscription Agreement provides that the obligations of the Managers
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Managers will be
obligated to purchase all of such International Shares offered hereby (other
than those covered by the over-allotment option described below) if any are
purchased. The Subscription Agreement provides that, in the event of a default
by a Manager in certain circumstances, the purchase commitments of the
non-defaulting Managers may be increased or the Subscription Agreement may be
terminated.
   
     UCAR and the Selling Stockholders have been advised by Credit Suisse First
Boston (Europe) Limited ('CSFBL'), on behalf of the Managers, that the Managers
propose to offer the International Shares outside the United States and Canada
to the public initially at the public offering price set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus and to certain dealers at such price less a commission of
$.10 per share and that the Managers may reallow a commission of $.85 per share
on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial offering, the public 
offering price, commission and reallowance may be changed.
    
     UCAR and the Selling Stockholders have entered into an Underwriting
Agreement (the 'U.S. Underwriting Agreement') with the U.S. Underwriters of the
U.S. Offering (the 'U.S. Underwriters') providing for the concurrent offer and
sale of the U.S. Shares in the United States and Canada. The closing of the
International Offering is a condition to the closing of the U.S. Offering and
vice versa.
 
   
     Blackstone has granted to the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters an option,
exercisable by Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation on behalf of the Managers
and the U.S. Underwriters, expiring at the close of business on the 30th day
after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional 611,227
shares of Common Stock (the 'Option Shares') from them at the initial public
offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions, all as set forth
on the cover page of this Prospectus. The Managers and the U.S. Underwriters may
exercise the option only to cover over-allotments in the sale of the Shares, 
including the sale of the U.S. Shares. To the extent that the option to

purchase is exercised, each Manager and each U.S. Underwriter will become
obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same
percentage of Option Shares as the number set forth next to such Manager's name
in the preceding table and as the number set forth next to such U.S.
Underwriter's name in the corresponding table in the prospectus relating to the
U.S. Offering bears to the total number of Shares in such tables.
    
 
     The public offering price, the aggregate underwriting discounts and
commissions per share and the per share commission and re-allowance to dealers
for the International Offering and the U.S. Offering will be identical. Pursuant
to an Agreement between the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers (the
'Intersyndicate Agreement') relating to the Offering, changes in the public
offering price, commission and re-allowance to dealers will be made only upon
the mutual agreement of CSFBL, on behalf of the Managers, and Credit Suisse
First Boston Corporation, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters.
 
                                      -33-

<PAGE>

     Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, each of the Managers has agreed
that, as part of the distribution of International Shares and subject to certain
exceptions, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or
indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or distribute any prospectus relating to
the Common Stock to any person in the United States or Canada or to any other
dealer who does not so agree. Each of the U.S. Underwriters has agreed or will
agree that, as part of the distribution of the U.S. Shares and subject to
certain exceptions, it has not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell,
directly or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or distribute any prospectus
relating to the Common Stock to any person outside the United States and Canada
or to any other dealer who does not so agree. These limitations do not apply to
stabilization transactions or to transactions between the Managers and the U.S.
Underwriters pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement. As used herein, 'United
States' means the United States of America (including the States and the
District of Columbia), its territories, possessions and other areas subject to
its jurisdiction, 'Canada' means Canada, its provinces, territories, possessions
and other areas subject to its jurisdiction, and an offer or sale shall be in
the United States or Canada if it is made to (i) an individual resident in the
United States or Canada or (ii) a corporation, partnership, pension,
profit-sharing or other trust or other entity (including any such entity acting
as an investment adviser with discretionary authority) whose office most
directly involved with the purchase is located in the United States or Canada.
 
     Pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement, sales may be made between the
Managers and the U.S. Underwriters of such number of Shares as may be mutually
agreed. The price of any Shares so sold shall be the public offering price less
such amount as may be mutually agreed upon by CSFBL, on behalf of the Managers,
and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters,
but not exceeding the selling concession applicable to such Shares. To the
extent there are sales between the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters pursuant
to the Intersyndicate Agreement, the number of Shares initially available for
sale by the Managers or by the U.S. Underwriters may be more or less than the
amount appearing on the cover page of this Prospectus. Neither the Managers nor

the U.S. Underwriters are obligated to purchase from the other any unsold
Shares.
 
     Each of the Managers and the U.S. Underwriters severally represents and
agrees that (1) it has not offered or sold, and prior to the date six months
after the date of issuance of the Shares will not offer or sell, any shares of
Common Stock to any person in the United Kingdom, except to persons whose
ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of
investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or
otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an
offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public
Offers of Securities Regulations 1995, (2) it has complied and will comply with
all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act of 1986 with respect to
anything done by it in relation to any shares of Common Stock in, from or
otherwise involving the United Kingdom and (3) it has only issued or passed on
and will only issuance or pass on to any person in the United Kingdom any
document received by it in connection with the issue of any shares of Common
Stock if the person is of a kind described in Article 11(3) of the Financial
Services Act 1986 (Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order 1996 or is a
person to whom such document may otherwise lawfully be issued or passed on.
 
     Purchasers of Shares outside the United States may be required to pay stamp
taxes and other charges in accordance with the laws and practices of the country
of purchase in addition to the public offering price set forth on the cover page
of this Prospectus.
 
     UCAR, certain of its executive officers and directors and Blackstone have
agreed that none of them will, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, announce its
intention to sell, contract to sell, pledge, hypothecate, grant any option to
purchase or otherwise dispose of, and UCAR has agreed that it will not file with
the Commission a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to,
any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into or
exercisable for any shares of Common Stock without the prior written consent of
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation for a period of 90 days, in the case of
UCAR, and 45 days, in the case of Blackstone and certain of UCAR's directors and
executive officers, after the date of this Prospectus, subject to certain
limited exceptions.
 
                                      -34-

<PAGE>

     UCAR and the Selling Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the Managers and
the U.S. Underwriters against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities
under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments that the Managers and
the U.S. Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
    
     Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, on behalf of the U.S. Underwriters
and the Managers, may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions,
syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M
under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the
offering size, which creates a syndicate short position. Stabilizing
transactions permit bids to purchase shares of Common Stock so long as the
stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering

transactions involve purchases of shares of Common Stock in the open market
after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short
positions. Penalty bids permit Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, on behalf
of the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers, to reclaim a selling concession from
a dealer when the Shares originally sold by such dealer are
purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short
positions. Such over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering
transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of shares of Common Stock to
be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of such transactions. These
transactions may be effected on the NYSE or otherwise and, if commenced, may be
discontinued at any time.
    
     Certain of the U.S. Underwriters have provided certain financial advisory
and investment banking services to the Company and Blackstone in the past.
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation was the placement agent for the private
placement by UCAR of senior notes in June 1994, Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation and Goldman, Sachs & Co. were underwriters for the offering by
Global of the Subordinated Notes in January 1995 and certain of the U.S.
Underwriters and the Managers were underwriters, managing underwriters or
managers for the Initial Offering and the Secondary Offering, for which in each
case they received customary underwriting discounts and commissions. Credit
Suisse First Boston Corporation and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are market-makers with
respect to the Subordinated Notes and, at the time of the Redemption, may have
been the beneficial owner of Subordinated Notes, some of which may have been
redeemed.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     Certain legal matters with respect to the validity of the Shares will be
passed upon for UCAR by Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, New York, New York and
Stamford, Connecticut. Certain legal matters with respect to the Offering will
be passed upon for the Selling Stockholders by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett (a
partnership which includes professional corporations), New York, New York. The
Managers have been represented by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company at December 31, 1995
and 1996 and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31,
1996, which are included in UCAR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996, have been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in
the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent certified public accountants, which is incorporated by reference
herein, and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
 
     The report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP refers to a change in 1996 in the
Company's method of determining LIFO inventories.
 
                                      -35-

<PAGE>

                                    PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
     The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, paid or to be paid in connection with
the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                         <C>
SEC registration fee.....................................................................   $ 99,035.31
NASD filing fee..........................................................................     30,500.00
Blue Sky qualification fees and expenses (including related legal fees and expenses).....     10,000.00*
Printing and engraving expenses..........................................................    300,000.00*
Legal fees and expenses..................................................................    200,000.00*
Accounting fees and expenses.............................................................    100,000.00*
Miscellaneous............................................................................     60,464.69*
                                                                                            -----------
     Total...............................................................................   $800,000.00*
                                                                                            -----------
                                                                                            -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
 * Estimated.
 
     All expenses of such issuance and distribution will be paid by the
registrant, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions relating to
the securities being registered hereby to be sold by the Selling Stockholders
and transfer taxes relating to the sale of the securities registered hereby to
be sold by the Selling Stockholders.
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the
'Law') provides as follows:
 
     '(a) A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a
party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by
reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation
as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the
person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his

conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by
judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or
its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did
not act in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be
in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to
any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that the
person's conduct was unlawful.
 
     (b) A corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or
is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or
completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a
judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at
the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise
against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by
the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit
if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that
no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to
which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation
unless and
 
                                      II-1

<PAGE>

only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action
or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such
person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which
the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
 
     (c) To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a
corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this
section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be
indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection therewith.
 
     (d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section
(unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized
in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director,
officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has
met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of
this section. Such determination shall be made (1) by a majority vote of the
directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though
less than a quorum, or (2) if there are no such directors, or if such directors
so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the
stockholders.
 
     (e) Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by an officer or director
in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit
or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition

of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on
behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately
be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as
authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred
by other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if
any, as the board of directors deems appropriate.
 
     (f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted
pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive
of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of
expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or
disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity
and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.
 
     (g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on
behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such,
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability under this section.
 
     (h) For purposes of this section, references to 'the corporation' shall
include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation
(including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or
merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and
authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that
any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such
constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same
position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving
corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its
separate existence had continued.
 
     (i) For purposes of this section, references to 'other enterprises' shall
include employee benefit plans; references to 'fines' shall include any excise
taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and
references to 'serving at the request of the corporation' shall include any
service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which
imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or
agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or
beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries
of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner 'not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation' as referred to in this
section.
 
                                      II-2

<PAGE>

     (j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted

pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or
ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer,
employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person.
 
     (k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to
hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification
brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders
or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily
determine a corporation's obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys'
fees).'
 
     Section 102(b)(7) of the Law provides as follows:
 
     '(b) In addition to the matters required to be set forth in the certificate
of incorporation by subsection (a) of this section, the certificate of
incorporation may also contain any or all of the following matters:
 
     (7) A provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a
director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision shall not
eliminate or limit the liability of a director: (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts
or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law; (iii) under section 174 of this title; or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No
such provision shall eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act
or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision becomes effective.
All references in this paragraph to a director shall also be deemed to refer (x)
to a member of the governing body of a corporation which is not authorized to
issue capital stock, and (y) to such other person or persons, if any, who,
pursuant to a provision of the certificate of incorporation in accordance with
Section141(a) of this title, exercise or perform any of the powers or duties
otherwise conferred or imposed upon the board of directors by this title.'
 
     The Company maintains a director's and officer's liability insurance policy
which indemnifies directors and officers for certain losses arising from claims
by reason of a wrongful act, as defined therein, under certain circumstances.
 
     Directors of the registrant who are affiliated with Blackstone may be
entitled to indemnification under the organizational documents or contractual
arrangements of Blackstone.
 
     In addition, in response to this Item 15, the following information is
incorporated by reference: the information included in the description of the
registrant's capital stock contained in the registrant's Registration Statement
on Form 8-A dated July 28, 1995, as updated by any amendment or report filed for
the purpose of updating such description; Articles Tenth and Eleventh of the
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant incorporated
by reference as Exhibit 3.1 to this Registration Statement; Article V of the
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the registrant incorporated by reference as
Exhibit 3.2 to this Registration Statement; Section 7 of the Underwriting
Agreement in substantially the form included as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration
Statement; and Section 7 of the Subscription Agreement in substantially the form

included as Exhibit 1.2 to this Registration Statement.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     (a) The exhibits listed in the following table have been filed as part of
this Registration Statement.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- --------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>        
 1.1*      Form of Underwriting Agreement
 1.2*      Form of Subscription Agreement
 2.1(1)    Recapitalization and Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of November 14, 1994 among Union
           Carbide Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, UCAR International Inc. and UCAR International
           Acquisition Inc. and Guaranty made by Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant Banking Fund L.P. and
           Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P.
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- --------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>
 2.2(2)    Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996
 2.3(1)    Form of Management Common Stock Subscription Agreement
 2.4(3)    Form of Management Pledge and Security Agreement, together with form of Promissory Note
 2.5(2)    Amendment, Waiver and Release in connection with such Management Common Stock Subscription
           Agreements, Management Pledge and Security Agreements and Promissory Notes
 2.6(1)    Indemnification Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 among Mitsubishi Corporation, Union Carbide
           Corporation and UCAR International Inc.
 2.7(1)    Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR International Inc. and
           UCAR Holdings S.A.
 2.8(1)    Exchange Agreements made as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR International Inc. and UCAR Holdings II
           Inc.
 2.9(1)    Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR International Inc. and
           UCAR Inc.
 2.10(1)   Exchange Agreement made as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR Carbon Company Inc. and UCAR Holdings
           Inc.
 2.11(1)   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR Carbon Company Inc. and
           UCAR Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.
 2.12(1)   Exchange Agreement made as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR International Inc. and UCAR Global
           Enterprises Inc.
 2.13(1)   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR Carbon Company Inc. and
           Arapaima s.r.l.
 2.14(1)   Deed of Purchase and Sale of 528,999 Shares of UCAR Carbon Navarra S.L.
 2.15(1)   Exchange Agreement dated as of December 15, 1993 by and among Union Carbide Corporation, Union

           Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation and UCAR International Inc.
 2.16(1)   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of November 9, 1990 among Mitsubishi Corporation, Union
           Carbide Corporation and UCAR Carbon Company Inc.
 2.17(1)   [omitted]
 2.18(1)   Settlement Agreement dated as of November 30, 1993 among Mitsubishi Corporation, Union Carbide
           Corporation and UCAR Carbon Company Inc.
 2.19(1)   Transfer Agreement dated January 1, 1989 between Union Carbide Corporation and UCAR Carbon Company
           Inc.
 2.20(1)   Amendment No. 1 to such Transfer Agreement dated December 31, 1989
 2.21(1)   Amendment No. 2 to such Transfer Agreement dated as of July 2, 1990
 2.22(1)   Amendment No. 3 to such Transfer Agreement dated as of February 25, 1991
 2.23(1)   Amended and Restated Realignment Indemnification Agreement dated as of June 4, 1992 among Union
           Carbide Corporation, Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc., Union Carbide Industrial
           Gases Inc., UCAR Carbon Company Inc. and Union Carbide Coatings Service Corporation
 2.24(1)   Environmental Management Services and Liabilities Allocation Agreement dated as of January 1, 1990
           among Union Carbide Corporation, Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc., UCAR Carbon
           Company Inc., Union Carbide Industrial Gases Inc. and Union Carbide Coatings Service Corporation
 2.25(1)   Amendment No. 1 to such Environmental Management Services and Liabilities Allocation Agreement dated
           as of June 4, 1992
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- --------   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>        
 2.26      [omitted]
 2.27      [omitted]
 2.28(4)   Trade Name and Trademark License Agreement dated March 1, 1996 between Union Carbide Corporation and
           UCAR Carbon Technology Corporation
 2.29(1)   Employee Benefit Services and Liabilities Agreement dated January 1, 1990 between Union Carbide
           Corporation and UCAR Carbon Company Inc.
 2.30(1)   Amendment to such Employee Benefit Services and Liabilities Agreement dated January 15, 1991
 2.31(1)   Supplemental Agreement to such Employee Benefit Services and Liabilities Agreement dated February
           25, 1991
 2.32(1)   Letter Agreement dated December 31, 1990 among Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc.,
           UCAR Carbon Company Inc., Union Carbide Grafito, Inc. and Union Carbide Corporation
 2.33*     Form of Stock Repurchase Agreement among UCAR International Inc., Blackstone Capital Partners II
           Merchant Banking Fund L.P., Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P., Blackstone Family
           Investment Partnership II L.P. and Chase Equity Associates, L.P.
 3.1(3)    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of UCAR International Inc.
 3.2(3)    Amended and Restated By-Laws of UCAR International Inc.
 4.1(3)    Specimen certificate representing Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of UCAR International Inc.
 4.2(1)    Indenture dated as of January 15, 1995 among UCAR International Inc., UCAR Global Enterprises Inc.
           and the United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee
 5.1       Opinion of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP regarding the legality of the securities being registered
23.1       Consent of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2*      Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

24.1       Powers of Attorney (included on signature page)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------
   
* Filed herewith.
    
 
   
  Unless otherwise indicated, all exhibits have been previously filed.
    
 
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of UCAR
    International Inc. and UCAR Global Enterprises Inc. on for S-1 (File No.
    33-84850).
 
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant of Form
    10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of the registrant on
    Form S-1 (File No. 33-94698).
 
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form
    10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.
 
     (b) Financial Statement Schedules
 
   
     All schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or
the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or related
notes thereto.
    
 
                                      II-5

<PAGE>

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any
liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant's annual
report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where
applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,

unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
          (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of
     this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
     form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
          (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
     be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
     offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
     deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-6

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS REASONABLE GROUNDS TO BELIEVE THAT IT MEETS ALL OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR FILING ON FORM S-3 AND HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT TO THE
REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO
DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF DANBURY, STATE OF CONNECTICUT, ON THE 3RD DAY OF
APRIL, 1997.
    
 
                                          UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
   
                                          BY:        /s/ PETER B. MANCINO
                                             --------------------------------
                                             Title: Vice President
    
 
   
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS AMENDMENT
TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               SIGNATURES                                       TITLE                              DATE
- -----------------------------------------    -------------------------------------------    ------------------
<S>                                          <C>                                            <C>
                    *                        Chairman of the Board, President and Chief     April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------      Executive Officer 
             ROBERT P. KRASS                   (Principal Executive Officer)
 
                    *                        Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and    April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------      Treasurer (Principal Financial and
           WILLIAM P. WIEMELS                  Accounting Officer)
 
                    *                        Director                                       April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------    
            ROBERT D. KENNEDY
 
                    *                        Director                                       April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------    
              JOHN R. HALL
 
                    *                        Director                                       April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------    
            PETER G. PETERSON
</TABLE>
    

 
                                      II-7

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               SIGNATURES                                       TITLE                              DATE
- -----------------------------------------    -------------------------------------------    ------------------
<S>                                          <C>                                            <C>
                    *                        Director                                       April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------    
          STEPHEN A. SCHWARZMAN
 
                    *                        Director                                       April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------    
            GLENN H. HUTCHINS
 
                    *                        Director                                       April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------    
            HOWARD A. LIPSON
 
                    *                        Director                                       April 3, 1997
- -----------------------------------------    
           R. EUGENE CARTLEDGE
 
*By: /s/ PETER B. MANCINO
     ------------------------------------    
            ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-8

<PAGE>

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- --------   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>                                                                                          <C>
 1.1*      Form of Underwriting Agreement

 1.2*      Form of Subscription Agreement

 2.1(1)    Recapitalization and Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of November 14, 1994
             among Union Carbide Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, UCAR International Inc. and
             UCAR International Acquisition Inc. and Guaranty made by Blackstone Capital Partners II
             Merchant Banking Fund L.P. and Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P.

 2.2(2)    Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement dated as of February 29, 1996

 2.3(1)    Form of Management Common Stock Subscription Agreement

 2.4(3)    Form of Management Pledge and Security Agreement, together with form of Promissory Note

 2.5(2)    Amendment, Waiver and Release in connection with such Management Common Stock
             Subscription Agreements, Management Pledge and Security Agreements and Promissory Notes

 2.6(1)    Indemnification Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 among Mitsubishi Corporation,
             Union Carbide Corporation and UCAR International Inc.

 2.7(1)    Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR International
             Inc. and UCAR Holdings S.A.

 2.8(1)    Exchange Agreements made as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR International Inc. and UCAR
             Holdings II Inc.

 2.9(1)    Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR International
             Inc. and UCAR Inc.

 2.10(1)   Exchange Agreement made as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR Carbon Company Inc. and UCAR
             Holdings Inc.

 2.11(1)   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR Carbon
             Company Inc. and UCAR Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.

 2.12(1)   Exchange Agreement made as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR International Inc. and UCAR
             Global Enterprises Inc.

 2.13(1)   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January 26, 1995 between UCAR Carbon
             Company Inc. and Arapaima s.r.l.

 2.14(1)   Deed of Purchase and Sale of 528,999 Shares of UCAR Carbon Navarra S.L.


 2.15(1)   Exchange Agreement dated as of December 15, 1993 by and among Union Carbide Corporation,
             Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc., Mitsubishi Corporation and UCAR
             International Inc.

 2.16(1)   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of November 9, 1990 among Mitsubishi
             Corporation, Union Carbide Corporation and UCAR Carbon Company Inc.

 2.17(1)   [omitted]

 2.18(1)   Settlement Agreement dated as of November 30, 1993 among Mitsubishi Corporation, Union
             Carbide Corporation and UCAR Carbon Company Inc.

 2.19(1)   Transfer Agreement dated January 1, 1989 between Union Carbide Corporation and UCAR
             Carbon Company Inc.

 2.20(1)   Amendment No. 1 to such Transfer Agreement dated December 31, 1989

 2.21(1)   Amendment No. 2 to such Transfer Agreement dated as of July 2, 1990

 2.22(1)   Amendment No. 3 to such Transfer Agreement dated as of February 25, 1991
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                     DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- --------   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>                                                                                         <C>
 2.23(1)   Amended and Restated Realignment Indemnification Agreement dated as of June 4, 1992 among
             Union Carbide Corporation, Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Company Inc., Union
             Carbide Industrial Gases Inc., UCAR Carbon Company Inc. and Union Carbide Coatings
             Service Corporation

 2.24(1)   Environmental Management Services and Liabilities Allocation Agreement dated as of
             January 1, 1990 among Union Carbide Corporation, Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics
             Company Inc., UCAR Carbon Company Inc., Union Carbide Industrial Gases Inc. and Union
             Carbide Coatings Service Corporation

 2.25(1)   Amendment No. 1 to such Environmental Management Services and Liabilities Allocation
             Agreement dated as of June 4, 1992

 2.26      [omitted]

 2.27      [omitted]

 2.28(4)   Trade Name and Trademark License Agreement dated March 1, 1996 between Union Carbide
             Corporation and UCAR Carbon Technology Corporation

 2.29(1)   Employee Benefit Services and Liabilities Agreement dated January 1, 1990 between Union
             Carbide Corporation and UCAR Carbon Company Inc.


 2.30(1)   Amendment to such Employee Benefit Services and Liabilities Agreement dated January 15,
             1991

 2.31(1)   Supplemental Agreement to such Employee Benefit Services and Liabilities Agreement dated
             February 25, 1991

 2.32(1)   Letter Agreement dated December 31, 1990 among Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics
             Company Inc., UCAR Carbon Company Inc., Union Carbide Grafito, Inc. and Union Carbide
             Corporation

 2.33*     Form of Stock Repurchase Agreement among UCAR International Inc., Blackstone Capital
             Partners II Merchant Banking Fund L.P., Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P.
             Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P. and Chase Equity Associates, L.P.

 3.1(3)    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of UCAR International Inc.

 3.2(3)    Amended and Restated By-Laws of UCAR International Inc.

 4.1(3)    Specimen certificate representing Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of UCAR
             International Inc.

 4.2(1)    Indenture dated as of January 15, 1995 among UCAR International Inc., UCAR Global
             Enterprises Inc. and the United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee

 5.1       Opinion of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP regarding the legality of the securities being
             registered

23.1       Consent of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)

23.2*      Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

24.1       Powers of Attorney (included on signature page)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------
 
* Filed herewith.
 
   
  Unless otherwise indicated, all exhibits have been previously filed.
    
 
(1) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of UCAR
    International Inc. and UCAR Global Enterprises Inc. on for S-1 (File No.
    33-84850).
 
(2) Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of the registrant of Form
    10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
(3) Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement of the registrant on
    Form S-1 (File No. 33-94698).
 
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of the registrant on Form

    10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996.



<PAGE>

                                                                [Draft--3/28/97]

                                6,400,000 Shares

                             UCAR International Inc.

                         Common Stock ($0.01 par value)

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

                                                                 April [ ], 1997

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION
DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
THE NIKKO SECURITIES CO. INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  c/o  CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION ("CSFBC"),
       Eleven Madison Avenue
       New York, NY 10010


Dear Sirs:

        1. Introductory. Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant Banking Fund
L.P. ("BCP"), Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P. ("BOCP") and
Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II L.P. ("BFIP", and together with BCP
and BOCP, the "Selling Stockholders") propose severally to sell (the "U.S.
Offering") to the several underwriters named in Schedule A hereto (the
"Underwriters"), an aggregate of 5,120,000 outstanding shares (the "U.S. Firm
Securities") of the Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Securities"),
of UCAR International Inc., a Delaware corporation ("UCAR"). The Selling
Stockholders also propose severally to sell to the Underwriters, at the option
of the Underwriters and the Managers (as defined below), an aggregate of not
more than 660,958 additional outstanding Securities (the "Optional Securities")
as set forth below. The U.S. Firm Securities and the Optional Securities that
may be sold to the Underwriters (the "U.S. Optional Securities") are herein
collectively called the "U.S. Securities".

        It is understood that UCAR and the Selling Stockholders are concurrently
entering into a Subscription Agreement, dated the date hereof (the "Subscription
Agreement"), with Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited ("CSFBL") and the
other managers named therein (together with CSFBL, the "Managers"), relating to
the concurrent offering and sale (the "International Offering") by the Selling
Stockholders of an aggregate of 1,280,000 Securities (the "International Firm
Securities", which together with the Optional Securities that may be sold to the
Managers (the "International Optional Securities") are hereinafter called the
"International Securities") outside the United States and Canada. The U.S. Firm
Securities and the International Firm Securities are collectively referred to as
the "Firm Securities". The U.S. Securities and the International Securities are
collectively referred to as the "Offered Securities". To provide for the

coordination of their activities, the Underwriters and the Managers have entered
into an Agreement Between U.S. Underwriters and Managers which permits them,
among other things, to sell the Offered Securities to each other for purposes of
resale.



<PAGE>


                                                                    2

        2. Representations and Warranties of UCAR and the Selling Stockholders.
(a) UCAR represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the several Underwriters
as of the date hereof and as of each Closing Date (as defined below) that:

         (i) A registration statement (No. 333-23073) relating to the Offered
     Securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
     "Commission"). The registration statement contains two prospectuses to be
     used in connection with the offering and sale of the Offered Securities:
     the U.S. prospectus, to be used in connection with the U.S. Offering, and
     the international prospectus, to be used in connection with the
     International Offering. The international prospectus is identical to the
     U.S. prospectus except for the front and back covers, pages 2 and 3, the
     information appearing under "Subscription and Sale" on pages 33 to 35 and
     "Legal Matters" on page 35 and the deletion of the information under
     "Notice to Canadian Residents" on pages 35 to 36 of the U.S. prospectus and
     except that certain information has been reordered in the international
     prospectus. The registration statement either (A) has been declared
     effective under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") and is not proposed
     to be amended or (B) is proposed to be amended by amendment or
     post-effective amendment. If such registration statement (the "initial
     registration statement") has been declared effective, either (A) an
     additional registration statement relating to the Offered Securities (the
     "additional registration statement") may have been filed with the
     Commission pursuant to Rule 462(b) ("Rule 462(b)") under the Act and, if so
     filed, has become effective upon filing pursuant to such Rule and the
     Offered Securities all have been duly registered under the Act pursuant to
     the initial registration statement and, if applicable, the additional
     registration statement or (B) such an additional registration statement is
     proposed to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(b) and will
     become effective upon filing pursuant to such Rule and upon such filing the
     Offered Securities will all have been duly registered under the Act
     pursuant to the initial registration statement and such additional
     registration statement. If UCAR does not propose to amend the initial
     registration statement or, if an additional registration statement has been
     filed and UCAR does not propose to amend it, and if any post-effective
     amendment to either such registration statement has been filed with the
     Commission prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the most
     recent amendment (if any) to each such registration statement has been
     declared effective by the Commission or has become effective upon filing
     pursuant to Rule 462(c) ("Rule 462(c)") under the Act or, in the case of
     the additional registration statement, Rule 462(b). For purposes of this
     Agreement, "Effective Time" with respect to the initial registration

     statement or, if filed prior to the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement, the additional registration statement means (A) if UCAR has
     advised the Underwriters that it does not propose to amend such
     registration statement, the date and time as of which such registration
     statement, or the most recent post-effective amendment thereto (if any)
     filed prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, was declared
     effective by the Commission or has become effective upon filing pursuant to
     Rule 462(c), or (B) if UCAR has advised the Underwriters that it proposes
     to file an amendment or post-effective amendment to such registration
     statement, the date and time as of which such registration statement, as
     amended by such amendment or post-effective amendment, as the case may be,
     is declared effective by the Commission. If an additional registration
     statement has not been filed prior to the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement but UCAR has advised the Underwriters that it proposes to file
     one, "Effective Time" with respect to such additional registration
     statement means the date and time as of which such registration statement
     is filed and becomes effective pursuant to Rule 462(b). "Effective Date"
     with respect to the initial registration statement or the additional
     registration statement (if any) means the date of the Effective Time
     thereof. The initial registration statement, as amended at its Effective
     Time, including all material incorporated by reference therein and
     including all information (if any) contained in the additional registration
     statement and deemed to be a part of the initial registration statement as
     of the Effective Time of the additional registration statement pursuant to
     the General Instructions of the Form on which it is filed and including all
     information (if any) deemed to be a part of the initial registration
     statement as of its Effective Time pursuant to Rule 430A(b) ("Rule
     430A(b)") under the Act, is hereinafter referred to as the "Initial
     Registration Statement". The additional registration

<PAGE>

                                                                    3

     statement, as amended at its Effective Time, including the contents of the
     initial registration statement incorporated by reference therein and
     including all information (if any) deemed to be a part of the additional
     registration statement as of its Effective Time pursuant to Rule 430A(b),
     is hereinafter referred to as the "Additional Registration Statement". The
     Initial Registration Statement and the Additional Registration Statement
     are hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Registration Statements"
     and individually as a "Registration Statement". The form of U.S.
     prospectus, together with the form of international prospectus, relating to
     the Offered Securities, as first filed with the Commission pursuant to and
     in accordance with Rule 424(b) ("Rule 424(b)") under the Act or (if no such
     filing is required) as included in a Registration Statement, including all
     material incorporated by reference in such prospectus, is hereinafter
     referred to as the "Prospectus". No document has been or will be prepared
     or distributed in reliance on Rule 434 under the Act.

         (ii) If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement: (A) on the Effective
     Date of the Initial Registration Statement, the Initial Registration
     Statement conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act

     and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission ("Rules and
     Regulations") and did not include any untrue statement of a material fact
     or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading, (B) on the Effective Date of
     the Additional Registration Statement (if any), each Registration Statement
     conformed, or will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of
     the Act and the Rules and Regulations and did not include, or will not
     include, any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit, or will
     not omit, to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading and (C) on the date of this
     Agreement, the Initial Registration Statement and, if the Effective Time of
     the Additional Registration Statement is prior to the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement, the Additional Registration Statement, each
     conforms, and at the time of filing of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule
     424(b) or (if no such filing is required) at the Effective Date of the
     Additional Registration Statement in which the Prospectus is included, each
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform, in all material
     respects to the requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations, and
     neither of such documents includes, or will include, any untrue statement
     of a material fact or omits, or will omit, to state any material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
     in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
     If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is subsequent
     to the execution and delivery of this Agreement: on the Effective Date of
     the Initial Registration Statement, the Initial Registration Statement and
     the Prospectus will conform in all material respects to the requirements of
     the Act and the Rules and Regulations and neither of such documents will
     include any untrue statement of a material fact or will omit to state any
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
     made, not misleading, and no Additional Registration Statement has been or
     will be filed. The two preceding sentences do not apply to statements in or
     omissions from a Registration Statement or Prospectus based upon written
     information furnished to UCAR by any Underwriter through CSFBC specifically
     for use therein (the "Excluded Information"), and the Underwriters confirm
     that the Excluded Information provided by them is correct. The parties
     acknowledge and agree that the Excluded Information consists solely of: in
     the case of the U.S. prospectus and the Registration Statement, the last
     paragraph at the bottom of the front cover page concerning the terms of the
     U.S. Offering by the Underwriters, the legend concerning tansactions that
     stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Securities on the
     third page and the information contained in the fifth paragraph, sixth
     paragraph, the seventh paragraph, the eighth paragraph, the ninth
     paragraph, the twelfth paragraph and the thirteenth paragraph appearing
     under the caption Underwriting in the U.S. prospectus.

<PAGE>


                                                                               4

         (iii) UCAR has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a

     corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, is
     duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign
     corporation in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of
     property or the conduct of its businesses requires such qualification,
     except where the failure to so qualify would not have, singularly or in the
     aggregate, a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or
     otherwise), results of operations, business or prospects of UCAR and its
     subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "Material Adverse Effect") and has all
     corporate power and authority necessary to own or hold its respective
     properties and to conduct the businesses in which it is engaged as
     described in the Prospectus.

         (iv) Each subsidiary of UCAR and EMSA (Pty.) Ltd. ("EMSA") has been
     duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
     (or the equivalent, in the case of any foreign subsidiary) under the laws
     of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, is duly qualified to do business
     and is in good standing (or the equivalent, in the case of any foreign
     subsidiary) in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of
     property or the conduct of its businesses requires such qualification,
     except where the failure to so qualify or be in good standing (or the
     equivalent, in the case of any foreign subsidiary) would not have,
     singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and has all
     corporate power and authority necessary to own or hold its respective
     properties and to conduct the businesses in which it is engaged as
     described in the Prospectus.

         (v) UCAR has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the
     Prospectus, and all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of
     UCAR, EMSA, Carbographite Limited ("CL") and any direct or indirect
     subsidiary of UCAR (each, a "UCAR Group Member" and, collectively, the
     "UCAR Group") have been (in the case of each of EMSA and CL, to the extent
     of the shares owned directly or indirectly by UCAR) duly and validly
     authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable (or the
     equivalent thereof under analogous foreign principles of corporate law).

         (vi) UCAR owns all the outstanding shares of the capital stock of UCAR
     Global Enterprises Inc. ("Global"); and, except as disclosed in the
     Prospectus, Global owns, directly or indirectly, (1) all the outstanding
     shares of capital stock of each of Global's subsidiaries (other than UCAR
     Carbon S.A. and its subsidiaries, in respect of which Global indirectly
     owns approximately 94% of the outstanding shares of its capital stock, UCAR
     Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. and its subsidiaries in respect of which Global
     indirectly owns more than 99% of the outstanding shares of its capital
     stock, UCAR Holdings S.A., Itapira Brasil Investimentos E Participacoes
     Ltd. and UCAR Limited, as to which qualifying shares totaling less than 1%
     are held by nominees, UCAR Grafit OAO ("Grafit"), in respect of which
     Global indirectly owns approximately 90% of the outstanding shares of its
     capital stock, Carbone Savoie S.A.S. ("Carbone Savoie"), in respect of
     which Global indirectly owns 70% of the outstanding shares of its capital
     stock, and UCAR Elektroden GmbH ("Elektroden"), in respect of which Global
     indirectly owns approximately 70% of the outstanding shares of its capital
     stock), and (2) 50% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of EMSA and
     CL, in each case, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, free and clear of
     any lien, and, except for rights of first refusal on transfers of capital

     stock of EMSA, Carbone Savoie, Elektroden and CL, there are no rights
     granted to, or in favor of, any person to acquire any such capital stock,
     any additional capital stock or any other securities of any such
     subsidiary, EMSA or CL.

         (vii) Each of this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement dated April [ ], 1997 (the "Stock Repurchase
     Agreement"), among UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and Chase Equity
     Associates, L.P. has been duly authorized and validly executed and
     delivered by UCAR and, assuming due execution and delivery by the other
     parties thereto, constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of UCAR,
     enforceable against UCAR in accordance with its terms, subject to
     applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent
     transfer and similar laws affecting creditors' rights

<PAGE>

                                                                    5


     and remedies generally and to general principles of equity (regardless
     of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in equity).

         (viii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
     Subscription Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement and the sale of
     the Offered Securities and compliance with the terms and provisions hereof
     and thereof will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms
     and provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement or
     instrument to which UCAR is a party or by which UCAR is bound or to which
     any of the properties of UCAR is subject, except where such breach,
     violation or default (individually or in the aggregate) would not have a
     Material Adverse Effect. UCAR has the corporate power and authority to
     execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and
     the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

         (ix) Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there are no contracts,
     agreements or understandings between UCAR and any person granting such
     person the right to require UCAR to file a registration statement under the
     Act with respect to any securities of UCAR owned or to be owned by such
     person or to require UCAR to include such securities in the securities
     registered pursuant to a Registration Statement or in any securities being
     registered pursuant to any other registration statement filed by UCAR under
     the Act.

         (x) KPMG Peat Marwick LLP are independent certified public accountants
     with respect to the UCAR Group under Rule 101 of AICPA's Code of
     Professional Conduct and its interpretations and rulings. The historical
     financial statements (including the related notes) included in the
     Prospectus comply in all material respects with the requirements applicable
     to a registration statement on Form S-3 and have been prepared, and present
     fairly in all material respects the financial position of the UCAR Group at
     the respective dates indi cated and the results of its operations and its
     cash flows for the respective periods indicated, in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied throughout

     such periods except as described in the notes to such financial statements;
     and the financial information and financial data set forth (a) in the
     Prospectus under the captions "Summary-- Summary Financial and Operating
     Data", "Capitalization" and "Selected Consolidated Financial Data", (b) in
     Items 6, 8 and 10 of UCAR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 1996 (the "UCAR 10-K") and (c) in UCAR's Notice of Meeting and
     Proxy Statement for the 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "UCAR
     Proxy") together in each case with the notes applicable thereto, are
     derived from the accounting records of the UCAR Group and fairly present in
     all material respects the data purported to be shown. The other historical
     financial and statistical information and data included in the Prospectus
     are, in all material respects, fairly presented.

         (xi) There are no pending actions or suits or judicial, arbitral,
     rule-making or other administrative or other proceedings to which any UCAR
     Group Member is a party or of which any property or assets of any UCAR
     Group Member is the subject which, singularly or in the aggregate, are
     reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect; and to the best of
     UCAR's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by
     governmental authorities or threatened by others.

         (xii) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with,
     any governmental agency or body or any court is required with respect to
     UCAR for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement, the Subscription Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement in
     connection with the sale or repurchase of the Offered Securities, except
     such as have been obtained and made under the Act and such as may be
     required under state securities laws or the requirements of the National
     Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").

         (xiii) No UCAR Group Member (a) is in violation of its charter, by-laws
     or other constituent documents, (b) is in default in any respect, and no
     event has occurred which, with

<PAGE>


                                                                    6

     notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default, in the due
     performance or observance of any term, covenant or condition contained in
     any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other material
     agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it is bound or
     to which any of its property or assets is subject or (c) is in violation in
     any respect of any law, ordinance, governmental rule, regulation or court
     decree to which it or its property or assets may be subject, except any
     violation or default under clauses (b) or (c) that would not have a
     Material Adverse Effect.

         (xiv) Each UCAR Group Member possesses all material licenses,
     certificates, authorizations and permits issued by, and has made all
     material declarations and filings with, the appropriate state, federal or
     foreign regulatory agencies or bodies which are necessary for the ownership
     of its respective properties or the conduct of its respective businesses as

     described in the Prospectus, except where the failure to possess or make
     the same would not have, singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
     Effect; no UCAR Group Member has received notification of any revocation or
     modification of any such material license, authorization or permit; and
     each UCAR Group Member reasonably believes that each such material license,
     certificate, authorization or permit will be renewed in the ordinary
     course.

         (xv) Neither UCAR nor Global is, nor, after giving effect to the
     offering and sale of the Offered Securities and the application of the
     proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectus, will either be, an
     "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an investment company
     within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
     "Investment Company Act"), and the rules and regulations of the Commission
     thereunder.

         (xvi) Each UCAR Group Member owns or possesses adequate rights to use
     all material patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade
     names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights,
     licenses and know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented or
     unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or
     procedures) necessary for the conduct of its businesses, has no reason to
     believe that the conduct of its businesses will conflict with any such
     rights of others which might reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect and has not received any notice of any claim of conflict
     with any such rights of others which claim has a reasonable basis and, if
     successful, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         (xvii) Each UCAR Group Member has good and marketable title in fee
     simple to, or has valid rights to lease or otherwise use, all items of real
     or personal property which are material to its business, in each case
     except as disclosed in the Prospectus, free and clear of all liens that can
     reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect, in each case
     except as disclosed in the Prospectus.

         (xviii) No labor disturbance or dispute by the employees of any UCAR
     Group Member exists or, to the best of UCAR's knowledge, is contemplated,
     which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         (xix) There has been no storage, generation, transportation, handling,
     treatment, disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind of
     toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances by, due to or caused by
     any UCAR Group Member (or, to the best of UCAR's knowledge, any other
     entity for whose acts or omissions any UCAR Group Member is or may
     reasonably be expected to be liable) upon any of the property now or
     previously owned or leased by any UCAR Group Member, or upon any other
     property, (i) in violation of any applicable statute, ordinance, rule,
     regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit or (ii) in a manner which
     would, under any applicable statute, ordinance, rule (including rule of
     common law), regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit, give rise to
     any liability, except in the case of both clauses (i) and (ii) for any
     violation or liability which would not have, singularly or in the aggregate
     with all such violations and liabilities, a Material Adverse Effect; there
     has been no disposal, discharge, emission or other release of



<PAGE>

                                                                    7

     any kind onto such property or into the environment surrounding such
     property of any toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances with
     respect to which UCAR has knowledge, except for any such disposal,
     discharge, emission or other release of any kind which would not have,
     singularly or in the aggregate with all such disposals, discharges,
     emissions and other releases, a Material Adverse Effect.

         (xx) Since the date as of which information is given in the Prospectus,
     except as otherwise stated therein, (A) there has occurred no event which
     has had a Material Adverse Effect or any development that can reasonably be
     expected (under current or reasonably anticipated future economic industry
     or other relevant conditions) to result in a Material Adverse Effect,
     whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, (B) there have
     been no transactions entered into by any UCAR Group Member, other than
     those in the ordinary course of business, which are material with respect
     to the UCAR Group and (C) there has been no dividend or distribution of any
     kind declared, paid or made by UCAR on any class of its capital stock.

         (xxi) Other than as contemplated by this Agreement or the Subscription
     Agreement or as disclosed in the Prospectus, there is no broker, finder or
     other party that is entitled to receive: (a) from UCAR or any of its
     subsidiaries any brokerage or finder's fee or other fee or commission as a
     result of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the
     Subscription Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement; or (b) from any
     Underwriter or Manager or any affiliate thereof any brokerage or finder's
     fee or other fee or commission as a result of UCAR or any of its
     subsidiaries or, to the best of UCAR's knowledge, any of the Selling
     Stockholders entering into any agreement or arrangement relating to, or in
     connection with, any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
     the Subscription Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

         (xxii) The Offered Securities and all other outstanding shares of
     capital stock of UCAR have been duly authorized; and all outstanding shares
     of capital stock of UCAR are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
     and conform to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus. Except
     as disclosed in the Prospectus, the stockholders of UCAR have no preemptive
     rights with respect to the Securities.

         (xxiii) The Offered Securities are listed on the New York Stock
     Exchange.

         (xxiv) There are no restrictions contained in any stockholder
     agreement, stock option plan or related agreement, subscription agreement
     or any similar plan or agreement, relating to the sale of Securities by
     existing stockholders of the Company.

        (b) Each Selling Stockholder severally represents and warrants to, and
agrees with, the several Underwriters that:


         (i) Such Selling Stockholder has and on each Closing Date hereinafter
     mentioned will have valid and unencumbered title to the Offered Securities
     to be delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder on such Closing
     Date, and full right, power and authority (as applicable) to enter into
     this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the Stock Repurchase
     Agreement and to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Offered Securities
     to be delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder on such Closing
     Date hereunder; and upon the delivery of and payment for the Offered
     Securities to be delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder on
     each such Closing Date hereunder, assuming the several Underwriters acquire
     such Offered Securities in good faith and without notice of any adverse
     claim within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code ("UCC"), the
     several Underwriters will acquire valid and unencumbered title to the
     Offered Securities to be delivered by or on behalf of such Selling
     Stockholder on such Closing Date hereunder.

<PAGE>


                                                                    8

          (ii) Such Selling Stockholder has been duly organized as a limited
     partnership and is in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
     which it was organized. Such jurisdictions are the State of Delaware, in
     the case of BCP, the Cayman Islands, in the case of BOCP, and the State of
     Delaware, in the case of BFIP.

          (iii) (A) The Stockholder Information and the Supplemental Stockholder
     Information does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
     omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
     to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they
     were made, not misleading, and (B) it is familiar with the Registration
     Statement and Prospectus (including, in each case, any amendment or
     supplement thereto), and has no knowledge of any untrue statement of a
     material fact therein, and has no knowledge of any omission to state any
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were
     made, not misleading. The parties acknowledge and agree that "Stockholder
     Information" consists solely of: (A) the information in the first paragraph
     on front cover of the Prospectus relating to the Retained Interest (as
     defined in the Prospectus); (B) the information in the Prospectus under the
     caption "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for Future Sale" concerning the
     Retained Interest and resales of Securities included in the Retained
     Interest; (C) the biographical information with respect to Peter G.
     Peterson ("Peterson"), Stephen A. Schwarzman ("Schwarzman"), Glenn H.
     Hutchins ("Hutchins") and Howard A. Lipson ("Lipson") under the caption
     "Management" in the Prospectus, under the caption "Election of
     Directors--Nominees" in the UCAR Proxy and in Items 10 to 13 inclusive of
     the UCAR 10-K, and the information concerning Peterson, Schwarzman,
     Hutchins and Lipson in the second paragraph under the caption "Management"
     in the Prospectus; (D) the information with respect to beneficial ownership
     of Securities by Blackstone Management Associates II LLC, the Selling
     Stockholders, Peterson, Schwarzman, Hutchins and Lipson under the caption

     "Selling Stockholders" in the Prospectus and under the caption "Election of
     Directors--Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners"
     in the UCAR Proxy; and (E) the information in the Prospectus under the
     caption "Selling Stockholders" relating to the Principal Retained Interest
     (as defined in the Prospectus), the Limited Partner Retained Interest (as
     defined in the Prospectus) and the Retained Interest. The parties further
     acknowledge and agree that "Supplemental Stockholder Information" consists
     solely of: (A) the information in the first paragraph on front cover of the
     Prospectus relating to the Blackstone Share Repurchase (as defined in the
     Prospectus) and (B) the information in the Prospectus under the caption
     "Selling Stockholders" relating to the Stockholders' Agreement (as defined
     in the Prospectus) and the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

          (iv) Each of this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized and validly executed and
     delivered by such Selling Stockholder and, assuming due execution and
     delivery by the other parties thereto, constitutes a valid and legally
     binding agreement of such Selling Stockholder, enforceable against such
     Selling Stockholder in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable
     bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and
     similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally and to
     general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought
     in a proceeding at law or in equity).

          (v) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or filing with,
     any governmental agency or body or any court or arbitrator or by any court
     or arbitrator is required to be obtained by such Selling Stockholder for
     the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the
     Subscription Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement in connection with
     the sale of the Securities by such Selling Stockholder, except such as have
     been obtained and made under the Act and such as may be required under
     state securities laws or the requirements of the NASD, and except such as
     have no material effect on the consummation of the transactions
     contemplated by this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement or the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement.



<PAGE>


                                                                    9

          (vi) The sale of the Offered Securities, the execution, delivery and
     performance of this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein and
     therein contemplated and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof,
     will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions
     of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument to
     which such Selling Stockholder is a party or by which such Selling
     Stockholder is bound or to which any of the properties of such Selling
     Stockholder is subject, or the agreement of limited partnership or articles
     of partnership of such Selling Stockholder, except in each case where such
     breach, violation or default has no material effect on the consummation of

     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement
     or the Stock Repurchase Agreement, and such Selling Stockholder has full
     partnership power and authority to sell the Securities to be sold by it as
     contemplated by this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement or the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement, respectively.

          (vii) The sale of the relevant Offered Securities by such Selling
     Stockholder, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
     Subscription Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement by such Selling
     Stockholder and the consummation by such Selling Stockholder of the
     transactions herein and therein contemplated and the fulfillment by such
     Selling Stockholder of the terms hereof and thereof, will not result in a
     breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of any statute or
     any rule, regulation or order applicable to such Selling Stockholder of any
     governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having
     jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder or any of its properties.

          (viii) Other than as contemplated by this Agreement or the
     Subscription Agreement or as disclosed in the Prospectus, such Selling
     Stockholder has not agreed with any broker, finder or other party that any
     such party is entitled to receive from such Selling Stockholder or any of
     its subsidiaries any brokerage or finder's fee or other fee or commission
     as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the
     Subscription Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement; nor, to such
     Selling Stockholder's knowledge, without independent inquiry, is there any
     broker, finder or other party that is entitled to receive from any
     Underwriter or Manager or any affiliate thereof any brokerage or finder's
     fee or other fee or commission as a result of such Selling Stockholder or
     any of its subsidiaries or UCAR or any of its subsidiaries entering into
     any agreement or arrangement relating to, or in connection with, any of the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement or
     the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

          (ix) Such Selling Stockholder has not taken and will not take,
     directly or indirectly, any action designed to or which has constituted or
     which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under the Exchange
     Act or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any
     security of UCAR to facilitate the sale or resale of the Offered Securities
     and has not effected any purchases or sales of Securities, except as
     disclosed in the Prospectus and as contemplated by this Agreement or the
     Subscription Agreement.

        3. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of Offered Securities. On the basis of
the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to
the terms and conditions herein set forth, each Selling Stockholder agrees,
severally and not jointly, to sell to the Underwriters, and each Underwriter
agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from each Selling Stockholder, at
a purchase price of $[ ] per share, that number of U.S. Firm Securities (rounded
up or down, as determined by CSFBC in its discretion, in order to avoid
fractions) obtained by multiplying the number of U.S. Firm Securities set forth
opposite the name of such Selling Stockholder in Schedule B hereto by a fraction
the numerator of which is the number of U.S. Firm Securities set forth opposite
the name of such Underwriter in Schedule A hereto and the denominator of which
is the total number of U.S. Firm Securities.




<PAGE>


                                                                    10

        Each of the Selling Stockholders will deliver the U.S. Firm Securities
to be sold by it to CSFBC for the accounts of the Underwriters, against payment
of the purchase price by certified or official bank check or checks in Federal
(same-day) funds or by wire transfer to an account previously designated to
CSFBC at a bank acceptable to CSFBC drawn in the proper amounts to the
respective order of each of the Selling Stockholders, at the office of Cravath,
Swaine & Moore ("Underwriters' Counsel"), at 10:00 A.M., New York time, on April
[ ], 1997, or at such other time not later than seven full business days
thereafter as CSFBC, UCAR and the Selling Stockholders determine, such time
being herein referred to as the "First Closing Date". For purposes of Rule
15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, the First Closing Date (if later than the
applicable settlement date) shall be the settlement date for payment of funds
and delivery of securities for all the Offered Securities sold pursuant to the
offering. The certificates for the U.S. Firm Securities so to be delivered will
be in definitive form, in such denominations and registered in such names as
CSFBC requests upon reasonable notice and will be made available for checking
and packaging at the above office of Underwriters' Counsel at least 24 hours
prior to the First Closing Date.

        In addition, upon written notice from CSFBC given to UCAR and BCP from
time to time not more than 30 days subsequent to the date of the Prospectus, the
Underwriters and the Managers may purchase all or less than all of the Optional
Securities at the purchase price per Security to be paid for the U.S. Firm
Securities. Each of the Selling Stockholders agrees, severally and not jointly,
to sell to the Underwriters the respective numbers of Optional Securities
obtained by multiplying the number of Optional Securities specified in such
notice by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares set forth
opposite the Selling Stockholders' respective names in Schedule B hereto under
the caption "Number of U.S. Optional Securities to be Sold" and the denominator
of which is the total number of Optional Securities (subject to adjustment by
CSFBC to eliminate fractions). Such U.S. Optional Securities shall be purchased
from the Selling Stockholders for the account of each Underwriter in the same
proportion as the number of U.S. Firm Securities set forth opposite such
Underwriter's name bears to the total number of U.S. Firm Securities (subject to
adjustment by CSFBC to eliminate fractions) and may be purchased by the
Underwriters only for the purpose of covering over-allotments made in connection
with the sale of the U.S. Firm Securities. No Optional Securities shall be sold
or delivered unless the U.S. Firm Securities and the International Firm
Securities previously have been, or simultaneously are, sold and delivered. The
right to purchase the Optional Securities or any portion thereof may be
exercised from time to time and to the extent not previously exercised may be
surrendered and terminated at any time upon notice by CSFBC to UCAR and BCP.

        Each time for the delivery of and payment for the U.S. Optional
Securities, being herein referred to as an "Optional Closing Date", which may be
the First Closing Date (the First Closing Date and each Optional Closing Date,

if any, being sometimes referred to as a "Closing Date"), shall be determined by
CSFBC but shall, unless it is the First Closing Date, be not later than seven or
sooner than three full business days after written notice of election to
purchase Optional Securities is given. Each of the Selling Stockholders will
deliver the U.S. Optional Securities being purchased from it on each Optional
Closing Date to CSFBC for the accounts of the several Underwriters, against
payment of the purchase price therefor by certified or official bank check or
checks in Federal (same-day) funds or by wire transfer to an account previously
designated to CSFBC at a bank acceptable to CSFBC drawn in the proper amounts to
the respective order of each of the Selling Stockholders at the office of
Underwriters' Counsel. The certificates for the U.S. Optional Securities being
purchased on each Optional Closing Date will be in definitive form, in such
denominations and registered in such names as CSFBC requests upon reasonable
notice prior to such Optional Closing Date and will be made available for
checking and packaging at the office of Underwriters' Counsel at a reasonable
time in advance of such Optional Closing Date.

        None of the Selling Stockholders shall be obligated to deliver any Firm
Securities or any Optional Securities to be purchased from it except upon
payment for all the Firm Securities and, if applicable, Optional Securities to
be purchased from it on the relevant Closing Date.



<PAGE>


                                                                    11

        4. Offering by Underwriters. It is understood that the several
Underwriters propose to offer the U.S. Securities for sale to the public as set
forth in the U.S. prospectus.

        5. Certain Agreements of UCAR and the Selling Stockholders.

        (a) UCAR agrees with the several Underwriters and the Selling
Stockholders that:

          (i) If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, UCAR will file the
     Prospectus with the Commission pursuant to and in accordance with
     subparagraph (1) (or, if applicable and if consented to by CSFBC,
     subparagraph (4)) of Rule 424(b) not later than the earlier of (A) the
     second business day following the execution and delivery of this Agreement
     or (B) the fifteenth business day after the Effective Date of the Initial
     Registration Statement. UCAR will advise CSFBC promptly of any such filing
     pursuant to Rule 424(b). If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration
     Statement is prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and an
     additional registration statement is necessary to register a portion of the
     Offered Securities under the Act but the Effective Time thereof has not
     occurred as of such execution and delivery, UCAR will file the additional
     registration statement or, if filed, will file a post-effective amendment
     thereto with the Commission pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 462(b)
     on or prior to 10:00 P.M., New York time, on the date of this Agreement or,

     if earlier, on or prior to the time the Prospectus is printed and
     distributed to any Underwriter, or will make such filing at such later date
     as shall have been consented to by CSFBC.

          (ii) UCAR will advise CSFBC and the Selling Stockholders promptly of
     any proposal to amend or supplement the Initial Registration Statement, the
     Additional Registration Statement (if any) or the Prospectus and will not
     effect such amendment or supplementation without CSFBC's consent (which
     shall not be unreasonably withheld) or without giving the Underwriters a
     reasonable opportunity to comment thereon; UCAR will also advise CSFBC and
     the Selling Stockholders promptly of the effectiveness of each Registration
     Statement (if its Effective Time is subsequent to the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement) and of any amendment or supplementation of a
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus and of the institution by the
     Commission of any stop order proceedings in respect of a Registration
     Statement and will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to prevent
     the issuance of any such stop order and to obtain as soon as possible its
     lifting, if issued.

          (iii) If, at any time when a prospectus relating to the Offered
     Securities is required to be delivered under the Act in connection with
     sales by any Underwriter or dealer, any event occurs as a result of which
     the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary
     to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under
     which they were made, not misleading, or if it is necessary at any time to
     amend the Prospectus to comply with the Act, UCAR shall promptly notify
     CSFBC and the Selling Stockholders of such event and will promptly prepare
     and file with the Commission, at its own expense, an amendment or
     supplement which will correct such statement or omission or an amendment
     which will effect such compliance. Neither CSFBC's consent to, nor the
     Underwriters' delivery of, any such amendment or supplement shall
     constitute a waiver of any of the conditions set forth in Section 6.

          (iv) As soon as practicable, but not later than the Availability Date
     (as defined below), UCAR will make generally available to its
     securityholders an earnings statement covering a period of at least 12
     months beginning after the Effective Date of the Initial Registration
     Statement (or, if later, the Effective Date of the Additional Registration
     Statement) which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act
     and Rule 158 thereunder. For the purpose of the preceding sentence,
     "Availability Date" means the 45th day after the end of the fourth fiscal
     quarter following the fiscal quarter that includes such Effective Date,
     except



<PAGE>


                                                                    12

     that, if such fourth fiscal quarter is the last quarter of UCAR's fiscal
     year, "Availability Date" means the 90th day after the end of such fourth

     fiscal quarter.

          (v) UCAR will furnish to the Underwriters copies of each Registration
     Statement (five of which will be signed and will include all exhibits),
     each related preliminary prospectus, and, so long as a prospectus relating
     to the Offered Securities is required to be delivered under the Act in
     connection with sales by any Underwriter or dealer, the U.S. prospectus and
     all amendments and supplements to such documents, in each case as soon as
     available and in such quantities as CSFBC reasonably requests. The
     Prospectus shall be so furnished on or prior to 10:00 A.M., New York time,
     on the business day following the later of the execution and delivery of
     this Agreement or the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement.
     All other such documents shall be so furnished as soon as available. UCAR
     will pay the expenses of printing and distributing to the Underwriters all
     such documents.

          (vi) UCAR will cooperate with the Underwriters and Underwriters'
     Counsel to arrange for the qualification of the Offered Securities for sale
     under the laws of such jurisdictions as CSFBC reasonably designates and
     will continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for the
     distribution; provided, that in no event shall UCAR be obligated to qualify
     to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to
     take any action which would subject it to general service of process in any
     jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.

          (vii) During the period of five years hereafter: (x) UCAR will furnish
     to the Underwriters, as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal
     year, a copy of its annual report to stockholders for such year; and (y)
     UCAR will furnish to the Underwriters (i) as soon as available, a copy of
     each report or definitive proxy statement of UCAR filed with the Commission
     under the Exchange Act or mailed to stockholders and (ii) from time to
     time, such other information concerning UCAR as CSFBC may reasonably
     request, provided that the requirements of this paragraph (a)(vii) shall
     terminate if UCAR is no longer subject to the periodic reporting
     requirements of the Exchange Act.

          (viii) UCAR will pay all expenses incident to the performance of its
     obligations under this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement, including
     the cost of printing documents (including the Registration Statement and
     Prospectus), and will reimburse the Underwriters for any filing fees and
     other expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel)
     incurred by them in connection with qualification of the Offered Securities
     for sale under the laws described in Section 5(a)(vi) and the printing of
     memoranda relating thereto, for the filing fee of the NASD relating to the
     Offered Securities, for any travel expenses of UCAR's officers and
     employees and any other expenses of UCAR in connection with attending or
     hosting meetings with prospective purchasers of the Offered Securities and
     for expenses incurred in distributing preliminary prospectuses and the
     Prospectus (including any amendments and supplements thereto) to the
     Underwriters.

          (ix) For a period of 90 days after the date of commencement of the
     public offering of the Offered Securities, UCAR will not offer, sell,
     contract to sell, announce its intention to sell, pledge, hypothecate,

     grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of, directly or
     indirectly, or file with the Commission a registration statement under the
     Act (other than on Form S-8 or Form S-3 (but only relating to resales of
     securities as described in the general instructions to Form S-8) and other
     than those filed in connection with an acquisition permitted by clause (iv)
     below) relating to, any additional Securities or securities convertible
     into or exchangeable or exercisable for Securities, or publicly disclose
     the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing,
     without the prior written consent of CSFBC, except (i) sales and issuances
     of Securities pursuant to the UCAR Carbon Savings Plan (which is described
     in Note 14 to UCAR's Consolidated Financial Statements included in the
     Prospectus), (ii) grants of employee stock options and other awards
     pursuant to the terms of a plan in effect on the date hereof or described
     in the Prospectus, (iii) sales and



<PAGE>


                                                                    13

     issuances of Securities pursuant to the exercise of such options or awards
     or the exercise of any other employee stock options or awards outstanding
     on the date hereof and (iv) sales and issuances of Securities in connection
     with the acquisitions of businesses, companies or assets by a member of the
     UCAR Group so long as the recipients of such shares are subject to the
     restrictions of this Section 5(a)(ix) until the expiration of such 90 day
     period.

        (b) Each of the Selling Stockholders severally agrees with the several
Underwriters that for a period of 45 days after the date of commencement of the
public offering of the Offered Securities, such Selling Stockholder will not
offer, sell, contract to sell, announce its intention to sell, pledge,
hypothecate, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of, directly or
indirectly, any additional Securities or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Securities (including without limitation,
Securities beneficially owned by such Selling Stockholder in accordance with the
Rules and Regulations, other than those beneficially owned by any other Selling
Stockholder), or publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale,
pledge or disposition, without the prior written consent of CSFBC, except that
each of the Selling Stockholders may transfer or otherwise distribute any of the
Securities owned by it on the date hereof to its general partners or limited
partners, provided that each such general partner or limited partner agrees in
writing to be bound by the provisions of this subsection (b) as if such partner
were a Selling Stockholder hereunder.

        6. Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters. The obligations of
the several Underwriters to purchase and pay for the U.S. Firm Securities on the
First Closing Date and to purchase and pay for the U.S. Optional Securities on
each Optional Closing Date will be subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties on the part of UCAR and the Selling Stockholders
herein, to the accuracy of the certificates of UCAR officers and Selling
Stockholders delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by

UCAR and the Selling Stockholders of their respective obligations hereunder and
to the following additional conditions precedent:

          (a) The Underwriters shall have received a letter, dated the date of
     delivery thereof (which, if the Effective Time of the Initial Registration
     Statement is prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall
     be on or prior to the date of this Agreement or, if the Effective Time of
     the Initial Registration Statement is subsequent to the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement, shall be prior to the filing of the amendment
     or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statements to be filed
     shortly prior to such Effective Time), of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP confirming
     that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of the Act
     and the applicable published Rules and Regulations thereunder and stating
     in effect that:

               (i) in their opinion the financial statements and schedules
          examined by them and included in the Registration Statements comply in
          form in all material respects with the applicable accounting
          requirements of the Act and the related published Rules and
          Regulations;

               (ii) on the basis of a reading of the latest available interim
          financial statements of UCAR, inquiries of officials of UCAR who have
          responsibility for financial and accounting matters and other
          specified procedures, nothing came to their attention that caused them
          to believe that:

                    (A) at the date of the latest available balance sheet read
               by such accountants, and at a subsequent specified date not more
               than three business days prior to the date of delivery of such
               letter, there was any change in the capital stock or any increase
               in consolidated short-term indebtedness or long-term debt of UCAR
               and its subsidiaries or any decreases in consolidated net current
               assets (working capital) or stockholders' equity, as compared
               with amounts shown on the latest balance sheet included in the
               Prospectus; or



<PAGE>


                                                                    14


                    (B) for the period from the closing date of the latest
               income statement in the Prospectus to the closing date of the
               latest available income statement read by such accountants, there
               were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding period of
               the previous year, in consolidated net sales, consolidated income
               before extraordinary items or net income; except in all cases set
               forth in clauses (A) and (B) above for changes, increases or
               decreases which are described in such letter; and


               (iii) they have compared specified dollar amounts (or percentages
          derived from such dollar amounts) and other financial information
          contained in the Registration Statements (in each case to the extent
          that such dollar amounts, percentages and other financial information
          are derived from the general accounting records of UCAR and its
          subsidiaries subject to the internal controls of UCAR's accounting
          system or are derived directly from such records by analysis or
          computation) with the results obtained from inquiries, a reading of
          such general accounting records and other procedures specified in such
          letter and have found such dollar amounts, percentages and other
          financial information to be in agreement with such results, except as
          otherwise specified in such letter. All financial statements included
          in material incorporated by reference into the Prospectus shall be
          deemed included in the Registration Statements for purposes of this
          subsection.

     For purposes of this subsection, (i) if the Effective Time of the Initial
     Registration Statement is subsequent to the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement, "Registration Statements" shall mean the initial registration
     statement as proposed to be amended by the amendment or post-effective
     amendment to be filed shortly prior to its Effective Time, (ii) if the
     Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is prior to the
     execution and delivery of this Agreement but the Effective Time of the
     Additional Registration is subsequent to such execution and delivery,
     "Registration Statements" shall mean the Initial Registration Statement and
     the Additional Registration Statement as proposed to be filed or as
     proposed to be amended by the post-effective amendment to be filed shortly
     prior to its Effective Time, and (iii) "Prospectus" shall mean the
     prospectus included in the Registration Statements.

          (b) If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is not
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, such Effective Time
     shall have occurred not later than 12:00 P.M., New York time, on April [ ],
     1997, or such later date as shall have been consented to by CSFBC. If the
     Effective Time of the Additional Registration Statement (if any) is not
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, such Effective Time
     shall have occurred not later than 10:00 P.M., New York time, on the date
     of this Agreement or, if earlier, the time the Prospectus is printed and
     distributed to any Underwriter, or shall have occurred at such later date
     as shall have been consented to by CSFBC. If the Effective Time of the
     Initial Registration Statement is prior to the execution and delivery of
     this Agreement, the Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission in
     accordance with the Rules and Regulations and Section 5(a)(i) of this
     Agreement. Prior to such Closing Date, no stop order suspending the
     effectiveness of a Registration Statement shall have been issued and no
     proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted or, to the
     knowledge of any Selling Stockholder, UCAR or the Underwriters, shall be
     contemplated by the Commission. Copies of the Prospectus shall have been
     printed and distributed to the Underwriters in such numbers as they may
     reasonably request as soon as practicable on or following the date of this
     Agreement.

          (c) All corporate proceedings and other legal matters incident to the
     authorization, form and validity of the Securities, this Agreement, the

     Subscription Agreement, the Stock Repurchase Agreement and the Registration
     Statements, and all other legal matters relating to this Agreement, the
     Subscription Agreement, the Stock Repurchase Agreement and the other
     transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be reasonably
     satisfactory in all material respects to the Underwriters, and UCAR and the
     Selling Stockholders shall have



<PAGE>


                                                                    15

     furnished to the Underwriters all documents and information that they or
     their counsel may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such
     matters.

          (d) Kelley Drye & Warren LLP shall have furnished to the Underwriters
     their written opinion, as counsel to UCAR, addressed to the Underwriters
     and dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
     to CSFBC, on behalf of the Underwriters, to the effect that:

               (i) UCAR has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
          corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware,
          is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign
          corporation in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of
          property or the conduct of its businesses requires such qualification
          (other than those jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify
          would not have a Material Adverse Effect), and has all corporate power
          and authority necessary to own or hold its properties and to conduct
          the businesses in which it is engaged (in rendering such opinions as
          to good standing, such counsel may rely on certificates and other
          documents of public officials of Delaware and Connecticut);

               (ii) UCAR's authorized capital stock is as set forth in the
          Prospectus; the capital stock of UCAR conforms in all material
          respects to the description thereof included in the Prospectus;

               (iii) the Offered Securities have been duly authorized and are
          validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; and the stockholders of
          UCAR have no pre-emptive rights with respect to the Offered
          Securities;

               (iv) the descriptions in the Registration Statements and the
          Prospectus of statutes (insofar as they relate, to the knowledge of
          such counsel, to the business the UCAR Group), legal or governmental
          actions, suits, proceedings and contracts and other docu ments insofar
          as they purport to constitute summaries of such legal or governmental
          actions, suits, proceedings and contracts or other documents,
          constitute accurate summaries thereof in all material respects;

               (v) the statements in the Registration Statements and the
          Prospectus under the caption "Certain United States Tax Consequences

          to Non-United States Holders", to the extent that they constitute
          summaries of U.S. federal tax law and regulation or legal conclusions
          with respect thereto, have been reviewed by them and constitute
          accurate summaries of the matters described therein in all material
          respects;

               (vi) UCAR has the corporate right, power and authority to execute
          and deliver this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the Stock
          Repurchase Agreement and to perform its respective obligations
          hereunder and thereunder; and all corporate action required to be
          taken by it for the due and proper authorization, execution and
          delivery of this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the Stock
          Repurchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
          contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly taken;

               (vii) no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or
          qualification of or with any federal or New York court or governmental
          agency or body or any Delaware court or governmental agency or body
          acting pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law is required
          for the sale of the Offered Securities or the consummation of the
          transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Subscription
          Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement, except for the
          registration under the Act of the Offered Securities, and such
          consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications
          as may be required under state securities or "Blue Sky" laws in
          connection with the purchase and distribution of the Offered
          Securities by the Underwriters; and


<PAGE>


                                                                    16

               (viii) each of this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the
          Stock Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered by UCAR, and each constitutes a valid and legally binding
          agreement of UCAR;

               (ix) the Securities, this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement
          and the Stock Repurchase Agreement conform in all material respects to
          the descriptions thereof included in the Prospectus;

               (x) neither UCAR nor Global is an "investment company" or a
          company "con trolled" by an investment company within the meaning of
          the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the
          Commission thereunder, without taking account of any exemption under
          the Investment Company Act arising out of the number of holders of
          UCAR's securities; and

               (xi) based on the advice of the Commission, the Initial
          Registration Statement was declared effective under the Act as of the
          date and time specified in such opinion, the Additional Registration
          Statement (if any) was filed and became effective under the Act as of

          the date and time (if determinable) specified in such opinion, the
          Prospectus either was filed with the Commission pursuant to the
          subparagraph of Rule 424(b) specified in such opinion on the date
          specified therein or was included in the Initial Registration
          Statement or the Additional Registration Statement (as the case may
          be), to the knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the
          effectiveness of a Registration Statement or any part thereof has been
          issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are
          pending or contemplated under the Act, and each Registration Statement
          and the Prospectus, and each amendment or supplement thereto (except
          for financial statements, the notes thereto and other financial and
          statistical data included in the Prospectus, as to which no opinion
          need be expressed), as of their respective effective or issue dates,
          and as of the Closing Date, complied as to form in all material
          respects with the requirements of the Act and the Rules and
          Regulations, including those applicable to a definitive prospectus
          forming part of a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Act.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters
     governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York
     or the United States of America on local counsel in such jurisdictions
     provided that such counsel shall state that they believe that they and the
     Underwriters are justified in relying on such other counsel.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to matters of
     fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of
     responsible officers of the relevant UCAR Group Member and public officials
     which are furnished to the Underwriters.

          Such opinion shall also state that it is being delivered to the
     Underwriters at the request of UCAR.

          (e) Peter B. Mancino, Esq., General Counsel of UCAR, shall have
     furnished to the Underwriters his written opinion, addressed to the
     Underwriters and dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably
     satisfactory to CSFBC, on behalf of the Underwriters, to the effect that:

               (i) UCAR owns all the outstanding shares of the capital stock of
          Global; and, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, Global owns,
          directly or indirectly, (1) all the outstanding shares of capital
          stock of each of Global's subsidiaries (other than UCAR Carbon S.A.
          and its subsidiaries, in respect of which Global indirectly owns
          approximately 94% of the outstanding shares of its capital stock, UCAR
          Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. and its subsidiaries in respect of which Global
          indirectly owns more than 99% of the outstanding shares of its capital
          stock, UCAR Holdings S.A., Itapira Brasil



<PAGE>


                                                                    17


          Investimentos E Participacoes Ltd. and UCAR Limited, as to which
          qualifying shares totaling less than 1% are held by nominees, Grafit,
          in respect of which Global indirectly owns approximately 90% of the
          outstanding shares of its capital stock, Carbone Savoie, in respect of
          which Global indirectly owns 70% of the outstanding shares of its
          capital stock, and Elektroden, in respect of which Global indirectly
          owns approximately 70% of the outstanding shares of its capital
          stock), and (2) 50% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of EMSA
          and CL, in each case, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, free and
          clear of any lien, and, except for rights of first refusal on
          transfers of capital stock of EMSA, Carbone Savoie, Elektroden and CL,
          there are no rights granted to, or in favor of, any person to acquire
          any such capital stock, any additional capital stock or any other
          securities of any such subsidiary, EMSA or CL;

               (ii) the sale of the Offered Securities, the execution, delivery
          and performance of this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the
          Stock Repurchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
          contemplated hereby and thereby do not conflict with or result in a
          breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or
          constitute a default under, or result in the creation or imposition of
          any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of UCAR
          pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or
          other agreement or instrument to which UCAR is a party or by which
          UCAR is bound or to which any of the property or assets of UCAR is
          subject, in each case, known to such counsel, except where such
          conflict, breach, violation, default or creation (individually or in
          the aggregate) would not have a Material Adverse Effect, nor will such
          actions result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or
          by-laws of UCAR or any statute or, to such counsel's knowledge, any
          judgment, order, decree, rule or regulation of any federal or state
          court or governmental agency or body or arbitrator having jurisdiction
          over UCAR or any of its properties or assets, except where such
          violation (individually or in the aggregate) would not have a Material
          Adverse Effect;

               (iii) the Offered Securities have been duly executed (manually or
          by facsimile) by UCAR;

               (iv) UCAR is not in violation of any terms or provisions of its
          charter or by-laws; and

               (v) to the best knowledge of such counsel, there is no pending or
          threatened action or suit or judicial, arbitral, rule-making or other
          administrative or other proceeding to which UCAR or Global is a party
          or of which any property or assets of UCAR or Global is the subject
          that, singly or in the aggregate, (A) questions the validity of this
          Agreement, the Subscription Agreement, the Stock Repurchase Agreement
          or any action taken or required to be taken pursuant hereto or thereto
          or (B) if determined adversely to UCAR or Global, is reasonably likely
          to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters
     governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York

     or the United States of America on local counsel in such jurisdictions
     provided that such counsel shall state that he believes that he and the
     Underwriters are justified in relying on such other counsel.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to matters of
     fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of
     responsible officers of the relevant UCAR Group Member and public officials
     which are furnished to the Underwriters.

          Such opinion shall also state that it is being delivered to the
     Underwriters at the request of UCAR.



<PAGE>


                                                                    18

          (f) In addition to the matters set forth in the opinions referred to
     in Sections 6(d) and (e) above, each such opinion shall also include a
     statement to the effect that such counsel has participated in conferences
     with representatives of UCAR, at which conferences the contents of the
     documents described below were discussed, and that, although such counsel
     assumes no responsibility for the factual accuracy or completeness thereof
     (except as stated above), nothing has come to the attention of such counsel
     which leads them or him, as the case may be, to believe that any part of a
     Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, at the time such
     Registration Statement or amendment became effective, contained an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
     to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
     misleading or that the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto,
     at the time it was filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or on the Closing Date,
     contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
     made, not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no
     opinion as to the financial statements and related schedules or other
     financial or statistical data contained in the Registration Statement or
     the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto).

          (g) You shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing Date, from
     Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, special counsel for the Selling Stockholders,
     in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Underwriters, to the
     effect that:

               (i) each of this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the
          Stock Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered by BCP and BFIP; and assuming that each of this Agreement,
          the Subscription Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement has been
          duly authorized, executed and delivered by BOCP in accordance with the
          laws of the Cayman Islands, each of this Agreement, the Subscription
          Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized,
          executed and delivered by BOCP in accordance with the laws of the

          State of New York; and

               (ii) each of the Selling Stockholders is the sole registered
          owner of the Offered Securities to be sold by such Selling
          Stockholder; each of BCP and BFIP has full partnership power, right
          and authority to sell the Offered Securities to be sold by it and,
          assuming that BOCP has full partnership power, right and authority to
          sell the Offered Securities to be sold by it under the laws of the
          Cayman Islands and assuming that the Underwriters are purchasing such
          Offered Securities in good faith and without notice of any adverse
          claim, upon payment for and delivery of the Offered Securities in
          accordance with this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement, the
          Underwriters will acquire all of the rights of each such Selling
          Stockholder in the Offered Securities and will also acquire their
          interest in such Offered Securities free of any adverse claim (within
          the meaning of the UCC).

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters
     governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York
     or the United States of America on local counsel in such jurisdictions
     provided that such counsel shall state that they believe that they and the
     Underwriters are justified in relying on such other counsel.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to matters of
     fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of
     responsible officers of the Selling Stockholders (as applicable) and public
     officials which are furnished to the Underwriters.

          Such opinion shall also state that it is being delivered to the
     Underwriters at the request of the Selling Stockholders.



<PAGE>


                                                                    19

          In addition to the matters set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above,
     such opinion shall also include a statement to the effect that such counsel
     has participated in conferences with representatives of UCAR and the
     Selling Stockholders, at which conferences the contents of the documents
     described below were discussed, and that, although such counsel assumes no
     responsibility for the factual accuracy or completeness thereof, nothing
     has come to the attention of such counsel which leads them to believe that
     any part of a Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, at the time
     such Registration Statement or amendment became effective, contained an
     untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
     not misleading or that the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement
     thereto, at the time it was filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or on the Closing
     Date, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state
     a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were

     made, not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no
     opinion as to the financial statements and related schedules or other
     financial or statistical data contained in the Regis tration Statement or
     the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto); provided that the
     opinions provided for in this paragraph shall only apply to the Stockholder
     Information and the Supplemental Stockholder Information.

          (h) You shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing Date, from
     W.S. Walker & Company, counsel for BOCP, in form and substance reasonably
     satisfactory to the Underwriters, to the effect that:

                (i) each of this Agreement, the Subscription Agreement and the
         Stock Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
         delivered by BOCP in accordance with the laws of the Cayman Islands;
         and

                (ii) BOCP has full partnership power, right and authority to
         sell the Offered Securities to be sold by it under the laws of the
         Cayman Islands.

          (i) The Underwriters shall have received from Cravath, Swaine & Moore,
     counsel for the Underwriters, such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing
     Date, with respect to such matters as the Underwriters may reasonably
     require, and UCAR and the Selling Stockholders shall have furnished to such
     counsel such documents as they reasonably request for enabling them to pass
     upon such matters.

          (j) UCAR shall have furnished to the Underwriters a letter (the
     "bring-down letter") of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, addressed to the
     Underwriters and dated the Closing Date, confirming, as of the date of the
     bring-down letter (or, with respect to matters involving changes or
     developments since the respective dates as of which specified financial
     information is given in the Prospectus, as of a date not more than three
     business days prior to the date of the bring-down letter), the conclusions
     and findings of such firm with respect to the financial information and
     other matters covered by its letter delivered to the Underwriters
     concurrently with the execution of this Agreement and described in Section
     6(a).

          (k) UCAR shall have furnished to the Underwriters a certificate, dated
     the Closing Date, of its President and its Chief Financial Officer stating
     that (A) such officers have carefully examined the Prospectus, (B) to the
     best of their knowledge, after reasonable investigation, as of its date,
     the Prospectus did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and
     did not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
     in which they were made, not misleading and since its date, no event has
     occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to
     the Prospectus in order to make the foregoing statement true as of the
     Closing Date and (C) as of the Closing Date, the representations and
     warranties of UCAR in this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement that
     are qualified as to materiality are true and correct, and those not so
     qualified are true and correct in all material respects,





<PAGE>


                                                                    20

     UCAR has complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its
     part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date
     and, subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statements in the
     Prospectus, there has been no event which has had a Material Adverse Effect
     or development that can reasonably be expected (under current or reasonably
     anticipated future economic industry or other relevant conditions) to
     result in a Material Adverse Effect.

          (l) Each of the Selling Stockholders shall have furnished to the
     Underwriters, a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by such Selling
     Stockholder or an authorized officer (as applicable) stating that as of the
     Closing Date the representations and warranties of such Selling Stockholder
     in this Agreement and the Subscription Agreement that are qualified as to
     materiality are true and correct, and those not so qualified are true and
     correct in all material respects, and that such Selling Stockholder has
     complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be
     performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date.

          (m) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement or, if
     earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus
     (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto), there has occurred no
     event which has had a Material Adverse Effect or development that can
     reasonably be expected (under current or reasonably anticipated future
     economic industry or other relevant conditions) to result in a Material
     Adverse Effect, or any change specified in the letters referred to in
     Section 6(a) or (j), the effect of which, in any such case described above,
     is, in the judgment of the Underwriters, so material and adverse as to make
     it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of
     the Offered Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the
     Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement).

          (n) No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule, regulation
     or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any governmental
     agency which would, as of the Closing Date, prevent the sale of the Offered
     Securities; and no injunction, restraining order or order of any other
     nature by a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction shall have
     been is sued as of the Closing Date which would prevent such sale.

          (o) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (x) no
     downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded any of UCAR's or
     Global's debt securities or preferred stock by any "nationally recognized
     statistical rating organization," as that term is defined by the Commission
     for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Act, and (y) no such organization
     shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review
     (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible
     upgrading) its rating of any of UCAR's or Global's debt securities or

     preferred stock.

          (p) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, there
     shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) trading in securities
     generally on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market, the
     American Stock Exchange or the over-the-counter market shall have been
     suspended or limited, or minimum prices shall have been established on
     either of such exchanges or such market by the Commission, by such exchange
     or by any other regulatory body or governmental authority having
     jurisdiction, or trading in securities of Global or UCAR on any exchange or
     in the over-the-counter market shall have been suspended or (ii) any
     moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by
     U.S. Federal authorities or New York State authorities or authorities in
     the United Kingdom or (iii) an outbreak or escalation of hostilities in
     which the United States or the United Kingdom is involved, any declaration
     of war by Congress or any other substantial national or international
     calamity or emergency if, in the judgment of a majority in interest of the
     Underwriters, the effect of any such outbreak, escalation, declaration,
     calamity or emergency makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with
     the completion of the public



<PAGE>


                                                                    21

    offering or the sale of and payment for the Offered Securities on the terms
    and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.

         (q) UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and the Managers shall have
    executed and delivered the Subscription Agreement on the date of this
    Agreement.

        (r) If any event shall have occurred that requires UCAR to prepare an
    amendment or supplement to the Prospectus, such amendment or supplement
    shall have been prepared, copies thereof shall have been delivered to the
    Underwriters and the Underwriters shall have been given a reasonable
    opportunity to comment thereon.

        (s) The "lock-up" agreements between the Underwriters and certain
    executive officers and directors of UCAR relating to sales of Securities or
    any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
    Securities, previously delivered to the Underwriters, shall be in full
    force and effect on the Closing Date.

        (t) UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and Chase Equity Associates, L.P.
    shall have executed and delivered the Stock Repurchase Agreement and the
    transactions contemplated thereby shall have been consummated as described
    in the Prospectus.

UCAR and the Selling Stockholders, as applicable, will furnish the Underwriters
with such conformed copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and documents

as the Underwriters reasonably request.

        7. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) UCAR will indemnify and hold
harmless each Underwriter and each Selling Stockholder and each of their
respective officers, employees and directors (as applicable) and each person who
controls such Underwriter or Selling Stockholder within the meaning of the Act
(collectively, for the purposes of this Section 7(a), the "Indemnified Persons")
against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which
such Indemnified Person may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar
as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or, actions in respect thereof)
arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, the Prospectus or
any amendment or supplement thereto, or any related preliminary prospectus, or
arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein (or, in the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made) not misleading, and will reimburse each Indemnified Person
for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person
in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that UCAR
will not be liable in any such case to any Indemnified Person to the extent that
any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of or is based upon
an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged
omission from any of such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with any
Excluded Information or Stockholder Information; provided further, however, that
as to any preliminary prospectus this Section 7(a) shall not inure to the
benefit of any Underwriter on account of any loss, claim, damage, liability or
action from the sale of the Offered Securities to any person by an Underwriter
if that Underwriter failed to send or give a copy of the Prospectus, as the same
may be amended or supplemented, to that person if required under the Act, and
the untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
in such preliminary prospectus was corrected in the Prospectus, unless, in
either case, such failure to deliver the Prospectus was a result of
noncompliance by UCAR with Section 5(a)(iii).

        (b)(i) Each Underwriter will severally and not jointly indemnify and
hold harmless UCAR and each Selling Stockholder and each of their respective
officers, employees and directors (as applicable) and each person who controls
UCAR or such Selling Stockholder within the meaning of the Act (collectively,
for the purposes of this Section 7(b)(i), the "Indemnified Persons") against any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which such Indemnified Person may
become

<PAGE>

                                                                    22

subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
any Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement
thereto, or any related preliminary prospectus, or arise out of or are based
upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (or,

in the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not
misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made
in reliance upon and in conformity with any Excluded Information provided by
such Underwriter through CSFBC and will reimburse any legal or other expenses
reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with investigating
or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses
are incurred.

        (ii) Each of the Selling Stockholders, severally and not jointly, will
indemnify and hold harmless each of UCAR, each Underwriter, each other Selling
Stockholder and each of their respective officers, employees and directors (as
applicable) and each person who controls such Underwriter or such other Selling
Stockholder (as applicable) within the meaning of the Act (collectively, for the
purposes of this Section 7(b)(ii), the "Indemnified Persons") against any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which such Indemnified Person may
become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, or any amendment or
supplement thereto, or any related preliminary prospectus, or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
(or, in the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made) not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that
such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof)
arise out of or are based upon Stockholder Information, and will reimburse each
Indemnified Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such
Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such loss,
claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred. The liability
of each Selling Stockholder for any indemnification under this Section 7 (and
the corresponding provisions of the Subscription Agreement) shall be limited to
an amount equal to the net proceeds (after deducting the Underwriters' discount)
received by such Selling Stockholder from the sale of the Offered Securities
sold pursuant to this Agreement and Subscription Agreement.

        (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section of
notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a
claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under
subsection (a) or (b) above, notify the indemnifying party of the commencement
thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve
it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than
under subsection (a) or (b) above except to the extent it has been materially
prejudiced by such failure. In case any such action is brought against any
indemnified party and it notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement
thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate therein and, to
the extent that it may wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly
notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to
such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent (which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld) of the indemnified party, be counsel to the
indemnifying party), and after notice from the indemnifying party to such
indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the
indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this
Section for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such

indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable
costs of investigation. After the indemnifying party has notified the
indemnified party that it is assuming such defense, the indemnified party shall
have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action, suit or proceeding
and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such
counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the
indemnifying parties have agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (ii)
the indemnifying



<PAGE>


                                                                    23

parties have failed in a timely manner to assume the defense and employ counsel
reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party or (iii) the named parties to
any such action, suit or proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include
both such indemnified party and the indemnifying parties and such indemnified
party shall have been advised by its counsel that representation of such
indemnified party and any indemnifying party by the same counsel would be
inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct due to actual
or potential differing interests between them (in which case the indemnifying
party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such action, suit or
proceeding on behalf of such indemnified party). It is understood, however, that
the indemnifying parties shall, in connection with any one such action, suit or
proceeding or separate but substantially similar or related actions, suits or
proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations
or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees and expenses of only one
separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local counsel) at any time for
all such indemnified parties, and that all such fees and expenses shall be
reimbursed as they are incurred. An indemnifying party shall not be liable for
any settlement of any action or claim effected without its prior written
consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

        No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the
indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), effect any
settlement of any pending or threatened action in respect of which any
indemnified party is or could reasonably have been a party and indemnity could
reasonably have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless such
settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all
liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such action.

        (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable
or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 7(a) or (b),
then UCAR, each Selling Stockholder and each of the Underwriters shall
contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result
of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in Section 7(a) or
(b), (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits
received by UCAR, each Selling Stockholder and each of the Underwriters from the
offering of the Offered Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause
(i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i)

above but also the relative fault of UCAR, each Selling Stockholder and each of
the Underwriters in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted
in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by UCAR, each Selling
Stockholder and each of the Underwriters shall be deemed to be in the same
proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering pursuant hereto (before
deducting expenses) received by UCAR and the Selling Stockholders, respectively,
bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the
Underwriters, respectively. The relative fault shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
relates to information supplied by UCAR, one of the Selling Stockholders or one
of the Underwriters and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to
information and opportunity to correct or prevent such untrue statement or
omission. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the losses,
claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first sentence of this
subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending
any action or claim which is the subject of this subsection (d). Notwithstanding
the provisions of this subsection (d), (i) no Underwriter shall be required to
contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which
the Offered Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public were
offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter
has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue
statement or omission or alleged omission, and (ii) no Selling Stockholder shall
be required to contribute any amount in excess of the net proceeds received by
it in connection with the offer and sale of the Offered Securities. No person
guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of
the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of
such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters'


<PAGE>


                                                                    24

obligations in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to
their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.

        (e) The obligations of UCAR and each Selling Stockholder under this
Section shall be in addition to any liability which UCAR or such Selling
Stockholder, respectively, may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same
terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter
within the meaning of the Act; and the obligations of the Underwriters under
this Section shall be in addition to any liability which the respective
Underwriters may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and
conditions, to each director of UCAR or a Selling Stockholder (as applicable),
to each officer of UCAR who has signed a Registration Statement and to each
person, if any, who controls UCAR or a Selling Stockholder within the meaning of
the Act. The rights and obligations of UCAR and each Selling Stockholder under
this Agreement (including those under Sections 3 and 7(d)) are several and not
joint. If any Selling Stockholder defaults in its obligation to sell the Offered
Securities to be sold by it on either the First Closing Date or any Optional

Closing Date, CSFBC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement without
liability on its part or on the part of any other Underwriter or Manager, UCAR
or any non-defaulting Selling Stockholder, except as provided in Section 9;
provided, however, that if such default occurs with respect to Optional
Securities after the First Closing Date, this Agreement will not terminate as to
the Firm Securities or any Optional Securities purchased prior to such
termination and provided further that such termination shall not release the
defaulting Selling Stockholder from liability to the Underwriters, UCAR and the
non-defaulting Selling Stockholders for its default.

        8. Default of Underwriters. If any Underwriter or Underwriters default
in their obligations to purchase Offered Securities hereunder on either the
First Closing Date or any Optional Closing Date and the aggregate number of
Offered Securities that such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but
failed to purchase does not exceed 10% of the total number of Offered Securities
that the Underwriters are obligated to purchase on such Closing Date, CSFBC may
make arrangements satisfactory to the Selling Stockholders for the purchase of
such Offered Securities by other persons, including any of the Underwriters, but
if no such arrangements are made by such Closing Date, the non-defaulting
Underwriters shall be obligated severally, in proportion to their respective
commitments hereunder, to purchase the Offered Securities that such defaulting
Underwriters agreed but failed to purchase on such Closing Date. If any
Underwriter or Underwriters so default and the aggregate number of Offered
Securities with respect to which such default or defaults occur exceeds 10% of
the total number of Offered Securities that the Underwriters are obligated to
purchase on such Closing Date and arrangements satisfactory to CSFBC and the
Selling Stockholders for the purchase of such Offered Securities by other
persons are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement will
terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter, UCAR
or the Selling Stockholders, except as provided in Section 9 (provided that if
such default occurs with respect to Optional Securities after the First Closing
Date, this Agreement will not terminate as to the U.S. Firm Securities or any
Optional Securities purchased prior to such termination). As used in this
Agreement, the term "Underwriter" includes any person substituted for an
Underwriter under this Section. Nothing herein will relieve a defaulting
Underwriter from liability for its default.

        9. Survival of Certain Representations and Obligations. The respective
indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and certificates of the
Selling Stockholders and UCAR and their respective officers (as applicable) and
of the several Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will
remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation, or statement
as to the results thereof, made by or on behalf of any Underwriter, any Selling
Stockholder, UCAR or any of their respective representatives, officers,
directors or controlling persons (as applicable), and will survive delivery of
and payment for the Offered Securities. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant
to Section 8 or if for any reason the purchase of the Offered Securities by the
Underwriters is not consummated, UCAR shall remain responsible for the expenses
to be paid or reimbursed by it pursuant to Section 5 and the respective
obligations of UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and the Underwriters pursuant to
Section 7 shall remain in effect,


<PAGE>



                                                                    25

and if any Offered Securities have been purchased hereunder, the representations
and warranties in Section 2 and all obligations under Section 5 shall also
remain in effect. If the purchase of the Offered Securities by the Underwriters
is not consummated for any reason other than solely because of the termination
of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8 or the occurrence of any event specified
in Section 6(p), UCAR will reimburse the Underwriters for all out-of-pocket
expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel) reasonably incurred by
them in connection with the offering of the Offered Securities.

        10. Notices. All communications hereunder will be in writing and, if
sent to the Underwriters, will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed
to the Underwriters, c/o Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Eleven Madison
Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010, Attention: Investment Banking Department
Transactions Advisory Group; if sent to UCAR will be mailed, delivered or
telegraphed and confirmed to it at UCAR International Inc., 39 Old Ridgebury
Road, Danbury, CT 06817, Attention: General Counsel; and if sent to any of the
Selling Stockholders will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to
it in care of Blackstone Management Associates II L.L.C., 345 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10154, Attention: Glenn H. Hutchins; provided, however, that any
notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 7 will be mailed, delivered or
telegraphed and confirmed to such Underwriter (provided that such Underwriter
has provided its address to the notifying party). Any party hereto may change
the address to which notices to it are to be given by notice in accordance
herewith to the other parties hereto.

        11. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective personal representatives,
heirs and successors and the officers, directors, agents and controlling persons
referred to in Section 7, and no other person will have any right or obligation
hereunder.

        12. Representation of Underwriters. CSFBC will act for the several
Underwriters in connection with the U.S. Offering and any action under this
Agreement taken by CSFBC will be binding upon all the Underwriters.

        13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Agreement.

        14. APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

        Each of UCAR and the Selling Stockholders hereby submits to the
non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal and state courts in the Borough of
Manhattan in The City of New York in any suit or proceeding arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

        If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, kindly sign and return to us one of the counterparts hereof,

whereupon it will become a binding agreement among UCAR, the Selling
Stockholders and the several Underwriters in accordance with its terms.





                                        Very truly yours,




                                        UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.,

                                         by
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Peter B. Mancino
                                           Title: Vice President and Secretary






<PAGE>


                                                                    26

                                           BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS II
                                           MERCHANT BANKING FUND L.P.,
                                                  
                                              by   BLACKSTONE MANAGEMENT
                                                   ASSOCIATES II L.L.C., General
                                                   Partner,

                                                by
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                           BLACKSTONE OFFSHORE CAPITAL
                                           PARTNERS II L.P.,
                                           
                                              by   BLACKSTONE MANAGEMENT
                                                   ASSOCIATES II L.L.C., General
                                                   Partner,
                                           
                                                by
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                           

                                           BLACKSTONE FAMILY INVESTMENT
                                           PARTNERSHIP II L.P.,
                                           
                                              by   BLACKSTONE MANAGEMENT
                                                   ASSOCIATES II L.L.C., General
                                                   Partner,
                                           
                                                 by
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                           
The foregoing Underwriting Agreement is 
hereby confirmed and accepted as of the
date first above written.

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION
DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
PAINEWEBBER INCORPORATED
THE NIKKO SECURITIES CO. INTERNATIONAL, INC.
   Each by its duly authorized
   attorney-in-fact

  By CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON CORPORATION,

   by
     ---------------------------------------
     Name:
     Title:


<PAGE>


                                                                    27




<PAGE>



                                   SCHEDULE A
                                   ----------

                                                          Number of
                                                          U.S. Firm
                                                          Securities
                 Underwriter                              to be Purchased
                 -----------                              ---------------

Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation

Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.

Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
      Incorporated

PaineWebber Incorporated

The Nikko Securities Co. International, Inc.

                                                     ---------
TOTAL                                                5,120,000
                                                     =========



<PAGE>

                               SCHEDULE B

                                                                  Number of
                                             Number of          U.S. Optional
                                       U.S. Firm Securities       Securities
         Selling Stockholder                to be Sold            to be Sold
         -------------------                ----------            ----------

Blackstone Capital Partners II
  Merchant Banking Fund L.P.

Blackstone Offshore Capital
  Partners II L.P.

Blackstone Family Investment
  Partnership II L.P.

                                        -------------------   ------------------
Total





<PAGE>



                                                        [Draft--3/28/97]



                                6,400,000 Shares

                             UCAR International Inc.

                         Common Stock ($0.01 par value)

                             SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

                                                         London, England
                                                         April [ ], 1997

TO:   CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (EUROPE) LIMITED
      DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
      GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL
      MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
      PAINEWEBBER INTERNATIONAL (U.K.) LTD.
      NIKKO EUROPE PLC
      c/o   Credit Suisse First Boston Limited ("CSFBL")
            One Cabot Square
            London, England E14 4QJ

Dear Sirs:

      1. Introductory. Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant Banking Fund L.P.
("BCP"), Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P. ("BOCP") and Blackstone
Family Investment Partnership II L.P. ("BFIP", and together with BCP and BOCP,
the "Selling Stockholders") propose severally to sell (the "International
Offering") to the several managers named in Schedule A hereto (the "Managers"),
an aggregate of 1,280,000 outstanding shares (the "International Firm
Securities") of the Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Securities"),
of UCAR International Inc., a Delaware corporation ("UCAR"). The Selling
Stockholders also propose severally to sell to the Managers, at the option of
the Underwriters (as defined below) and the Managers, an aggregate of not more
than 660,958 additional outstanding Securities (the "Optional Securities") as
set forth below. The International Firm Securities and the Optional Securities
that may be sold to the Managers (the "International Optional Securities") are
herein collectively called the "International Securities".

      It is understood that UCAR and the Selling Stockholders are concurrently
entering into an Underwriting Agreement, dated the date hereof (the
"Underwriting Agreement"), with Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation ("CSFBC")
and the other United States underwriters listed in Schedule A thereto (together
with CSFBC, the "U.S. Underwriters") relating to the concurrent offering and
sale (the "U.S. Offering") by the Selling Stockholders of an aggregate of
5,120,000 Securities (the "U.S. Firm Securities", which together with the
Optional Securities that may be sold to the U.S. Underwriters (the "U.S.

Optional Securities") are hereinafter called the "U.S. Securities") in the
United States and Canada. The U.S. Firm Securities and the International Firm
Securities are collectively referred to as the "Firm Securities". The
International Securities and the U.S. Securities are collectively referred to as
the "Offered Securities". To provide for the coordination of their activities,
the U.S. Underwriters and the Managers have entered into an Agreement Between
U.S. Underwriters and Managers which permits them, among other things, to sell
the Offered Securities to each other for purposes of resale.

        2. Representations and Warranties of UCAR and the Selling Stockholders.
(a) UCAR represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the several Managers as of
the date hereof and as of each Closing Date (as defined below) that:


<PAGE>


                                                                    2


          (i) A registration statement (No. 333-23073) relating to the Offered
     Securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
     "Commission"). The registration statement contains two prospectuses to be
     used in connection with the offering and sale of the Offered Securities:
     the U.S. prospectus, to be used in connection with the U.S. Offering, and
     the international prospectus, to be used in connection with the
     International Offering. The international prospectus is identical to the
     U.S. prospectus except for the front and back covers, pages 2 and 3, the
     information appearing under "Subscription and Sale" on pages 33 to 35 and
     "Legal Matters" on page 35 and the deletion of the information under
     "Notice to Canadian Residents" on pages 35 to 36 of the U.S. prospectus and
     except that certain information has been reordered in the international
     prospectus. The registration statement either (A) has been declared
     effective under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act") and is not proposed
     to be amended or (B) is proposed to be amended by amendment or
     post-effective amendment. If such registration statement (the "initial
     registration statement") has been declared effective, either (A) an
     additional registration statement relating to the Offered Securities (the
     "additional registration statement") may have been filed with the
     Commission pursuant to Rule 462(b) ("Rule 462(b)") under the Act and, if so
     filed, has become effective upon filing pursuant to such Rule and the
     Offered Securities all have been duly registered under the Act pursuant to
     the initial registration statement and, if applicable, the additional
     registration statement or (B) such an additional registration statement is
     proposed to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(b) and will
     become effective upon filing pursuant to such Rule and upon such filing the
     Offered Securities will all have been duly registered under the Act
     pursuant to the initial registration statement and such additional
     registration statement. If UCAR does not propose to amend the initial
     registration statement or, if an additional registration statement has been
     filed and UCAR does not propose to amend it, and if any post-effective
     amendment to either such registration statement has been filed with the
     Commission prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the most
     recent amendment (if any) to each such registration statement has been

     declared effective by the Commission or has become effective upon filing
     pursuant to Rule 462(c) ("Rule 462(c)") under the Act or, in the case of
     the additional registration statement, Rule 462(b). For purposes of this
     Agreement, "Effective Time" with respect to the initial registration
     statement or, if filed prior to the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement, the additional registration statement means (A) if UCAR has
     advised the Managers that it does not propose to amend such registration
     statement, the date and time as of which such registration statement, or
     the most recent post-effective amendment thereto (if any) filed prior to
     the execution and delivery of this Agreement, was declared effective by the
     Commission or has become effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(c), or
     (B) if UCAR has advised the Managers that it proposes to file an amendment
     or post-effective amendment to such registration statement, the date and
     time as of which such registration statement, as amended by such amendment
     or post-effective amendment, as the case may be, is declared effective by
     the Commission. If an additional registration statement has not been filed
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement but UCAR has advised
     the Managers that it proposes to file one, "Effective Time" with respect to
     such additional registration statement means the date and time as of which
     such registration statement is filed and becomes effective pursuant to Rule
     462(b). "Effective Date" with respect to the initial registration statement
     or the additional registration statement (if any) means the date of the
     Effective Time thereof. The initial registration statement, as amended at
     its Effective Time, including all material incorporated by reference
     therein and including all information (if any) contained in the additional
     registration statement and deemed to be a part of the initial registration
     statement as of the Effective Time of the additional registration statement
     pursuant to the General Instructions of the Form on which it is filed and
     including all information (if any) deemed to be a part of the initial
     registration statement as of its Effective Time pursuant to Rule 430A(b)
     ("Rule 430A(b)") under the Act, is hereinafter referred to as the "Initial
     Registration Statement". The additional registration statement, as amended
     at its Effective Time, including the contents of the initial registration
     statement incorporated by reference therein and including all



<PAGE>


                                                                    3

     information (if any) deemed to be a part of the additional registration
     statement as of its Effective Time pursuant to Rule 430A(b), is hereinafter
     referred to as the "Additional Registration Statement". The Initial
     Registration Statement and the Additional Registration Statement are
     hereinafter referred to collectively as the "Registration Statements" and
     individually as a "Registration Statement". The form of U.S. prospectus,
     together with the form of international prospectus, relating to the Offered
     Securities, as first filed with the Commission pursuant to and in
     accordance with Rule 424(b) ("Rule 424(b)") under the Act or (if no such
     filing is required) as included in a Registration Statement, including all
     material incorporated by reference in such prospectus, is hereinafter
     referred to as the "Prospectus". No document has been or will be prepared

     or distributed in reliance on Rule 434 under the Act.

         (ii) If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement: (A) on the Effective
     Date of the Initial Registration Statement, the Initial Registration
     Statement conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act
     and the applicable rules and regulations of the Commission ("Rules and
     Regulations") and did not include any untrue statement of a material fact
     or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading, (B) on the Effective Date of
     the Additional Registration Statement (if any), each Registration Statement
     conformed, or will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of
     the Act and the Rules and Regulations and did not include, or will not
     include, any untrue statement of a material fact and did not omit, or will
     not omit, to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading and (C) on the date of this
     Agreement, the Initial Registration Statement and, if the Effective Time of
     the Additional Registration Statement is prior to the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement, the Additional Registration Statement, each
     conforms, and at the time of filing of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule
     424(b) or (if no such filing is required) at the Effective Date of the
     Additional Registration Statement in which the Prospectus is included, each
     Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform, in all material
     respects to the requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations, and
     neither of such documents includes, or will include, any untrue statement
     of a material fact or omits, or will omit, to state any material fact
     required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
     in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
     If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is subsequent
     to the execution and delivery of this Agreement: on the Effective Date of
     the Initial Registration Statement, the Initial Registration Statement and
     the Prospectus will conform in all material respects to the requirements of
     the Act and the Rules and Regulations and neither of such documents will
     include any untrue statement of a material fact or will omit to state any
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
     made, not misleading, and no Additional Registration Statement has been or
     will be filed. The two preceding sentences do not apply to statements in or
     omissions from a Registration Statement or Prospectus based upon written
     information furnished to UCAR by any Manager through CSFBL specifically for
     use therein (the "Excluded Information"), and the Managers confirm that the
     Excluded Information provided by them is correct. The parties acknowledge
     and agree that the Excluded Information consists solely of: the last
     paragraph at the bottom of the front cover page concerning the terms of the
     International Offering by the Managers, the legend concerning transactions
     that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Securities on
     the inside front cover page and the information contained in the third
     paragraph, the sixth paragraph, the seventh paragraph, the eighth
     paragraph, the ninth paragraph, the thirteenth paragraph and the fourteenth
     paragraph appearing under the caption Subscription and Sale in the
     international prospectus.



<PAGE>


                                                                    4

          (iii) UCAR has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
     corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, is
     duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign
     corporation in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of
     property or the conduct of its businesses requires such qualification,
     except where the failure to so qualify would not have, singularly or in the
     aggregate, a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or
     otherwise), results of operations, business or prospects of UCAR and its
     subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "Material Adverse Effect") and has all
     corporate power and authority necessary to own or hold its respective
     properties and to conduct the businesses in which it is engaged as
     described in the Prospectus.

          (iv) Each subsidiary of UCAR and EMSA (Pty.) Ltd. ("EMSA") has been
     duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
     (or the equivalent, in the case of any foreign subsidiary) under the laws
     of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, is duly qualified to do business
     and is in good standing (or the equivalent, in the case of any foreign
     subsidiary) in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of
     property or the conduct of its businesses requires such qualification,
     except where the failure to so qualify or be in good standing (or the
     equivalent, in the case of any foreign subsidiary) would not have,
     singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect and has all
     corporate power and authority necessary to own or hold its respective
     properties and to conduct the businesses in which it is engaged as
     described in the Prospectus.

          (v) UCAR has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the
     Prospectus, and all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of each of
     UCAR, EMSA, Carbographite Limited ("CL") and any direct or indirect
     subsidiary of UCAR (each, a "UCAR Group Member" and, collectively, the
     "UCAR Group") have been (in the case of each of EMSA and CL, to the extent
     of the shares owned directly or indirectly by UCAR) duly and validly
     authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable (or the
     equivalent thereof under analogous foreign principles of corporate law).

          (vi) UCAR owns all the outstanding shares of the capital stock of UCAR
     Global Enterprises Inc. ("Global"); and, except as disclosed in the
     Prospectus, Global owns, directly or indirectly, (1) all the outstanding
     shares of capital stock of each of Global's subsidiaries (other than UCAR
     Carbon S.A. and its subsidiaries, in respect of which Global indirectly
     owns approximately 94% of the outstanding shares of its capital stock, UCAR
     Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. and its subsidiaries in respect of which Global
     indirectly owns more than 99% of the outstanding shares of its capital
     stock, UCAR Holdings S.A., Itapira Brasil Investimentos E Participacoes
     Ltd. and UCAR Limited, as to which qualifying shares totaling less than 1%
     are held by nominees, UCAR Grafit OAO ("Grafit"), in respect of which
     Global indirectly owns approximately 90% of the outstanding shares of its

     capital stock, Carbone Savoie S.A.S. ("Carbone Savoie"), in respect of
     which Global indirectly owns 70% of the outstanding shares of its capital
     stock, and UCAR Elektroden GmbH ("Elektroden"), in respect of which Global
     indirectly owns approximately 70% of the outstanding shares of its capital
     stock), and (2) 50% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of EMSA and
     CL, in each case, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, free and clear of
     any lien, and, except for rights of first refusal on transfers of capital
     stock of EMSA, Carbone Savoie, Elektroden and CL, there are no rights
     granted to, or in favor of, any person to acquire any such capital stock,
     any additional capital stock or any other securities of any such
     subsidiary, EMSA or CL.

          (vii) Each of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement dated April [ ], 1997 (the "Stock Repurchase
     Agreement"), among UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and Chase Equity
     Associates, L.P. has been duly authorized and validly executed and
     delivered by UCAR and, assuming due execution and delivery by the other
     parties thereto, constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement of UCAR,
     enforceable against UCAR in accordance with its terms, subject to
     applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent
     transfer and similar laws



<PAGE>


                                                                    5

     affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally and to general
     principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a
     proceeding at law or in equity).

          (viii) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
     Underwriting Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement and the sale of
     the Offered Securities and compliance with the terms and provisions hereof
     and thereof will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms
     and provisions of, or constitute a default under, any agreement or
     instrument to which UCAR is a party or by which UCAR is bound or to which
     any of the properties of UCAR is subject, except where such breach,
     violation or default (individually or in the aggregate) would not have a
     Material Adverse Effect. UCAR has the corporate power and authority to
     execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and
     the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

          (ix) Except as disclosed in the Prospectus, there are no contracts,
     agreements or understandings between UCAR and any person granting such
     person the right to require UCAR to file a registration statement under the
     Act with respect to any securities of UCAR owned or to be owned by such
     person or to require UCAR to include such securities in the securities
     registered pursuant to a Registration Statement or in any securities being
     registered pursuant to any other registration statement filed by UCAR under
     the Act.


          (x) KPMG Peat Marwick LLP are independent certified public accountants
     with respect to the UCAR Group under Rule 101 of AICPA's Code of
     Professional Conduct and its interpretations and rulings. The historical
     financial statements (including the related notes) included in the
     Prospectus comply in all material respects with the requirements applicable
     to a registration statement on Form S-3 and have been prepared, and present
     fairly in all material respects the financial position of the UCAR Group at
     the respective dates indicated and the results of its operations and its
     cash flows for the respective periods indicated, in accordance with
     generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied throughout
     such periods except as described in the notes to such financial statements;
     and the financial information and financial data set forth (a) in the
     Prospectus under the captions "Summary--Summary Financial and Operating
     Data", "Capitalization" and "Selected Consolidated Financial Data", (b) in
     Items 6, 8 and 10 of UCAR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     December 31, 1996 (the "UCAR 10-K") and (c) in UCAR's Notice of Meeting and
     Proxy Statement for the 1996 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "UCAR
     Proxy") together in each case with the notes applicable thereto, are
     derived from the accounting records of the UCAR Group and fairly present in
     all material respects the data purported to be shown. The other historical
     financial and statistical information and data included in the Prospectus
     are, in all material respects, fairly presented.

          (xi) There are no pending actions or suits or judicial, arbitral,
     rule-making or other administrative or other proceedings to which any UCAR
     Group Member is a party or of which any property or assets of any UCAR
     Group Member is the subject which, singularly or in the aggregate, are
     reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect; and to the best of
     UCAR's knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by
     governmental authorities or threatened by others.

          (xii) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing with,
     any governmental agency or body or any court is required with respect to
     UCAR for the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
     Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement in
     connection with the sale or repurchase of the Offered Securities, except
     such as have been obtained and made under the Act and such as may be
     required under state securities laws or the requirements of the National
     Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").


<PAGE>


                                                                    6

          (xiii) No UCAR Group Member (a) is in violation of its charter,
     by-laws or other constituent documents, (b) is in default in any respect,
     and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both,
     would constitute a default, in the due performance or observance of any
     term, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of
     trust, loan agreement or other material agreement or instrument to which it
     is a party or by which it is bound or to which any of its property or
     assets is subject or (c) is in violation in any respect of any law,

     ordinance, governmental rule, regulation or court decree to which it or its
     property or assets may be subject, except any violation or default under
     clauses (b) or (c) that would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xiv) Each UCAR Group Member possesses all material licenses,
     certificates, authorizations and permits issued by, and has made all
     material declarations and filings with, the appropriate state, federal or
     foreign regulatory agencies or bodies which are necessary for the ownership
     of its respective properties or the conduct of its respective businesses as
     described in the Prospectus, except where the failure to possess or make
     the same would not have, singularly or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse
     Effect; no UCAR Group Member has received notification of any revocation or
     modification of any such material license, authorization or permit; and
     each UCAR Group Member reasonably believes that each such material license,
     certificate, authorization or permit will be renewed in the ordinary
     course.

          (xv) Neither UCAR nor Global is, nor, after giving effect to the
     offering and sale of the Offered Securities and the application of the
     proceeds thereof as described in the Prospectus, will either be, an
     "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an investment company
     within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
     "Investment Company Act"), and the rules and regulations of the Commission
     thereunder.

          (xvi) Each UCAR Group Member owns or possesses adequate rights to use
     all material patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade
     names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, copyrights,
     licenses and know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented or
     unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or
     procedures) necessary for the conduct of its businesses, has no reason to
     believe that the conduct of its businesses will conflict with any such
     rights of others which might reasonably be expected to have a Material
     Adverse Effect and has not received any notice of any claim of conflict
     with any such rights of others which claim has a reasonable basis and, if
     successful, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xvii) Each UCAR Group Member has good and marketable title in fee
     simple to, or has valid rights to lease or otherwise use, all items of real
     or personal property which are material to its business, in each case
     except as disclosed in the Prospectus, free and clear of all liens that can
     reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect, in each case
     except as disclosed in the Prospectus.

          (xviii) No labor disturbance or dispute by the employees of any UCAR
     Group Member exists or, to the best of UCAR's knowledge, is contemplated,
     which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xix) There has been no storage, generation, transportation, handling,
     treatment, disposal, discharge, emission or other release of any kind of
     toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances by, due to or caused by
     any UCAR Group Member (or, to the best of UCAR's knowledge, any other
     entity for whose acts or omissions any UCAR Group Member is or may
     reasonably be expected to be liable) upon any of the property now or

     previously owned or leased by any UCAR Group Member, or upon any other
     property, (i) in violation of any applicable statute, ordinance, rule,
     regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit or (ii) in a manner which
     would, under any applicable statute, ordinance,

<PAGE>

                                                                    7

     rule (including rule of common law), regulation, order, judgment, decree or
     permit, give rise to any liability, except in the case of both clauses (i)
     and (ii) for any violation or liability which would not have, singularly or
     in the aggregate with all such violations and liabilities, a Material
     Adverse Effect; there has been no disposal, discharge, emission or other
     release of any kind onto such property or into the environment surrounding
     such property of any toxic or other wastes or other hazardous substances
     with respect to which UCAR has knowledge, except for any such disposal,
     discharge, emission or other release of any kind which would not have,
     singularly or in the aggregate with all such disposals, discharges,
     emissions and other releases, a Material Adverse Effect.

          (xx) Since the date as of which information is given in the
     Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, (A) there has occurred no
     event which has had a Material Adverse Effect or any development that can
     reasonably be expected (under current or reasonably anticipated future
     economic industry or other relevant conditions) to result in a Material
     Adverse Effect, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business,
     (B) there have been no transactions entered into by any UCAR Group Member,
     other than those in the ordinary course of business, which are material
     with respect to the UCAR Group and (C) there has been no dividend or
     distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by UCAR on any class of its
     capital stock.

          (xxi) Other than as contemplated by this Agreement or the Underwriting
     Agreement or as disclosed in the Prospectus, there is no broker, finder or
     other party that is entitled to receive: (a) from UCAR or any of its
     subsidiaries any brokerage or finder's fee or other fee or commission as a
     result of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the
     Underwriting Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement; or (b) from any
     U.S. Underwriter or Manager or any affiliate thereof any brokerage or
     finder's fee or other fee or commission as a result of UCAR or any of its
     subsidiaries or, to the best of UCAR's knowledge, any Selling Stockholder
     entering into any agreement or arrangement relating to, or in connection
     with, any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the
     Underwriting Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

          (xxii) The Offered Securities and all other outstanding shares of
     capital stock of UCAR have been duly authorized; and all outstanding shares
     of capital stock of UCAR are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable
     and conform to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus. Except
     as disclosed in the Prospectus, the stockholders of UCAR have no preemptive
     rights with respect to the Securities.

          (xxiii) The Offered Securities are listed on the New York Stock

     Exchange.

          (xxiv) There are no restrictions contained in any stockholder
     agreement, stock option plan or related agreement, subscription agreement
     or any similar plan or agreement, relating to the sale of Securities by
     existing stockholders of the Company.

        (b) Each Selling Stockholder severally represents and warrants to, and
agrees with, the several Managers that:

          (i) Such Selling Stockholder has and on each Closing Date hereinafter
     mentioned will have valid and unencumbered title to the Offered Securities
     to be delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder on such Closing
     Date, and full right, power and authority (as applicable) to enter into
     this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Stock Repurchase
     Agreement and to sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Offered Securities
     to be delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder on such Closing
     Date hereunder; and upon the delivery of and payment for the Offered
     Securities to be delivered by or on behalf of such Selling Stockholder on
     each such Closing Date hereunder, assuming the several Managers acquire
     such Offered Securities in good faith and without notice of any adverse
     claim within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial



<PAGE>


                                                                    8

     Code ("UCC"), the several Managers will acquire valid and unencumbered
     title to the Offered Securities to be delivered by or on behalf of such
     Selling Stockholder on such Closing Date hereunder.

          (ii) Such Selling Stockholder has been duly organized as a limited
     partnership and is in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in
     which it was organized. Such jurisdictions are the State of Delaware, in
     the case of BCP, the Cayman Islands, in the case of BOCP, and the State of
     Delaware, in the case of BFIP.

          (iii) (A) The Stockholder Information and the Supplemental Stockholder
     Information does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
     omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
     to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in which they
     were made, not misleading, and (B) it is familiar with the Registration
     Statement and Prospectus (including, in each case, any amendment or
     supplement thereto), and has no knowledge of any untrue statement of a
     material fact therein, and has no knowledge of any omission to state any
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in the light of the circumstances in which they were
     made, not misleading. The parties acknowledge and agree that "Stockholder
     Information" consists solely of: (A) the information in the first paragraph
     on front cover of the Prospectus relating to the Retained Interest (as
     defined in the Prospectus); (B) the information in the Prospectus under the

     caption "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for Future Sale" concerning the
     Retained Interest and resales of Securities included in the Retained
     Interest; (C) the biographical information with respect to Peter G.
     Peterson ("Peterson"), Stephen A. Schwarzman ("Schwarzman"), Glenn H.
     Hutchins ("Hutchins") and Howard A. Lipson ("Lipson") under the caption
     "Management" in the Prospectus, under the caption "Election of
     Directors--Nominees" in the UCAR Proxy and in Items 10 to 13 inclusive of
     the UCAR 10-K, and the information concerning Peterson, Schwarzman,
     Hutchins and Lipson in the second paragraph under the caption "Management"
     in the Prospectus; (D) the information with respect to beneficial ownership
     of Securities by Blackstone Management Associates II LLC, the Selling
     Stockholders, Peterson, Schwarzman, Hutchins and Lipson under the caption
     "Selling Stockholders" in the Prospectus and under the caption "Election of
     Directors--Security Ownership of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners"
     in the UCAR Proxy; and (E) the information in the Prospectus under the
     caption "Selling Stockholders" relating to the Principal Retained Interest
     (as defined in the Prospectus), the Limited Partner Retained Interest (as
     defined in the Prospectus) and the Retained Interest. The parties further
     acknowledge and agree that "Supplemental Stockholder Information" consists
     solely of: (A) the information in the first paragraph on front cover of the
     Prospectus relating to the Blackstone Share Repurchase (as defined in the
     Prospectus) and (B) the information in the Prospectus under the caption
     "Selling Stockholders" relating to the Stockholders' Agreement (as defined
     in the Prospectus) and the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

          (iv) Each of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized and validly executed and
     delivered by such Selling Stockholder and, assuming due execution and
     delivery by the other parties thereto, constitutes a valid and legally
     binding agreement of such Selling Stockholder, enforceable against such
     Selling Stockholder in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable
     bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and
     similar laws affecting creditors' rights and remedies generally and to
     general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought
     in a proceeding at law or in equity).

          (v) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or filing with,
     any governmental agency or body or any court or arbitrator or by any court
     or arbitrator is required to be obtained by such Selling Stockholder for
     the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the
     Underwriting Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement in connection with
     the sale of the Securities by such Selling



<PAGE>


                                                                    9

     Stockholder, except such as have been obtained and made under the Act and
     such as may be required under state securities laws or the requirements of
     the NASD, and except such as have no material effect on the consummation of
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement

     or the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

          (vi) The sale of the Offered Securities, the execution, delivery and
     performance of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions herein and
     therein contemplated and the fulfillment of the terms hereof and thereof,
     will not result in a breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions
     of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument to
     which such Selling Stockholder is a party or by which such Selling
     Stockholder is bound or to which any of the properties of such Selling
     Stockholder is subject, or the agreement of limited partnership or articles
     of partnership of such Selling Stockholder, except in each case where such
     breach, violation or default has no material effect on the consummation of
     the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement
     or the Stock Repurchase Agreement, and such Selling Stockholder has full
     partnership power and authority to sell the Securities to be sold by it as
     contemplated by this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement or the Stock
     Repurchase Agreement, respectively.

          (vii) The sale of the relevant Offered Securities by such Selling
     Stockholder, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the
     Underwriting Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement by such Selling
     Stockholder and the consummation by such Selling Stockholder of the
     transactions herein and therein contemplated and the fulfillment by such
     Selling Stockholder of the terms hereof and thereof, will not result in a
     breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of any statute or
     any rule, regulation or order applicable to such Selling Stockholder of any
     governmental agency or body or any court, domestic or foreign, having
     jurisdiction over such Selling Stockholder or any of its properties.

          (viii) Other than as contemplated by this Agreement or the
     Underwriting Agreement or as disclosed in the Prospectus, such Selling
     Stockholder has not agreed with any broker, finder or other party that any
     such party is entitled to receive from such Selling Stockholder or any of
     its subsidiaries any brokerage or finder's fee or other fee or commission
     as a result of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the
     Underwriting Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement; nor, to such
     Selling Stockholder's knowledge, without independent inquiry, is there any
     broker, finder or other party that is entitled to receive from any Manager
     or U.S. Underwriter or any affiliate thereof any brokerage or finder's fee
     or other fee or commission as a result of such Selling Stockholder or any
     of its subsidiaries or UCAR or any of its subsidiaries entering into any
     agreement or arrangement relating to, or in connection with, any of the
     transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement or
     the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

            (ix) Such Selling Stockholder has not taken and will not take,
      directly or indirectly, any action designed to or which has constituted or
      which might reasonably be expected to cause or result, under the Exchange
      Act or otherwise, in stabilization or manipulation of the price of any
      security of UCAR to facilitate the sale or resale of the Offered
      Securities and has not effected any purchases or sales of Securities,
      except as disclosed in the Prospectus and as contemplated by this
      Agreement or the Underwriting Agreement.


        3. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of Offered Securities. On the basis of
the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, but subject to
the terms and conditions herein set forth, each Selling Stockholder agrees,
severally and not jointly, to sell to the Managers, and each Manager agrees,
severally and not jointly, to purchase from each Selling Stockholder, at a
purchase price of [ ] per share, that number of International Firm Securities
(rounded up or



<PAGE>


                                                                    10

down, as determined by CSFBL in its discretion, in order to avoid fractions)
obtained by multiplying the number of International Firm Securities set forth
opposite the name of such Selling Stockholder in Schedule B hereto by a fraction
the numerator of which is the number of International Firm Securities set forth
opposite the name of such Manager in Schedule A hereto and the denominator of
which is the total number of International Firm Securities.

        Each of the Selling Stockholders will deliver the International Firm
Securities to be sold by it to CSFBL for the accounts of the Managers, against
payment of the purchase price by certified or official bank check or checks in
Federal (same-day) funds or by wire transfer to an account previously designated
to CSFBL at a bank acceptable to CSFBL drawn in the proper amounts to the
respective order of each of the Selling Stockholders, at the office of Cravath,
Swaine & Moore ("Underwriters' Counsel"), at 10:00 A.M., New York time, on April
[ ], 1997, or at such other time not later than seven full business days
thereafter as CSFBC, UCAR and the Selling Stockholders determine, such time
being herein referred to as the "First Closing Date". For purposes of Rule
15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, the First Closing Date (if later than the
applicable settlement date) shall be the settlement date for payment of funds
and delivery of securities for all the Offered Securities sold pursuant to the
offering. The certificates for the International Firm Securities so to be
delivered will be in definitive form, in such denominations and registered in
such names as CSFBL requests upon reasonable notice and will be made available
for checking and packaging at the above office of Underwriters' Counsel at least
24 hours prior to the First Closing Date.

        In addition, upon written notice from CSFBC given to UCAR and BCP from
time to time not more than 30 days subsequent to the date of the Prospectus, the
U.S. Underwriters and the Managers may purchase all or less than all of the
Optional Securities at the purchase price per Security to be paid for the
International Firm Securities. Each of the Selling Stockholders agrees,
severally and not jointly, to sell to the Managers the respective numbers of
Optional Securities obtained by multiplying the number of Optional Securities
specified in such notice by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of
shares set forth opposite the Selling Stockholders' respective names in Schedule
B hereto under the caption "Number of International Optional Securities to be
Sold" and the denominator of which is the total number of Optional Securities
(subject to adjustment by CSFBL to eliminate fractions). Such International

Optional Securities shall be purchased from the Selling Stockholders for the
account of each Manager in the same proportion as the number of International
Firm Securities set forth opposite such Manager's name bears to the total number
of International Firm Securities (subject to adjustment by CSFBL to eliminate
fractions) and may be purchased by the Managers only for the purpose of covering
over-allotments made in connection with the sale of the International Firm
Securities. No Optional Securities shall be sold or delivered unless the U.S.
Firm Securities and the International Firm Securities previously have been, or
simultaneously are, sold and delivered. The right to purchase the Optional
Securities or any portion thereof may be exercised from time to time and to the
extent not previously exercised may be surrendered and terminated at any time
upon notice by CSFBC to UCAR and BCP.

        Each time for the delivery of and payment for the International Optional
Securities, being herein referred to as an "Optional Closing Date", which may be
the First Closing Date (the First Closing Date and each Optional Closing Date,
if any, being sometimes referred to as a "Closing Date"), shall be determined by
CSFBC but shall, unless it is the First Closing Date, be not later than seven or
sooner than three full business days after written notice of election to
purchase Optional Securities is given. Each of the Selling Stockholders will
deliver the International Optional Securities being purchased from it on each
Optional Closing Date to CSFBL for the accounts of the several Managers, against
payment of the purchase price therefor by certified or official bank check or
checks in Federal (same-day) funds or by wire transfer to an account previously
designated to CSFBL at a bank acceptable to CSFBL drawn in the proper amounts to
the respective order of each of the Selling Stockholders at the office of
Underwriters' Counsel. The certificates for the International Optional
Securities being purchased on each Optional Closing Date will be in definitive
form, in such denominations and registered in such names as CSFBL requests upon
reasonable notice prior to such Optional Closing Date and will be made available
for


<PAGE>

                                                                    11

checking and packaging at the office of Underwriters' Counsel at a reasonable
time in advance of such Optional Closing Date.

        None of the Selling Stockholders shall be obligated to deliver any Firm
Securities or any Optional Securities to be purchased from it except upon
payment for all the Firm Securities and, if applicable, Optional Securities to
be purchased from it on the relevant Closing Date.

        4. Offering by Managers. It is understood that the several Managers
propose to offer the International Securities for sale to the public as set
forth in the international prospectus.

        In connection with the distribution of the International Securities, the
Managers, through a stabilizing manager, may over-allot or effect transactions
on any exchange, in any over-the-counter market or otherwise, which stabilize or
maintain the market prices of the International Securities at levels other than
those which might otherwise prevail, but in such event and in relation thereto,

the Managers will act for themselves and not as agents of UCAR, and any loss
resulting from overallotment and stabilization will be borne, and any profit
arising therefrom will be beneficially retained, by the Managers. Such
stabilizing, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

        5. Certain Agreements of UCAR and the Selling Stockholders. (a) UCAR
agrees with the several Managers and the Selling Stockholders that:

          (i) If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, UCAR will file the
     Prospectus with the Commission pursuant to and in accordance with
     subparagraph (1) (or, if applicable and if consented to by CSFBL,
     subparagraph (4)) of Rule 424(b) not later than the earlier of (A) the
     second business day following the execution and delivery of this Agreement
     or (B) the fifteenth business day after the Effective Date of the Initial
     Registration Statement. UCAR will advise CSFBL promptly of any such filing
     pursuant to Rule 424(b). If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration
     Statement is prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement and an
     additional registration statement is necessary to register a portion of the
     Offered Securities under the Act but the Effective Time thereof has not
     occurred as of such execution and delivery, UCAR will file the additional
     registration statement or, if filed, will file a post-effective amendment
     thereto with the Commission pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 462(b)
     on or prior to 10:00 P.M., New York time, on the date of this Agreement or,
     if earlier, on or prior to the time the Prospectus is printed and
     distributed to any Manager, or will make such filing at such later date as
     shall have been consented to by CSFBL.

          (ii) UCAR will advise CSFBL and the Selling Stockholders promptly of
     any proposal to amend or supplement the Initial Registration Statement, the
     Additional Registration Statement (if any) or the Prospectus and will not
     effect such amendment or supplementation without CSFBL's consent (which
     shall not be unreasonably withheld) or without giving the Managers a
     reasonable opportunity to comment thereon; UCAR will also advise CSFBL and
     the Selling Stockholders promptly of the effectiveness of each Registration
     Statement (if its Effective Time is subsequent to the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement) and of any amendment or supplementation of a
     Registration Statement or the Prospectus and of the institution by the
     Commission of any stop order proceedings in respect of a Registration
     Statement and will use its commercially reasonable best efforts to prevent
     the issuance of any such stop order and to obtain as soon as possible its
     lifting, if issued.

          (iii) If, at any time when a prospectus relating to the Offered
     Securities is required to be delivered under the Act in connection with
     sales by any Manager or dealer, any event occurs as a result of which the
     Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact 



<PAGE>



                                                                    12

     necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
     under which they were made, not misleading, or if it is necessary at any
     time to amend the Prospectus to comply with the Act, UCAR shall promptly
     notify CSFBL and the Selling Stockholders of such event and will promptly
     prepare and file with the Commission, at its own expense, an amendment or
     supplement which will correct such statement or omission or an amendment
     which will effect such compliance. Neither CSFBL's consent to, nor the
     Managers' delivery of, any such amendment or supplement shall constitute a
     waiver of any of the conditions set forth in Section 6.

          (iv) As soon as practicable, but not later than the Availability Date
     (as defined below), UCAR will make generally available to its
     securityholders an earnings statement covering a period of at least 12
     months beginning after the Effective Date of the Initial Registration
     Statement (or, if later, the Effective Date of the Additional Registration
     Statement) which will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act
     and Rule 158 thereunder. For the purpose of the preceding sentence,
     "Availability Date" means the 45th day after the end of the fourth fiscal
     quarter following the fiscal quarter that includes such Effective Date,
     except that, if such fourth fiscal quarter is the last quarter of UCAR's
     fiscal year, "Availability Date" means the 90th day after the end of such
     fourth fiscal quarter.

          (v) UCAR will furnish to the Managers copies of each Registration
     Statement (five of which will be signed and will include all exhibits),
     each related preliminary prospectus, and, so long as delivery of a
     prospectus relating to the Offered Securities is required to be delivered
     under the Act in connection with sales by any Manager or dealer, the
     international prospectus and all amendments and supplements to such
     documents, in each case as soon as available and in such quantities as
     CSFBL reasonably requests. The Prospectus shall be so furnished on or prior
     to 10:00 A.M., New York time, on the business day following the later of
     the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the Effective Time of the
     Initial Registration Statement. All other such documents shall be so
     furnished as soon as available. UCAR will pay the expenses of printing and
     distributing to the Managers all such documents.

          (vi) UCAR will cooperate with the Managers and Underwriters' Counsel
     to arrange for the qualification of the Offered Securities for sale under
     the laws of such jurisdictions as CSFBL reasonably designates and will
     continue such qualifications in effect so long as required for the
     distribution; provided, that in no event shall UCAR be obligated to qualify
     to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified or to
     take any action which would subject it to general service of process in any
     jurisdiction where it is not now so subject.

          (vii) During the period of five years hereafter: (x) UCAR will furnish
     to the Managers as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, a
     copy of its annual report to stockholders for such year; and (y) UCAR will
     furnish to the Managers (i) as soon as available, a copy of each report or
     definitive proxy statement of UCAR filed with the Commission under the
     Exchange Act or mailed to stockholders and (ii) from time to time, such

     other information concerning UCAR as CSFBL may reasonably request, provided
     that the requirements of this paragraph (a)(vii) shall terminate if UCAR is
     no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange
     Act.

          (viii) UCAR will pay all expenses incident to the performance of its
     obligations under this Agreement and the Underwriting Agreement including
     the cost of printing documents (including the Registration Statement and
     Prospectus), and will reimburse the Managers for any filing fees and other
     expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred
     by them in connection with qualification of the Offered Securities for sale
     under the laws described in Section 5(a)(vi) and the printing of memoranda
     relating thereto, for the filing fee of the NASD relating to the Offered

<PAGE>


                                                                    13

     Securities, for any travel expenses of UCAR's officers and employees and
     any other expenses of UCAR in connection with attending or hosting meetings
     with prospective purchasers of the Offered Securities and for expenses
     incurred in distributing preliminary prospectuses and the Prospectus
     (including any amendments and supplements thereto) to the Managers.

          (ix) For a period of 90 days after the date of commencement of the
     public offering of the Offered Securities, UCAR will not offer, sell,
     contract to sell, announce its intention to sell, pledge, hypothecate,
     grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of, directly or
     indirectly, or file with the Commission a registration statement under the
     Act (other than on Form S-8 or Form S-3 (but only relating to resales of
     securities as described in the general instructions to Form S-8) and other
     than those filed in connection with an acquisition permitted by clause (iv)
     below) relating to, any additional Securities or securities convertible
     into or exchangeable or exercisable for Securities, or publicly disclose
     the intention to make any such offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing,
     without the prior written consent of CSFBC, except (i) sales and issuances
     of Securities pursuant to the UCAR Carbon Savings Plan (which is described
     in Note 14 to UCAR's Consolidated Financial statements included in the
     Prospectus), (ii) grants of employee stock options and other awards
     pursuant to the terms of a plan in effect on the date hereof or described
     in the Prospectus, (iii) sales and issuances of Securities pursuant to the
     exercise of such options or awards or the exercise of any other employee
     stock options or awards outstanding on the date hereof and (iv) sales and
     issuances of Securities in connection with the acquisitions of businesses,
     companies or assets by a member of the UCAR Group so long as the recipients
     of such shares are subject to the restrictions of this Section 5(a)(ix)
     until the expiration of such 90 day period.

          (x) No action has been or, prior to the completion of the distribution
     of the Offered Securities, will be taken by UCAR or any Selling Stockholder
     in any jurisdiction outside the United States and Canada that would permit
     a public offering of the Offered Securities, or possession or distribution
     of the international prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or

     any related preliminary prospectus issued in connection with the offering
     of the Offered Securities, or any other offering material, in any country
     or jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required.

     (b) Each of the Selling Stockholders severally agrees with the several
Managers that for a period of 45 days after the date of commencement of the
public offering of the Offered Securities, such Selling Stockholder will not
offer, sell, contract to sell, announce its intention to sell, pledge,
hypothecate, grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of, directly or
indirectly, any additional Securities or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Securities (including without limitation,
Securities beneficially owned by such Selling Stockholder in accordance with the
Rules and Regulations, other than those beneficially owned by any other Selling
Stockholder), or publicly disclose the intention to make any such offer, sale,
pledge or disposition, without the prior written consent of CSFBC, except that
each of the Selling Stockholders may transfer or otherwise distribute any of the
Securities owned by it on the date hereof to its general partners or limited
partners, provided that each such general partner or limited partner agrees in
writing to be bound by the provisions of this subsection (b) as if such partner
were a Selling Stockholder hereunder.

     6. Conditions of the Obligations of the Managers. The obligations of the
several Managers to purchase and pay for the International Firm Securities on
the First Closing Date and to purchase and pay for the International Optional
Securities on each Optional Closing Date will be subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties on the part of UCAR and the Selling Stockholders
herein, to the accuracy of the certificates of UCAR officers and Selling
Stockholders delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by
UCAR and the Selling Stockholders of their respective obligations hereunder and
to the following additional conditions precedent:


<PAGE>


                                                                    14



          (a) The Managers shall have received a letter, dated the date of
     delivery thereof (which, if the Effective Time of the Initial Registration
     Statement is prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall
     be on or prior to the date of this Agreement or, if the Effective Time of
     the Initial Registration Statement is subsequent to the execution and
     delivery of this Agreement, shall be prior to the filing of the amendment
     or post-effective amendment to the Registration Statements to be filed
     shortly prior to such Effective Time), of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP confirming
     that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of the Act
     and the applicable published Rules and Regulations thereunder and stating
     in effect that:

               (i) in their opinion the financial statements and schedules
          examined by them and included in the Registration Statements comply in
          form in all material respects with the applicable accounting

          requirements of the Act and the related published Rules and
          Regulations;

               (ii) on the basis of a reading of the latest available interim
          financial statements of UCAR, inquiries of officials of UCAR who have
          responsibility for financial and accounting matters and other
          specified procedures, nothing came to their attention that caused them
          to believe that:

                    (A) at the date of the latest available balance sheet read
               by such accountants, and at a subsequent specified date not more
               than three business days prior to the date of delivery of such
               letter, there was any change in the capital stock or any increase
               in consolidated short-term indebtedness or long-term debt of UCAR
               and its subsidiaries or any decreases in consolidated net current
               assets (working capital) or stockholders' equity, as compared
               with amounts shown on the latest balance sheet included in the
               Prospectus; or

                    (B) for the period from the closing date of the latest
               income statement included in the Prospectus to the closing date
               of the latest available income statement read by such
               accountants, there were any decreases, as compared with the
               corresponding period of the previous year, in consolidated net
               sales, consolidated income before extraordinary items or net
               income; except in all cases set forth in clauses (A) and (B)
               above for changes, increases or decreases which are described in
               such letter; and

               (iii) they have compared specified dollar amounts (or
          percentages derived from such dollar amounts) and other financial
          information contained in the Registration Statements (in each case to
          the extent that such dollar amounts, percentages and other financial
          information are derived from the general accounting records of UCAR
          and its subsidiaries subject to the internal controls of UCAR's
          accounting system or are derived directly from such records by
          analysis or computation) with the results obtained from inquiries, a
          reading of such general accounting records and other procedures
          specified in such letter and have found such dollar amounts,
          percentages and other financial information to be in agreement with
          such results, except as otherwise specified in such letter. All
          financial statements included in material incorporated by reference
          into the Prospectus shall be deemed included in the Registration
          Statements for purposes of this subsection.


          For purposes of this subsection, (i) if the Effective Time of the
     Initial Registration Statement is subsequent to the execution and delivery
     of this Agreement, "Registration Statements" shall mean the initial
     registration statement as proposed to be amended by the amendment or
     post-effective amendment to be filed shortly prior to its Effective Time,

<PAGE>



                                                                    15

     (ii) if the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is prior
     to the execution and delivery of this Agreement but the Effective Time of
     the Additional Registration is subsequent to such execution and delivery,
     "Registration Statements" shall mean the Initial Registration Statement and
     the Additional Registration Statement as proposed to be filed or as
     proposed to be amended by the post-effective amendment to be filed shortly
     prior to its Effective Time, and (iii) "Prospectus" shall mean the
     prospectus included in the Registration Statements.

             (b) If the Effective Time of the Initial Registration Statement is
     not prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, such Effective
     Time shall have occurred not later than 12:00 P.M., New York time, on April
     [ ], 1997, or such later date as shall have been consented to by CSFBL. If
     the Effective Time of the Additional Registration Statement (if any) is not
     prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, such Effective Time
     shall have occurred not later than 10:00 P.M., New York time, on the date
     of this Agreement or, if earlier, the time the Prospectus is printed and
     distributed to any Manager, or shall have occurred at such later date as
     shall have been consented to by CSFBL. If the Effective Time of the Initial
     Registration Statement is prior to the execution and delivery of this
     Agreement, the Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission in
     accordance with the Rules and Regulations and Section 5(a)(i) of this
     Agreement. Prior to such Closing Date, no stop order suspending the
     effectiveness of a Registration Statement shall have been issued and no
     proceedings for that purpose shall have been instituted or, to the
     knowledge of any Selling Stockholder, UCAR or the Managers, shall be
     contemplated by the Commission. Copies of the Prospectus shall have been
     printed and distributed to the Managers in such numbers as they may
     reasonably request as soon as practicable on or following the date of this
     Agreement.

             (c) All corporate proceedings and other legal matters incident to
     the authorization, form and validity of the Securities, this Agreement, the
     Underwriting Agreement, the Stock Repurchase Agreement and the Registration
     Statements, and all other legal matters relating to this Agreement, the
     Underwriting Agreement, the Stock Repurchase Agreement and the other
     transactions contemplated hereby and thereby shall be reasonably
     satisfactory in all material respects to the Managers, and UCAR and the
     Selling Stockholders shall have furnished to the Managers all documents and
     information that they or their counsel may reasonably request to enable
     them to pass upon such matters.

             (d) Kelley Drye & Warren LLP shall have furnished to the Managers
     their written opinion, as counsel to UCAR, addressed to the Managers and
     dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
     CSFBL, on behalf of the Managers, to the effect that:

               (i) UCAR has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
          corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware,
          is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing as a foreign
          corporation in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of

          property or the conduct of its businesses requires such qualification
          (other than those jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify
          would not have a Material Adverse Effect), and has all corporate power
          and authority necessary to own or hold its properties and to conduct
          the businesses in which it is engaged (in rendering such opinions as
          to good standing, such counsel may rely on certificates and other
          documents of public officials of Delaware and Connecticut);

               (ii) UCAR's authorized capital stock is as set forth in the
          Prospectus; the capital stock of UCAR conforms in all material
          respects to the description thereof included in the Prospectus;

<PAGE>

                                                                    16

               (iii) the Offered Securities have been duly authorized and are
          validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; and the stockholders of
          UCAR have no pre-emptive rights with respect to the Offered
          Securities;

               (iv) the descriptions in the Registration Statements and the
          Prospectus of statutes (insofar as they relate, to the knowledge of
          such counsel, to the business the UCAR Group), legal or governmental
          actions, suits, proceedings and con tracts and other documents insofar
          as they purport to constitute summaries of such legal or governmental
          actions, suits, proceedings and contracts or other documents,
          constitute accurate summaries thereof in all material respects;

               (v) the statements in the Registration Statements and the
          Prospectus under the caption "Certain United States Tax Consequences
          to Non-United States Holders", to the extent that they constitute
          summaries of U.S. federal tax law and regulation or legal conclusions
          with respect thereto, have been reviewed by them and constitute
          accurate summaries of the matters described therein in all material
          respects;

               (vi) UCAR has the corporate right, power and authority to execute
          and deliver this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Stock
          Repurchase Agreement and to perform its respective obligations
          hereunder and thereunder; and all corporate action required to be
          taken by it for the due and proper authorization, execution and
          delivery of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the Stock
          Repurchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
          contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly taken;

               (vii) no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or
          qualification of or with any federal or New York court or governmental
          agency or body or any Delaware court or governmental agency or body
          acting pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law is required
          for the sale of the Offered Securities or the consummation of the
          transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Underwriting
          Agreement or the Stock Repurchase Agreement, except for the
          registration under the Act of the Offered Securities, and such

          consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications
          as may be required under state securities or "Blue Sky" laws in
          connection with the purchase and distribution of the Offered
          Securities by the Managers; and

               (viii) each of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the
          Stock Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered by UCAR, and each constitutes a valid and legally binding
          agreement of UCAR;

               (ix) the Securities, this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement
          and the Stock Repurchase Agreement conform in all material respects to
          the descriptions thereof included in the Prospectus;

               (x) neither UCAR nor Global is an "investment company" or a
          company "controlled" by an investment company within the meaning of
          the Investment Company Act and the rules and regulations of the
          Commission thereunder, without taking account of any exemption under
          the Investment Company Act arising out of the number of holders of
          UCAR's securities; and

               (xi) based on the advice of the Commission, the Initial
          Registration Statement was declared effective under the Act as of the
          date and time specified in such opinion, the Additional Registration
          Statement (if any) was filed and became effective under the Act as of
          the date and time (if determinable) specified in such opinion, the
          Prospectus either was filed with the Commission pursuant to the

<PAGE>


                                                                    17

              
         subparagraph of Rule 424(b) specified in such opinion on the date
         specified therein or was included in the Initial Registration Statement
         or the Additional Registration Statement (as the case may be), to the
         knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the effectiveness
         of a Registration Statement or any part thereof has been issued and no
         proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or
         contemplated under the Act, and each Registration Statement and the
         Prospectus, and each amendment or supplement thereto (except for finan
         cial statements, the notes thereto and other financial and statistical
         data included in the Prospectus, as to which no opinion need be
         expressed), as of their respective effective or issue dates, and as of
         the Closing Date, complied as to form in all material respects with the
         requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations, including those
         applicable to a definitive prospectus forming part of a registration
         statement on Form S-3 under the Act.

         In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters governed
     by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York or the
     United States of America on local counsel in such jurisdictions provided
     that such counsel shall state that they believe that they and the Managers

     are justified in relying on such other counsel.

         In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to matters of
     fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of
     responsible officers of the relevant UCAR Group Member and public officials
     which are furnished to the Managers.

         Such opinion shall also state that it is being delivered to the
     Managers at the request of UCAR.

              (e) Peter B. Mancino, Esq., General Counsel of UCAR, shall have
     furnished to the Managers his written opinion, addressed to the Managers
     and dated the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
     to CSFBL, on behalf of the Managers, to the effect that:

                (i) UCAR owns all the outstanding shares of the capital stock of
          Global; and, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, Global owns,
          directly or indirectly, (1) all the outstanding shares of capital
          stock of each of Global's subsidiaries (other than UCAR Carbon S.A.
          and its subsidiaries, in respect of which Global indirectly owns
          approximately 94% of the outstanding shares of its capital stock, UCAR
          Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. and its subsidiaries in respect of which Global
          indirectly owns more than 99% of the outstanding shares of its capital
          stock, UCAR Holdings S.A., Itapira Brasil Investimentos E
          Participacoes Ltd. and UCAR Limited, as to which qualifying shares
          totaling less than 1% are held by nominees, Grafit, in respect of
          which Global indirectly owns approximately 90% of the outstanding
          shares of its capital stock, Carbone Savoie, in respect of which
          Global indirectly owns 70% of the outstanding shares of its capital
          stock, and Elektroden, in respect of which Global indirectly owns
          approximately 70% of the outstanding shares of its capital stock), and
          (2) 50% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of EMSA and CL, in
          each case, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, free and clear of
          any lien, and, except for rights of first refusal on transfers of
          capital stock of EMSA, Carbone Savoie, Elektroden and CL, there are no
          rights granted to, or in favor of, any person to acquire any such
          capital stock, any additional capital stock or any other securities of
          any such subsidiary, EMSA or CL;

                (ii) the sale of the Offered Securities, the execution, delivery
          and performance of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the
          Stock Repurchase Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
          contemplated hereby and thereby do not conflict with or result in a
          breach or violation of any of
<PAGE>


                                                                    18

          the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, or result
          in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon
          any property or assets of UCAR pursuant to, any indenture, mortgage,
          deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to
          which UCAR is a party or by which UCAR is bound or to which any of the

          property or assets of UCAR is subject, in each case, known to such
          counsel, except where such conflict, breach, violation, default or
          creation (individually or in the aggregate) would not have a Material
          Adverse Effect, nor will such actions result in any violation of the
          provisions of the charter or by-laws of UCAR or any statute or, to
          such counsel's knowledge, any judgment, order, decree, rule or
          regulation of any federal or state court or governmental agency or
          body or arbitrator having jurisdiction over UCAR or any of its
          properties or assets, except where such violation (individually or in
          the aggregate) would not have a Material Adverse Effect;

                (iii) the Offered Securities have been duly executed (manually
          or by facsimile) by UCAR;

                (iv) UCAR is not in violation of any terms or provisions of its
          charter or by-laws; and

                (v) to the best knowledge of such counsel, there is no pending
          or threatened action or suit or judicial, arbitral, rule-making or
          other administrative or other proceeding to which UCAR or Global is a
          party or of which any property or assets of UCAR or Global is the
          subject that, singly or in the aggregate, (A) questions the validity
          of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement, the Stock Repurchase
          Agreement or any action taken or required to be taken pursuant hereto
          or thereto or (B) if determined adversely to UCAR or Global, is
          reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters
     governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York
     or the United States of America on local counsel in such jurisdictions
     provided that such counsel shall state that he believes that he and the
     Managers are justified in relying on such other counsel.

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to matters of
     fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of
     responsible officers of the relevant UCAR Group Member and public officials
     which are furnished to the Managers.

          Such opinion shall also state that it is being delivered to the
     Managers at the request of UCAR.

          (f) In addition to the matters set forth in the opinions referred to
     in Sections 6(d) and (e) above, each such opinion shall also include a
     statement to the effect that such counsel has participated in conferences
     with representatives of UCAR, at which conferences the contents of the
     documents described below were discussed, and that, although such counsel
     assumes no responsibility for the factual accuracy or completeness thereof
     (except as stated above), nothing has come to the attention of such counsel
     which leads them or him, as the case may be, to believe that any part of a
     Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, at the time such
     Registration Statement or amendment became effective, contained an untrue
     statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required
     to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
     misleading or that the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto,

     at the time it was filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or on the Closing Date,
     contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a
     material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
     statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
     made, not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no
     opinion as to the


<PAGE>


                                                                    19

      
     financial statements and related schedules or other financial or
     statistical data contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
     or any amendment or supplement thereto).

          (g) You shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing Date, from
     Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, special counsel for the Selling Stockholders,
     in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Managers, to the
     effect that:

                (i) each of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and the
          Stock Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
          delivered by BCP and BFIP; and assuming that each of this Agreement,
          the Underwriting Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement has been
          duly authorized, executed and delivered by BOCP in accordance with the
          laws of the Cayman Islands, each of this Agreement, the Underwriting
          Agreement and the Stock Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized,
          executed and delivered by BOCP in accordance with the laws of the
          State of New York; and

                (ii) each of the Selling Stockholders is the sole registered
          owner of the Offered Securities to be sold by such Selling
          Stockholder; each of BCP and BFIP has full partnership power, right
          and authority to sell the Offered Securities to be sold by it and,
          assuming that BOCP has full partnership power, right and authority to
          sell the Offered Securities to be sold by it under the laws of the
          Cayman Islands and assuming that the Managers are purchasing such
          Offered Securities in good faith and without notice of any adverse
          claim, upon payment for and delivery of the Offered Securities in
          accordance with this Agreement and the Underwriting Agreement, the
          Managers will acquire all of the rights of each such Selling
          Stockholder in the Offered Securities and will also acquire their
          interest in such Offered Securities free of any adverse claim (within
          the meaning of the UCC).

          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters
     governed by the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York
     or the United States of America on local counsel in such jurisdictions
     provided that such counsel shall state that they believe that they and the
     Managers are justified in relying on such other counsel.


          In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely, as to matters of
     fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of
     responsible officers of the Selling Stockholders (as applicable) and public
     officials which are furnished to the Managers.

          Such opinion shall also state that it is being delivered to the
     Managers at the request of the Selling Stockholders.

          In addition to the matters set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above,
such opinion shall also include a statement to the effect that such counsel has
participated in conferences with representatives of UCAR and the Selling
Stockholders, at which conferences the contents of the documents described below
were discussed, and that, although such counsel assumes no responsibility for
the factual accuracy or completeness thereof, nothing has come to the attention
of such counsel which leads them to believe that any part of a Registration
Statement or any amendment thereto, at the time such Registration Statement or
amendment became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or
omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus or any
amendment or supplement thereto, at the time it was filed pursuant to Rule
424(b) or on the Closing Date, contained an untrue statement of a material fact
or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading (it being understood that such counsel need express no
opinion as to the financial statements and related schedules or other financial
or statistical data contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or
any amendment or



<PAGE>
                                                                              20

     supplement thereto); provided that the opinions provided for in this
     paragraph shall only apply to the Stockholder Information and the
     Supplemental Stockholder Information.

               (h) You shall have received an opinion, dated the Closing Date,
          from W.S. Walker & Company, counsel for BOCP, in form and substance
          reasonably satisfactory to the Managers, to the effect that:

                    (i) each of this Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement and
               the Stock Repurchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed
               and delivered by BOCP in accordance with the laws of the Cayman
               Islands; and

                    (ii) BOCP has full partnership power, right and authority to
               sell the Offered Securities to be sold by it under the laws of
               the Cayman Islands.

            (i) The Managers shall have received from Cravath, Swaine & Moore,
      such opinion or opinions, dated the Closing Date, with respect to such
      matters as the Managers may reasonably require, and UCAR and the Selling
      Stockholders shall have furnished to such counsel such documents as they

      reasonably request for enabling them to pass upon such matters.

            (j) UCAR shall have furnished to the Managers a letter (the
      "bring-down letter") of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, addressed to the Managers
      and dated the Closing Date, confirming, as of the date of the bring-down
      letter (or, with respect to matters involving changes or developments
      since the respective dates as of which specified financial information is
      given in the Prospectus, as of a date not more than three business days
      prior to the date of the bring-down letter), the conclusions and findings
      of such firm with respect to the financial information and other matters
      covered by its letter delivered to the Managers concurrently with the
      execution of this Agreement and described in Section 6(a).

          (k) UCAR shall have furnished to the Managers a certificate, dated the
     Closing Date, of its President and its Chief Financial Officer stating that
     (A) such officers have carefully examined the Prospectus, (B) to the best
     of their knowledge, after reasonable investigation, as of its date, the
     Prospectus did not include any untrue statement of a material fact and did
     not omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
     necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
     in which they were made, not misleading and since its date, no event has
     occurred which should have been set forth in a supplement or amendment to
     the Prospectus in order to make the foregoing statement true as of the
     Closing Date and (C) as of the Closing Date, the representations and
     warranties of UCAR in this Agreement and the Underwriting Agreement that
     are qualified as to materiality are true and correct, and those not so
     qualified are true and correct in all material respects, UCAR has complied
     with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be
     performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date and,
     subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statements in the
     Prospectus, there has been no event which has had a Material Adverse Effect
     or development that can reasonably be expected (under current or reasonably
     anticipated future economic industry or other relevant conditions) to
     result in a Material Adverse Effect.

          (l) Each of the Selling Stockholders shall have furnished to the
     Managers a certificate, dated the Closing Date, signed by such Selling
     Stockholder or an authorized officer (as applicable) stating that as of the
     Closing Date the representations and warranties of such Selling Stockholder
     in this Agreement and the Underwriting Agreement that are qualified as to
     materiality are true and correct, and those not so qualified are true and
     correct in all material respects, and that such Selling Stockholder has
     complied with



<PAGE>


                                                                    21

     all agreements and satisfied all conditions on its part to be performed or
     satisfied hereunder at or prior to the Closing Date.


          (m) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement or, if
     earlier, the dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus
     (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto), there has occurred no
     event which has had a Material Adverse Effect or development that can
     reasonably be expected (under current or reasonably anticipated future
     economic industry or other relevant conditions) to result in a Material
     Adverse Effect, or any change specified in the letters referred to in
     Section 6(a) or (j), the effect of which, in any such case described above,
     is, in the judgment of the Managers, so material and adverse as to make it
     impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the offering or delivery of
     the Offered Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the
     Prospectus (exclusive of any amendment or supplement).

          (n) No action shall have been taken and no statute, rule, regulation
     or order shall have been enacted, adopted or issued by any governmental
     agency which would, as of the Closing Date, prevent the sale of the Offered
     Securities; and no injunction, restraining order or order of any other
     nature by a federal or state court of competent jurisdiction shall have
     been issued as of the Closing Date which would prevent such sale.

          (o) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, (x) no
     downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded any of UCAR's or
     Global's debt securities or preferred stock by any "nationally recognized
     statistical rating organization," as that term is defined by the Commission
     for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Act, and (y) no such organization
     shall have publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review
     (other than an announcement with positive implications of a possible
     upgrading) its rating of any of UCAR's or Global's debt securities or
     preferred stock.

          (p) Subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement, there
     shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) trading in securities
     generally on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market, the
     American Stock Exchange or the overthe counter market shall have been
     suspended or limited, or minimum prices shall have been established on
     either of such exchanges or such market by the Commission, by such exchange
     or by any other regulatory body or governmental authority having
     jurisdiction, or trading in securities of Global or UCAR on any exchange or
     in the over-the-counter market shall have been suspended or (ii) any
     moratorium on commercial banking activities shall have been declared by
     U.S. Federal authorities or New York State authorities or authorities in
     the United Kingdom or (iii) an outbreak or escalation of hostilities in
     which the United States or the United Kingdom is involved, any declaration
     of war by Congress or any other substantial national or international
     calamity or emergency if, in the judgment of a majority in interest of the
     Managers, the effect of any such outbreak, escalation, declaration,
     calamity or emergency makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with
     the completion of the public offering or the sale of and payment for the
     Offered Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the
     Prospectus.

          (q) UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and the U.S. Underwriters shall
     have executed and delivered the Underwriting Agreement on the date of this
     Agreement.


          (r) If any event shall have occurred that requires UCAR to prepare an
     amendment or supplement to the Prospectus, such amendment or supplement
     shall have been prepared, copies thereof shall have been delivered to the
     Managers and the Managers shall have been given a reasonable opportunity to
     comment thereon.

          (s) The "lock-up" agreements between the U.S. Underwriters and certain
     executive officers and directors of UCAR relating to sales of Securities or
     any securities convertible



<PAGE>


                                                                    22

     into or exercisable or exchangeable for Securities, previously delivered to
     the Managers, shall be in full force and effect on the Closing Date.

          (t) UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and Chase Equity Associates, L.P.
     shall have executed and delivered the Stock Repurchase Agreement and the
     transactions contemplated thereby shall have been consummated as described
     in the Prospectus.

UCAR and the Selling Stockholders, as applicable, will furnish the Managers with
such conformed copies of such opinions, certificates, letters and documents as
the Managers reasonably request.

        7. Indemnification and Contribution. (a) UCAR will indemnify and hold
harmless each Manager and each Selling Stockholder and each of their respective
officers, employees and directors and each person who controls such Manager or
Selling Stockholder (as applicable) within the meaning of the Act (collectively,
for the purposes of this Section 7(a), the "Indemnified Persons") against any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such
Indemnified Person may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as
such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or, actions in respect thereof)
arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of any material fact contained in any Registration Statement, the Prospectus or
any amendment or supplement thereto, or any related preliminary prospectus, or
arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein (or in the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made) not misleading, and will reimburse each Indemnified Person
for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person
in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that UCAR
will not be liable in any such case to any Indemnified Person to the extent that
any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action arises out of or is based upon
an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement in or omission or alleged
omission from any of such documents in reliance upon and in conformity with any
Excluded Information or Stockholder Information; provided further, however, that
as to any preliminary prospectus this Section 7(a) shall not inure to the

benefit of any Manager on account of any loss, claim, damage, liability or
action from the sale of the Offered Securities to any person by a Manager if
that Manager failed to send or give a copy of the Prospectus, as the same may be
amended or supplemented, to that person if required under the Act, and the
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission in
such preliminary prospectus was corrected in the Prospectus, unless, in either
case, such failure to deliver the Prospectus was a result of noncompliance by
UCAR with Section 5(a)(iii).

        (b)(i) Each Manager will severally and not jointly indemnify and hold
harmless UCAR and each Selling Stockholder and each of their respective
officers, employees and directors and each person who controls UCAR or such
Selling Stockholder (as applicable) within the meaning of the Act (collectively,
for the purposes of this Section 7(b)(i), the "Indemnified Persons") against any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which such Indemnified Person may
become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in any Registration Statement, the Prospectus, or any amendment or
supplement thereto, or any related preliminary prospectus, or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
(or, in the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made) not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that
such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged
omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with any Excluded
Information provided by such Manager through CSFBL, and will reimburse any legal
or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection
with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
action as such expenses are incurred.


<PAGE>


                                                                    23

        (ii) Each of the Selling Stockholders, severally and not jointly, will
indemnify and hold harmless each of UCAR, each Manager, each other Selling
Stockholder and each of their respective officers, employees and directors (as
applicable) and each person who controls such Manager or such other Selling
Stockholder (as applicable) within the meaning of the Act (collectively, for the
purposes of this Section 7(b)(ii), the "Indemnified Persons") against any
losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which such Indemnified Person may
become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based
upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, or any amendment or
supplement thereto, or any related preliminary prospectus, or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
(or, in the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made) not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that
such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof)

arise out of or are based upon Stockholder Information, and will reimburse each
Indemnified Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such
Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such loss,
claim, damage, liability or action as such expenses are incurred. The liability
of each Selling Stockholder for any indemnification under this Section 7 (and
the corresponding provisions of the Underwriting Agreement) shall be limited to
an amount equal to the net proceeds (after deducting the Managers' discount)
received by such Selling Stockholder from the sale of the Offered Securities
sold pursuant to this Agreement and Underwriting Agreement.

        (c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section of
notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a
claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under
subsection (a) or (b) above, notify the indemnifying party of the commencement
thereof; but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve
it from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party otherwise than
under subsection (a) or (b) above except to the extent it has been materially
prejudiced by such failure. In case any such action is brought against any
indemnified party and it notifies the indemnifying party of the commencement
thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate therein and, to
the extent that it may wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly
notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to
such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent (which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld) of the indemnified party, be counsel to the
indemnifying party), and after notice from the indemnifying party to such
indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the
indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this
Section for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such
indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable
costs of investigation. After the indemnifying party has notified the
indemnified party that it is assuming such defense, the indemnified party shall
have the right to employ separate counsel in any such action, suit or proceeding
and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such
counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the
indemnifying parties have agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (ii)
the indemnifying parties have failed in a timely manner to assume the defense
and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party or (iii)
the named parties to any such action, suit or proceeding (including any
impleaded parties) include both such indemnified party and the indemnifying
parties and such indemnified party shall have been advised by its counsel that
representation of such indemnified party and any indemnifying party by the same
counsel would be inappropriate under applicable standards of professional
conduct due to actual or potential differing interests between them (in which
case the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of
such action, suit or proceeding on behalf of such indemnified party). It is
understood, however, that the indemnifying parties shall, in connection with any
one such action, suit or proceeding or separate but substantially similar or
related actions, suits or proceedings in the same jurisdiction arising out of
the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees
and expenses of only one separate firm of attorneys (in addition to any local
counsel) at any time for all such indemnified parties, and that all such fees
and expenses shall be




<PAGE>


                                                                    24

reimbursed as they are incurred. An indemnifying party shall not be liable for
any settlement of any action or claim effected without its prior written
consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

        No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the
indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), effect any
settlement of any pending or threatened action in respect of which any
indemnified party is or could reasonably have been a party and indemnity could
reasonably have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless such
settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all
liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such action.

        (d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 7 is unavailable
or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under Section 7(a) or (b),
then UCAR, each Selling Stockholder and each of the Managers shall contribute to
the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of the losses,
claims, damages or liabilities referred to in Section 7(a) or (b), (i) in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by UCAR,
each Selling Stockholder and each of the Managers from the offering of the
Offered Securities or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not
permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not
only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative
fault of UCAR, each Selling Stockholder and each of the Managers in connection
with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages
or liabilities as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The
relative benefits received by UCAR, each Selling Stockholder and each of the
Managers shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds
from the offering pursuant hereto (before deducting expenses) received by UCAR
and the Selling Stockholders, respectively, bear to the total underwriting
discounts and commissions received by the Managers, respectively. The relative
fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the
untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged
omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by UCAR, one
of the Selling Stockholders or one of the Managers and the parties' relative
intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent
such untrue statement or omission. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a
result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the first
sentence of this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with
investigating or defending any action or claim which is the subject of this
subsection (d). Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), (i) no
Manager shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by
which the total price at which the Offered Securities underwritten by it and
distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any
damages which such Manager has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such
untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission and (ii) no
Selling Stockholder shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the
net proceeds received by it in connection with the offer and sale of the Offered

Securities. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning
of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person
who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Managers'
obligations in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to
their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.

        (e) The obligations of UCAR and each Selling Stockholder under this
Section shall be in addition to any liability which UCAR or such Selling
Stockholder, respectively, may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same
terms and conditions, to each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter
within the meaning of the Act; and the obligations of the Managers under this
Section shall be in addition to any liability which the respective Managers may
otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each
director of UCAR or a Selling Stockholder (as applicable), to each officer of
UCAR who has signed a Registration Statement and to each person, if any, who
controls UCAR or a Selling Stockholder within the meaning of the Act. The rights
and obligations of UCAR and each Selling Stockholder under this Agreement
(including those under Sections 3 and 7(d)) are several and not joint. If any
Selling Stockholder



<PAGE>


                                                                    25

defaults in its obligation to sell the Offered Securities to be sold by it on
either the First Closing Date or any Optional Closing Date, CSFBC shall have the
right to terminate this Agreement without liability on its part or on the part
of any other Underwriter or Manager, UCAR or any non-defaulting Selling
Stockholder, except as provided in Section 9; provided, however, that if such
default occurs with respect to Optional Securities after the First Closing Date,
this Agreement will not terminate as to the Firm Securities or any Optional
Securities purchased prior to such termination and provided further that such
termination shall not release the defaulting Selling Stockholder from liability
to the Managers, UCAR and the non-defaulting Selling Stockholders for its
default.

        8. Default of Managers. If any Manager or Managers default in their
obligations to purchase Offered Securities hereunder on either the First Closing
Date or any Optional Closing Date and the aggregate number of Offered Securities
that such defaulting Manager or Managers agreed but failed to purchase does not
exceed 10% of the total number of Offered Securities that the Managers are
obligated to purchase on such Closing Date, CSFBC may make arrangements
satisfactory to the Selling Stockholders for the purchase of such Offered
Securities by other persons, including any of the Managers, but if no such
arrangements are made by such Closing Date, the non-defaulting Managers shall be
obligated severally, in proportion to their respective commitments hereunder, to
purchase the Offered Securities that such defaulting Managers agreed but failed
to purchase on such Closing Date. If any Manager or Managers so default and the
aggregate number of Offered Securities with respect to which such default or
defaults occur exceeds 10% of the total number of Offered Securities that the
Managers are obligated to purchase on such Closing Date and arrangements

satisfactory to CSFBL and the Selling Stockholders for the purchase of such
Offered Securities by other persons are not made within 36 hours after such
default, this Agreement will terminate without liability on the part of any
non-defaulting Manager, UCAR or the Selling Stockholders, except as provided in
Section 9 (provided that if such default occurs with respect to Optional
Securities after the First Closing Date, this Agreement will not terminate as to
the International Firm Securities or any Optional Securities purchased prior to
such termination). As used in this Agreement, the term "Manager" includes any
person substituted for an Manager under this Section. Nothing herein will
relieve a defaulting Manager from liability for its default.

        9. Survival of Certain Representations and Obligations. The respective
indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and certificates of the
Selling Stockholders and UCAR and their respective officers (as applicable) and
of the several Managers set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will
remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation, or statement
as to the results thereof, made by or on behalf of any Manager, any Selling
Stockholder, UCAR or any of their respective representatives, officers,
directors or controlling persons (as applicable), and will survive delivery of
and payment for the Offered Securities. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant
to Section 8 or if for any reason the purchase of the Offered Securities by the
Managers is not consummated, UCAR shall remain responsible for the expenses to
be paid or reimbursed by it pursuant to Section 5 and the respective obligations
of UCAR, the Selling Stockholders and the Managers pursuant to Section 7 shall
remain in effect, and if any Offered Securities have been purchased hereunder,
the representations and warranties in Section 2 and all obligations under
Section 5 shall also remain in effect. If the purchase of the Offered Securities
by the Managers is not consummated for any reason other than solely because of
the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 8 or the occurrence of any
event specified in Section 6(p), UCAR will reimburse the Managers for all
out-of-pocket expenses (including fees and disbursements of counsel) reasonably
incurred by them in connection with the offering of the Offered Securities.

      10. Notices. All communications hereunder will be in writing and, if sent
to the Managers, will be mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to the
Managers, c/o Credit Suisse First Boston Limited at One Cabot Square, London E14
4QJ England, Attention: Company Secretary; if sent to UCAR will be mailed,
delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to it at UCAR International Inc., 39 Old
Ridgebury Road, Danbury, CT 06817, Attention: General Counsel; and


<PAGE>


                                                                    26

if sent to any of the Selling Stockholders will be mailed, delivered or
telegraphed and confirmed to it in care of Blackstone Management Associates II
L.L.C., 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154, Attention: Glenn H. Hutchins;
provided, however, that any notice to a Manager pursuant to Section 7 will be
mailed, delivered or telegraphed and confirmed to such Manager (provided that
such Manager has provided its address to the notifying party). Any party hereto
may change the address to which notices to it are to be given by notice in
accordance herewith to the other parties hereto.


        11. Successors. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the parties hereto and their respective personal representatives,
heirs and successors and the officers, directors, agents and controlling persons
referred to in Section 7, and no other person will have any right or obligation
hereunder.

        12. Representation of Managers. CSFBL will act for the several Managers
in connection with the Offering, and any action under this Agreement taken by
CSFBL will be binding upon all the Managers.

        13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute one and the same Agreement.

        14. APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

      Each of UCAR and the Selling Stockholders hereby submits to the
non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal and state courts in the Borough of
Manhattan in The City of New York in any suit or proceeding arising out of or
relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.




<PAGE>


                                                                    27

      If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, kindly sign and return to us one of the counterparts hereof,
whereupon it will become a binding agreement among UCAR, the Selling
Stockholders and the several Managers in accordance with its terms.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.,

                                        by
                                          ---------------------------------
                                            Name:  Peter B. Mancino
                                            Title: Vice President and Secretary

                                        BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS II
                                        MERCHANT BANKING FUND L.P.,
                                        
                                           by   BLACKSTONE MANAGEMENT
                                                ASSOCIATES II L.L.C., General
                                                Partner,
                                           by
                                             ------------------------------

                                                Name:
                                                Title:
                                        
                                        BLACKSTONE OFFSHORE CAPITAL
                                        PARTNERS II L.P.,
                                        
                                           by   BLACKSTONE MANAGEMENT
                                                ASSOCIATES II L.L.C., General
                                                Partner,
                                        by
                                           --------------------------------
                                                Name:
                                                Title:
                                        
                                        BLACKSTONE FAMILY INVESTMENT
                                        PARTNERSHIP II L.P.,

                                           by   BLACKSTONE MANAGEMENT
                                                ASSOCIATES II L.L.C., General
                                                Partner,
                                        by
                                          ---------------------------------
                                                Name:
                                                Title:


<PAGE>


                                                                    28

The foregoing Subscription Agreement is
hereby confirmed and accepted as of the
date first above written.

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (EUROPE) LIMITED
DILLON, READ & CO. INC.
GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
PAINEWEBBER INTERNATIONAL (U.K.) LTD.
NIKKO EUROPE PLC
c/o CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (EUROPE)
LIMITED (CSFBL)
One Cabot Square
London, England E14 4QJ

   Each by its duly authorized
   attorney-in-fact

  By CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (EUROPE) LIMITED

   -------------------------------------------
   Name:
   Title: Attorney-in-Fact



<PAGE>



                                                                              29

                                   SCHEDULE A

                                                    Number of
                                                  International
                                                 Firm Securities
              Manager                            to be Purchased
              -------                            ---------------

Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited
Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
Goldman Sachs International
Merrill Lynch International
PaineWebber International (U.K.) Ltd.
Nikko Europe Plc

                                                   -----------
TOTAL                                               1,360,000
                                                   ===========



<PAGE>


                                                                    30

                               SCHEDULE B

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Number of                          
                                               International     Number of International
                                              Firm Securities     Optional Securities
         Selling Stockholder                     to be Sold           to be Sold
         -------------------                     ----------           ----------

<S>                                             <C>              <C>
Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant
Banking Fund L.P.

Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P.

Blackstone Family Investment Partnership II
L.P.

                                                  ---------       ---------
TOTAL                                             1,280,000
                                                  =========       =========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>

                           STOCK REPURCHASE AGREEMENT

         STOCK REPURCHASE AGREEMENT dated as of April __, 1997 among BLACKSTONE
CAPITAL PARTNERS II MERCHANT BANKING FUND L.P., a limited partnership organized
under the laws of the State of Delaware ("BCP"), BLACKSTONE OFFSHORE CAPITAL
PARTNERS II L.P., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Cayman
Islands ("BOCP"), BLACKSTONE FAMILY INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP II L.P., a limited
partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware ("BFIP"), UCAR
INTERNATIONAL INC., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Delaware (the "Company") and, as to Sections 6(a) and 7-13 of this Agreement
only, CHASE EQUITY ASSOCIATES, L.P., a limited partnership organized under the
laws of the State of California ("Chase Equity Associates"). BCP, BOCP and BFIP
are each sometimes referred to herein as a "Blackstone Party" and are
collectively referred to herein as the "Blackstone Parties."

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

         WHEREAS, it is expected that certain shares of common stock of the
Company, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), will be sold by the
Blackstone Parties in a public offering (the "Offering") pursuant to an
Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") dated the date hereof
among the Company, the Blackstone Parties, Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation and the other U.S. Underwriters named therein and a Subscription
Agreement (the "Subscription Agreement") dated the date hereof among the
Company, the Blackstone Parties, Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited and
the other Managers named therein, which shares are being registered for sale to
the public under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), pursuant to
a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333-23073); and

         WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has authorized a program
to repurchase up to $100 million of Common Stock (the "Stock Repurchase
Program"); and

         WHEREAS, each Blackstone Party desires to sell to the Company, and the
Company desires to repurchase from each Blackstone Party, certain shares of
Common Stock currently owned by such Blackstone Party ("Shares") on the terms
and conditions set forth herein; and

         WHEREAS, the Company intends to effect such repurchase of Shares from
each Blackstone Party upon consummation of the Offering pursuant to the Stock
Repurchase Program.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties, intending to be legally
bound, agree as follows:

<PAGE>

         1. Sale and Repurchase. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth herein, at the Closing (as defined in Section 2 hereof), each
Blackstone Party shall sell, assign and deliver to the Company, and the Company
shall repurchase from each Blackstone Party, all right, title and interest in

and to the number of Shares set forth opposite the name of such Blackstone Party
on Schedule I (referred to below). In consideration for the sale, assignment and
delivery of such Shares, at the Closing, the Company shall pay to each
Blackstone Party $ __ per Share.

         2. Closing. The closing of the sale and repurchase of the Shares
hereunder (the "Closing") will occur at the offices of Cravath, Swaine & Moore
in New York City on the First Closing Date (as defined in the Underwriting
Agreement and the Subscription Agreement) concurrently with the closing (the
"First Closing") of the sale of U.S. Firm Securities (as defined in the
Underwriting Agreement and the Subscription Agreement) on such First Closing
Date. At the Closing:

                  (a) the Company will deliver by wire transfer in immediately
available funds to a bank account designated by each Blackstone Party by notice
to the Company not later than two business days prior to the Closing the
repurchase price payable to such Blackstone Party as set forth set forth on
Schedule I;

                  (b) each Blackstone Party will deliver to the transfer agent
for the Common Stock (as agent for the Company) a certificate or certificates
representing the Shares to be sold by such Blackstone Party, registered in the
name of such Blackstone Party duly endorsed for transfer, as set forth on
Schedule I attached to, and in accordance with, the Letter of Instruction from
the Company to the transfer agent attached as Exhibit A hereto; and

                  (c) each Blackstone Party will furnish to the Company a
certificate, dated the date of the Closing, signed by such Blackstone Party or
an authorized signatory thereof, in substantially the form attached as Exhibit B
hereto.

         3. Representations and Warranties of the Blackstone Parties. Each
Blackstone Party represents and warrants to the Company as of the date hereof
and the Closing as follows:

                  (a) Such Blackstone Party has valid and unencumbered title to
the Shares to be delivered by or on behalf of such Blackstone Party at the
Closing, and full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to
sell, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares to be delivered by or on behalf of
such Blackstone Party at the Closing; and upon delivery of and payment for the
Shares to be delivered by or on behalf of such Blackstone Party at the Closing,
assuming the Company acquires such Shares in good faith and without notice of
any adverse claim within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code currently in
effect in the State of New York, the Company will acquire valid and unencumbered
title to the Shares to be delivered by or on behalf of such Blackstone Party at
the Closing.

                  (b) Such Blackstone Party has been duly organized as a limited
partnership and is in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which
it was organized. Such jurisdictions

                                                         2



<PAGE>

are the State of Delaware, in the case of the BCP and BFIP, and the Cayman
Islands, in the case of BOCP.

                  (c) This Agreement has been duly authorized and validly
executed and delivered by such Blackstone Party and, assuming due execution and
delivery by the other parties, constitutes a valid and legally binding agreement
of such Blackstone Party, enforceable against such Blackstone Party in
accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and similar laws affecting
creditors' rights and remedies generally and to general principles of equity
(regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in
equity).

                  (d) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or
filing with, any governmental agency or body or any Blackstone Party for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in connection
with the sale by such Blackstone Party of the Shares set forth opposite such
Blackstone Party's name on Schedule I, except such as have no material adverse
effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                  (e) The sale of the Shares set forth opposite such Blackstone
Party's name on Schedule A, the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein and the
fulfillment of the terms hereof, will not result in a breach or violation of any
of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under, any material
agreement or instrument to which such Blackstone Party is a party or by which
such Blackstone Party is bound or to which any of the properties of such
Blackstone Party is subject, or the agreement of limited partnership or articles
of partnership of such Blackstone Party, except in each case where such breach,
violation or default has no material adverse effect on the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and such Blackstone Party has full
partnership power and authority to sell the Shares to be sold by it as
contemplated by this Agreement.

                  (f) The sale of the Shares set forth opposite such Blackstone
Party's name on Schedule I, the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement, the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated and the
fulfillment of the terms hereof, will not result in a breach or violation of any
of the terms and provisions of any statute or any rule, regulation or order
applicable to such Blackstone Party of any governmental agency or body or court,
domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over such Blackstone Party or any of
its properties.

         4. Representations and Warranties of the Company. The Company
represents and warrants to the Blackstone Parties as of the date herend is
validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the State
of Delaware.

                  (b) This Agreement has been duly authorized and validly
executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming due execution and delivery
by the other parties, constitutes a valid


                                        3

<PAGE>

and legally binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company
in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer and similar laws affecting
creditors' rights and remedies generally and to general principles of equity
(regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding at law or in
equity).

                  (c) The repurchase of the Shares, the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement, the consummation of the transactions contemplated
herein and the fulfillment of the terms hereof will not result in a breach or
violation of any of the terms and provisions of, or constitute a default under,
any material agreement or instrument to which UCAR is a party or by which UCAR
is bound or to which any of the properties of UCAR is subject, except where such
breach, violation or default (individually or in the aggregate) would not have a
Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement). The Company
has full corporate power and authority to repurchase the Shares as contemplated
by this Agreement.

                  (d) No consent, approval, authorization, or order of, or
filing with, any governmental agency or body or any court or arbitrator or by
any court or arbitrator is required to be obtained by the Company for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in connection
with the repurchase by the Company of the Shares, except such as have no
Material Adverse Effect on the consummation of the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement.

                  (e) The repurchase of the Shares by the Company, the
execution, delivery and performance of thi terms hereof will not result in a
breach or violation of any of the terms and provisions of any statute or any
rule, regulation or order applicable to the Company or any governmental agency
or body or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or
any of its properties.

         5. Conditions to the Obligations of the Blackstone Parties and the
Company; Termination. The obligations of each of the Blackstone Parties and the
Company to consummate the Closing are subject to the following conditions: (a)
no Shares shall be sold and repurchased hereunder unless all of the Shares are
concurrently sold and repurchased and (b) no Shares shall be sold and
repurchased hereunder unless the First Closing shall occur concurrently or shall
have occurred on or prior to April 30, 1997. If the First Closing shall not have
occurred on or prior to April 30, 1997, this Agreement shall terminate and have
no further force or effect without liability hereunder on the part of any party
(even if the First Closing does not occur due to an action or omission of a
party hereto under the Underwriting Agreement or the Subscription Agreement).

         6. Termination of Certain Provisions.

                  (a) Upon the earlier of (x) 90 days after the date of the
Closing and (y) the time when each of the Blackstone Parties shall have ceased
to be an "affiliate" of the Company within


                                        4

<PAGE>

the meaning of Rule 144 under the Act, the provisions of Sections 2.1, 2.3, 2.4,
2.5, 2.6, 3.1 and 4.2 of the Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement dated
as of February 29, 1996 among BCP, BOCP, BFIP, Chase Equity Associates and the
Company, and any irrevocable proxy executed by Chase Equity Associates in favor
of BCP, shall terminate and have no further force or effect.

                  (b) Upon the earlier of (x) 90 days after the date of the
Closing and (y) the time when each of the Blackstone Parties shall have ceased
to be an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 144 under the
Act:

                            (i)   the provisions of Sections 3.7 ("Drag-Along
                                  Rights"), 3.9 ("Tagalong Rights") and 3.10
                                  ("Voting Agreement") of each of the Management
                                  Common Stock Subscription Agreements (For
                                  Option Shares) among the Company, each of the
                                  executives of the Company whose names are set
                                  forth on Schedule A hereto and (as to Sections
                                  3.7, 3.8, 3.9 and 3.10 of such agreements
                                  only) BCP (collectively, the "Option Shares
                                  Agreements") shall terminate and have no
                                  further force or effect;

                            (ii)  the provisions of Sections 3.7 ("Drag-Along
                                  Rights"), 3.9 ("Tagalong Rights") and 3.10
                                  ("Voting Agreement") of each of the Management
                                  Common Stock Subscription Agreements (For
                                  Purchased and Matched Shares) among the
                                  Company, each of the members of management of
                                  the Company whose names are set forth on
                                  Schedule B hereto and (as to Sections 3.7,
                                  3.8, 3.9 and 3.10 of such agreements only) BCP
                                  (collectively, the "Purchased and Matched
                                  Shares Agreements") shall terminate and have
                                  no further force or effect; and

                            (iii) any irrevocable proxy executed pursuant to
                                  Section 3.10 of any of the Option Shares
                                  Agreements or the Purchased and Matched Shares
                                  Agreements by any of the executives whose
                                  names are set forth on Schedules A or B hereto
                                  shall terminate and have no further force or
                                  effect.

         7. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction. This Agreement
shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. The parties agree
to submit to the jurisdiction of federal and state courts located in the City,
County and State of New York in any action or proceeding arising out of or

relating to this Agreement.

         8. Captions; Headings. The captions and headings in this Agreement have
been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not control or affect
the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.

                                        5

<PAGE>

         9. Notices. All notices, requests or other communications to any of the
parties hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be personally delivered or
sent by facsimile transmission:

                  if to any of the Blackstone Parties, to:

                              c/o Blackstone Management Associates II L.L.C.
                              345 Park Avenue
                              31st Floor
                              New York, New York 10154
                              Facsimile: 212-754-8704
                              Attention: Mr. Glenn H. Hutchins

                  if to the Company, to:

                              UCAR International Inc.
                              39 Old Ridgebury Road
                              Danbury, Connecticut 06817
                              Facsimile: 203-207-7785
                              Attention: General Counsel

                  if to Chase Equity Associates, to the address or facsimile
                  number as shown on the stock register of the Company.

         10. Successors and Assigns. Each term and condition of this Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their
respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that no party may assign,
delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this
Agreement without the written consent of the other parties.

         11. Entire Agreement; Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement
constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings, both oral and written, among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof. No provision of this Agreement is intended to confer upon
any person other than the parties any rights or remedies.

         12. Amendments and Waivers. Any provision of this Agreement may be
amended or waived if, but only if such amendment or waiver is set forth in a
written instrument and is signed, in the case of an amendment, by all of the
parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is
sought to be effective.

         13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each

of which shall be an original instrument and all of which together shall
constitute the same instrument, with the same effect as if the signatures
thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

                                        6


<PAGE>

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                    BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS II
                                    MERCHANT BANKING FUND L.P.

                                    By:  Blackstone Management
                                         Associates II L.L.C., General Partner

                                    By:
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:

                                    BLACKSTONE OFFSHORE CAPITAL
                                    PARTNERS II L.P.

                                    By:  Blackstone Management
                                         Associates II L.L.C., General Partner

                                    By:
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:

                                    BLACKSTONE FAMILY INVESTMENT
                                    PARTNERSHIP II L.P.

                                    By:  Blackstone Management
                                         Associates II L.L.C., General Partner

                                    By:
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:
<PAGE>

                                    UCAR INTERNATIONAL INC.

                                    By:
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:

<PAGE>

                                    CHASE EQUITY ASSOCIATES, L.P.
                                    (as to Sections 6(a) and 7-13 of 
                                    this Agreement only)

                                    By: Chase Venture Partners


                                    By:
                                       ---------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:


<PAGE>

                                   SCHEDULE A

                          TO STOCK REPURCHASE AGREEMENT


<PAGE>


                                   SCHEDULE B

                          TO STOCK REPURCHASE AGREEMENT



<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                                  April , 1997

The Bank of New York,
   as Transfer Agent
101 Barclay Street, 12W
New York, New York  10286
Attn:  Diana Ajjan

                  Re: UCAR International Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Reference is made to the offering (the "Offering") of 6,400,000 shares
(the "Offering Shares") of common stock of UCAR International Inc. (the
"Company"), par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), made pursuant to the
Underwriting Agreement dated April , 1997 (the "Underwriting Agreement") among
the Company, Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant Banking Fund L.P., ("BCP"),
Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P. ("BOCP"), Blackstone Family
Investment Partnership II L.P. ("BFIP" and, together with BCP and BOCP, the
"Selling Stockholders") and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation ("CSFB") and
the other Underwriters named therein and the Subscription Agreement dated 
April   , 1997 (the "Subscription Agreement" and, together with the Underwriting
Agreement, each, an "Agreement") among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and
Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited and the other Managers named
therein. In connection with the Offering, the Selling Stockholders granted the
Underwriters and the Managers an option to purchase a maximum of 660,958
additional shares of Common Stock (the "Over-Allotment Shares") solely to cover
over-allotments of shares. Reference is also made to the repurchase by the
Company of 640,000 shares (the "Repurchase Shares") of Common Stock from the
Selling Stockholders pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Agreement dated as of
April , 1997 (the "Repurchase Agreement") among the Company, the Selling
Stockholders and Chase Equity Associates, L.P.

         In connection with the sale of the Offering Shares and the repurchase
of Repurchase Shares, each Selling Stockholder has submitted to you a
certificate representing a number of shares greater than the aggregate number of
Offering Shares and Repurchase Shares to be sold by each such Selling
Stockholder (such difference, the "Excess Shares"). The number of Offering
Shares, Repurchase Shares and Excess Shares with respect to each Selling
Stockholder are set forth in the table attached as Schedule A hereto.

         Of the aggregate 9,137,385 shares of Common Stock you have received
from the Selling Stockholders, you are hereby instructed with respect to such
shares as follows.

         1. Offering Shares. You are hereby authorized to cause certificate(s)
evidencing 6,400,000 shares of Common Stock, representing the aggregate Offering
Shares of the Selling Stockholders, to be issued, countersigned and registered
in accordance with the 



<PAGE>

instructions of CSFB, on behalf of itself and the other Underwriters and
Managers. These certificate(s) should be issued without any restrictive legend.

         2. Repurchase Shares. You are hereby authorized to register in the name
of the Company 640,000 shares of Common Stock, representing the aggregate
Repurchase Shares of the Selling Stockholders, and treat such shares as treasury
shares.

         3. Over-Allotment Shares and Excess Shares. You are hereby authorized
to cause three certificates evidencing 1,542,864, 404,834 and 149,687 shares of
Common Stock, respectively, representing the aggregate Over-Allotment Shares and
Excess Shares of each of BCP, BOCP and BFIP, to be issued, countersigned and
registered in the names of BCP, BOCP and BFIP, respectively. These certificates
should be issued with the following restrictive legend:

                  THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN
                  REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IN
                  ACCORDANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT (THE "ACT") OF 1933 AND MAY
                  BE TRANSFERRED PURSUANT THERETO WHILE SUCH REGISTRATION IS
                  EFFECTIVE. IF SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT EFFECTIVE, THE
                  SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE
                  TRANSFERRED UNLESS THEY ARE SUBSEQUENTLY REGISTERED PURSUANT
                  TO THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM IS AVAILABLE.

         Should any questions arise, please contact me immediately for
instructions.

                                                          Very truly yours,
 

                                                          Peter B. Mancino
                                                          General Counsel

                                        2


<PAGE>

                                                                      SCHEDULE I
                                                        TO LETTER OF INSTRUCTION

                             UCAR SECONDARY OFFERING

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================================================
                                  Number of                                   Retained      Over-
 Blackstone        Certificate     Shares        Offering      Repurchase     Interest    Allotment    Excess
   Entity             Number   Currently Owned   Shares1         Shares        Shares      Shares     Shares2
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>               <C>        <C>          <C>      
BCP                   TUC 109     6,721,584     4,707,926        470,793      1,056,655    486,209    1,542,864
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOCP                  TUC 110     1,763,684     1,235,318        123,532       257,257     147,577     404,834
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BFIP                  TUC 111      652,117       456,756         45,675       1,416,427    47,172      149,687
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                             9,137,385     6,400,000       6,400,000      102,515     660,958    2,097,385
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legend on Shares     1933 Act        N/A           No         N/A (shares     1933 Act    1933 Act    1933 Act
                      legend                   restrictive      will be        legend    legend (if    legend
                                                 legends    noncertificated              option not
                                                                treasury                 exercised)
                                                                shares)

================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

- -------- 

1 Assuming over-allotment option is not exercised concurrently with the First
  Closing.

2 Consists of Retained Interest Shares and Over-Allotment Shares.

<PAGE>

                    [INCLUDES GREEN SHOE IN INITIAL CLOSING]

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                  April , 1997

The Bank of New York,
   as Transfer Agent
101 Barclay Street, 12W
New York, New York  10286
Attn:  Diana Ajjan

                  Re:      UCAR International Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Reference is made to the offering (the "Offering") of 6,400,000 shares
(the "Offering Shares") of common stock of UCAR International Inc. (the
"Company"), par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), made pursuant to the
Underwriting Agreement dated April , 1997 (the "Underwriting Agreement") among
the Company, Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant Banking Fund L.P., ("BCP"),
Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P. ("BOCP"), Blackstone Family
Investment Partnership II L.P. ("BFIP" and, together with BCP and BOCP, the
"Selling Stockholders") and Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation ("CSFB") and
the other Underwriters named therein and the Subscription Agreement dated April
, 1997 (the "Subscription Agreement" and, together with the Underwriting
Agreement, each, an "Agreement") among the Company, the Selling Stockholders and
Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited and the other Managers named
therein. In connection with the Offering, the Selling Stockholders granted the
Underwriters and the Managers an option to purchase a maximum of 660,958
additional shares of Common Stock (the "Over-Allotment Shares") solely to cover
over-allotments of shares. Reference is also made to the repurchase by the
Company of 640,000 shares (the "Repurchase Shares") of Common Stock from the
Selling Stockholders pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Agreement dated as of
April , 1997 (the "Repurchase Agreement") among the Company, the Selling
Stockholders and Chase Equity Associates, L.P.

         In connection with the sale of the Offering Shares and the repurchase
of Repurchase Shares, each Selling Stockholder has submitted to you a
certificate representing a number of shares greater than the aggregate number of
Offering Shares and Repurchase Shares to be sold by each such Selling
Stockholder (such difference, the "Excess Shares"). The number of Offering
Shares, Repurchase Shares and Excess Shares with respect to each Selling
Stockholder are set forth in the table attached as Schedule A hereto.

                  Of the aggregate 9,137,385 shares of Common Stock you have
received from the Selling Stockholders, you are hereby instructed with respect
to such shares as follows.

         1. Offering Shares and Over-Allotment Shares. You are hereby authorized
to cause certificate(s) evidencing 7,060,958 shares of Common Stock,
representing the aggregate Offering Shares and Over-Allotment Shares of the

Selling Stockholders, to be issued, 


<PAGE>

countersigned and registered in accordance with the instructions of CSFB, on
behalf of itself and the other Underwriters and Managers. These certificate(s)
should be issued without any restrictive legend.

         2. Repurchase Shares. You are hereby authorized to register in the name
of the Company 640,000 shares of Common Stock, representing the aggregate
Repurchase Shares of the Selling Stockholders, and treat such shares as treasury
shares.

         3. Excess Shares. You are hereby authorized to cause three certificates
evidencing 1,056,655, 257,257 and 102,515 shares of Common Stock, respectively,
representing the aggregate Excess Shares of each of BCP, BOCP and BFIP, to be
issued, countersigned and registered in the names of BCP, BOCP and BFIP,
respectively. These certificates should be issued with the following restrictive
legend:

                  THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE BEEN
                  REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IN
                  ACCORDANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT (THE "ACT") OF 1933 AND MAY
                  BE TRANSFERRED PURSUANT THERETO WHILE SUCH REGISTRATION IS
                  EFFECTIVE. IF SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT EFFECTIVE, THE
                  SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE
                  TRANSFERRED UNLESS THEY ARE SUBSEQUENTLY REGISTERED PURSUANT
                  TO THE ACT OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM IS AVAILABLE.

         Should any questions arise, please contact me immediately for
instructions.

                                                          Very truly yours,



                                                          Peter B. Mancino
                                                          General Counsel

                                        2

<PAGE>
                                                                      SCHEDULE I
                                                        TO LETTER OF INSTRUCTION

                             UCAR SECONDARY OFFERING

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================
                                    Number of
Blackstone          Certificate      Shares         Offering     Repurchase      Excess
  Entity               Number    Currently Owned    Shares1        Shares       Shares2
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                 <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>              <C>
BCP                    TUC 109      6,721,584      5,194,135       470,793      1,056,655
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOCP                   TUC 110      1,763,684      1,382,895       123,532       257,257
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BFIP                   TUC 111       652,117        503,928        45,675       1,416,427
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL                               9,137,385      7,060,958      6,400,000      102,515
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legend on Shares      1933 Act         N/A            No        N/A (shares     1933 Act
                       legend                     restrictive     will be        legend
                                                    legends   noncertificated
                                                                  treasury
                                                                   shares)
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>

- --------

1 Assuming over-allotment option is exercised concurrently with the First
  Closing. 

2 Constitutes Retained Interest.

<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                                   CERTIFICATE

         Reference is made to the Stock Repurchase Agreement (the "Stock
Repurchase Agreement"), dated April ___ , 1997, among UCAR International Inc.
(the "Company"), the Blackstone Parties named therein and Chase Equity
Associates, L.P. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Stock Repurchase Agreement.

         The undersigned, Stephen A. Schwarzman, hereby certifies that he is a
founding member of Blackstone Management Associates II L.L.C., a Delaware
limited liability company ("BMA"), which is a general partner of each of
Blackstone Capital Partners II Merchant Banking Fund L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership ("BCP"), Blackstone Offshore Capital Partners II L.P., a Cayman
Islands limited partnership ("BOCP") and Blackstone Family Partnership II L.P.,
a Delaware limited partnership ("BFIP"). BCP, BOCP and BFIP are collectively
referred to herein as the "Partnerships."

         (a) The undersigned is authorized to execute and deliver this
Certificate on behalf of each of the Partnerships by the terms of their
respective limited partnership agreements and the limited liability company
operating documents of BMA.

         (b) As of the date hereof, the representations and warranties of
each of the Partnerships in the Stock Repurchase Agreement dated as of April
_____ , 1997 among the Partnerships, the Company and Chase Equity Associates,
L.P. (the "Stock Repurchase Agreement") that are qualified as to materiality are
true and correct, and those not so qualified are true and correct in all
material respects.

         (c) The execution and delivery of the Stock Repurchase Agreement
and the performance by the Partnerships of all of their obligations thereunder
have been authorized by all necessary partnership action on the part of each of
the Partnerships and have been approved by BMA and the actions of BMA have been
authorized in accordance with the operating documents of BMA.

         This Certificate may only be relied upon by the Company and counsel to
the Company.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate on
this day of April, 1997.



                                                       Stephen A. Schwarzman


<PAGE>

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


The Board of Directors
UCAR International Inc.

We consent to the use of our report incorporated herein by reference and to the
references to our firm under the headings "Selected Consolidated Financial Data"
and "Experts" in the prospectus. Our report on the consolidated financial
statements refers to a change in the method of determining LIFO inventories in
1996.



                                        /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Stamford, Connecticut
March 31, 1997


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